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.

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. an aristocrat father pleads for his estranged daughter to turn herself into the police — after going missing with her newborn baby and her convicted sex offender partner i beseach you to find a way to turn yourself and your wee one into the police as soon as possible so you and he or she can be protected. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world.

international leaders have paid tribute to new zealand's prime minister, jacinda ardern, who's made the suprise announcement that she'll step down early next month. she says she simply doesn�*t have �*enough left in the tank�* to fight this 0ctober�*s general election. her australian counterpart, anthony albanese, has described ms ardern as an inspiration to many, as a leader of intellect, strength, and empathy. ardern became the world�*s youngest female head of government in 2017, but her domestic approval ratings had fallen in recent months. 0ur correspondent, shaimaa khalil has this report. holding back tears as she made this announcement. i am announcing that i will not be seeking re—election. and that my term as prime minister will conclude no later than the 7th of february.

this has been the most fulfilling five and a half years of my life. but it has also had its challenges. i know what this job takes, and i know that i no longer have enough in the tank to do itjustice. it�*s that simple. 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 0ctober14th, but the prime minister�*s last day in office is february 7th. shaimaa khalil, bbc news, sydney. i�*m joined now by anna whyte, a political reporter with the new zealand website stuff.

she�*s in napier, where the prime minister annoucned her resignation earlier. thank you for your time today. tell me, am i right, you were all called, members of the media recalled to this briefing with absolutely no idea that this was what you were about to hear. we idea that this was what you were about to hear.— idea that this was what you were about to hear. we thought it was auoin to about to hear. we thought it was going to be _ about to hear. we thought it was going to be either _ about to hear. we thought it was going to be either the _ about to hear. we thought it was - going to be either the announcement of the election date, a reshuffle of ministers, so this is kind of the first big political day of the year, the politicians go away to the summer retreat and usually it is pretty relaxed, but we were not expecting this at all. she announced the election day and then continued on to this huge news none of us were expecting. 0nly on to this huge news none of us were expecting. only a small amount of people knew before this morning, so the media, the public, we all found out today. the media, the public, we all found out toda . , ., , out today. there must have been uuite a out today. there must have been quite a shock— out today. there must have been quite a shock in _ out today. there must have been quite a shock in the _ out today. there must have been quite a shock in the room - out today. there must have been quite a shock in the room when l out today. there must have been i quite a shock in the room when she announced this. i quite a shock in the room when she announced this.— quite a shock in the room when she announced this. i think everyone was surrised.

announced this. i think everyone was surprised- i — announced this. i think everyone was surprised. i think— announced this. i think everyone was surprised. i think there _ announced this. i think everyone was surprised. i think there was - announced this. i think everyone was surprised. i think there was a - announced this. i think everyone was surprised. i think there was a huge i surprised. i think there was a huge pause before she actually announced that her... herfiance pause before she actually announced that her... her fiance actually came into the room at the beginning of the press conference, which is not really a usual event for him to attend, so we were sort of wondering why is he here? but we soon found out why he was there. she why is he here? but we soon found out why he was there.— out why he was there. she says there is no hidden scandal, _ out why he was there. she says there is no hidden scandal, yes, _ out why he was there. she says there is no hidden scandal, yes, her- is no hidden scandal, yes, her approval ratings are a bit lower than what they wear, but she says she simply has not got anything left to give. what do you think is the story behind this? do you absolutely think what she says at face value? yes, i�*m not surprised. when she has beenin yes, i�*m not surprised. when she has been in power there has been a terrorist attack, pandemic, volcanic eruption, a huge change in our policy during that time. earlier last year we had a three week

occupation of parliament�*s lohan, i occupation of parliament's lohan, i was reading transcripts from new cylinders _ i was reading transcripts from new cylinders earlier _ i was reading transcripts from new cylinders earlier and - i was reading transcripts from new cylinders earlier and one - i was reading transcripts from . new cylinders earlier and one caught my eye, saying she is more highly rated abroad than she is at home. what do you make of that and do you think that�*s part of her legacy, someone who has made a huge impact on the international stage? weill. on the international stage? well, her pepuiarity — on the international stage? well, her popularity definitely - on the international stage? well, her popularity definitely has - on the international stage? .11 her popularity definitely has been dropping since about december 2020, when it went to record levels after covid. the economic downturn, the huge cost of living crisis has been just the icing on the cake of some of those really tough political times. you do hear the way that people talk overseas about the prime minister, and it is very different to at home, where stephanie is still a lot of supporters, and you seeing that today, we are seeing a huge outcry of support and tribute to her

today, but there is definitely a bit of a difference between the overseas you and back home year. fix, of a difference between the overseas you and back home year.— you and back home year. a younger olitician you and back home year. a younger politician who _ you and back home year. a younger politician who has _ you and back home year. a younger politician who has shown _ you and back home year. a younger politician who has shown -- - you and back home year. a younger politician who has shown -- talked | politician who has shown —— talked about mental health, saying she hopes the one thing people remember for is being kind. do you think this level of self—awareness and this sense of why it is the right time to go is still something that is pretty rare among politicians? the previous government — rare among politicians? the previous government before _ rare among politicians? the previous government before labour _ rare among politicians? the previous government before labour had - rare among politicians? the previous government before labour had a - rare among politicians? the previous i government before labour had a three term quite popular politician sir john who stepped down just before a fourth election and that is when jacinda ardern came in, so, yeah, i think there probably is a bit of a sense that now is the time to go,

and she did emphasise that being a prime minister is a privilege, and if you don�*t have everything in the tank to give, then you probably shouldn�*t be going for it. fix, tank to give, then you probably shouldn't be going for it. a quick look to the _ shouldn't be going for it. a quick look to the future, _ shouldn't be going for it. a quick look to the future, who - shouldn't be going for it. a quick look to the future, who might. look to the future, who might replace? look to the future, who might relace? ~ , , ., replace? well, her deputy, who eve one replace? well, her deputy, who everyone assumed _ replace? well, her deputy, who everyone assumed may - replace? well, her deputy, who everyone assumed may take . replace? well, her deputy, who| everyone assumed may take the position, he has said no. he is not keen. so there are some names that have been floating around, our previous cover response minister has had a lot of facetime during the covid response, tipped as a frontrunner, and the nowjustice minister who stepped up quite well during some of those big times. we are finding out on sunday, hopefully, who is going to be our new prime minister. not a long time to go. new prime minister. not a long time to no. �* , ., new prime minister. not a long time to no. �* , . , ., new prime minister. not a long time toao. �* , . ~' to go. any line, what you think the bi est

to go. any line, what you think the biggest part _ to go. any line, what you think the biggest part of _ to go. any line, what you think the biggest part of her— to go. any line, what you think the biggest part of her legacy, - to go. any line, what you think the biggest part of her legacy, jacinda| biggest part of her legacy, jacinda ardern�*s legacy will be? biggest part of her legacy, jacinda ardern's legacy will be?- ardern's legacy will be? leading throu . h ardern's legacy will be? leading through crisis, _ ardern's legacy will be? leading through crisis, i— ardern's legacy will be? leading through crisis, i would _ ardern's legacy will be? leading through crisis, i would say. - ardern's legacy will be? leading through crisis, i would say. thatj through crisis, i would say. that would be my big one.— through crisis, i would say. that would be my big one. good to talk to ou, thank would be my big one. good to talk to you. thank you _ would be my big one. good to talk to you. thank you very _ would be my big one. good to talk to you, thank you very much _ would be my big one. good to talk to you, thank you very much for- would be my big one. good to talk to you, thank you very much for your i you, thank you very much for your thoughts on this. president emmanuel macron is facing a day of discontent in france. his plans to push back the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030 are about to face their biggest challenge yet. unions say they will stage a day of mass strikes, in what�*s being called "black thursday". live now from paris, our correspondent hugh schofield. hello to you. tell us a bit more about the arguments behind all of this. ~ ., , about the arguments behind all of this. ~ . , ., ., this. well, i mean they are not oriainal this. well, i mean they are not original arguments. _ this. well, i mean they are not original arguments. other - this. well, i mean they are not - original arguments. other countries have been through this debate, france a little bit behind the others. not the first time that�*s happened. we are all living longer,

so the argument is in order to keep the pension system intact and financially buoyant, there has to be change, either you could cut people�*s pensions or you could increase people�*s contributions when they�*re working or you get people to work longer. that is the argument of president macron, he says the only sensible thing to do is to make people work longer and that way the system, which the french are very proud of, not a i system in which people have their own pension pots, is out system in which every worker contributes and every pensioner takes out from the same pot, that something people are very proud of, the way to preserve it is to have this change so that people who are living longer work a little bit longer, two years longer. it is an unpopular move, not for the first time, we are going to see a big confrontation on the street and the battle public opinion between the government and the left—wing opposition. and the far right opposition, i have to say, as well.

tell us about the scale of the disruption there today in france. it is significant, without being kind of... the place is not grinding to a halt. most people want to work and are going to work. because of changing work habits, people can work from home now. so the public sector and public transport disputes, which is to be very difficult times for the government, very disruptive, are less so now. that is a point in the government�*s favour. none the are running in for fewer numbers, trains, commuter trains into city trains as well. schools is a real problem, lots of people going to have problems looking after children today because primary school teachers are not turning up. so, yes, one of those days that the french are used to, the french are used to comedy happen periodically where we all have to sort of organise and find other ways to do what we normally have to do. as i say, the changing work system with more and more people working

from home means that these big public sector, disputes are not the kind of danger that they were for government. aha, kind of danger that they were for government.— kind of danger that they were for government. a day of this content but not the _ government. a day of this content but not the first _ government. a day of this content but not the first time _ government. a day of this content but not the first time the - government. a day of this content but not the first time the unions . but not the first time the unions and president macron have clashed. give us your assessment of how powerful the unions are in france. they are not powerful at all, in one sense. fourfewer members they are not powerful at all, in one sense. four fewer members than there used to be. —— far fewer. concentrated in the big public sector areas and in private sector areas like fuel the pose, so any bring out the battalions, they can cause a lot of disruption. arguably part of the problem with france is that there is no wider union membership and unions are very powerful in these key sectors, which means they can bring the country to a halt if they so choose. what the unions have in this dispute is unity, normally they are all split

up unity, normally they are all split up in different factions and taking different lines, but now you have both the hard and moderate unions out against the pension plan and you have all the opposition are nearly all the opposition, certainly on the left also the far right, which is really the most powerful parliamentary opposition, against the reforms. there is a big block of the reforms. there is a big block of the country which does not want this to go through. but whether that is enough to make them all turn out and really tried to bring this to a halt, this reform, or whether it is simply that there is a general feeling of against macron, we don�*t like him, his big city and want to have a go at him bit will begrudgingly accept the accept the reform the long run, that is the question we do not know. the port of dover is warning that all services to and from calais will be suspended from 7am until around 2pm today because of national strike action in france.

dunkerque services are running as normal, but travellers are being urged to allow extra time forjourneys. workers are protesting against plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 years old. here in the uk, the government has released details of projects which will benefit from what is calls its levelling—up fund. it�*s intended to spread economic growth more widely, as wealth has for decades been more concentrated in london and the south east. 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 morecombe bay in the north west which will get £50 million for a new environmental visitor centre like cornwall�*s eden project there�*s £50 million for a new rail service in cardiff and £45 million to improve the port of dover.

with more, here�*s 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. 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. 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 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 opposition labour party�*s lisa nandy said the allocation of funds was not fair. there was always a political motivation around levelling up, it was an election slogan aimed at the key marginal that the tories wanted to win. in fairness to michael gove, i think he has come in and try ——tried 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. 0ur chief political correspondent nick eardley gave us this analysis of how much difference the new money would make. a lot of it 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 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 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 clash 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 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. it�*s been a debate that is 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, borisjohnson�*s catchphrase, him that made it such a big thing in the 2019 election, rishi sunak is going to say i�*m picking up that mantle, i want it to be a big part of what my government is offering the country as well and the debate will be has the government got its priorities right? i�*m nowjoined by henri murison— he is the chief executive at the northen powerhouse partnership — an umbrella organisation trying to boost economic growth in the north.

you join us from bradford and the council there, you�*ve been pointing out, but for more than £100 million from this levelling up fund and saw all its bid is unsuccessful. nick was just reflecting the criticism that some people say this is like a hunger games style competition. do you know how much time and money the bradford area spent on trying to win this funding? 50. bradford area spent on trying to win this funding?— this funding? so, it's not 'ust bradford. fl this funding? so, it's not 'ust bradford, unfortunately, h this funding? so, it's notjust bradford, unfortunately, as l this funding? so, it's notjust - bradford, unfortunately, as people pointed out on social media, it�*s also whole and i know from speaking this morning, they have also highlighted their northern corresponding in south tyneside as well as a place that in that case but in both rounds, around one in round two and has been unsuccessful both times and it�*s one of the local authorities in the country that in terms of its employment stats is recognised as one of the most deprived in the country. so the issueis deprived in the country. so the issue is that costs about £30,000 to bed, and the estimate that has been

given in the last few days is actually that it�*s getting on for at least £25 million that has been spent getting, the estimate has been come to violence, and the challenge is ok, i suppose, for areas that were successful, and i do gradually some councils in securing bids for a convention site there, eaton norris, some of these are valuable projects, but for the areas that britain did not get any money, there is a question whether michael gove should be writing them in check, because their council tax peers are worse off, having tried to secure this funding would not get it, and it the challenge is the amount of money involved for most of these bids are relatively marginal, long—term impact on productivity in the north of england in resolving the inequality between north and south would see people in the north of england paid an average £8,000 less than those down south. this will do almost nothing to do that and in premise ofmight claim them and claim this as transformational as i think

misleading. this as transformational as i think misleading-— this as transformational as i think misleadina. ., ., ., . misleading. you would go as far as sa in: this misleading. you would go as far as saying this is _ misleading. you would go as far as saying this is misleading? - misleading. you would go as far as saying this is misleading? i - misleading. you would go as far as saying this is misleading? i think l saying this is misleading? i think the prime minister _ saying this is misleading? i think the prime minister is _ saying this is misleading? i think the prime minister is misleading| the prime minister is misleading people only says this will be transformational. i won�*t be. building a train line across the pennines from leeds to manchester, which was scaled back under the johnson government, that would be transformational. that would increase productivity in the north of england immeasurably and bring benefits across this part of the country. eden norris will bring some benefits, i completely agree, to people who live in that part of lancashire, and it�*s absolutely worth doing, but for something to be transformational for the whole north of england, the way the original norton powerhouse was intended, you have to move the lever is on education spending. michael gove is in blackpool, the opportunity area, is as bradford, doncaster, scarborough, has been cut. this government is taking away things that have a measurable impact on productivity and spreading around sweeties from this sweetie jar to spread post the next election for the next election will stop i don�*t think people in the north of england will fall for that certainly people

in places that have received no money will be asking very searching questions about why these competitive funding rounds are being used when, for example, south tyneside is now within the devolution area, proper to spread post the next election will stop i don�*t think people in the north of england will fall for that certainly people in places that have received no money will be asking very searching questions about why these competitive funding rounds are being used when, for example, south tyneside is now within the devolution area, bradford has had a mayor to tracey or in manchester andy burnham? the idea that places that devolution deals had to enter into a hunger games type scenario is loose in andy describes it, which i think is a relatively fair description, it�*s completely meaningless, because there was a way to distribute the money effectively, optically to the north of england, largely that would have been through using the existing devolution deals, which would have avoided that dead loss, notjust the cost which would have avoided that dead loss, not just the cost that you reference, i could have given new figure on that, £30,000 per bed, but also the opportunity cost of council officers and those that work in local government spending their time filling and request for funding from central government rather than doing what they�*re supposed to be doing, which is using all the assets and capabilities it got in the area to

drive up productivity. that is what the prime minister should be focused on, ratherthan the prime minister should be focused on, rather than simply trying to continue some of the worst parts that speak nothing to the economic challenges northern england and all that politics, which is not good enough. that politics, which is not good enou:h. , ., _ that politics, which is not good enou:h. , ., , , . enough. obviously we will hear different definitions _ enough. obviously we will hear different definitions water - different definitions water transformational today. you�*ve made it clear what you think that is. not all of these projects are necessarily projects that would be funded directly by councils, but do you think in broad terms where we�*ve seen council budgets squeezed over the last number of years, that this money would be better spent by giving it directly to those councils who have, arguably, they would say, a much better understanding of what their area needs. that a much better understanding of what their area needs.— their area needs. that is a very sensible approach, _ their area needs. that is a very sensible approach, and - their area needs. that is a very sensible approach, and the - their area needs. that is a very i sensible approach, and the leader their area needs. that is a very - sensible approach, and the leader of manchester city council has made the organ today, but the spending power of councils is notjust in the cities, across the north of england

it has fallen dramatically in recent years. all this money is doing is where councils have been successful is often replacing money that historically could have spent themselves. i think in the last round were islip in newcastle, i got money for a new swimming pool, it had always been a swimming pool in the outer west of newcastle, which is needing replacing because it was falling down, so people in the outer west of newcastle have not had life transformed economy transform by replacing a swimming pool that was already there with one is not falling down. i think this government needs to be very clear that everyone in the country deserves decent public services, that requires investing in things, requires capital funding. that�*s that requires investing in things, requires capitalfunding. that�*s not the same as transforming the economy and if you think back to the shared prosperity fund that was distributed last year, the manifesto from the conservative party promised that money would be protected at previous levels. it has not been in is significantly less than would have come pre—brexit, and that is a manifesto commitment to this bouncer has unfortunately when he chancellor broken. the issue as this is money

coming after a particularly most disadvantaged places, funding and auditing pulled out and so the test somewhere though the money is going... we will be doing further research today and tomorrow to look at the detail for this money has gone, because we believe it has not been distributed in the way that would have had the best impact. it has not been the well enough. d0 has not been the well enough. do think some of these projects, for example to work on the port of dover of the eden project, the eaton centre, that on a more micro level, the will make a big difference? if not on the larger scale that you are talking about? i not on the larger scale that you are talking about?— talking about? i think specifically, where they have _ talking about? i think specifically, where they have leveraged - talking about? i think specifically, i where they have leveraged additional funding, eden norris, the place i mentioned this well in gateside, the convention centre, those projects that already have funding in place, they were just short of the money they were just short of the money they needed, those will bring benefits. most of the projects in this bucket are £20 million schemes

that have been sort of thought out and pulled out of there in time for and pulled out of there in time for a competitive funding round. they are not leveraging necessarily any other investment, and so the impact they will have could be fractional or marginal. i think it is the exception which proves the rule, if i�*m honest. there are a few of these projects are genuinely transformational and i believe that for local areas in those places it will benefit those people, but the prime minister is not claiming that, he is saying this will transform places across the country, and the point is here in bradford, in south tyneside and all, people�*s lights will not be transformed by this one because most of those cases the community symbol will receive nothing, and sadly, people in south tyneside will not benefit from eden north, people in hull are not going to benefit from any of these projects in particular. i don�*t think. so the issue the payments are a scot as there is huge productivity divide between north and south, and messi is prepared to address that in a very serious money and back those on some government like michael gove

who have the right instincts and want to develop a lot more powers and funding, including powers over taxation for metro mayors, it�*s going to continue to fail to live up to his own rhetoric. i�*m afraid that�*s not good enough. 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 were also killed in the accident which happened 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.

