this is bbc news. the headlines: president zelensky appealed for more tanks and weapons as western defence ministers wait to discuss support for ukraine. some british chants have been promised but president zelensky says time isn't on your side. hundreds of thank you are not hundreds of tanks. all of us can use thousands of words in discussions but i cannot put words instead of guns that are needed against russian artillery. would we want? real pay. when do we want it? now. more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland. one of the dates will coincide

with a strike by nurses. the family of yousef makki when the fight to have a fresh inquest into his death. a surprise fall in the amount spent by shoppers in december, as people cut back on their christmas spending. # it would be so nice. # and tickets have gone on sale for madonna's good afternoon and welcome to the bbc news channel. the ukrainian president volodomyr zelensky has appeared via videolink to make a direct appeal for tanks, at a meeting of western defence chiefs in germany. representatives of more than 50 countries are discussing the co—ordination of stronger military support for kyiv. president zelensky called on the allies to agree the delivery

of tanks and other advanced weapons as a matter of urgency. germany is under pressure to allow its leopard—two tanks to be exported to ukraine, which isn't a member of nato. the uk has commited to sending 1a challenger 2 tanks to the frontline. here's our diplomatic correspondent, james landale. for western defence chiefs gathering in germany, a huge decision awaits. one that could shape the next phase of the war in ukraine and potentially even its outcome. these allies have already given ukraine unprecedented military support, now they need to decide whether to go further. america's position, at least, is clear. if this is a crucial moment. russia is recruiting and regrouping. this is not a moment to slow down, it is a time to dig deeper. the ukrainian people are watching us. the kremlin is watching us.

and history is watching us. so we won't let up and we went waver in our determination to help ukraine defend itself from russia's imperial aggression. what ukraine wants is the fire power to end the relative stalemate on the front line and the ability to launch a counter offensive against russian forces breaking through their lines in the south and east. and this is what ukraine wants, the leopard two battle tank many european countries have and are willing to provide, but there is a problem. germany makes these tanks and it has a veto over where they are sent and is reluctant to let them go to ukraine. much to the frustration of its president who told the meeting he wants hundreds. i am truly grateful to all of you for the weapons you have provided, every unit helps to save our people from terror. but time, time remains the weapon.

we have two speed up, time must become our common weapon. overnight, the us promised ukraine mow bradley fighting vehicles, more air defence missile systems. european nations have also been promising more military support. all of it putting pressure on the shoulders of this man, germany's new defence minister whose government fears sending tanks may escalate the conflict. his officials have hinted germany might send tanks but only if the us does, too. for now it appears no decision has been made. the leopard two are part of the consultations which are going on between nato allies and partners in this group of nations supporting ukraine. for now, the fighting continues on the front the kremlin spokesman said sending ukraine tanks would not change the situation on the ground and their importance

was being overestimated. james landale, bbc news. earlier the bbc spoke to the head of a delegation from the ukrainian parliament to nato who is in davos to lobby for the west to provide more military support for the war. no war can be won from the trenches, from the position war. so we have to start our counteroffensive operation, we have to release out territories and for this purpose we need tanks because this is the main to you on the battlefield in the counteroffensive and actually offensive preparation because of course russia also uses their tanks when they tried to move forward and to occupy more territory on the battlefield. and when somebody talks about some escalations, let's try to understand what exactly escalations they mean. so what more should be done by russia to understand

that this is escalation? they don't have any special weapon or, you know, wonder weapon that they didn't use on the territory of ukraine. they will not start war against any country of nato because they understand that they don't have the capacity to start this war. what exactly they mean when they are talking about escalation, because we have the hottest war in ukraine already. joining me now is keir giles, a senior consulting fellow of the russia and eurasia programme at chatham house, an international affairs think tank.