health service strike action continues today in england and wales. it�*s the second day of a nurses�* strike in england as part of a row over pay. and in wales, ambulance workers are taking part in industrial action, but 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. 0ur heath reporter katharine dacosta is in brighton speaking to nurses about how they�*re feeling on day two of the strikes. yes, the second 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 said there had been a glimmer of hope last year when , last week, 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 sixth of february, and health leaders are critically concerned 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. patient safety is paramount, and that is being eroded away. the nhs is being eroded away. you were telling me that now you would be treating patients in corridors and the department never fully empty. —— mike -- mike a&e —— mike a&e department... absolutely, years ago the department would empty at night, never it is a constant 24—hour care, the nursing staff have to provide as care that should be provided on the ward, but obvious that patients can't, don't have beds because of the lack of social care as well. the government is trying to bring in new legislation for minimum service requirements on strike days. what is your response? that would be lovely on any day. unfortunately the levels they would put in place often

we don't have those required levels on a normal day in the department or the trust, and that happens nationwide. the rcn and other unions 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. —— current pay deal... —— notjust next year�*s financial settlement. is there any danger you might lose public support of the strikes continue? i have to say, we are doing this, nurses do not choose to strike, we are doing this because of the undercuts, because of the underpayment, because of the underfunding. these cuts, the waiting times etc are due to this, and this is why we feel we have no choice but to strike. we want to make sure we maintain our patient care, our patient dignity and our patient safety. thank you very much. health leaders very concerned that strike action is escalating,

critically next month. —— particularly 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. i also spoke to our wales correspondent hywel griffith about the potential impact these ambulance strikes will have across the country. well, we know the unite 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 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 or 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 that they appreciate the work and the work are�*s feelings and they want to come to an agreement but they want to say that they have given everything they can offer but they cannot afford along term they

increase and they say it�*s up to the westminster uk government to hand down more money to cardiff if they are able to offer any more. at the moment, it seems to be a stalemate and unlikely to have —— smack is likely to have far more scenes like this. . . , likely to have far more scenes like this. ., . , ., likely to have far more scenes like this. . . , ., , ., this. have any of the people of the icket line this. have any of the people of the picket line behind _ this. have any of the people of the picket line behind you _ this. have any of the people of the picket line behind you given - this. have any of the people of the picket line behind you given any i picket line behind you given any indication of what would be acceptable to them in terms of an offer to call off this industrial action? ~ ~' ., offer to call off this industrial action? ~ ~ ., ., action? well, we know from the latest figures — action? well, we know from the latest figures that _ action? well, we know from the latest figures that inflation i action? well, we know from the latest figures that inflation is i latest figures that inflation is still around 10% and therefore, something that gets them close to a 10% overall increase in their pay. at the moment, it�*s only 4.5% so evenif at the moment, it�*s only 4.5% so even if there was £1000 per worker cash offer on top for this year, that might get them there for this year, but obviously, it wouldn�*t be sufficient for future years. i think

at the moment, unfortunately, there are no signs of those negotiations and was progressing and the welsh government say they need extra cash if they are going to offer anything more to the ambience workers. the labour leader, sir keir starmer, and the shadow chancellor, rachel reeves, face questions about their proposals for borrowing and post—brexit trade when they address business leaders at the world economic forum in davos today. labour officials say they�*ll be stressing the need for more foreign investment, particularly in "green" technologies. let�*s go live to davos, in switzerland, now and speak to suzanne lynch, chief brussels correspondent at politico. — good to have you with us. rishi sunak is not attending davos so is this a golden opportunity for keir starmer to position himself as a leader in waiting? i starmer to position himself as a leader in waiting?— starmer to position himself as a leader in waiting? i think it is and is significant _ leader in waiting? i think it is and is significant that _ leader in waiting? i think it is and is significant that rishi _ leader in waiting? i think it is and is significant that rishi sunak i leader in waiting? i think it is and is significant that rishi sunak has| is significant that rishi sunak has chosen to go and in saying that, he is not alone. many eu leaders have

decided to stay away so that we don�*t have the french president here. would you have the german chancellor, the spanish, the irish and all these leaders are here trying to meet and when business and pitch their country for investment. as you say, the arrival of the labour leader and shadow chancellor is very much a signalling, i think, that labour is ready to embrace global capitalism and certainly more than the previous leadership. significant leaders from new labour and old such as tony blair has been here during the week and david miliband is also here. it�*s interesting that this part of the british political spectrum is more present here in davos this week. very interesting indeed and what is the key message do you think keir starmer and rachel reeves want to deliver and what are the key questions for them from others gathered there at davos? i questions for them from others gathered there at davos? i think the messaue

gathered there at davos? i think the message they're _ gathered there at davos? i think the message they're going _ gathered there at davos? i think the message they're going to _ gathered there at davos? i think the message they're going to be - gathered there at davos? i think the| message they're going to be bringing message they�*re going to be bringing is responsible corporate investment. 0ne is responsible corporate investment. one of the themes here this week is the chance to harness green energy and investment in key tech as a way of creating investment and jobs and improving the climate. and the kind of message that they are trying to say but in saying that, there�*s very little representation from the movement here at all at davos for example we were hearing that microsoft was making 10,000 job cuts and when the microsoft leader of the drop i think that is going to be an issue and can sensitive topic that keir starmer is going to have to negotiate. brute keir starmer is going to have to ne . otiate. ~ ,. negotiate. we saw the un secretary-general - negotiate. we saw the un secretary-general in i negotiate. we saw the un secretary-general in his . negotiate. we saw the un i secretary-general in his keynote secretary—general in his keynote speech to davos yesterday and put a

big emphasis on dealing with the climate crisis. labour officials say they will be stressing the need for more foreign investment, particularly in green technologies. talk to us a little bit more about that whether that is the big push from labour. that whether that is the big push from labour-— that whether that is the big push from labour. yes, very much. as i said this does _ from labour. yes, very much. as i said this does fit _ from labour. yes, very much. as i said this does fit with _ from labour. yes, very much. as i said this does fit with the - from labour. yes, very much. as i said this does fit with the idea i from labour. yes, very much. as i said this does fit with the idea of l said this does fit with the idea of responsible investment and about trying to help the climate and also make a business case for this. we are seeing, america has introduced a huge multi—billion dollar plan, the inflation reduction act on us all about gearing up its economy for the energy transition and green tech and all those things. europe and the european union is doing the same and the european commission president said that during the week so there is a space there for britain and other big global economies to try and make sure that this investment, this green tech investment goes to their country because what we are seeing here is not quite a shift in terms of the orthodoxy but

definitely not as much an emphasis on globalisation. in fact, what we are hearing is lots of countries and economic blocs retrenching into their own space and saying and outlining how they are going to shore up their own domestic industry. it�*s an interesting transition at the moment in terms of the conversation that happening here. ,, . . ~ the conversation that happening here. ,, . . ., . ~ here. suzanne, thank you for talking to us. suzanne _ here. suzanne, thank you for talking to us. suzanne lynch _ here. suzanne, thank you for talking to us. suzanne lynch who _ here. suzanne, thank you for talking to us. suzanne lynch who is - here. suzanne, thank you for talking to us. suzanne lynch who is chief i to us. suzanne lynch who is chief brussels correspondent for tarmac political. let�*s get more now on what�*s called �*levelling up�* in the uk — that�*s billions of pounds for projects up and down the country in order to spread economic growth. in all, £2.1 billion will be spent on regeneration projects in more than a hundred areas, but there�*s already controversy about where some of the funding is going. i�*m nowjoined by andrew carter. he is the chief executive at centre for cities, a think tank focused on the economic performance of uk cities. andrew, you are very welcome. give us your analysis to begin on whether this money is being distributed to

the areas that need it most. weill. the areas that need it most. well, that's an open _ the areas that need it most. well, that's an open question, - the areas that need it most. well, that's an open question, i - the areas that need it most. well, that's an open question, i think. l that�*s an open question, i think. you can see the party because we�*re not sure what the government is trying to achieve a levelling up because they don�*t really define it, but the bigger point i think is that we talk a lot the distribution, that is who is getting what and tell us how the money is allocated and we can come back to that. but to big a sound is a lot of money but it�*s really not that very much, particularly when you look at the scale of the challenge as we understand levelling up. £2 billion sounds quite a lot butjust to give you a sense of that number, germany in the 1990s, when they were doing levelling up were spending £70 billion every single year on levelling up and we are spending 2 billion over several years. distribution issues matter but the size of the fund actually is much more important.— more important. and it was interesting _ more important. and it was interesting though - more important. and it was interesting though you i more important. and it was. interesting though you answer more important. and it was- interesting though you answer the question because it reflects, i think, the fact that you can effectively slice this pie, this economic pie in lots of different

ways and in different ways. some of the criticisms i have heard so far is our are around the bidding process and the fact that councils have to bid for this and money has to be spent on that bidding process and also the suggestion that actually, why does the government not give this money back to councils because they really know their local areas best? ~ . . because they really know their local areas best?— because they really know their local areas best? what are your thoughts on that? yes. _ areas best? what are your thoughts on that? yes, this _ areas best? what are your thoughts on that? yes, this form _ areas best? what are your thoughts on that? yes, this form of - on that? yes, this form of competitive bidding. we have always had and had it for 20 or 30 years but it has got significantly larger in the way that we allocate centre government cash over the more recent decades. and i think what the part of the problem is is as you say, there is a delay so we were meant to get some announcement on levelling up get some announcement on levelling up before christmas but now we are obviously after christmas but also it puts all the power in the hands of central government and essentially, local government and local places are like supplicants. they have to go to central government and plead for a bit of money to do projects across the county and never knowing whether

they are going to win them or not and that is not really the most effective or efficient way of allocating the money or in fact determining what kind of investments we should be making in places to improve the prosperity of the people who live and work there. do improve the prosperity of the people who live and work there.— who live and work there. do you think this concept _ who live and work there. do you think this concept of _ who live and work there. do you think this concept of levelling i who live and work there. do you | think this concept of levelling up, as a political concept, as a strategy, is fit for purpose, do you think is a way of distributing benefits around the uk, of trying to drive economic growth around the uk? and do you think that if we look at the north versus the south, that the north is getting the sort of benefits that it expected from this? because a lot of the belief around levelling up was that the focus was always in london and the south—east and that actually, the north was the area for this focus should be. yes. area for this focus should be. yes, sweatin: area for this focus should be. yes, sweating levelling _ area for this focus should be. yes, sweating levelling up _ area for this focus should be. yes, sweating levelling up is _ area for this focus should be. yes sweating levelling up is super helpful in terms of thinking about

how we allocate investment. i think it is very useful but we need to be clear about what it is we are trying to do and the problem has been specified by us and many others. it basically says that the further north you go, the economic performance of those places does less well relative to the south or south—east particularly. we have a problem on the economic front and we want these places to be more prosperous pulse we then need to allocate funding and investment into those places so we can drive economic growth. as long as we hold that principle then is a very simple way of understanding how we allocate the money. not to say we ignore london, but essentially these are challenges we want to improve the places outside of the greater southeast and we should have that but what we fear today is an essentially different people have applied different criteria and said there are deprived places in london and in the greater southeast. yes, there are. but that�*s not the primary purpose of levelling up. it improving economic performance of places outside of the greater southeast. so we deal with deprivation in london at the south—east through other means but

not through the levelling up fund and this is where the confusion begins. it is a useful political slogan because it can mean anything to everywhere but once you start allocating money to levelling up, then suddenly you have every going one at my place? what about this issue? and i think that�*s the devil of the government over the last 12 months or even two years before that. . , , . ~ ., . that. really interesting talk to and thank ou that. really interesting talk to and thank you for— that. really interesting talk to and thank you for talking _ that. really interesting talk to and thank you for talking to _ that. really interesting talk to and thank you for talking to us. i 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 through fair elections where the government is

backed by a mandate. that elections where the government is backed by a mandate.— backed by a mandate. that is the beauinnin backed by a mandate. that is the beginning of— beginning of getting economic stability. beginning of getting economic stabili . �* . ., , stability. but those elections are due to happen — stability. but those elections are due to happen this _ stability. but those elections are due to happen this year. - stability. but those elections are due to happen this year. what i stability. but those elections are i due to happen this year. what you are looking for or what is the difference? it�*s a few months but the fact that you�*re doing this could cause further economic damage for the ball you acknowledge that? actually, the damage has been done. it's actually, the damage has been done. it�*s only going to get worse the longer this government stays. the worry in pakistan is we could have a sri lankan type situation.— worry in pakistan is we could have a sri lankan type situation. would you brina sri lankan type situation. would you bring people — sri lankan type situation. would you bring people out _ sri lankan type situation. would you bring people out to _ sri lankan type situation. would you bring people out to protest - sri lankan type situation. would you bring people out to protest if - sri lankan type situation. would you bring people out to protest if you i bring people out to protest if you don�*t get the agenda you want to happen? we don't get the agenda you want to ha en? ~ don't get the agenda you want to ha--en? ~ . don't get the agenda you want to hauen?. .,, , . don't get the agenda you want to hauen? , . . , happen? we will do public rallies, of course we _ happen? we will do public rallies, of course we already _ happen? we will do public rallies, of course we already are - happen? we will do public rallies, of course we already are in i happen? we will do public rallies, of course we already are in an i of course we already are in an election year so we will do public rallies which is what political parties do. rallies which is what political parties do— rallies which is what political arties do. . , . . parties do. there are still a threat hanuain parties do. there are still a threat hanging over— parties do. there are still a threat hanging over you _ parties do. there are still a threat hanging over you that _ parties do. there are still a threat hanging over you that you - parties do. there are still a threat hanging over you that you could i parties do. there are still a threat| hanging over you that you could be disqualified. what will you do if you are disqualify?— you are disqualify? there is absolutely _ you are disqualify? there is absolutely no _ you are disqualify? there is absolutely no case - you are disqualify? there is absolutely no case that i you are disqualify? there is absolutely no case that can | absolutely no case that can disqualify me.— absolutely no case that can disqualify me. absolutely no case that can disuuali me. ., ., �* ~'

disqualify me. you don't think it can happen? — disqualify me. you don't think it can happen? they're _ disqualify me. you don't think it can happen? they're trying i disqualify me. you don't think it| can happen? they're trying their best because — can happen? they're trying their best because i _ can happen? they're trying their best because i have _ can happen? they're trying their best because i have so - can happen? they're trying their best because i have so many i can happen? they're trying their l best because i have so many court cases and they come up every other day with a new case against me and i keep having appearances in court. who would run the party? how would this operate if you are disqualify? we will cross that bridge when we come to it. we will cross that bridge when we come to it— come to it. there will be an election _ come to it. there will be an election this _ come to it. there will be an election this year _ come to it. there will be an election this year at - come to it. there will be an election this year at some l come to it. there will be an i election this year at some point. how you currently feel? i election this year at some point. how you currently feel?- election this year at some point. how you currently feel? i don't feel safe, the answer _ how you currently feel? i don't feel safe, the answer is _ how you currently feel? i don't feel safe, the answer is no, _ how you currently feel? i don't feel safe, the answer is no, i _ how you currently feel? i don't feel safe, the answer is no, i don't i how you currently feel? i don't feel safe, the answer is no, i don't feel| safe, the answer is no, i don�*t feel safe. yes, i will be a little bit more careful and i will have a bullet—proof screen giving rallies but i will, there�*s no question me sitting inside. iwill go but i will, there�*s no question 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. . ~ , . 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. (read 0n) an aristocrat whose daughter has gone missing with her partner and newborn baby has made an emotional appeal for her to contact the police. constance marten and mark gordon were last seen on cctv in east london over a week ago. officers have revealed that mark gordon is a registered sex offender who spent 20 years in prison in the united states. napier marten, who�*s estranged from his daughter, made a please for his daughter to turn herself into the police to the independent website. my name is napier martin. i am gratefulfor this opportunity to appeal directly to my daughter constance, following the public revelations concerning her partner mark gordon and having lived with the family in great concern knowing of his past record for some time.

darling, constance, even though we remain estranged at the moment, i stand by, as i have always done and as the family has always done, to do whatever is necessary for your safe return to us. i beseech you to find a way to turn yourself and your wee one into the police as soon as possible so you and he or she can be protected. only then can a process of healing and recovery begin. however long it may take, however difficult it may be, i would like you to understand that the family will do all that is needed for your well—being. and i also wish you to understand you are much, much loved, whatever the circumstances. we are deeply concerned for your and your baby�*s welfare.

the past eight years have been beyond painfulfor all the family, as well as your friends as they must have been for you and to see you so vulnerable again is testing in the extreme. i would like to extend my gratitude to the police for all their endeavours in bringing this tragic episode to a swift and safe conclusion and appeal to you. please, constance, find the courage to present yourself to the police as soon as possible. thank you. napier martin speaking to the independent website. the british actorjulian sands went missing in the san gabriel mountains on friday.

police and rescue teams are continue to search for him. a brazilian woman has been the first person to run up the tallest mountain in antarctica. she reached the summit of mount sabine sent some 5000 metres in height foot up despite freezing temperatures and high winds, she said the experience was so much fun. tim ullman reports. climbing a mountain is hard enough. running up one is a whole different story. but that is what fernanda maciel and her guide, sam hennessy, decided to do. a vast expanse of snow and rock and ice becoming in effect a racetrack. the conditions are completely extreme so it�*s —32c to —50c. the wind made this worse. and the route is hard. you can say that again. when you are not running

at a constant energy—sapping angle, you are trying to climb up a rope as quickly as possible. it normally takes anything up to a week to scale mount vinson. fernanda did it in little more than six and a half hours. good job, guys. awesome. and after a quick look around, she and sam promptly ran all the way back down. you had so much fun going down 1,000 metres. -- 1200 —— 1200 metres. it was steep. it was so funny to run that, it�*s crazy. with gravity on their side, the return trip took a little more than three hours. and fernanda is now thinking of a fresh challenge. her dream is to run up mount everest. tim allman, bbc news. what an amazing achievement. you can reach me on twitter... and you are watching bbc news.

hello again. we have another couple of days of cold weather until the weekend when something milder comes away from most accept of the south—east of england. today sting called on the wintry showers turning to ease as we go through the day. you can see code are represented by the blues on this chart and the milder air coming the blues on this chart and the milderair coming infrom the blues on this chart and the milder air coming in from the atlantic as we head through saturday and sunday and it crosses much of the uk, except for the far south—east, where we will hang the cold conditions until we get into the start of next week. we have snow coming in across the north of scotland and heading south and this band will fragment through the day. we have rain and sleet pushing out of south—east scotland and into north of scotland and heading south and this band will fragment through

the day. we have rain and sleet pushing out of south—east scotland and into south—west england. for many, we will end up with a dry and sunny day, but a cold one. and strong winds across northern scotland using a touch through the day. tonight, a ridge of high pressure booster crosses and many showers will ease. mist and fog patches will form and also they will be in wales and widespread fog across northern ireland. these are overnight lows are once again watch out for ice on untreated surfaces. into tomorrow and after a cold start it will be dry for many but most of the mist and fog will lift slowly and it could linger in parts of northern ireland and at times we could see the odd shower coming in on the breeze along the north sea coastline of england. these are our temperatures of a touch on today but still feeling cool wherever you are. then as we head on into saturday, we have milder atlantic air coming our way. a lot of clout is associated with this and then there is patchy

rain. move away from that and we have clearer skies across parts of england and also wales, some sunshine, some slow—moving mist and fog through the course of the morning and colder air is still in place in the south—east, but not so in the north and west. and you can see the trend. as we move from sunday into monday, eventually, that milder air represented by the yellow crosses us all so temperatures will be higher by the time we get to the early part of the new week. sunday will continue with cold air in the south—east but as we head through monday and tuesday you can see that for most we are heading back up into double figures.

this is bbc news. i�*mjoanna i�*m joanna gosling. the headlines at 11... towns and cities across the uk are set to receive more than £2 billion as part of a government pledge to reduce regional inequality — but the northen powerhouse partnership says the rishi sunk�*s claims of transformation are misleading. it's it�*s these people in narrative people paid on average £8,000 less than those down south, this will do almost nothing to do that. 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. an aristocrat father pleads

for his estranged daughter to turn herself into the police — after going missing with her newborn baby and her convicted sex offender partner. i beseech you to find a way to turn yourself and your wee one into the police as soon as possible so you and he or she can be protected. irleu’a and he or she can be protected. new zealand's prime _ and he or she can be protected. new zealand's prime ministerjacinda zealand�*s prime ministerjacinda ardern makes a surprise announcement that she will stand down in less than three weeks�* time. a new report finds more than half of the world�*s richest clubs by revenue from the premier league. hello, good morning. 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 100 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 for a new rail service in cardiff. and £45 million 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 think it�*s 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 opposition labour party�*s lisa nandy said the allocation of funds was not fair. there was always a political motivation around levelling up, it was an election slogan aimed at the key marginal that the tories wanted to win. in fairness to michael gove, i think he's come in and tried 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. the chief executive at the northern powerhouse rail partnership. he has criticised the process itself is inefficient and a waste of money. it costs, they estimate, £30,000 to bed. and the estimates it has been

given in the past few days is actually that it is getting on for at least £25 million spent bidding in these processes. that�*s the estimates that if income to independently by us. that�*s ok, i suppose, for areas that were successful. they do congratulate gateshead council in securing its bid for the centre there. but for those areas that bid and didn�*t get any money, there is a real question whether michael gove should be writing them a check. because there are council taxpayers are worse off having tried to secure this funding are not gutted. the amounts of money involved for most of these beds are relatively marginal, and so the long—term impact on productivity in the north of england in resolving that inequality between north and south that these people in the north of england paid on average £8,000 less than those down south, this will do almost nothing to do that. and if the prime minister�*s claimed that this is transformational is, i think, misleading.

we can speak now to our political correspondent pete saull. a lot of focus on the distribution of this money, and the fact that the south—east and london are getting a lot of money. south-east and london are getting a lot of money-— lot of money. they're in mind that this is bound _ lot of money. they're in mind that this is bound to _ lot of money. they're in mind that this is bound to have _ lot of money. they're in mind that this is bound to have the - lot of money. they're in mind that this is bound to have the levelling | this is bound to have the levelling update _ this is bound to have the levelling update in — this is bound to have the levelling update. in the first round there was a slightly— update. in the first round there was a slightly greater emphasis on the north_ a slightly greater emphasis on the north of— a slightly greater emphasis on the north of england and the midland. today. _ north of england and the midland. today. it — north of england and the midland. today, it does look like there is a little _ today, it does look like there is a little bit — today, it does look like there is a little bit more money for the south—east, and at the south—east -ets south—east, and at the south—east gets a _ south—east, and at the south—east gets a bigger share of the pot of funding — gets a bigger share of the pot of funding than the north—east, the west— funding than the north—east, the west midlands, the east midlands. the government points out that per capita _ the government points out that per capita because there are more people livin- capita because there are more people living in— capita because there are more people living in the _ capita because there are more people living in the south—east of england, actually— living in the south—east of england, actually it— living in the south—east of england, actually it is still the case at the north— actually it is still the case at the north at— actually it is still the case at the north at the midlands gets more. so you can _ north at the midlands gets more. so you can kind — north at the midlands gets more. so you can kind of take the figures in whichever— you can kind of take the figures in whichever different way you want. certainly, — whichever different way you want. certainly, what i think is happening here is_ certainly, what i think is happening here is on— certainly, what i think is happening here is on one side they are trying to be _ here is on one side they are trying to be fair— here is on one side they are trying to be fair to — here is on one side they are trying to be fair to those parts of the country — to be fair to those parts of the country that felt a little hard done by in _ country that felt a little hard done by in the — country that felt a little hard done by in the first round of funding, but also — by in the first round of funding, but also perhaps there is a little bit of _ but also perhaps there is a little bit of change in emphasis politically. we talk in these parts of westminster about the red wall, there is_ of westminster about the red wall, there is labour run areas that lost

bil there is labour run areas that lost big in_ there is labour run areas that lost big in the — there is labour run areas that lost big in the 2019 general election to blue _ big in the 2019 general election to blue a_ big in the 2019 general election to blue. a big emphasis on that in the early— blue. a big emphasis on that in the early stages of the boris johnson administration. it feels like now, more _ administration. it feels like now, more conservative mps worried about their prospects of holding onto their— their prospects of holding onto their seats in the next general election. — their seats in the next general election, perhaps the more rural areas _ election, perhaps the more rural areas are — election, perhaps the more rural areas are getting funding. certainly it is a _ areas are getting funding. certainly it is a case — areas are getting funding. certainly it is a case that across the board it is a case that across the board it the _ it is a case that across the board it the smaller towns that are getting — it the smaller towns that are getting lots of different projects given _ getting lots of different projects given the go—ahead, although of course _ given the go—ahead, although of course all— given the go—ahead, although of course all of this is going to take time _ course all of this is going to take time for— course all of this is going to take time. for many of these projects, they are _ time. for many of these projects, they are not — time. for many of these projects, they are not going to actually be happening in time for that next general— happening in time for that next general election. voters want to see with their— general election. voters want to see with their own eyes that things are actually— with their own eyes that things are actually improving. how with their own eyes that things are actually improving.— actually improving. how much transparency _ actually improving. how much transparency is _ actually improving. how much transparency is there - actually improving. how much transparency is there around | actually improving. how much i transparency is there around the decision—making process in order to be able to understand exactly what it is that makes the grants go to particular areas? the it is that makes the grants go to particular areas?— it is that makes the grants go to particular areas? the critics of the government _ particular areas? the critics of the government say _ particular areas? the critics of the government say that _ particular areas? the critics of the government say that the - particular areas? the critics of the government say that the process. particular areas? the critics of the | government say that the process is frankly— government say that the process is frankly pretty opaque. what the 500 beds that—

frankly pretty opaque. what the 500 beds that went in, 111 were successful. so there are a lot more losers _ successful. so there are a lot more losers than — successful. so there are a lot more losers than winners here. you heard they are _ losers than winners here. you heard they are the — losers than winners here. you heard they are the point made is that councils— they are the point made is that councils are spent an awful lot of money— councils are spent an awful lot of money preparing these beds. labour are saying _ money preparing these beds. labour are saying that actually councils should — are saying that actually councils should be — are saying that actually councils should be given more money in the first place _ should be given more money in the first place so they can pay for these — first place so they can pay for these kinds of projects, rather than these kinds of projects, rather than the decisions being made by whitehall. we have had an urgent question— whitehall. we have had an urgent question in the house of commons that is— question in the house of commons that is still— question in the house of commons that is still ongoing in which the levelling — that is still ongoing in which the levelling up minister lucy fraser insisted — levelling up minister lucy fraser insisted that it was those areas in most _ insisted that it was those areas in most need — insisted that it was those areas in most need that were receiving funding — most need that were receiving funding. that prompted some laughter, actually, from the opposition benches. they clearly feel that — opposition benches. they clearly feel that is definitely not the case — feel that is definitely not the case. the shadow levelling up minister— case. the shadow levelling up minister described it has a bit like the hunger games in terms of the way that this _ the hunger games in terms of the way that this funding was being allocated. that this funding was being allocated-— that this funding was being allocated. ., ~' , ., , . strike action continues today in england and wales. it�*s 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. thank you. yes, you can probably hear behind me the picket line has been growing both in size and in noise levels all morning. there is getting close to 200 nurses out here at the royal sussex hospital in brighton. now, the two walk—out is affecting more than 50 nhs trusts across england and the action is escalating across england and wales with further streak or strike dates announced by the rcn and the gmb union representing ambulance workers, and we could see the biggest day of action yet on the 6th of february if there is strikes go ahead. that is expected to add

further pressure to the nhs, which is already stretched. figures out today show that in the week to last sunday, more than 95% of beds in england were full and more than 14,000 people who were medically fit to leave couldn�*t because they were still waiting for social care support. let�*s talk now to louise, who is a nurse. she works in the cardiac surgery. i know you have been working for 15 years. but there has been some criticism about the timing of these strikes given the pressure this winter?— pressure this winter? there is alwa s pressure this winter? there is always pressure _ pressure this winter? there is always pressure and - pressure this winter? there is always pressure and it - pressure this winter? there is always pressure and it is i pressure this winter? there is i always pressure and it is getting worse — always pressure and it is getting worse, year on year. the pressure is all year— worse, year on year. the pressure is all year around, worse, year on year. the pressure is all yeararound, notjust worse, year on year. the pressure is all year around, notjust with worse, year on year. the pressure is all year around, not just with your strikes _ all year around, not just with your strikes. there is no good time to strike _ strikes. there is no good time to strike no— strikes. there is no good time to strike, no nurse here wants to strike — strike, no nurse here wants to strike we _ strike, no nurse here wants to strike. we are here for patients. we are the _ strike. we are here for patients. we are the only— strike. we are here for patients. we are the only people at the moment that are _ are the only people at the moment that are striking to support the nhs, _ that are striking to support the nhs, along with paramedics. | that are striking to support the nhs, along with paramedics. i know the rcn says _ nhs, along with paramedics. i know the rcn says wages have _ nhs, along with paramedics. i know the rcn says wages have fallen i nhs, along with paramedics. i know| the rcn says wages have fallen over the rcn says wages have fallen over

the last decade. what impact is that having? you are a manager yourself, how are you finding the cost of living crisis?— living crisis? the cost of living crisis has _ living crisis? the cost of living crisis has been _ living crisis? the cost of living crisis has been astronomical, | crisis has been astronomical, especially recently. i can't retain or recruit — especially recently. i can't retain or recruit into roles. brighton is a really. _ or recruit into roles. brighton is a really, really expensive place anyway— really, really expensive place anyway without inflation. to try to recruit _ anyway without inflation. to try to recruit nurses into these roles has been _ recruit nurses into these roles has been impossible, leaving us short day on _ been impossible, leaving us short day on day — been impossible, leaving us short day on day. the area we operate on cardiac _ day on day. the area we operate on cardiac surgical patients, operations are cancelled every single — operations are cancelled every single day. waiting lists are getting _ single day. waiting lists are getting there. there is also the impact — getting there. there is also the impact after covid, there is still getting — impact after covid, there is still getting bigger and we are not clearing — getting bigger and we are not clearing our lists at all.- getting bigger and we are not clearing our lists at all. what do ou sa clearing our lists at all. what do you say to _ clearing our lists at all. what do you say to those _ clearing our lists at all. what do you say to those patients i clearing our lists at all. what do you say to those patients that i clearing our lists at all. what do | you say to those patients that are seeing their appointments and operations being cancelled, that are affected by these workouts? and there could be more to come? it is for them that _ there could be more to come? it is for them that we _ there could be more to come? it is for them that we are doing this, so that we _ for them that we are doing this, so that we can — for them that we are doing this, so that we can have the conditions, the pay, the _ that we can have the conditions, the pay, the staff so that we continue

to have _ pay, the staff so that we continue to have an — pay, the staff so that we continue to have an nhs. this is what we are fighting _ to have an nhs. this is what we are fighting for. — to have an nhs. this is what we are fighting for, for the jobs, for the nhs _ fighting for, for the “obs, for the nhs. ., ~ fighting for, for the “obs, for the nhs. . ~ , ., fighting for, for the “obs, for the nhs. . ~ _, ., fighting for, for the “obs, for the nhs. . ~ ., , fighting for, for the “obs, for the nhs. . ., , nhs. thank you. there have been some otimism nhs. thank you. there have been some optimism with — nhs. thank you. there have been some optimism with the _ nhs. thank you. there have been some optimism with the health _ nhs. thank you. there have been some optimism with the health secretary i optimism with the health secretary met with unions last week. there was hope that some progress can be made. but as yet, no formal offers have been put on the table. the general secretary of the rcn has said she is willing to meet the government halfway, asking for about a 10% pay rise. both steve barclay and the prime minister rishi sunak have said that there are constructive talks ongoing stock but they are talking about the next financial year, starting in april, and that is the sticking point. unions want the pay deal to focus on the current settlement for the 22—23 year, and without that they say they are going to continue to keep up the pressure and carry on with the strikes. health leaders are immensely concerned about these further strike dates that are in the diary, they are urging both sides to get around the negotiating table and try and

find an end to this.— 0ur correspondent hywel griffith has more on the strikes in wales. inevitably, there will be a knock—on effect on people and patients around wales. and so people have been warned to be extra cautious, not to take extra risks on these strike days. in terms of what they want, you can hear. they say they have not been given a fair pay deal. unite and the other unions in wales were around the table with the welsh labour government — because it is labour that controls health services in wales — last week. and they were given a new offer. now, we don�*t know what that was worth in terms of pounds

and pence or percentages. we do know, though, that it was a one—off cash offer — not a consolidated substantive part of their pay ongoing. and it wasn�*t sufficient for any of the health unions, all of whom said they will continue with industrial action. so unite ambulance workers are out today for a 24—hour strike. back again on the 23rd. and next month ambulance workers will be back out alongside nurses from the rcn in what looks to be the biggest day of strike action so far. the port of dover is warning that all services to and from calais will be suspended until about 2pm because of national strike action because of national strike action in france. dunkerque services dunkerque services are running as normal, but travellers are being urged to allow extra time forjourneys. workers are protesting against plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 years old.

unions dressing the day of workouts in what is being called black thursday. 0ur paris correspondent high schofield outlined the issues. other countries have been through this debate — france a little bit behind the others. not the first time that�*s happened. we�*re all living longer, so the argument is in order to keep the pension system intact and financially buoyant, there has to be change — either you could cut people�*s pensions or you could increase people�*s contributions when they�*re working or you get people to work longer. that�*s the argument of president macron, he says the only sensible thing to do is to make people work longer and that way the system, which the french are very proud of, not a capitalised system in which people have their own pension pots,

is out system in which every worker contributes and every pensioner takes out from the same pot, that something people are very proud of, the way to preserve it is to have this change so that people who are living longer work a little bit longer — two years longer. it is an unpopular move, and not for the first time, we�*re going to see a big confrontation on the street and the battle public opinion between the government and the left—wing opposition. and the far right opposition, i have to say, as well. the headlines on bbc news... towns and cities across the uk are set to receive more than £2 billion as part of the government pledged to reduce legionella inequality. labour because the strategy payments process unfair. more than 1000 ambulance staff in wales walk—out in ambulance staff in wales walk—out in a dispute over pay and conditions. and in england, nurses continue their strike action for a second day in a row. international leaders have paid tribute to new zealand�*s prime minister,

jacinda ardern, who�*s made the surprise announcement that she�*ll step down early next month. she says she simply doesn�*t have "enough left in the tank" to fight this 0ctober�*s general election. her australian counterpart, anthony albanese, has described her as an inspiration to many, as a leader of intellect, strength, and empathy. she became the world�*s youngest female head of government in 2017, but her domestic approval ratings had fallen in recent months. 0ur correspondent, shaimaa khalil, has this report. holding back tears as she made this announcement. 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.