thank you forjoining us. why thank you forjoining us. why is thank you forjoining us. why is germany so reluctant to get stuck in and the way ukraine is asking? we’re and the way ukraine is asking? we've heard a coume _ and the way ukraine is asking? we've heard a couple of— and the way ukraine is asking? we've heard a couple of different _ and the way ukraine is asking? ,, heard a couple of different reasons behind all of these excuses that germany has been giving for not only resisting supporting ukraine with what it needs but also blocking support from third countries as well. there is one which refers back to germany's own history of the second world war in particular but it is ridiculous because it means germany are saying because german tanks were in ukraine before as part of a genocidal invasion that means they are not going to defend ukraine against another one coming now. the other one is the fear of escalation and your previous speaker was referring to the same thing, germany has convinced itself that if it supports ukraine in the way other countries have that is going to lead to the war getting worse and possibly dragging germany in itself. that is the result of not only

germany's own historical preoccupations but also a very successful russian propaganda campaign talking all the time about escalation and that has become a kind of a buzzword that sets of all kinds of fears within the german political establishment. what kinds of fears within the german political establishment. what sort of persuasion _ political establishment. what sort of persuasion or— political establishment. what sort of persuasion or pressure - political establishment. what sort of persuasion or pressure from i political establishment. what sort i of persuasion or pressure from their allies might push them towards helping? allies might push them towards helinu ? ., �* allies might push them towards helina? ., �* ~' allies might push them towards helina? ., �* ~ ., ~ helping? you'd like to think there were some _ helping? you'd like to think there were some kind _ helping? you'd like to think there were some kind of— helping? you'd like to think there were some kind of showdown - helping? you'd like to think there i were some kind of showdown behind close doors this morning but plainly it hasn't worked because the german defence minister is now saying there is not international consensus on sending these tanks. there is a very different picture to what we've heard from across europe in the days leading up to this. whatever backers of ukraine have been doing is progressively demolishing germany's excuses stop the recent announcement by the uk that it will be sending challenger thanks to the ukraine was precisely to undermine this german objection to sending advanced western tanks ukraine, saying we don't want to be the only one doing it. the result of that is that basic

german objective saying we don't want to be doing this alone has made germany alone. it is now completely isolated because it's the only one resisting delivering these weaponry to ukraine. , .,, resisting delivering these weaponry to ukraine. , ., ~ to ukraine. yesterday i was talking about this subject _ to ukraine. yesterday i was talking about this subject and _ to ukraine. yesterday i was talking about this subject and it _ to ukraine. yesterday i was talking about this subject and it felt - to ukraine. yesterday i was talking about this subject and it felt like i about this subject and it felt like there was more of a likelihood of germany agreeing because of the us commitment to sending amber —— abraham tanks if that was to be the case, have we gone backwards in the last 2a hours? the case, have we gone backwards in the last 24 hours?— last 24 hours? the us never actually aareed last 24 hours? the us never actually a . reed to last 24 hours? the us never actually agreed to send _ last 24 hours? the us never actually agreed to send abrahams. _ last 24 hours? the us never actually agreed to send abrahams. that - last 24 hours? the us never actually agreed to send abrahams. that is i last 24 hours? the us never actually agreed to send abrahams. that is of| agreed to send abrahams. that is of different picture from all of the tanks that have been said by european countries. it's not something ukraine wants or needs or can use in the same way as leopards. it's just another excuse that has been put forward by germany. they said we are not going to be the only ones delivering western tanks of the uk said here are some western tanks. then germany said they need to be american tanks. so no doubt, even if

the us were to deliver abrahams, germany would come up with something else as an excuse to not do what needs to be done. in else as an excuse to not do what needs to be done.— else as an excuse to not do what needs to be done. in terms of the next potential— needs to be done. in terms of the next potential offensive _ needs to be done. in terms of the next potential offensive by - needs to be done. in terms of the | next potential offensive by ukraine perhaps in the spring, beyond tanks, what more support does kyiv need? tanks are not the only weapon system ukraine ashley needs. and it's not just about preparing for the spring when ukraine might be able to resume the momentum it had in the autumn and continue to push forward and liberate its occupied territories. they are asking also for longer range missile systems in order to continue to striking deep behind russian lines to interfere with russian lines to interfere with russian logistics. but of course still they also need air defence capabilities because russia's campaign of targeting ukrainian critical civilian infrastructure to try and trigger a humanitarian crisis has eased off it hasn't completely ended. ukraine needs to

protect its sky so russia doesn't have that a dominance that was going to be a key enabler for it have that a dominance that was going to be a key enablerfor it in have that a dominance that was going to be a key enabler for it in the early stages of the invasion. so there is a full spectrum of workman strokes —— systems ukraine needs and the ammunition for them but it is tanks that are at the forefront of this at the moment because the clock is ticking and ukraine needs to be ready not only for its own plans for moving forward in the spring but also to counter the russian spring offensive that is expected. the unite union has announced more dates for strike action by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland. some of them will coincide with walkouts by ambulance staff from another union, the gmb — and on one date in february nurses will also be striking. our health reporter jim reed joins me now. to what extent is it appear that these strikes are intensifying? it’s these strikes are intensifying? it's a these strikes are intensifying? it�*s a complex picture when it comes to the ambulance strikes because there are three different unions involved.