well, i think she�*ll be remembered as a really historically great prime minister. i mean, our covid responses is known as being world—beating. we had relatively few deaths, we had that lockdown and she had an incredibly good communicative style and brought a lot if new zealand along with her throughout that. 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 seventh. jacinda ardern will be remembered for steering her country through tough times, and as a head of state who led with kindness and compassion. shaimaa khalil, bbc news, sydney. anna whyte is a political reporter for the new zealand website stuff.

she was at the press conference and gave us our assessment. this she was at the press conference and gave us our assessment.— she was at the press conference and gave us our assessment. this is kind ofthe gave us our assessment. this is kind of the first big _ gave us our assessment. this is kind of the first big political _ gave us our assessment. this is kind of the first big political day - gave us our assessment. this is kind of the first big political day of i of the first big political day of the yeah _ of the first big political day of the year. the politicians go away to their summer retreat and usually it is pretty— their summer retreat and usually it is pretty relaxed. but we weren't expecting — is pretty relaxed. but we weren't expecting this at all. she announced the election date at the start and then continued on to this huge news that none _ then continued on to this huge news that none of us were expecting. only a small_ that none of us were expecting. only a small amount of people who knew before _ a small amount of people who knew before this — a small amount of people who knew before this morning, so the media, the public, — before this morning, so the media, the public, we all found out at midday— the public, we all found out at midday today. i think there was a huge _ midday today. i think there was a huge pause before she actually announced. herfiance came into huge pause before she actually announced. her fiance came into the room _ announced. her fiance came into the room at _ announced. her fiance came into the room at the — announced. her fiance came into the room at the beginning of the press conference, which isn't really a usual_ conference, which isn't really a usual event for him to attend. so we were sort— usual event for him to attend. so we were sort of— usual event for him to attend. so we were sort of wondering why he was there _ were sort of wondering why he was there we — were sort of wondering why he was there. we soon found out why he was there _ there. we soon found out why he was there. there's been a terrorist attack, — there. there's been a terrorist attack, a —

there. there's been a terrorist attack, a pandemic, a volcanic ertrption, _ attack, a pandemic, a volcanic eruption, a _ attack, a pandemic, a volcanic eruption, a huge change in our policies — eruption, a huge change in our policies in _ eruption, a huge change in our policies in that time. earlier last year. _ policies in that time. earlier last year. we — policies in that time. earlier last year, we had three year occupational parliaments — year, we had three year occupational parliaments law. the previous government before labour had a three term, _ government before labour had a three term, quite _ government before labour had a three term, quite popular politician. so he stepped downjust before a fourth election. _ he stepped downjust before a fourth election, and it that is when jacinda _ election, and it that is when jacinda ardern came in. i think there — jacinda ardern came in. i think there probably is a sense that now is the _ there probably is a sense that now is the time — there probably is a sense that now is the time to go. and she did emphasise that being a prime mihister— emphasise that being a prime minister is a privilege and if you don't _ minister is a privilege and if you don't have — minister is a privilege and if you don't have everything in the tank to -ive don't have everything in the tank to give then— don't have everything in the tank to give then you probably shouldn't be going _ give then you probably shouldn't be going for— give then you probably shouldn't be going for it. a father whose daughter has gone missing with her partner and newborn baby has made

an emotional appeal for her to contact the police. constance marten and mark gordon were last seen on cctv in east london over a week ago. officers say mark gordon is a registered sex offender who spent 20 years in prison in the united states. napier marten, who's estranged from his daughter, made a plea for her to turn herself in to the police to the independent website. my name is napier marten. i am gratefulfor this opportunity to appeal directly to my daughter, constance, following the public revelations concerning her partner, mark gordon, and having lived with the family in great concern, knowing of his past record for some time. darling constance, even though we remain estranged at the moment, i stand by, as i have always done, and as the family has always done, to do whatever is necessary for your safe return to us. i beseech you to find a way to turn

yourself and your wee one in to the police as soon as possible. so you and he or she can be protected. only then can a process of healing and recovery begin, however long it may take, however difficult it may be. i would like you to understand that the family will do all that is needed for your well—being, and i also wish you to understand you are much, much loved, whatever the circumstances. we are deeply concerned for your and your baby's welfare. the past eight years have been beyond painfulfor all the family, as well as your friends. as they must have been for you. and to see you so vulnerable again is testing in the extreme. i would like to extend my gratitude to the police

for all their endeavours in bringing this tragic episode to a swift and safe conclusion and appeal to you — please, constance — find the courage to present yourself to the police as soon as possible. thank you. napier marten making an appeal to his missing daughter, constance marten. 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, disappeared in the san gabriel mountains on friday. police say rescue teams are continuing to search for him. ukraine has called on its western allies to speed up the supply of tanks to bolster its ageing fleet. its foreign minister thanked the uk for what he called the "brave and timely" decision to offer challenger ii 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. ukraine's president volodymyr zelensky says "several" theories are being investigated after a helicopter crash that killed the country's interior minister. iii other people were also killed in the accident which happened 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. 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 based on a quarter of crown estate profits — but king charles is proposing to reduce that proportion. our royal correspondent sarah campbell explained why the crown estate's control of the sea bed has led to this potential increase in the sovereign grant. 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 — if 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 wish that rather than those profits going to fund the working members of the royal family, he instead wants us to go

back to the treasury and effectively to be distributed, in his words, for the public good. if you think back to the christmas speech was very much the theme of a christmas speech about the cost of living crisis and understanding the difficulties that families are undergoing at the moment. 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 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.

if you like jigsaw puzzles, here's one for you. it's got 2,500 pieces, it's more than iooft long — and it has spent more than 500 years buried in a riverbank in south wales. we're talking about a sunken ship — dubbed the "welsh mary rose" — which was discovered two decades ago. now its restoration has reached a key stage. tomos morgan has more. this is a 1—10 scale model, so this gives you an idea of the size and scale. i'm about that height so i will be dwarfed. at 30 metres long and weighing 25 tonnes, once it is fully rebuilt, 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 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 started off as hundreds, but a thousands of people are queueing outside and its to see this. it's about dating back to the fourteen hundreds... the original wreck was found in 2002 while building for the city's new arts centre was taking place on the edge of the river erskine workers came 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 basque country wood, launched in 1419 and involved in the lucrative wine trade between portugal and bristol. it fell into the water it is thought while being repaired in newport dock later that century.

this is the wow moment. much of the 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 wreck has got - different things to offer. this is a beautiful. big ship of a certain period which is a warship, your ship is a smaller ship but a trading - vessel of a period that is earlier and built - in a different way, so the _ significance — they are both highly significant. - evenif even if it takes decades, i will see it through. i don't have another one in me. we will finish this and then retire. . , . , in me. we will finish this and then retire. ., , . , ., retire. the final pieces of wood will be transported _ retire. the final pieces of wood will be transported back - retire. the final pieces of wood will be transported back to - retire. the final pieces of wood - will be transported back to newport today so the building process of this, they will�*s lodges 3d, can

finally after two decades begin. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. hello again. the cold weather continues for all of us today and on again tomorrow and then at the weekend something milder comes our way for most. we have snow pushing southwards across scotland, some sleet and rain pushing out of south of scotland into north—east england and earlier showers across northern ireland, north—west england, wales and the south—west tending to ease. so a lot of dry weather, a fair bit of sunshine, still feeling cold and the strong winds from this morning across the north of scotland easing a touch through the day. tonight a ridge of high pressure moves across us, so many of these showers will fade, we will have clear skies, it is going to be cold, widespread frost once again with some mist and fog patches forming particularly across northern ireland, western scotland and west wales. some of that will be slow to play tomorrow but after that cold start,

but a bright, sunny weather. a few showers just clipping the east coast of england, so temperatures up a notch, it is still going to feel cold wherever you are.

hello, this is bbc news with joanna gosling. the headlines... towns and cities across the uk are set to receive more than £2 billion as part of a government pledge to reduce regional inequality. labour calls the strategy�*s payment process unfair. 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. an aristocrat father pleads for his estranged daughter to contact police — after going missing with her newborn baby and her convicted sex offender partner. new zealand's prime minister jacinda ardern makes a surprise announcement, saying she'll stand

down in less than three weeks' time. a new report finds more than half of the world's richest football clubs by revenue are from the premier league. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's holly. starting in melbourne with andy murray in action on the margaret court arena. he is on a hunt for a place in the third round for the first time since 2017. very early into that first set, one game all, you can follow the action on the bbc sport website, where you will find the latest from novak djokovic, is facing a rather test, taking on the frenchman, enzo quacho, djokovic 2-1, frenchman, enzo quacho, djokovic 2—1, and safely through to the third round as dan evans of britain. it got heated between him and his opponentjeremy chardy and the

umpire. the frenchman was left furious when she did not call let at a break point in the first set when a break point in the first set when a ball fell out of his pocket. rules dictate that she should. evans won the point and the first set before taking it in temperatures sets, and more importantly kept his pockets and check! the incident was a big talking point after the match. i paras talking point after the match. i was an: talking point after the match. i was angry because _ talking point after the match. i was angry because he _ talking point after the match. i was angry because he should _ talking point after the match. i —" angry because he should stop straightaway, and she said she didn't even see the ball, so... i don't know what she's doing because she doesn't call in or out, she just called the score, so she doesn't watch the point i don't know why she is on the chair. india rule should be that if the ball comes out of your pocket you lose the point. i don't know why they give limit. you are giving people the chance. i am not usina are giving people the chance. i am not using this _ are giving people the chance. i am not using this as _ are giving people the chance. i am not using this as an _ are giving people the chance. i am not using this as an example because it obviously— not using this as an example because it obviously happened today but if

you serve — it obviously happened today but if you serve and the ball comes out of your pocket, — you serve and the ball comes out of your pocket, then why is it a let? i think— your pocket, then why is it a let? i think it _ your pocket, then why is it a let? i think it is — your pocket, then why is it a let? i think it is the _ your pocket, then why is it a let? i think it is the worst rule ever. elsewhere _ think it is the worst rule ever. elsewhere in the men's draw, both of the top dozen axes are out following the top dozen axes are out following the exit of ruffin adele yesterday, casper ruud has been beaten. the norwegian second seed was stunned by the american world number 39, jenson brooksby, beating casper ruud in four sets. brooksby, beating casper ruud in foursets. in brooksby, beating casper ruud in four sets. in the women's draw, fourth seed caroline garcia is through to the third round after beating leylah fernandez, 7—6, 7—5 and she will be meeting laura siegemund of germany next. in football, manchester united missed the chance to move above rivals manchester city in the premier league, thanks to a spectacular late free kick from crystal palace's michael olise it was looking like a tenth straight win for erik ten hag's side after bruno fernandes gave them the lead shortly before the break. then olise's first minute

of injury time free kick denied in the points and the chance to go up to second in the table. irate the points and the chance to go up to second in the table.— to second in the table. we are controlling _ to second in the table. we are controlling the _ to second in the table. we are controlling the game, - to second in the table. we are controlling the game, and - to second in the table. we are | controlling the game, and then to second in the table. we are - controlling the game, and then we had one panicking them in and that is football. i cannot change the situation and then you don't have time any more to react so it is a disappointment but you have to take it. we drop two points, but you have to move on and make the best plan. for us, the players have the energy to get ready for the game and we go sunday again. to get ready for the game and we go sunday again-— sunday again. island have named their six nations _ sunday again. island have named their six nations squad _ sunday again. island have named their six nations squad with - sunday again. island have named . their six nations squad with munster fly—halfjoey carbery i notable absentee. ulster�*s jacob fly—halfjoey carbery i notable absentee. ulster�*s jacob stockdale is back in the squad, the six nations player of the tournament in 2018, but he has not featured for ireland since the summer test againstjapan in 2021, having been ruled out for almost all of last —— last season because of injury. eddie jones has confirmed he did hold

talks with australia about becoming their head coach, while still under contract with england. he became the australia head coach last week after being sacked by the rugby football union. speaking to the bbc, jones said he does not see a problem with that. irate said he does not see a problem with that. ~ ., said he does not see a problem with that. . . ,. ,, .,, said he does not see a problem with that. . . ,. ,, ., ,., that. we had discussions about the 'ob, ost that. we had discussions about the job. post the _ that. we had discussions about the job, post the world _ that. we had discussions about the job, post the world cup, _ that. we had discussions about the job, post the world cup, which - that. we had discussions about the job, post the world cup, which is l job, post the world cup, which is quite normal, i don't know of anyone who doesn't think about their future, so that happens, it is not being disloyal or whatever people want to try to say. that being disloyal or whatever people want to try to say.— want to try to say. that is all of the sport _ want to try to say. that is all of the sport for — want to try to say. that is all of the sport for now. _ want to try to say. that is all of the sport for now. you - want to try to say. that is all of the sport for now. you can - want to try to say. that is all of| the sport for now. you can keep want to try to say. that is all of - the sport for now. you can keep up with all the date —— keep up—to—date with all the date —— keep up—to—date with all the action in melbourne on the bbc sport website. we will bring you all the latest throughout the afternoon. see you then. more anime news. the government has announced details of more than 100 projects around the country that get a share of £2.7 billion of funding including

a new eden project in morecambe, which gets £50 million. it is part of the conservatives' so called levelling up fun. the prime minister has been an act renting explaining what it means. i has been an act renting explaining what it means.— has been an act renting explaining what it means. i am in accrington in the north-west _ what it means. i am in accrington in the north-west to _ what it means. i am in accrington in the north-west to see _ what it means. i am in accrington in the north-west to see levelling - what it means. i am in accrington in the north-west to see levelling up l the north—west to see levelling up in action. it is about investing in local community so that we can create jobs, local community so that we can createjobs, drive local community so that we can create jobs, drive growth and make sure that people feel enormous pride in the places that they call home. today we have announced new funding coming on top of what we have already announced, meaning we have spent almost £4 billion, in 200 different communities, across the country, including dozens, here in the north—west. people have talked about investing in places like this for years, about investing in places like this foryears, but about investing in places like this for years, but it is this government that has justified —— for years, but it is this government that hasjustified —— delivering it. like how can you justify spending £90 million on catterick garrison in your constituency when places like liverpool don't get any money? looking at the levelling up once we have done, two thirds of that has gone to the most deprived parts of our country. with regard to

catterick garrison, that is home to our largest army base. it is home to thousands of serving personnel who are often away from their own families serving the country. it is important they have access to a town centre providing the amenities they need, that is what that funding will deliver and i'm grateful to all of our armed forces personnel for the incredible job they do and i'm delighted this investment will support them. the ma'ority of funding is i support them. the ma'ority of funding is going to h support them. the majority of funding is going to areas - support them. the majority of funding is going to areas with | funding is going to areas with conservative mps. is this pork barrel politics �*s at the back two thirds of the levelling up funding is going to do most deprived parts of the country. i am here in accrington. i of the country. i am here in accrington-_ of the country. i am here in accrington-— of the country. i am here in accrinuton. ., ., , accrington. i am travelling across the north for— accrington. i am travelling across the north for example _ accrington. i am travelling across the north for example today. - accrington. i am travelling across the north for example today. we | accrington. i am travelling across . the north for example today. we are investing in local communities across the country. it is about making sure that people feel pride in the places they call home, about driving jobs and investment. that is what we're doing and i am pleased we can these announcements today. it is part of the plan are set out at the beginning of the year when i said to the country that we would focus on

peoples priorities, halve inflation, grow the economy and and stop the boats, and that is what we are going on and delivering. i can act more money going to london and the south—east than the north, so are you hedging your electoral bets, in the south of england and giving up on the north �*s we are investing hundreds of millions across the north when dozens of projects. i am here talking to you in accrington, then i'm going to morecambe, then off to the north—east. if you look at the funding and compare it to the number of people living in each region, the region that has done the best funding per person is the north. that is where we are today. that is why we are talking to you in accrington market stop these other places benefiting from the funding. we are investing in local communities. this is levelling up in action. last year, the government promised to prioritise dementia care

and create a "seismic shift" in how the condition is tackled. eight months on, campaigners say that commitment has "fallen by the wayside". today they're delivering an open letter to the prime minister i was so happy that day. i think i was crying most of the time because i was so happy. i thought how lucky i was. ananga and joanna, married for 48 years. you had hair! a lot of hair. those were the days, it's a long time ago. it's four years since ananga was diagnosed with alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia in the uk. i'm losing him, inch by inch, day by day. and there will come a day when he won't know me. he won't know who i am or who his family is. he'll know i love him.

before i got alzheimer's i was very outgoing. but now all i want to do is to stay at home. ananga and joanna say they've relied on support from the alzheimer's society. but apart from help from that charity, they feel abandoned, left to manage on their own. being married to my husband is a life choice. that doesn't mean to say i don't need a bit of help every now and then. i won't beat it, but i want to make myjourney as pleasant as possible. but i feel sorry for my wife to have to go through it with me. last may, the government said that by the end of 2022, it would publish a ten—year plan

to tackle dementia, spelling out ways to improve care, research and diagnosis, and ways to avoid preventable cases. when a visionary plan comes together with powerful partners and proper funding, and we couple it with care and compassion, that combination can be unbeatable. but it's now 2023 and there's still no plan. young at heart in luton, where music, song and exercise gives people with dementia a weekly boost. it's run by maria, who's exasperated by delays to the government's dementia plan. it feels like we're in a vacuum. organisations don't feel they know where dementia services should be going, where the support is coming from, where funding is coming from. young at heart relies

on volunteers and donations. many here would like to see more places like it and more support. this is my dad, this is danny. he can't barely communicate with us. he can't, isn't able to walk. you know, it's taken so much from, from him, which obviously impacts us. something needs to get done and quickly. the alzheimer's society will deliver a letter today to the prime minister calling for the government to honour its dementia commitments and to tackle falling rates of diagnosis. what's your message to the government? i would like them to take that leadership that we want and to give dementia a focus. in a statement, the department of health said it wants a society in which every person with dementia receives high quality, compassionate care. it said £17 million had been spent last year tackling dementia waiting lists and diagnosis and funding for research would double to £160 million a year by 2024.

ananga will be among those delivering the letter to downing street. i feel that we're the lost soldiers, if you like, the forgotten people. he believes it'll be one of the most importantjourneys he's ever made. tim muffett, bbc news. we continue talking about football. the deloitte money league study shows that, from the top 20 world's richest clubs in the season 2021-2022, 11 of them were on the premier league. manchester city retained the top spot, followed by real madrid, liverpool and manchester city. let's talk now to kieran maguire, specialist in sports finance at university of liverpool, and presenter on the "the price of football" podcast. thank you forjoining us. is this any surprise? it

thank you for 'oining us. is this any surprise?— thank you for 'oining us. is this an sur-rise? ., . , any surprise? it reinforces the view that the premier _ any surprise? it reinforces the view that the premier league _ any surprise? it reinforces the view that the premier league is - that the premier league is effectively the european super league. and that the ability of the premier league to be as popular as it is, broadcasting to 188 different countries, is the biggest driver. it generates more than twice the amount of broadcast income as in, say, italy and germany, and it is unsurprising that the premier league individual clubs are pretty successful.— individual clubs are pretty successful. . . , ., successful. what is it about the premier league _ successful. what is it about the premier league that _ successful. what is it about the premier league that gives - successful. what is it about the premier league that gives it. successful. what is it about the - premier league that gives it global reach? it premier league that gives it global reach? , , .,,.,_ reach? it is probably the most competitive — reach? it is probably the most competitive major _ reach? it is probably the most competitive major league - reach? it is probably the most competitive major league in l reach? it is probably the most - competitive major league in europe. there are six or perhaps seven clubs at the start of the season who have at the start of the season who have a realistic chance of winning the title. and that degree ofjeopardy, uncertainty and competitive balance is actually very good, in terms of attracting viewers. the last thing people want to do is to watch football when you know who is going to win the title by november or december, because it reduces that

degree of tension which live broadcast, especially in the form of sport, can bring. i5 broadcast, especially in the form of sport. can bring-— sport, can bring. is there much of a chance in sport, can bring. is there much of a change in terms _ sport, can bring. is there much of a change in terms of _ sport, can bring. is there much of a change in terms of the _ sport, can bring. is there much of a change in terms of the richest - change in terms of the richest football clubs in the world 's because presumably the wealth continues to beget wealth and reach. what we have seen is manchester city have overtaken the two big spanish clubs, real madrid and barcelona in the last couple of years. liverpool have leapt the last couple of years. liverpool have lea pt over the last couple of years. liverpool have leapt over manchester united for the first time. and we are starting to see a couple of new clubs coming into the top 20. we have leeds united, who have only beenin have leeds united, who have only been in the premier league for a couple of years, and newcastle united are in the top 20 following their takeover by the public investment fund of saudi arabia. 50 investment fund of saudi arabia. so there is some fluidity. yes, - investment fund of saudi arabia. so there is some fluidity. yes, there i there is some fluidity. yes, there is. that there is some fluidity. yes, there is- that is — there is some fluidity. yes, there is. that is partly _ there is some fluidity. yes, there is. that is partly driven _ there is some fluidity. yes, there is. that is partly driven by - is. that is partly driven by individual clubs' success. football

individual clu bs' success. football is individual clubs' success. football is a merit could see in the sense that the prize money given by both the premier league and uefa in its competitions is linked to how far you progress in individual competitions so, manchester city won the premier league. they were semifinalists as far as the uefa champions league were concerned. that help keep them above real madrid in what was a very competitive year. is madrid in what was a very competitive year.- madrid in what was a very competitive year. is it helpful to look at football _ competitive year. is it helpful to look at football in _ competitive year. is it helpful to look at football in this _ competitive year. is it helpful to look at football in this way? - competitive year. is it helpful to look at football in this way? we | look at football in this way? we don't fall in _ look at football in this way? , don't fall in love with football due to the amount of money that clubs generate. i think some form of comparative analysis is beneficial. you can see why clubs such as real madrid, barcelona and juventus were so keen on having a lot in super league which could perhaps redress the balance because, if we look at the balance because, if we look at the growth and the trend is as far as monetary analysis is concerned,

the premier league is growing at a much faster rate than other european leagues, and that growth continues to accelerate in future years and if you project that using a spreadsheet, you can understand the concerns of other european clubs who feel that they are going to struggle to compete with the premier league. thank you very much, kieran maguire. back to the news about the request from king charles for greater profits to be given to the crown estate for the wider public good that republic, the campaign group calling for the abolition of the monarchy call this a pr stunt for the king because he does not have the king because he does not have the money to give away their money. graham smith is the chief executive of republic. thank you forjoining us. the phrase used was a cynical pr stunt. why do you believe this to be cynical 's stunt. why do you believe this to be nical '- ., , stunt. why do you believe this to be nical '- ., ., ., , ., cynical 's there was already a review under _ cynical 's there was already a review under into _ cynical 's there was already a review under into the - cynical 's there was already a i review under into the sovereign grant, and how much that would be.

that was reported as early as september last year. clearly, they are not going to allow the grant to balloon out of control and, in order to keep it down, they have to reduce the percentage. it is not reducing the percentage. it is not reducing the amount of money he is receiving. it is not his money from the crown estate. it does not fund the sovereign grant. he is not giving up anything. and it is not his money to direct, as to where it should be spent. the crown estate does not fund the money —— monarchy. it is public property and 100% of its money goes to the government. the government provides a grant. since 2011, they allocate that drug according to the size of the crown estate profits. —— they allocate that grant. so there is no generosity, it is pre—eminently a

government decision, with his largest being directed towards the public purse. 50 largest being directed towards the public purse-— public purse. so you are reading this is a cynical _ public purse. so you are reading this is a cynical decision - public purse. so you are reading this is a cynical decision based l public purse. so you are reading | this is a cynical decision based on what is going on behind the scenes. others might think this is a good message to be hearing from the king, who gave his first kings speech on christmas day, about the cost of living crisis, about his awareness of the impact on communities and saying that he wants the money to be used for the wider public good. there is a message in that, isn't that 's it there is a message in that, isn't that '- . there is a message in that, isn't that '- , ., , there is a message in that, isn't that' , ., , .,., there is a message in that, isn't that' , ., , . ., that 's it is not his decision, not his money- _ that 's it is not his decision, not his money- he _ that 's it is not his decision, not his money. he is _ that 's it is not his decision, not his money. he is simply - that 's it is not his decision, not his money. he is simply putting that 's it is not his decision, not - his money. he is simply putting out a message suggesting that the government decision to manage the grant, which is not going down, is, he is pre—empting that government decision and suggesting that it is somehow to do with him. all he has donein somehow to do with him. all he has done in terms of the cost of living is read out a preprepared script. if

he was generally concerned, he would not be taking £22 million a year from the duchy of lancaster, and william taking the same from the duchy of cornwall, which are crown properties, not the crown estate. he would not be dodging a huge intelligence tax bill from when the queen died and charles became king charles, he didn't have to pay any inheritance tax. he could have insisted on paying the tax everyone else pays. he wouldn't be spending more than £345 million per year, the cost of the monarchy, way more than the official cost of £100 million as reported last year. those are the real markers as to how much he cares about ordinary people. and those actions are far louder than his words. ., ., �* ., actions are far louder than his words. ., ., ., , words. you don't want the monarchy, and so obviously, _

words. you don't want the monarchy, and so obviously, any _ words. you don't want the monarchy, and so obviously, any money - words. you don't want the monarchy, and so obviously, any money spent . words. you don't want the monarchy, | and so obviously, any money spent on the monarchy as far as your concern is money badly spent. just to break down the figures. i know that you have said the total cost of the monarchy is higher than the stated cost of just over £100 monarchy is higher than the stated cost ofjust over £100 million, but if you break that down it is £129 per person, peryear. it is if you break that down it is £1 29 per person, per year.— per person, per year. it is not at all. we per person, per year. it is not at all- we don't— per person, per year. it is not at all. we don't do _ per person, per year. it is not at all. we don't do that _ per person, per year. it is not at all. we don't do that with - per person, per year. it is not at all. we don't do that with any i per person, per year. it is not at. all. we don't do that with any other measure of public spending. i all. we don't do that with any other measure of public spending.- measure of public spending. i don't want to get — measure of public spending. i don't want to get down _ measure of public spending. i don't want to get down to _ measure of public spending. i don't want to get down to the _ measure of public spending. i don't want to get down to the exact - measure of public spending. i don'tj want to get down to the exact cost, because it is hard to measure it exactly stop the flip side of it, and people who support the monarchy say that the revenue brought in by the monarchy is far, far greater than that. the monarchy is far, far greater than that-— the monarchy is far, far greater than that. . , ., , , ., than that. that is demonstrably not true. the figure _ than that. that is demonstrably not true. the figure put _ than that. that is demonstrably not true. the figure put on _ than that. that is demonstrably not true. the figure put on it _ than that. that is demonstrably not true. the figure put on it is - than that. that is demonstrably not true. the figure put on it is £1.7 - true. the figure put on it is £1.7 billion to the _ true. the figure put on it is £1.7 billion to the uk _ true. the figure put on it is £1.7 billion to the uk economy. - true. the figure put on it is £1.7 billion to the uk economy. two | billion to the uk economy. two noints. billion to the uk economy. two points- no _ billion to the uk economy. two

points. no one _ billion to the uk economy. “ii-mp points. no one justifies public points. no onejustifies public spending by dividing it by every man, woman and child in the country. £345 million would pay for 13,000 nurses at a time when we are desperate for them, a similar number of new police officers when we are desperate for them. the figure you have quoted in terms of the income backin have quoted in terms of the income back in comes from the grant finance which provides no evidence and no celsius and is unworthy of being courted by a bbc reporter. it is simply not credible. there is no evidence that the monarchy brings revenue in stop and that is money we have earned by having that institution, it does not mean that we then chop some of it at the royal family. the irish president costs something in the region of 3 million euros. 3 million euros a year, it is a fraction of 345 million, a fraction of the 300 million that they spent last year, a large part of which is funding private homes,

private helicopter travel, private jet travel. this is an institution which is spending our money like it is their own, week in, week out, and to have a king suggest that he is somehow concerned for the greater good or the public good, or attempting to direct funding towards, spending on the cost of living and so on, it is, it is offensive. he shouldn't be doing it. he should be leading by example by paying taxes, and demanding a massive reduction in the cost of the monarchy. abs. massive reduction in the cost of the monarch . �* ., massive reduction in the cost of the monarch . . ., ., ., monarchy. a final thought on the tra'ecto monarchy. a final thought on the trajectory of _ monarchy. a final thought on the trajectory of the _ monarchy. a final thought on the trajectory of the royal _ monarchy. a final thought on the trajectory of the royal family. it| trajectory of the royal family. it is being slimmed down. the king has given indications that it will continue to go down that route. do you welcome that? to continue to go down that route. do you welcome that?— continue to go down that route. do you welcome that? to say to slimming down is a bit — you welcome that? to say to slimming down is a bit of — you welcome that? to say to slimming down is a bit of a _ you welcome that? to say to slimming down is a bit of a nonsense. _ you welcome that? to say to slimming down is a bit of a nonsense. the - down is a bit of a nonsense. the costis down is a bit of a nonsense. the cost is not going down, the fundamentals of the institution is

not changing. it is the same institution we have already had, it has only slimmed down because one person has disgraced himself and face criminal accusations, one member has fled to america and the queen has died so it is not being slimmed down, and the cost will continue to go up, despite the announcements we have heard from them today. announcements we have heard from them today-— them today. graham smith of republic. _ them today. graham smith of republic, the _ them today. graham smith of republic, the anti-monarchyl them today. graham smith of- republic, the anti-monarchy campaign republic, the anti—monarchy campaign group, thank you forjoining us. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. we have another couple of days of cold weather, until the weekend, when something milder comes our way, for most, except for the south—east of england to do today stays cold, wintry showers from this morning tending to ease as we go through the day. you can see the cold air represented by the blues on this chart. milderair coming in from the atlantic as we head through saturday and sunday.

it crosses much of the uk, except for the far south—east. we will hang on to the cold conditions until the start of next week. now, we have snow coming across the north of scotland, heading south. this band fragments through the day. rain and sleet pushing out of south—east scotland and north—east england. wintry showers across northern ireland, north—west england, wales, the midlands, also easing, as will showers across south—west england. so, for many we will end up with a dry, sunny day, but a cold one, and strong winds across northern scotland easing a touch through the day. tonight, there is a ridge of high pressure building across as so many of the showers will ease, we will see mist and fog patches forming across western scotland and also wales and also a widespread fog across northern ireland. these are the overnight lows. once again watch out for ice on untreated surfaces. into tomorrow after that cold start, dry for many, most of the mist and fog will lift slowly. it could linger in parts of northern ireland and we

could see the odd shower coming in on the breeze along the north sea coastline of england. these are the temperatures, up a touch on today but still feeling cold wherever you are. then as we head into saturday, we have now got the milder atlantic air coming our way. a lot of cloud associated with this as well. some patchy rain, move away from that, we have clearer skies across england and parts of wales, some sunshine, some slow—moving mist and fog through the course of the morning and the colder air still in place in the south—east, not so in the north and west. we can see the trend. as we move from sunday into monday, eventually, that milder air represented by the yellow crosses us all so temperatures will be higher by the time we get to the early part of the new week. so, sunday, we continue with cold air in the south, but as we had through monday and tuesday, you can see for most they are heading back up into double figures.

it is still going to feel cold wherever you are.

this is bbc news. the headlines... towns and cities across the uk are set to receive more than £2 billion as part of a government pledge to reduce regional inequality. the prime minister defends the strategy�*s payment process. if prime minister defends the strategy's payment process. if you look at the — strategy's payment process. if you look at the funding _ strategy's payment process. if you look at the funding and _ strategy's payment process. if you look at the funding and you - strategy's payment process. if m. look at the funding and you compare it to the number of people that live in each region, the region that is done the best in the amount of funding per person is the north. another day of strikes. more than a thousand ambulance staff in wales walk—out over a dispute over pay and conditions. in england, nurses continue their strike action for a second day in a row. a father pleads for his estranged daughter to contact police after going missing with her newborn baby and her convicted six offender partner. a

new report finds more than half of the world's richest football clubs by revenue or from the premier league. good afternoon. the prime minister has defended his plans for spending money around the uk after criticism of the way cash from the so called levelling up fund has been allocated. the government this morning announced details of projects intended to help economic growth. in all £2.1 billion will be spent on regeneration projects. they span more than 100 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 for a new rail service in cardiff. and £45 million 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 accrington, rishi sunak said the aim was to help the most deprived areas. tiara sunak said the aim was to help the most deprived areas.— most deprived areas. two thirds of all the levelling _ most deprived areas. two thirds of all the levelling up _ most deprived areas. two thirds of all the levelling up funding - most deprived areas. two thirds of all the levelling up funding is - all the levelling up funding is going to the most deprived parts of our country. i'm here in accrington, and just off to morecambe. i am travelling across the north today, for example. what we are doing today is investing in local community is across the country. levelling up is about making sure people feel pride in the place they call home, it is about driving jobs and investment. that is what we are doing. and i'm pleased that we can make these announcements today. and it is all part of our planned that i set out at the beginning of this year when i said to the country that we were going to focus on their rarities, of inflation, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats. that is

what we are getting on and delivering. irate what we are getting on and delivering-— what we are getting on and deliverinn. . . , . ., . delivering. we are expecting to hear from him life — delivering. we are expecting to hear from him life from _ delivering. we are expecting to hear from him life from morecambe - delivering. we are expecting to hear from him life from morecambe in i from him life from morecambe in about 20 minutes or so. in the meantime, let's go to our political correspondent. these questions about the distribution of these funds, how controversial is that?— controversial is that? there are lots of people _ controversial is that? there are lots of people saying _ controversial is that? there are lots of people saying that i controversial is that? there are lots of people saying that the i lots of people saying that the process is deeply opaque. i have looked up with the specific criteria are for these beds, on the government website. a strategic fit, never won. value for money, deliverability, characteristics. a couple of those criteria you could say they would be open to interpretation. it is certainly the case that if you live in a conservative held constituency, you are more likely to have seen a winning bid in your local area. are more likely to have seen a winning bid in your localarea. if you live in the south—east of england, you are more likely to have got a bid close to you than if you live in the north—east, if you live in the west midlands, if you live in the east midlands. if you live in the east midlands. if you live in the north—west, where rishi sunak is today, that is the region

biggest proportion of funding. and that is the case in the first round of levelling up beds. this is the second round of funding and there is another one to come. so perhaps we should look at all of this in the round once the third round is completed. but certainly, labour making the case very strongly indeed that it looks like london and the south—east is doing a lot better off than the north. they argue that that really goes against the whole point of levelling up, which is about balancing the economy. the of levelling up, which is about balancing the economy. the head of the northern — balancing the economy. the head of the northern powerhouse _ balancing the economy. the head of the northern powerhouse rail- the northern powerhouse rail partnership and said the money will not make a difference to closing the north—south divide in productivity. what exactly is the money spent on in terms of trying to boost productivity?— in terms of trying to boost productivity? there are three different elements _ productivity? there are three different elements here. i productivity? there are three different elements here. the j productivity? there are three i different elements here. the first is improving the cultural offering in areas, about regeneration of high streets, and thirdly it is about improving transport links. taken altogether, the question is whether that improves people's individual opportunities. what is the big test of levelling up? whether people feel

they have the same opportunity wherever they live in the united kingdom, and i suppose levelling up is a term that is a bit of people don't really know what it means. and it has evolved over time. rishi sunak has been keen to stress that this isn'tjust about sunak has been keen to stress that this isn't just about the midlands and the north of england. there are pockets of deprivation, areas that need improvement everywhere, including in the south—east, particularly coastal towns. but no doubt this debate will continue to rage. and as for councils, they say just give us more money so that we can decide where best to put that money to boost our local areas's prospects, ratherthan money to boost our local areas's prospects, rather than this bidding war, which as you say, is massively controversial.— controversial. and why isn't it done that wa ? controversial. and why isn't it done that way? it _ controversial. and why isn't it done that way? it is _ controversial. and why isn't it done that way? it is to _ controversial. and why isn't it done that way? it is to do _ controversial. and why isn't it done that way? it is to do with _ controversial. and why isn't it done that way? it is to do with overall i that way? it is to do with overall fundinn. that way? it is to do with overall funding- l _ that way? it is to do with overall funding. i suppose _ that way? it is to do with overall funding. i suppose the _ funding. i suppose the government would say these individual bids are not the whole of levelling up, there are other things to consider, too. huge infrastructure projects done separately, if you think about hs2,