taken as a whole it does look like this is intensifying. there are 12 days of strikes now booked between now and easter. the unions represent people in different areas across different professionals. paramedics, call handlers and other ambulance staff are going to be involved. the unite union today saying there is going to be another six days of strikes we didn't know about before and ten in total. unite is the smallest of the three ambulance unions. the one to watch in particular is february the 6th, two weeks on monday. on that day at the moment you've currently got two of the three ambulance unions striking in england and where is and you've got the royal college of nursing striking on the same day in england and wales. if that is the case it looks like quite a coordinated action. nhs trusts are all that —— already warning about significant disruption. some people are talking

about it being the largest strike in nhs history on that day. so about it being the largest strike in nhs history on that day.— nhs history on that day. so not a lot of time _ nhs history on that day. so not a lot of time for _ nhs history on that day. so not a lot of time for a _ nhs history on that day. so not a lot of time for a breakthrough - nhs history on that day. so not a lot of time for a breakthrough in | lot of time for a breakthrough in talks. how hopeful are the various parties sounding?— talks. how hopeful are the various parties sounding? speaking to unions u . parties sounding? speaking to unions u- to about parties sounding? speaking to unions up to about three _ parties sounding? speaking to unions up to about three or _ parties sounding? speaking to unions up to about three or four _ parties sounding? speaking to unions up to about three or four days - parties sounding? speaking to unions up to about three or four days ago . up to about three or four days ago there was a sense of a possible breakthrough. there was this meeting between the ambulance unions and the health secretary steve barclay at the beginning of last week and they came out of that with a sense of optimism that they could be a breakthrough, perhaps a deal about backdating some pay for a one—off payment. since then it has switched the other way and if anything they seem more gloomy than ever. i understand they have not been any substantial contact between both sides since that meeting. the unions seem to think at the moment there is no chance of a breakthrough and it looks like these strikes unless something changes are going to go ahead. ., , , ,

ahead. that is quite perplexing because we _ ahead. that is quite perplexing because we hear— ahead. that is quite perplexing because we hear from - ahead. that is quite perplexing because we hear from both - ahead. that is quite perplexing i because we hear from both sides ahead. that is quite perplexing - because we hear from both sides that they are open to discussions. the roblem they are open to discussions. the problem is _ they are open to discussions. tue: problem is they they are open to discussions. tte: problem is they are they are open to discussions. t"t2 problem is they are open they are open to discussions. tt2 problem is they are open to discussions on different things. steve barclay has made it clear that he is happy to discuss next year's pay agreement, this is the one that starts from the next financial year in april. what the unions want to do is renegotiate essentially the deal for this year that was put in place injuly or august. we got the recommendation of the independent pay review body and the money for that pay rise with about between foreign 5% has already gone into people's bank accounts. what the unions say is that deal was not good enough especially with the cost of living and inflation being so high, they want to renegotiate that deal whereas the government wants to look forward and start to talks about the next deal. that is where the current dispute is at the moment.

the family of a 17—year—old boy who was fatally stabbed have won their fight to have a fresh inquest into his death. yousef makki was killed during a row in hale barns, greater manchester, in march 2019. his assailant, joshua molnar, was cleared of manslaughter and murder. an inquest later ruled out both unlawful killing and accidental death and recorded a narrative conclusion. yousef�*s family were granted a judicial review last year, which has now quashed the originalfindings. let's talk to our reporter yunus mulla. remind us of the background to how we got here. remind us of the background to how we got here-— we got here. yousef makki's family wanted that — we got here. yousef makki's family wanted that original _ we got here. yousef makki's family wanted that original inquest - we got here. yousef makki's family wanted that original inquest and i wanted that original inquest and they have got thatjudgment wanted that original inquest and they have got that judgment today after a judicial review. yousef makki was stabbed byjoshua molnar