the northern power how to, which the government continues to press ahead with. if you look at surveys, people say what matters to you most in your local area, well, it is crime and policing, whether or not the local parkis policing, whether or not the local park is clean and tidy. all of these things in the round have to be taken into consideration by the government. but as for today, expect to see plenty of ministers, rishi sunak included, touring the country, announcing with great fanfare is these individual projects. i suppose it will depend where you live whether you feel this is benefiting you, and whether or not you will see the benefits in time for the next general election. that is another key question. general election. that is another key question-— general election. that is another ke cuestion. ., , . key question. thank you very much. let's brina key question. thank you very much. let's bring in _ key question. thank you very much. let's bring in the _ key question. thank you very much. let's bring in the conservative i key question. thank you very much. let's bring in the conservative mp i let's bring in the conservative mp for west worcestershire and chair of the treasury select committee. first of all, has your constituency got money? of all, has your constituency got mone ? , ., , of all, has your constituency got mone ? , . , of all, has your constituency got mone?, , of all, has your constituency got mone?, money? yes, i may west midlands mp and i was thrilled _ money? yes, i may west midlands mp and i was thrilled to _ money? yes, i may west midlands mp and i was thrilled to wake _ money? yes, i may west midlands mp and i was thrilled to wake up _ money? yes, i may west midlands mp and i was thrilled to wake up to - money? yes, i may west midlands mp and i was thrilled to wake up to the i and i was thrilled to wake up to the news this morning that our melbourne

theatre bid has been successful and has won nearly £20 million worth of funding. so one of the great strengths of the uk is, of course, our culture and our drummer and our theatre, and it is wonderful that theatre, and it is wonderful that the small regional theatre has had money to fund. it is very ambitious plans to give much more opportunity to young people and to create lots of apprenticeships and to create jobs in ourarea. of apprenticeships and to create jobs in our area. the of apprenticeships and to create jobs in our area.— jobs in our area. the ma'ority of the funding * jobs in our area. the ma'ority of the funding is i jobs in our area. the ma'ority of the funding is going i jobs in our area. the ma'ority of the funding is going to i jobs in our area. the majority of the funding is going to areas i jobs in our area. the majority of. the funding is going to areas with tory mps. there are the three tranches of funding, but in this one in particular more money has gone to london and the south—east than the north—east. what do you say to those who say this is a process lacking in transparency that seems to be about giving favours to areas that potentially could deliver votes for the tory party? i potentially could deliver votes for the tory party?— the tory party? i don't think that is the right _ the tory party? i don't think that is the right prism _ the tory party? i don't think that is the right prism to _ the tory party? i don't think that is the right prism to look- the tory party? i don't think that is the right prism to look at i the tory party? i don't think that is the right prism to look at it. i is the right prism to look at it. obviously we do have a majority in

parliament so you would expect, if it is randomly allocated, that you would see that pattern. but it is actually been allocated very thoughtfully and carefully, and i should say that in terms of the more burn theatre bid, we also applied in round one and we were not successful. what we did is we sat down with officials and we took on board the feedback in terms of what they thought would improve the bid. a lot of that was about showing the deliverability, showing the job creation for young people, showing the ability to enhance the cultural offering in the west midlands. so we have been able to take that on board and we are delighted to be successful in round two. i would say to anyone who has not been successful this time, there will be another tranche and sits down, learn the lessons and improve the bid for next time around. haifa the lessons and improve the bid for next time around.— next time around. how much time, eneri next time around. how much time, energy and — next time around. how much time, energy and money _ next time around. how much time, energy and money was _ next time around. how much time, energy and money was spent i next time around. how much time, energy and money was spent on i next time around. how much time, | energy and money was spent on the bed you were talking about? inirnl’eii. energy and money was spent on the bed you were talking about? well, it was mainly led _ bed you were talking about? well, it was mainly led by — bed you were talking about? well, it was mainly led by the _ bed you were talking about? well, it was mainly led by the theatres i was mainly led by the theatres themselves. and obviously i met with

themselves. and obviously i met with them and also engineered feedback for them in terms of the unsuccessful first debate. and the local council offices, they also got involved. and there was a private company as well that gave consulting advice. , ,., company as well that gave consulting advice. , ., . ., advice. sorry, so how much would that private _ advice. sorry, so how much would that private company _ advice. sorry, so how much would that private company be _ advice. sorry, so how much would that private company be paid? i advice. sorry, so how much would| that private company be paid? the reason i'm asking is that labour say overall £27 million is spent by councils on consultants to help with the bids's process? £2? councils on consultants to help with the bids's process?— the bids's process? £27 million aiainst the bids's process? £27 million against the _ the bids's process? £27 million against the £1.7 _ the bids's process? £27 million against the £1.7 billion - the bids's process? £27 million against the £1.7 billion fund i the bids's process? £27 million i against the £1.7 billion fund seems like a reasonable return rate for councils. i don't know the precise amount in my area, but they did involved an outside consultant and it really will transform the offering in the town. and i was really pleased to see my neighbouring constituency, hereford, also got a lot of money to help with their transport issues. and so i think these are parts of the country where in fact salaries are lower

than the regional medium, lower than the national median, and i think it will make a transformational difference in our area. the phrase levellini difference in our area. the phrase levelling pp. _ difference in our area. the phrase levelling up, what _ difference in our area. the phrase levelling up, what does _ difference in our area. the phrase levelling up, what does that i difference in our area. the phrase | levelling up, what does that mean difference in our area. the phrase i levelling up, what does that mean to you? levelling up, what does that mean to ou? ., ., i. , ., you? how do you explain it? if i look at the _ you? how do you explain it? if i look at the demographics i you? how do you explain it? if i look at the demographics of i you? how do you explain it? if i l look at the demographics of west worcestershire, my constituency. you see that young people are tending to leave for university and they are not return until they are much older. so you have a demographic shrinkage in that sort of 20—30 year age group, and i think what this bait does and what i think it will focus on is giving opportunities for young people within the areas so they don't feel they need to move away from where they grew up. —— what this bid does. this cultural sector of drama and theatre and music. that is what levelling up means to people in west worcestershire, and i think that is what is being delivered with these announcements today. in what is being delivered with these announcements today.— announcements today. in your nosition announcements today. in your position as — announcements today. in your position as chair _ announcements today. in your

position as chair of _ announcements today. in your position as chair of the - announcements today. in your. position as chair of the treasury select committee, i want to ask you about nadhim zahawi. there's reports that he is paid millions to cover a tax bill to hmrc. should there be complete transparency around something like this?— complete transparency around something like this? that's a great iuestion. something like this? that's a great question. should _ something like this? that's a great question. should everyone - something like this? that's a great question. should everyone have i something like this? that's a great question. should everyone have to j question. should everyone have to declare the taxes in this country in the way or i think finland has a system where everyone says what they make on what they pay in tax. i think that actually these sorts of things are best done in privacy. i personally don't mind sharing information about my... obviously, ou have information about my... obviously, you have brought _ information about my... obviously, you have brought into _ information about my... obviously, you have brought into the - information about my... obviously, you have brought into the issue i information about my... obviously, you have brought into the issue outj you have brought into the issue out considerably there. this is a question about what was going on. was there an investigation? was there a demand that was presented that was disputed? he was chancellor for a time. should the public know if something like that is going on? i'm a big believer in transparency

and a big believer in everyone paying the taxes that they should. clearly, that has been resolved and everything has been cleared up as far as hmrc is concerned. but i do think people in public service should be transparent about what they are making and everything should be declared in the way that it is. ., .. should be declared in the way that it is. . «i i. should be declared in the way that it is. ., ~' ,, , should be declared in the way that itis. ., , . ., it is. thank you very much for 'oinini it is. thank you very much for joining us- — it is. thank you very much for joining us- do _ it is. thank you very much for joining us. do stay _ it is. thank you very much for joining us. do stay with i it is. thank you very much for joining us. do stay with us, i it is. thank you very much for joining us. do stay with us, in it is. thank you very much for i joining us. do stay with us, in the next few minutes the prime minister is going to be speaking live at an eventin is going to be speaking live at an event in morecambe and asking questions on the government's levelling up decisions. we will bring that to you live. health service strike action is continuing today in england and wales. it's the second day of a nurses' strike in england, as part of the dispute over pay. and in wales, ambulance

workers are taking part in industrial action, though emergency calls are being 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. the port of dover is warning that all services to and from calais will be suspended until about 2pm because of national strike action across france. dunkerque services are running as normal, but travellers are being urged to allow extra time forjourneys. french workers are protesting against plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 years old. ukraine has called on its western allies to speed up tax. the foreign ministry 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 such as germany, canada and poland for support. ukraine's president has said there is being investigated

following the helicopter crash that killed the interior minister. 14 others were killed in the accident which happened in foggy weather in a suburb of kyiv and set a kindergarten on fire. you're watching bbc news... our heath reporter katharine dacosta is in brighton. yes, you can probably hear behind me the picket line has been growing both in size and in noise levels all morning. there is getting close to 200 nurses out here at the royal sussex hospital in brighton. now, the two walk—out is affecting more than 50 nhs trusts across england and the action is escalating across england and wales with further strike dates

announced by the rcn and the gmb union representing ambulance workers, and we could see the biggest day of action yet on the 6th of february if those coordinated strikes go ahead. that is expected to add further pressure to the nhs, which is already stretched. figures out today show that in the week to last sunday, more than 95% of beds in england were full and more than 14,000 people who were medically fit to leave couldn't because they were still waiting for social care support. let's talk now to louise, who is a nurse. she works in the cardiac surgery. i know you've been working in the industry for 15 years. but there has been some criticism about the timing of these strikes given the pressure this winter? there is always pressure and it is getting worse, year on year. the pressure is all year around, not just with winter strikes. there is no good time to strike, no nurse here wants to strike. we are here for patients. we are the only people at the moment

that are striking to support the nhs, along with paramedics. i know the rcn says wages have fallen over the last decade. what impact is that having? you're a manager yourself — how are you finding the cost of living crisis? the cost of living crisis has been astronomical, especially recently. i can't retain or recruit into roles. brighton is a really, really expensive place anyway without inflation. let's go to the prime minister in morecambe. let's go to the prime minister in morecambe-_ let's go to the prime minister in morecambe. . , . ., morecambe. reduce debt, cut waiting lists in the nhs _ morecambe. reduce debt, cut waiting lists in the nhs and _ morecambe. reduce debt, cut waiting lists in the nhs and stop _ morecambe. reduce debt, cut waiting lists in the nhs and stop the - morecambe. reduce debt, cut waiting lists in the nhs and stop the boats, i lists in the nhs and stop the boats, tackle illegal migration. i believe that there is the country's priorities and that is why they are my priorities and the government's priorities, and i want all of you to hold me accountable for delivering all of that for you over the course of this year and beyond. but today, i want to take a second you talk about the second of those priorities, growing the economy, starting with all of you right here

in morecambe. you have heard the great news. we are investing £50 million in eden project north, and thatis million in eden project north, and that is so exciting to me and hopefully it is exciting to all of you as well. i have just come back from the site where we are looking at what is going to be created, and it is going to be spectacular. absolutely amazing. we are going to create hundreds of localjobs. you guys are going to do that. we are going to attract visitors from all around the world, because what you are going to create here is going to be world class. and we are going to make sure that we inspire so many people to think about our natural world and help tackle and solve some of the challenges of climate change. and we are going to do that right here in your hometown. so it is a brilliant example of what our levelling up agenda is all about. it is notjust talk, it is about action. but what is levelling up mean? you hear it a lot. for me, it is something very simple. it is about spreading opportunity and creating jobs and every single part of our country. but it is also about

making sure that people, wherever they live in our amazing country, can feel a huge pride, enormous pride in the places that they call home. and this project, this investment is a fantastic example of us delivering that for all of you. when david and i were out and about this morning, i sensed there was so much excitement, there was a real buzz about what this project means for your community. and that is why it is a real privilege for me to be with you today to celebrate your success. i am really proud to be able to bring the investment to you. i'm proud to back all of you and your amazing community in this wonderful project and the thing that you are going to create for us all to enjoy. and that is what gives me confidence that when we work together we really can change our country for the better, and we took an enormous step on thatjourney today with all of you. so thank you for that. that is all i wanted say. thanks. applause

i am mainly here, i am mainly here to answer some of your questions while we are in town. i to answer some of your questions while we are in town.— while we are in town. i thought it would be a _ while we are in town. i thought it would be a nice _ while we are in town. i thought it would be a nice idea _ while we are in town. i thought it would be a nice idea to _ while we are in town. i thought it would be a nice idea to come i while we are in town. i thought it would be a nice idea to come outj while we are in town. i thought it i would be a nice idea to come out and hear what you want to put to me. feel free, don't be shy. political, personal, all the rest of it. i think we have got a first question. is it emma?— think we have got a first question. is it emma? that's right, brilliant. hello, is it emma? that's right, brilliant. hello. i'm — is it emma? that's right, brilliant. hello, i'm from _ is it emma? that's right, brilliant. hello, i'm from lancaster- is it emma? that's right, brilliant. hello, i'm from lancaster and i hello, i'm from lancasterand morecambe college and i think it is fantastic— morecambe college and i think it is fantastic how the eden project has been _ fantastic how the eden project has been incorporated into the curriculum for my course, which is management. my question is, how are you going _ management. my question is, how are you going to— management. my question is, how are you going to engage students from other— you going to engage students from other subject areas within the college? _ other sub'ect areas within the colle . e? , ., other sub'ect areas within the colleie? i. .. ., college? everyone can hear the iuestion college? everyone can hear the question about _ college? everyone can hear the question about engaging i college? everyone can hear the question about engaging young j college? everyone can hear the - question about engaging young people in the projects that we announce today, and others. a brilliant question. when i talked about levelling up, i talked about rating jobs and opportunities. i represent a rural area jobs and opportunities. i represent a ruralarea in the jobs and opportunities. i represent a rural area in the north of england as well, and what i want is a member of parliament, and what i want my government to deliver, is to ensure

that all of you and the front row who are all local and studying locally, that no one feels they have to leave home to fulfil their dreams, right? that is a really simple thing. all of you have got massive ambitions for your lives and what you want to do with your lives, and what i want is for you to be able to do that at home. i don't want you to have to move away. if you want to, that is fine, but you shouldn't have to. i think for too long people felt they had to, even if they lived in london or the south. that is why these projects are really important that we are announcing today and it is white is so important, as said, that we are connecting what we do with what you want to do. talking to your college leader earlier, it is brilliant that it is happening. it is all very well as creating these jobs, we need people to do them. and we want you to benefit from them. when we ask these guys to submit their bid to us and we decide who are we going to fund, one of the things we look for is whether that is happening? our

local education establishments, colleges or universities or schools, have they been included in the bid? are they talking to the council are putting on the application? have they thought about the right courses for all of you to do to benefit from those jobs. for all of you to do to benefit from thosejobs. and it is one for all of you to do to benefit from those jobs. and it is one of the things we look at. he deserves the praise. you did it brilliantly here. i was talking to some of you earlier. that is what it is about. it is about making sure that you can fulfil all of your, all of your aspirations and you don't have to leave home. we are going to make a reality of that. when i come back and visit it in a couple of years, it will be working on the site and it will be working on the site and it will be superb. so the best of luck with that. yes, ma'am. fantastic news, thank you very much. my question— fantastic news, thank you very much. my question to you today is just what _ my question to you today is just what impact it will have on the visitor— what impact it will have on the visitor economy, here in morecambe and in _ visitor economy, here in morecambe and in the _ visitor economy, here in morecambe and in the wider area? do you think

it will— and in the wider area? do you think it will increase dwell time to visitors? _ it will increase dwell time to visitors? it it will increase dwell time to visitors? ., , ., ., , visitors? it was one of the things that david talked _ visitors? it was one of the things that david talked a _ visitors? it was one of the things that david talked a lot _ visitors? it was one of the things that david talked a lot about i visitors? it was one of the things that david talked a lot about in i that david talked a lot about in parliament, and the bed talked about it. the exciting thing about what this is going to do here is it is notjust a local this is going to do here is it is not just a local attraction, this is going to do here is it is notjust a local attraction, right? it is not even just a regional attraction. it is notjust a national attraction. attraction. it is notjust a nationalattraction. it attraction. it is notjust a national attraction. it is a world class attraction. and that is what you guys are going to do here. you are going to create something, the likes of which is going to be appealing to people all around the world. and that is what is so exciting. we have done this in cornwall. we have gotten eden project in cornwall. it is amazing. you are going to benefit from all of that. the team are already thinking about what they can do differently and better here at this time around, and better here at this time around, and what we have seen there is that it does do exactly that, it increases visits to the area, not just from the region of the country but around the world. this is a great springboard to go and visit all of the other places in the north. when we were standing at the top of the hotel and you could see

the lake district and the yorkshire dales, which is ever where i live in north yorkshire. what a great place to come, to learn, to explore how we interact with nature, take a concert at the new venue that is going to be there, but then also springboard into everything else. i think it is going to be brilliant for the visitor economy. we have already seen that that happens down south. that is going to be great for all the local businesses, jobs, b&bs, restaurants, everything else. and that really drives the local economy. that is our vision for what is going to happen. right, 0k, economy. that is our vision for what is going to happen. right, ok, let's go over here. is going to happen. right, ok, let's go over here-— is going to happen. right, ok, let's go over here.- oh, - is going to happen. right, ok, let's go over here.- oh, are i is going to happen. right, ok, let's go over here.- oh, are you | go over here. yes, sir. oh, are you from the media? _ go over here. yes, sir. oh, are you from the media? we _ go over here. yes, sir. oh, are you from the media? we are _ go over here. yes, sir. oh, are you from the media? we are going i go over here. yes, sir. oh, are you from the media? we are going to l go over here. yes, sir. oh, are you | from the media? we are going to try and do some media questions at the end. let's go over to the back. positivity. very strong offer in