backin makki was stabbed byjoshua molnar back in 2019. he told the court that they had been this coming together after they had produced knives and yousef makki was stabbed. as a criminal child —— trial he was cleared of manslaughter and he was cleared of manslaughter and he was cleared of manslaughter and he was cleared of murder but he was jailed for possessing a knife and for lying to police at the scene. there was this subsequent inquest. the coroner at the time said she couldn't be short of the precise sequence of events and there was insufficient evidence for her to find that he was unlawfully killed. and therefore she came out with this narrative conclusion. now after this came out with this narrative conclusion. now afterthisjudgment conclusion. now after this judgment today conclusion. now afterthisjudgment today what we will get is a fresh inquest and another look at the facts of this case. yousef makki's sister said earlier she was shocked and overwhelmed by this decision today and said it will give them another opportunity to shine a light

on what happened to her brother. 50 on what happened to her brother. so what happens next? what _ on what happened to her brother. so what happens next? what the - on what happened to her brother. so. what happens next? what the lawyers are an uinu what happens next? what the lawyers are arguing is — what happens next? what the lawyers are arguing is that _ what happens next? what the lawyers are arguing is that the _ what happens next? what the lawyers are arguing is that the burden - what happens next? what the lawyers are arguing is that the burden of - are arguing is that the burden of proof is different at an inquest thanit proof is different at an inquest than it is in a criminal court. therefore they felt the coroner could have come to a different view than that of a jury in a criminal case and so there will be this fresh inquest and today in theirjudgment what the high court said today was that the coroner's findings lacked some explanation and although the evidence doesn't necessarily point in one direction they are not satisfied that all of the facts of the case were analysed and looked at properly. what the lawyers acting forjoshua molnar and yousef makki's family feel is that they will now get kissed that i investigate —— investigation of all the evidence and they will get what they are looking for but clearly there are no

guarantees which way this will go. at the moment we don't have a date. you are watching bbc news. our headlines. president zelensky appeals for more tanks and weapons as western defence ministers meet to discuss support for ukraine. more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in northern ireland and wales and england. one of the dates will coincide with a strike by nurses. the family of 17—year—olds yousef makki was fatally stabbed when they fight to have a fresh inquest into his death. retail sales, the amount of goods we bought in shops and online, saw the biggest fall on record in the month of december. new figures from the office for national statistics show volumes were down by 5.8% compared with the same time the previous year.

it's just one sign of how rising prices are hitting people's pockets. our business correspondent emma simpson has more from norwich. we were cautious with our marketing but actually the reality was the consumer came out and sped really well pre—christmas. just feeling that sense of we are going to have a good christmas this year come what may. good christmas this year come what ma . , , , , ., , may. high streets were busier as --eole may. high streets were busier as peeple shepped _ may. high streets were busier as people shopped less _ may. high streets were busier as people shopped less online, - may. high streets were busier as i people shopped less online, partly due to postal strikes. the boss of this jewellery chain had a strong christmas despite the cost of living crisis. , , crisis. there is definitely resilience _ crisis. there is definitely resilience there. - crisis. there is definitely resilience there. i- crisis. there is definitely resilience there. i thinkl