lancashire. is going to be an opportunity to support— is going to be an opportunity to support fantastic investment. that is a ireat support fantastic investment. that is a great question. _ support fantastic investment. t'isgt is a great question. ok, let me take is a great question. 0k, let me take that away. we should do more regional tourism. that away. we should do more regionaltourism. i have that away. we should do more regional tourism. i have to be careful in your presence, but i'm obviously very proud of the yorkshire brand that i benefit from and i try to champion around the world. that is right. we are trying to appeal to people around the world. yes, of course, they should come and visit the uk overall. but we can put a picture together to visit lancashire, yorkshire, the north. and dcms should do a good job of that. let me take that away and find out how we do a good job of that. when you do that, having a signature attraction like this are probably very important to making it a success, because then one could want to come to the uk just because

of this project at the end of the day stop so we have got to use that so it can benefit the entire region here, and we should think about how to do that intelligently without tourism money and how we structure all the tourism agencies. that is a great idea. i will take that away. over here. great idea. i will take that away. over here-— over here. lancaster university. eden project _ over here. lancaster university. eden project work _ over here. lancaster university. eden project work and _ over here. lancaster university. eden project work and brings i eden project work and brings together economic regeneration with nature's— together economic regeneration with nature's recovery. we all know that time spent — nature's recovery. we all know that time spent outside is very good for health— time spent outside is very good for health impact. in the levelling up bill, health impact. in the levelling up bill. is _ health impact. in the levelling up bill, is going to be provisions that allow— bill, is going to be provisions that allow more — bill, is going to be provisions that allow more access to green spaces for all— allow more access to green spaces for all individuals to help reduce inequalities? it�*s for all individuals to help reduce inequalities?— inequalities? it's a really important _ inequalities? it's a really important point. - inequalities? it's a really important point. we i inequalities? it's a really. important point. we know inequalities? it's a really i important point. we know the inequalities? it's a really _ important point. we know the power of green and open spaces for people's general well—being, their health, their mental health, their fitness. and just because it is a lovely thing to do and we'll get pleasure from being outside, particularly on an amazing like today. one of the things we have done which we have already announced and we are in the process of rolling

out art something which we used to call pocket parks, i think they are now called levelling up parks. branding everything levelling up. what these are is where the government will provide a small grant to local communities to create green spaces, particularly in those parts of the country that don't often have them. if you think a big city areas, where there is more deprivation and creating those green spacesis deprivation and creating those green spaces is really needed. you talked about closing the inequality gap there. that pockets parks programme was one of my first ministerial jobs. that is where we came across it and we did more of it because it works brilliantly. and it works brilliantly when it is working together with local communities because, largely, people are happy to pitch in. there is a patch on their part of town that they think they could do something more special with, engage schoolchildren, engage people who are retired, and then do it really well. now you can get government funding to help you do those kinds of projects. it is small—scale things, but they make a

real difference to a community that you can do relatively quickly. they are the things that make the most difference, actually, and how we feel about life, and close some of the inequalities that you talk about. the next time we do one of those, if you have an idea, e—mail it to an end we can see if we can help. yes, sir. it to an end we can see if we can help- yes. sir-— help. yes, sir. estate agent. obviously — help. yes, sir. estate agent. obviously this _ help. yes, sir. estate agent. obviously this is _ help. yes, sir. estate agent. obviously this is absolutely i obviously this is absolutely fantastic_ obviously this is absolutely fantastic news, _ obviously this is absolutely fantastic news, great - obviously this is absolutely fantastic news, great news| obviously this is absolutely. fantastic news, great news for obviously this is absolutely- fantastic news, great news for the area _ fantastic news, great news for the area do _ fantastic news, great news for the area do you — fantastic news, great news for the area. do you have _ fantastic news, great news for the area. do you have any _ fantastic news, great news for the i area. do you have any timeframes? fantastic news, great news for the - area. do you have any timeframes? we were area. do you have any timeframes? were talking to the team and we think it is about two years, i think, at the timeframe for this particular project. that is really what the fund is abound, the levelling up a fund. often government are spending billions of pounds on things that take decades, and by the time they are finished you forget whenever they started and he was responsible. this levelling up he was responsible. this levelling up commitment is... this is not small, but smaller scale type projects where you can see and feel that the change in your community

quite quickly. and that is what we are really keen to deliver. i mentioned it at the beginning, the things i want to do for you. i believe in action. i want to do things that you can hold me accountable for actually delivering. and this project is one where i talked to the team, when is this going to get done? one of the ways when we allocate money and where the team are figuring out which bits are successful, one of the criteria is deliverability. are the team all connected together? have they took to the private sector as well and it is notjust councils that are doing it? have they figure out how they can deliver this thing and do it quickly and well? that is how we score the beds. the team here locally will probably be able to give you a more specific answer, but thatis give you a more specific answer, but that is the rough timeframe. and that is the rough timeframe. and thatis that is the rough timeframe. and that is pretty similar with all of the things we are trying to fund over the course of today. good, right, yes.

over the course of today. good, right. yes-_ over the course of today. good, riht, es. ., ., ., ., right, yes. hannah from lancaster colleae. right, yes. hannah from lancaster college- and _ right, yes. hannah from lancaster college. and i'm _ right, yes. hannah from lancaster college. and i'm wanting - right, yes. hannah from lancaster college. and i'm wanting to - right, yes. hannah from lancaster college. and i'm wanting to know| college. and i'm wanting to know what _ college. and i'm wanting to know whatiob— college. and i'm wanting to know whatjob opportunities college. and i'm wanting to know what job opportunities there will be from the _ what job opportunities there will be from the eden project for students like us _ from the eden project for students like us or— from the eden project for students like us orjust the public you are wanting — like us orjust the public you are wanting to — like us orjust the public you are wanting to seek a job? | like us orjust the public you are wanting to seek a job?— like us orjust the public you are wanting to seek a job? wanting to seek a “oh? i mean, there are auoin wanting to seek a “oh? i mean, there are going to _ wanting to seek a “oh? i mean, there going to be — wanting to seek a job? i mean, there are going to be different _ wanting to seek a job? i mean, there are going to be different types - wanting to seek a job? i mean, there are going to be different types of - are going to be different types of jobs at different phases. in the early phase, lots of construction jobs, actually. as you build the project, there will be hundreds of construction jobs that are needed. and actually, michael gove was visiting some of your colleagues who are studying, so that is going to be great. i think one of them said to them, i did this construction apprenticeship, i made the decision to do it, and now after today i think it is the best decision i made. i don't know that person is here. after it is built, i'm not the expert but the project team will be able to tell you as well. some of us were talking before. there will be lots ofjobs were talking before. there will be lots of jobs actually were talking before. there will be lots ofjobs actually in conservation. if you think about what the eden project is. it is a world class attraction that talks about our relationship with nature,

and because of the research and some of the discovery going on there, they will be some really exciting opportunities in the natural world. he won't be available in many other parts of the country. so i think thatis parts of the country. so i think that is really special. and then they will be hospitalityjobs. at they will be hospitalityjobs. at the end of the day, we talked about it right at the beginning, this is a visitor attraction, a visitor economy. marketing, finance, accounts. all of that stuff. all sorts of things, which is going to be great for all of you and everyone else in the area. lam the i am the leader of the city council here, _ i am the leader of the city council here, this — i am the leader of the city council here, this is — i am the leader of the city council here, this is a fantastic day. i don't — here, this is a fantastic day. i don't think— here, this is a fantastic day. i don't think i can think of a better one, _ don't think i can think of a better one. ever. — don't think i can think of a better one, ever, and looking forward, it is going _ one, ever, and looking forward, it is going to — one, ever, and looking forward, it is going to change morecambe. we are so happy— is going to change morecambe. we are so happy to— is going to change morecambe. we are so happy to be here, and it is a great— so happy to be here, and it is a great relief, finally, actually saying — great relief, finally, actually saying it. but what i would say to you is _ saying it. but what i would say to

you is there's incredible energy, enthusiasm, ingenuity, fabulous collaboration across sectors, we have _ collaboration across sectors, we have the — collaboration across sectors, we have the mp working with the county council _ have the mp working with the county council we — have the mp working with the county council. we have all of this to often — council. we have all of this to often how _ council. we have all of this to offer. how are you going to pick this up— offer. how are you going to pick this up because levelling up comes once ltut— this up because levelling up comes once but how is this immense possibility for this area and across the north—west and where you are, how is— the north—west and where you are, how is the — the north—west and where you are, how is the north going to be picked up how is the north going to be picked up and _ how is the north going to be picked up and help to really contribute to the future — up and help to really contribute to the future of our nation 's we know that we _ the future of our nation 's we know that we have been left behind. how are we _ that we have been left behind. how are we going to get that rolling on wood's? _ are we going to get that rolling on wood's? because that is what we want to do _ wood's? because that is what we want to do |_ wood's? because that is what we want to do. ., ,., ., wood's? because that is what we want to do. ., ., ., to do. i am so glad that you feel excited about _ to do. i am so glad that you feel excited about today. _ to do. i am so glad that you feel excited about today. i _ to do. i am so glad that you feel excited about today. i think - to do. i am so glad that you feel excited about today. i think it i excited about today. i think it really is a day to celebrate. you ask how we are doing it. byjust getting on and delivering it, to be honest. you cannotjust talk about trying to close the gaps or change things in the past, you've got to do it in practice. which is what today is a great example of. we are doing

this across the region and there are projects everywhere having a similar day to you guys today. the other thing we need to change, that is all very well, we can announce money and projects for a particular place but we have got to change peoples perception and mindsets, and give people the sense that actually, for the first time, people talk about this in the past but now someone is doing something about it. but that will not happen overnight. change doesn't happen overnight. but i feel when i'm doing my visits across the north now that people feel that something has changed. you take an area like teesside, a great example that i know well the corer that might because it is close to where i live, it is an area that over the past several years, the steel plant closed in teesside, thousands lost theirjobs, and at that point you think, gosh, what is the future of our region like, what does that mean for us 's fast forward not back many

years, and it is brimming with optimism and excitement, partly because of the things government has done, creating a new freeport, getting funding from the infrastructure bank. like you they have received funding for town centres and high streets. the treasury when i was chancellor put in a treasury office in darlington. people in the region have taken that and have been brilliant and they are brimming with ingenuity and pride in their area that it is going places, newjobs are being created. that is a positive cycle. once we do one or two things and people think change is starting to happen, it builds on itself, and you get a virtuous circle of positivity and momentum to do new and better things. i want everyone to get through that process and hopefully, there are so many good things going on here, that a project like this can kick—start a new sense of forward progress right here so that everyone can feel

confident about the future. this will spur other people to think about other things and we can replicate that in lots of places and we will make the change. i am determined to deliver it. and i really think that actually, today, what we have done previously is making a really good stab at it and you will see lots more from us over the next couple of years, also. right, yes? hi, john. the next couple of years, also. right, yes? hi, john.— the next couple of years, also. right, yes? hi, john. how secure is the additional _ right, yes? hi, john. how secure is the additional funding _ right, yes? hi, john. how secure is the additional funding to _ right, yes? hi, john. how secure is the additional funding to complete l the additional funding to complete this project in a two—year timeframe? this project in a two-year timeframe?— this project in a two-year timeframe? ., timeframe? the funding from government _ timeframe? the funding from government is _ timeframe? the funding from government is utterly - timeframe? the funding from government is utterly secure. timeframe? the funding from - government is utterly secure. the project team are in is the process of securing the other bits they need from different places, some from the private sector, some from pension funds and other investors but one of the big pictures which we have always thought about this project and what the team have always said, if the government comes and shows commitment, that will unlock private—sector capital. that is really important to start a project like this needs to be able to

attract capital from other places if we think it is going to work and be successful. ifeel we think it is going to work and be successful. i feel confident about that, the team feels confident about that, the team feels confident about that as well. we have made a very significant statement today with what we have done. as you say those conversations will be easier with other providers of capital. yes, ? i'm a local charity worker, in the local— i'm a local charity worker, in the local hospice, we are constantly looking — local hospice, we are constantly looking for funding. i was pleased to hear— looking for funding. i was pleased to hear the announcement today but i have an _ to hear the announcement today but i have an inkling of worry about the funding _ have an inkling of worry about the funding. continuation of that theme. it is like _ funding. continuation of that theme. it is like the — funding. continuation of that theme. it is like the stars aligned on the news _ it is like the stars aligned on the news because the king wants to give the n1oney— news because the king wants to give the money from the wind farm that is there _ the money from the wind farm that is there in— the money from the wind farm that is there in morecambe bay, and i thought— there in morecambe bay, and i thought maybe that was an option. i thought maybe that was an option. haven't thought maybe that was an option. i haven't spoken to him about that bit yet! i have not seen the details of what is going on but there is a mechanism in place for some of the

crown estate funds. you should feel confident. this is such an exciting project. and now that the government has come in and put a huge commitment behind it, you will see actually lots of other sources of capital unlock and other people will want to be part of it as well. thank you for what you are doing at the hospice, which is obviously amazing work. i was in northern ireland recently visiting a hospice there, and you and your colleagues who work in places like thatjust do something that is very special and very demanding, and the people you help our very lucky and we are enormously grateful to have you. applause yes?- applause yes? ., , ., ., applause yes? ., ., applause yes? iwonder if ou had an idea applause yes? i wonder if ou had an idea of yes? i wonder if you had any idea of how a project _ yes? i wonder if you had any idea of how a project like _ yes? i wonder if you had any idea of how a project like this _ yes? i wonder if you had any idea of how a project like this would - how a project like this would address— how a project like this would address the health inequalities that are so— address the health inequalities that are so prevalent in our community. the question—

are so prevalent in our community. the question we had before about green spaces is a good example. we know that having good example —— good access to a more open space is good access to a more open space is good for well—being, physical and mental health, and what is going to happen here is going to be fantastic for that. happen here is going to be fantastic forthat. i happen here is going to be fantastic for that. i was talking about some of the pocket park, things, they all do the same thing but, more broadly, talking about the nhs in general, you will know that the nhs is under pressure, and i want you to know that we in government recognise that and we are doing everything we can to make life a bit better. that is why, a few months ago, we had the autumn statement. the chancellor stood up after i became prime minister, and we had to make, and government, some quite difficult decisions because you will remember things needed settling and calming down. we had to get borrowing and debt under control and have a clear plan to reduce inflation. that meant some difficult decisions. we try to do those as fairly as we could. as we did those we prioritise the nhs

as i did when i was chancellor. we put more money in to the nhs, billions of pounds more over the next couple of years. you might well ask, you say that you're putting in billions and every time i turn on my tv seems like there is something thatis tv seems like there is something that is not quite working, and that is a combination of lots of things. we have had a tough flu season, covid is something we are still recovering from, and we are not alone in that here in england, but across the uk. it is happening in other countries as well. it is not confined to the uk. i tell you what we are doing to try to ease some of those pressures and give you the confidence things will improve. many of you will have families that are waiting for operations, on a waiting list somewhere. the number has got now to several million people so, i would imagine if i ask you lots of you will have a family is waiting for something. we have got a really clear plan in place to get the numbers of people waiting down, which are making progress on

and that is about doing things differently. say things like hip operations, we try to separate those from the hospital. the hospital is dealing with lots of emergency care. if we can take things like hip operations or ct scans, mri scans, we can do those closer to your home in the community in a new centre. all that means we can keep getting on with the treatment even when the nhs gets busy. because we are doing things like that we are able to cut waiting lists. when it comes to ambulances and emergency care, the single biggest thing we have to tackle is the number of people in hospital. right now hospitals are really full, partly because of the winter and flew, partly because of covid, and what we need to do as quickly as possible is for all the people you don't need to be in hospital you could be at home in the community in a social care setting, we need support to get them there. we have put some extra money into do exactly that. every week that goes by, we are able to get people back to their homes and communities. that

eases up the bird in the hospitals and just makes everything in the hospital work a bit quicker and easier —— eases up the burden. so we are not going to get there overnight but rest assured i'm spending an enormous amount of my time on it. the other saturday at a meeting with people from the nhs all around the country. one of the things we focused on was learning for those people who are doing it really well. you look on your tv i think, this a problem everywhere, actually there are lots of places around the country where, locally, they have figured out how to overcome some of these challenges because the team there have done something different and have overcome the challenges and what we try to do is identify all of those so that we can take those ideas and ways of working and spread them across the rest of the nhs so that everyone benefits and things get better. in a couple of weeks i will be talking to you all about how specifically we will do that in emergency care, so again as i said over the course of this year, you should absolutely hold me to account

when i come back here at some point you can say, how are you getting on with that and i'm confident we will be in a better place than today so i know that it is the most important public service. my dad was a doctor, my mum was a pharmacist, i grew up in an nhs family and they know how important health gets to the country and that is why i will keep going at it until it gets a lot better. yes? ijust it until it gets a lot better. yes? i just want to say thank you very much _ i just want to say thank you very much for— i just want to say thank you very much for this support and investment into the _ much for this support and investment into the local area. i suppose my question— into the local area. i suppose my question is. _ into the local area. i suppose my question is, to help college bowl, further— question is, to help college bowl, further education college bowl to provide _ further education college bowl to provide skills for the future and grow— provide skills for the future and grow the — provide skills for the future and grow the economy is the government committed _ grow the economy is the government committed to supporting fe colleges and apprenticeships? yes committed to supporting fe colleges and apprenticeships?— and apprenticeships? yes is the cuick and apprenticeships? yes is the quick answer! _ and apprenticeships? yes is the quick answer! in _ and apprenticeships? yes is the quick answer! in the _ and apprenticeships? yes is the quick answer! in the past - and apprenticeships? yes is the quick answer! in the past we . and apprenticeships? yes is the i quick answer! in the past we spent and apprenticeships? yes is the - quick answer! in the past we spent a lot of time talking about university. and that's great, but we need to spend as much, if not more,

time talking about the other ways that people can get qualifications that people can get qualifications that they need and that is something i firmly believe. that they need and that is something ifirmly believe. i believe in reorienting the funding and attention to other things, whether it is fe colleges or apprenticeships. what we have in place are incentives for small businesses to take on apprentices. you can go online and look at those if you are interested in taking on an apprentice, there is government support for you to do that. fe colleges are getting more funding and the other thing we are doing is trying to improve the quality of the actual colleges themselves, hadn't got money for repair and maintenance for a long time so we are in the process of improving the quality of them which is nice when you guys show up to study. the environment is a nice place to study. the other thing we are doing which is more radical, we are changing how the student finance system works. when you go to university now, you get is government provided loan. everyone can have it. you don't have to pay it back for a long time. it comes on