crisis. there is definitely i resilience there. i think the british— resilience there. i think the british consumer likes to shop around — british consumer likes to shop around and get a bargain so people want value — around and get a bargain so people want value and quality and they are prepared _ want value and quality and they are prepared to make —— to forgo other items_ prepared to make —— to forgo other items to _ prepared to make —— to forgo other items to get — prepared to make —— to forgo other items to get that. there probably is a bit of— items to get that. there probably is a bit of polarisation. everybody is not dotted — a bit of polarisation. everybody is not dotted host of big names have posted _ not dotted host of big names have posted what seemed like decent numbers— posted what seemed like decent numbers but take a closer look and much _ numbers but take a closer look and much of— numbers but take a closer look and much of the — numbers but take a closer look and much of the sales growth is down to higher— much of the sales growth is down to higher prices. and much of the sales growth is down to higher prices-— much of the sales growth is down to hither rices. �* , , ., higher prices. and remember the year before was disrupted _ higher prices. and remember the year before was disrupted by _ higher prices. and remember the year before was disrupted by omicron - higher prices. and remember the year before was disrupted by omicron and | before was disrupted by omicron and supply chain problems, fluttering this year's figures. and we bought a lot less says the ons, reality check on what really going on. what lot less says the ons, reality check on what really going on. what these fi . ures are on what really going on. what these figures are telling _ on what really going on. what these figures are telling us _ on what really going on. what these figures are telling us is _ on what really going on. what these figures are telling us is that - figures are telling us is that consumers _ figures are telling us is that consumers are _ figures are telling us is that consumers are voting - figures are telling us is that consumers are voting with i figures are telling us is that. consumers are voting with how figures are telling us is that - consumers are voting with how tight they are _ consumers are voting with how tight they are feeling _ consumers are voting with how tight they are feeling that _ consumers are voting with how tight they are feeling that pound - consumers are voting with how tight they are feeling that pound in - they are feeling that pound in pocket — they are feeling that pound in pocket is— they are feeling that pound in pocket is at— they are feeling that pound in pocket is at the _ they are feeling that pound in pocket is at the moment - they are feeling that pound in pocket is at the moment and i they are feeling that pound in - pocket is at the moment and they are reluctant— pocket is at the moment and they are reluctant to _ pocket is at the moment and they are reluctant to spend _ pocket is at the moment and they are reluctant to spend it _ pocket is at the moment and they are reluctant to spend it as _ pocket is at the moment and they are reluctant to spend it as they - pocket is at the moment and they are reluctant to spend it as they feel- reluctant to spend it as they feel the real— reluctant to spend it as they feel the real pressures _ reluctant to spend it as they feel the real pressures of _ reluctant to spend it as they feel the real pressures of not - reluctant to spend it as they feel the real pressures of not only. the real pressures of not only inflationary— the real pressures of not only inflationary rates _ the real pressures of not only inflationary rates but - the real pressures of not only inflationary rates but also - the real pressures of not only inflationary rates but also the the real pressures of not only- inflationary rates but also the cost of living _ inflationary rates but also the cost of living crisis _ inflationary rates but also the cost of living crisis. find— inflationary rates but also the cost of living crisis.— inflationary rates but also the cost of living crisis. and many shoppers we soke of living crisis. and many shoppers we spoke to _ of living crisis. and many shoppers

we spoke to are — of living crisis. and many shoppers we spoke to are looking _ of living crisis. and many shoppers we spoke to are looking to - of living crisis. and many shoppers we spoke to are looking to reign i we spoke to are looking to reign back. t we spoke to are looking to reign back. ., . we spoke to are looking to reign back. ~ ., ., ., , ., , we spoke to are looking to reign back. ~ ., ., ., , ., �* back. i think a lot of people don't want to spend — back. i think a lot of people don't want to spend as _ back. i think a lot of people don't want to spend as much _ back. i think a lot of people don't want to spend as much as - back. i think a lot of people don't want to spend as much as we - back. i think a lot of people don't. want to spend as much as we were spending. even if you've got a bit of money in reserve you don't want to use it. �* , of money in reserve you don't want to use it. 3 . , of money in reserve you don't want touseit. �*, .,, ,.._ of money in reserve you don't want touseit. �*, .,, y y , to use it. it's a bit scary, yes. i will be careful— to use it. it's a bit scary, yes. i will be careful i _ to use it. it's a bit scary, yes. i will be careful i think. - to use it. it's a bit scary, yes. i will be careful i think. i'm - will be careful i think. i'm thinking _ will be careful i think. i'm thinking twice about spending money. was christmas a bit of a last hurrah? ., ., , was christmas a bit of a last hurrah? ., ., y ., hurrah? potentially, looking at the ener: hurrah? potentially, looking at the energy prices _ hurrah? potentially, looking at the energy prices coming _ hurrah? potentially, looking at the energy prices coming up _ hurrah? potentially, looking at the energy prices coming up on - hurrah? potentially, looking at the energy prices coming up on the - hurrah? potentially, looking at the| energy prices coming up on the bill changes— energy prices coming up on the bill changes for— energy prices coming up on the bill changes for the _ energy prices coming up on the bill changes for the energy. _ energy prices coming up on the bill changes for the energy.— changes for the energy. christmas has not been _ changes for the energy. christmas has not been a _ changes for the energy. christmas has not been a disaster— changes for the energy. christmas has not been a disaster for- has not been a disaster for retailers but there hasn't been much to celebrate either. and with tougher times ahead. joining us now is a small business owner who has taken the hard decision to close her kidswear store. suzanne bennett is the owner of sid and evie's in east london. iam i am sorry to be talking to you