relatively preferential terms although people don't always think that. what the government is doing is changing that. it is notjust there for you if you are 18 and going to do a three—year university degree. if you are 25, 35, a5, and you want to go and pick up a qualification, maybe a level a qualification, maybe a level a qualification in cloud computing, may be level 3 in veterinary nursing, as we were talking about before and you decide that later in life, you should still have access to that type of funding. we are changing the system over the next couple of years so people will be able to do that. the way the economy works is changing. people change jobs more often. what i want to make sure is that anyone who is prepared to work hard, if they want to get some new skills, get a betterjob, a newjob, earn more money and provide more for theirfamily, i want newjob, earn more money and provide more for their family, i want the government to have their back. all of you who are working hard and you want to go and do something more for

yourfamily, i want to be right behind you and that is why we are reorienting the finance system so it does that for those people, that is really important to me and that is how we will build a vibrant economy as well, because we want people to be in the rightjobs doing the right things, and that is constantly changing. it is important for us to deliver that. we have a couple, don't you that you have to ask questions about the eden project, if there is anything else on your mind, we will wrap up in a bit. yes, sir? iam the we will wrap up in a bit. yes, sir? i am the chairman of the association, i want to thank you for the investment today, you have realised — the investment today, you have realised the dreams of thousands of local people. fantastic, world lreating — local people. fantastic, world beating attraction but the importance of having an attraction like this— importance of having an attraction like this is— importance of having an attraction like this is also the public transport infrastructure that goes alongside that. people cannot visit the north— alongside that. people cannot visit the north of england if there is no official— the north of england if there is no official transport system. i want to know _ official transport system. i want to know the _ official transport system. i want to know the government plans for that going _ know the government plans for that going forward. know the government plans for that going forward-—

going forward. there are lots of different things _ going forward. there are lots of different things we _ going forward. there are lots of different things we are - going forward. there are lots of different things we are doing i going forward. there are lots ofj different things we are doing on transport and they are all slightly different. we have got to connect all the places across the country. one of the big ways we talked about doing that is high speed two, hs2, which is going from london up north. we need to connect up across the north and i know that because i live on the other side of the pennines. i know that when i was in northallerton in north yorkshire, getting up and down to london is actually great, relatively quick, the train works. but trying to go over to manchester is much trickier. thatjourney over to manchester is much trickier. that journey time takes far longer, is far less reliable than when travelling from north to south and one of the big challenges, i see lots of people nodding, you will know if you live here, trying to get across the north is not as easy as it should be. we announced an enormous sounding number last year, £96 billion, hard to know what to do with that number but it represents the largest investment in rail across the midlands and north that

this country has ever seen. things that cost billions and take decades, it will not happen overnight but it is big and significant at almost any journey time you look at, you will see that it is going to shrink, whether it is east—west across the north, up and down, north — south, so that is helpful, and we are trying to do more local transportation which is what people like you asked me about. that in my area, it needs to be easier to get around. that is where we need to focus more. we will talk about your community college. the thing that makes opportunity reel is for people to be able to access it in their area. that is about making sure that, in your area, you can get to where thejobs are that, in your area, you can get to where the jobs are from where you live stock that is about investing in local roads, which we do a lot more of, repairing potholes, sound simple but it is important, and also doing more with buses and cycling and things like that but fundamentally making sure that the road network works efficiently everywhere, and around the big city

regions, whether that is greater manchester, birmingham, they are like london. london got this special deal of the london mayor gets a pot of money and the signs are to over a period of time. and we want those same funding powers to be in place around the country and in all the big city regions to make it easier for people to move in and around them. something we have not done brilliantly as a country in the past. people look at us and say, hang on, how, these other places are not as productive as london, in the way that across europe they often other cities, that is one of the reasons. because, actually, london has the tube and it makes it very easy to get from one end to the middle on one end to the other. we want to try and replicate that in other city regions and that drives a lot of economic activity so over the course of the next few years will be making progress on that. all right. 0k, making progress on that. all right. ok, yes? lode

making progress on that. all right. ok, es? ~ . . making progress on that. all right. ok, es? ., ., ., ,,. making progress on that. all right. ok, es? ., ., . ., ok, yes? we have a fabulous bunch of ladies and gentlemen _ ok, yes? we have a fabulous bunch of ladies and gentlemen working - ok, yes? we have a fabulous bunch of ladies and gentlemen working in i ok, yes? we have a fabulous bunch of ladies and gentlemen working in the i ladies and gentlemen working in the winter— ladies and gentlemen working in the winter gardens and have had fabulous tourist _ winter gardens and have had fabulous tourist figures this year and that a selfish _ tourist figures this year and that a selfish point we hope that even though— selfish point we hope that even though it — selfish point we hope that even though it will provide us with a lot more. _ though it will provide us with a lot more. but — though it will provide us with a lot more. but i — though it will provide us with a lot more, but i was born in morecambe, so i know— more, but i was born in morecambe, so i know the — more, but i was born in morecambe, so i know the heyday, which was brilliant. — so i know the heyday, which was brilliant, thoroughly enjoyed it, lots to— brilliant, thoroughly enjoyed it, lots to do, and then the bad times with not— lots to do, and then the bad times with not a — lots to do, and then the bad times with not a lot to do, and on a smaller investment ideas for local people _ smaller investment ideas for local people to — smaller investment ideas for local people to get the money to up their business _ people to get the money to up their business. we have already seen over the past _ business. we have already seen over the past few years that there have been _ the past few years that there have been new — the past few years that there have been new cafes wine bars, hotel expansions, and this was well before we knew— expansions, and this was well before we knew about the eden project so, hopefully— we knew about the eden project so, hopefully we will get a lot more. will they— hopefully we will get a lot more. will they be guaranteed some sort of money— will they be guaranteed some sort of money to— will they be guaranteed some sort of money to do this? we have a lot of empty— money to do this? we have a lot of empty spaces, empty shops, and they need filling, which we hope they

will do. — need filling, which we hope they will do, i'm sure they will come back— will do, i'm sure they will come back it — will do, i'm sure they will come back it seems churlish when you have 'ust back it seems churlish when you have just announced giving us 50 million! come _ just announced giving us 50 million! come back— just announced giving us 50 million! come back with a bit more! basically. i know that we would appreciate it very much, because we need _ appreciate it very much, because we need the _ appreciate it very much, because we need the money. that appreciate it very much, because we need the money-— need the money. that is right, no harm in asking! _ need the money. that is right, no harm in asking! of _ need the money. that is right, no harm in asking! of course - need the money. that is right, no harm in asking! of course we i need the money. that is right, no i harm in asking! of course we cannot do everything. i love to do everything, we can't. we can talk about it if you want. we are having some not easy conversations with unions about what is affordable when it comes to pay. it has a budget like all of you in your homes and businesses. we have to make those decisions and they are not easy. what i agree with you about is... if you are justjoining us, we are with you arejustjoining us, we are with rishi sunak the prime minister in morecambe, where money has been announced from the levelling up fund, £2 billion announced as part of government pledges to reduce regional inequality. there has been

some criticism around the transparency of the process, with it being pointed out that more tory areas have got money than others, so rishi sunak answering questions initially here at this briefing in morecambe, from members of the public and from those obviously interested specifically in the cash been allocated in morecambe, and then there will be questions from journalists. so we will stay with this. ., ., ., this. the other thing we need to do is, it is a this. the other thing we need to do is. it is a bit — this. the other thing we need to do is, it is a bit technical— this. the other thing we need to do is, it is a bit technical but _ this. the other thing we need to do is, it is a bit technical but it - this. the other thing we need to do is, it is a bit technical but it is i is, it is a bit technical but it is important. you are all changing how you shop. we are doing more online and that impacts the high street so we have to make sure that high streets and adapt and evolve stock that means changing planning laws, which is what we have done. you would get some councillors more familiar with this than i am but it used to be very tricky. if you used to be a shop and you wanted to change it to make it into an office

or indeed put apartments or flats above the top, or change it into a hairdressers, all of those things were complicated so we have changed planning laws to make it easier. as all of our habits evolve, high streets will need to look different and do different things. there will be less a shop selling things, and more services, whether hairdressers, nail salons, more services, whether hairdressers, nailsalons, dentist, more services, whether hairdressers, nail salons, dentist, the scanners that i talked about where you can get your mri or ct scan, you could do that on the high street rather than having to schlep over to the hospital. so the planning rules we have announced will help the high street adapt, and in terms of specific money for them, there is something called help to grow, which is business support for small businesses, where they can receive grant funding if they want to improve their business and grow and they have ambitions to do more, they will get help, support and training and software that will help them do that. that is a specific programme

to have a look at, and the business rates cut is having an effect in a couple of months putting more cash in their pockets and the chancellor has announced some help with energy bills as well because they have had some help at the moment and it was set to end and the chancellor has announced that it will carry on, it cannot be as generous because we cannot be as generous because we cannot keep doing it at the same level but there will be extra help with energy bills as well. because the eden project north is going to be here and it will bring people here, bring business and that is the most important thing so that is the thing that, people need somewhere to eat and hang out so hopefully lots more customers, which would be very good news. yes? i more customers, which would be very good news yes?— good news. yes? i am laura, a local business owner- _ good news. yes? i am laura, a local business owner. i— good news. yes? i am laura, a local business owner. i have _ good news. yes? i am laura, a local business owner. i have a _ good news. yes? i am laura, a local business owner. i have a shot i business owner. i have a shot directly — business owner. i have a shot directly opposite where the eden project— directly opposite where the eden project is— directly opposite where the eden project is going to be built. which pro'ect is going to be built. which is project is going to be built. which is aood project is going to be built. which is good news- _ project is going to be built. which is good news. i'm _ project is going to be built. which is good news. i'm going _ project is going to be built. which is good news. i'm going to - project is going to be built. which is good news. i'm going to go i project is going to be built. which is good news. i'm going to go a l is good news. i'm going to go a little bit left — is good news. i'm going to go a little bit left field. _ is good news. i'm going to go a little bit left field. has -

is good news. i'm going to go a little bit left field. has anybodyj little bit left field. has anybody thought about the pressure on the local rnli team when tourism increases would matter my son is part of— increases would matter my son is part of the — increases would matter my son is part of the rnli. —— i wondered —— iwondered if —— i wondered if anyone —— iwondered if anyone had considered the added pressure on the local team _ considered the added pressure on the local team. . . considered the added pressure on the localteam. . . . considered the added pressure on the localteam. ., , ., . local team. that is an excellent question- _ local team. that is an excellent question- if— local team. that is an excellent question. if we _ local team. that is an excellent question. if we have _ local team. that is an excellent question. if we have time i local team. that is an excellent i question. if we have time afterwards you can have a chat with me and we can make sure that we have thought about it and get you the support you need. thank you for the job that you are doing as well, because that is brilliant as well. i was in scotland and northern ireland seeing their search and rescue team and they were talking about interactions with your colleagues as well. they need people to help them out when they come yes thank you to doing that. i will pick that up with you if that is all right, and thank you for volunteering. forthe

right, and thank you for volunteering. for the questions and answers afterwards. there was a lady at the back. i am getting waived at. i will take some question from the media as well. i i will take some question from the media as well.— i will take some question from the media as well. i am williams, leader of lancashire — media as well. i am williams, leader of lancashire county _ media as well. i am williams, leader of lancashire county council, - media as well. i am williams, leader of lancashire county council, thank i of lancashire county council, thank you for— of lancashire county council, thank you for your— of lancashire county council, thank you for your investment in the eden project— you for your investment in the eden project today but more widely, £220 million _ project today but more widely, £220 million across lancashire is a fantastic— million across lancashire is a fantastic boost of confidence for us all. i fantastic boost of confidence for us all i hope — fantastic boost of confidence for us all. i hope that came through all of the bits— all. i hope that came through all of the bits from all of the partners here. _ the bits from all of the partners here, universities, councils, county council. _ here, universities, councils, county council. third — here, universities, councils, county council, third sector, we all work hard _ council, third sector, we all work hard together over eden for the last five years. — hard together over eden for the last five years, spearheaded by david doing _ five years, spearheaded by david doing his — five years, spearheaded by david doing his cheerleader debate in westminster, which is great. i wanted — westminster, which is great. i wanted to— westminster, which is great. i wanted to ask you about the county council's _ wanted to ask you about the county council's bid, which was about greener. — council's bid, which was about greener, safer, more active travel because _ greener, safer, more active travel because we — greener, safer, more active travel because we see that is really important, making local communities safer and _ important, making local communities safer and easier to walk about. interested in your views and vision

for that _ interested in your views and vision for that. . ~ interested in your views and vision for that. ., ,, ., , ., for that. talking to the question earlier about _ for that. talking to the question earlier about transport, - for that. talking to the question earlier about transport, that i for that. talking to the question earlier about transport, that is i for that. talking to the question i earlier about transport, that is the local bit that i was talking about. actually, whether it is bosses where we are doing more, but as you said, active travel, and some of the schemes we have supported today —— buses, one of the ones in my constituency is an active travel component to it. we spoke about how health connects with this and people can, if they want, to be out and about and get from a to b, but for it to be good for their health and physical fitness so it is part of the plans and as we have seen some of the projects that they specifically benefit from active travel investment. it is not my favourite thing to do. i am not big on the cycling thing but that is personal. we need to make sure that we have it for the people that want it so that is why we are doing some of it today. thank you. we had better take some questions, is that all right, timewise? i know that you

are a veteran of these things. prime minister, are a veteran of these things. prime minister. you're _ are a veteran of these things. prime minister, you're giving _ are a veteran of these things. prime minister, you're giving money- are a veteran of these things. prime minister, you're giving money to i minister, you're giving money to morecambe today but also giving £90 million _ morecambe today but also giving £90 million to— morecambe today but also giving £90 million to reopen a castle in canterbury, whilst bradford and south _ canterbury, whilst bradford and south tyneside have got nothing. is this what— south tyneside have got nothing. is this what levelling up looks like now. _ this what levelling up looks like now. and — this what levelling up looks like now, and as part of that can i ask you about — now, and as part of that can i ask you about the make up of your cabinet? — you about the make up of your cabinet? it _ you about the make up of your cabinet? it has quite a heavy bias to the _ cabinet? it has quite a heavy bias to the south. you have more cabinet members _ to the south. you have more cabinet members representing seats in surrey than in _ members representing seats in surrey than in the _ members representing seats in surrey than in the whole of the north of england — than in the whole of the north of england. is that while levelling up is now— england. is that while levelling up is now a _ england. is that while levelling up is now a little more focused on the south? _ is now a little more focused on the south? |_ is now a little more focused on the south? ., _ ., is now a little more focused on the south? ., ., _, , is now a little more focused on the south? ., ., , ., south? i would say a couple of thins south? i would say a couple of things initially. _ south? i would say a couple of things initially. you _ south? i would say a couple of things initially. you look- south? i would say a couple of things initially. you look at i south? i would say a couple ofj things initially. you look at the funding we have announced today in the levelling up fund. we have this levelling up fund. this is the bit we are announcing today. and we have to think about how each region is getting its share of this money, does it seem reasonable? the best way is to compare with the money each region is getting with a number of people it has, some regions are

fewer than others, how many pounds of investment per person in the region, and what you find is that the north—west is the top region. so the north—west is the top region. so the amount of money per person living there, who came top? more on levellin: living there, who came top? more on levelling up — living there, who came top? more on levelling up funding _ living there, who came top? more on levelling up funding coming - living there, who came top? more on levelling up funding coming on i living there, who came top? more on levelling up funding coming on the i levelling up funding coming on the one o'clock news with ben brown. now the weather with alex humphreys. the aood the weather with alex humphreys. the: good news for the weather with alex humphreys. i““i9 good news for many is that the wintry showers will be easing. more dry weather for the rest of the day. sunny spells as well but it will stay cold. we have an arctic air flow at the moment with winds coming from the north. but as you can see things are changing over the next few days. it is getting milder with this yellow colour sweeping across the uk but it is slow to move across the uk but it is slow to move across the whole country. for the rest of the whole country. for the rest of the day sunny spells, that wintry weather continues for parts of scotland. elsewhere across the uk, the winter weather will start to look like sleet and rain for lower levels with snow possible across the

north york moors. the wins, strong in scotland and across the east coast, but as elsewhere, will be easing. temperatures between 3—7 celsius. this evening the focus shifts from snow, to ice. we will have icy areas in the north and the west. there will be plenty of dry, clear weather overnight which means temperatures will drop to below freezing. minus three celsius in some parts of scotland. the winds will continue to ease although the fresh winds will continue across north sea coast. easing for the rest of us. some mist and fog first thing to the west. as will the frost. a widespread frost what is all but that will lift deleted dry, bright day with sunny spells for many of us, with the wind is still easing and temperatures between 5—7 celsius. high pressure is in control for much of the country on friday but we have this system of low pressure moving into the north,

affecting us slowly over the next few days. you can see this affecting us on saturday. this milder air is bringing cloud and rain to parts of the north and west. further south, a bit of mist and fog first thing that will clear be dry, cold day. plenty of sunshine for the south—west, south—east. top temperatures between a-8 south—east. top temperatures between a—8 celsius. temperatures are creeping up with milder air moving in from the atlantic and it is sweeping in across much of the uk although the very far south—east will hold onto that colder weather for longer. the north—west over the next few days will be more unsettled and cloudy, but for the south—east, it is cold and dry.

the government reveals details of which towns and cities will get a share of its £2 billion levelling up fund. more than 100 projects have been unveiled. labour say too much of the money is going to london and the south east. ministers insist it's the north of england and wales that will benefit the most. if you look at the funding and you compare it to the number of people that live in each region, the region that has done the best in the amount of funding per person is the north. the truth is that this is not the right way to allocate money, creating winners and losers around the country, and ministers playing favourites with the projects that they like the look of. we'll be live with correspondents in some of the areas that are getting new fund from the government. also this lunchtime.