under these circumstances. what was christmas like for you this time around compared with previous years? thank you for having me on your show. my figures were down 10% on the previous december and obviously my business was struggling anyway being in a high street that is declining. my appreciation was more than its run at the national level but everyone is very conscious of what we are spending and i feel that people are just being very selective. it is not an extra purchase, is it the necessary purchase? particularly in my industry when it is shoe fitting which is our speciality and it's something a child needs to have but they are not having as many pairs of shoes, just the essential pairs of shoes, just the essential pairs of shoes being bought. you shoes, just the essential pairs of shoes being bought.— shoes, just the essential pairs of shoes being bought. you have been in business since _ shoes being bought. you have been in business since 2010 _ shoes being bought. you have been in business since 2010 but _ shoes being bought. you have been in business since 2010 but things - shoes being bought. you have been in business since 2010 but things have . business since 2010 but things have been getting worse for some time.

when did you notice it was starting to get tougher? t when did you notice it was starting to get tougher?— to get tougher? i would say about five ears to get tougher? i would say about five years ago _ to get tougher? i would say about five years ago we _ to get tougher? i would say about five years ago we noticed - to get tougher? i would say about five years ago we noticed a - to get tougher? i would say about| five years ago we noticed a gradual decline. with the change above brexit, that didn't help because my business, used a lot of small european brands and it made it really hard for me to pay the duty and for smaller country —— companies to trade with the uk. then obviously the pandemic was a real problem. we struggled through that period of time. and then trying to pick ourselves back up again after that and with the economy the way it is now has just been one thing after another and then i had to make the decision to close our family business which was not an easy decision. we've had a real outcry from our local customers, they are

devastated, but the reality is footfall is down and energy prices and rents is going up and it doesn't match up any more unfortunately. brute match up any more unfortunately. we can see behind you you have some products at a discount as you try to get rid of your stock. what has that dental business? —— what has that done. tt dental business? -- what has that done. . , dental business? -- what has that done. .,, ., , done. it has driven footfall in but the are done. it has driven footfall in but they are not _ done. it has driven footfall in but they are not necessarily - done. it has driven footfall in but they are not necessarily our- done. it has driven footfall in but i they are not necessarily our regular customers. when it a closing town sail you attract regular and non—regular customers. the actual profit is not there any more and i am just clearing stock which is good because i need to do that but the numbers look more healthy than they are in reality because the profit isn't there any more. to are in reality because the profit isn't there any more.— are in reality because the profit isn't there any more. to what extent did ou isn't there any more. to what extent did you consider _ isn't there any more. to what extent did you consider becoming _ isn't there any more. to what extent did you consider becoming an - isn't there any more. to what extent did you consider becoming an online| did you consider becoming an online business so you didn't have the same overheads? t business so you didn't have the same overheads? ., business so you didn't have the same overheads? ~' ,., business so you didn't have the same

overheads? ~ ,., , , , , , overheads? i think some businesses, a lot of businesses _ overheads? i think some businesses, a lot of businesses need _ overheads? i think some businesses, a lot of businesses need that - a lot of businesses need that support and that they cannot rely on bricks and mortar. my business is quite specialised in that we are shoe fit is and it is not a lot of business like i was any more. we spend a lot of time one—to—one and we can be up to an hour with the family fitting shoes. those kind of skill sets don't exist that much any more so for us to be online it doesn't really translate because it is the one to one that people want. they want that interaction. that is why it hasn't worked for me as a business. my business model is old—fashioned but it's one that people did want, they wanted to have us on the high street and they wanted the visitors but it isn't enough to support it in these times. they have been many things which have proved to be obstacles. how much longer do you think you will hang on for? we

much longer do you think you will hang on for?— much longer do you think you will hang on for? we will be closing in march which _ hang on for? we will be closing in march which is _ hang on for? we will be closing in march which is when _ hang on for? we will be closing in march which is when my - hang on for? we will be closing in march which is when my lease - march which is when my lease expires. the sad thing is that this will probably stay empty for some time and i wish there was a negotiation with landlords. ijust think the government could step in and support the landlords to support us because surely somebody trading on a high street is better than nothing and to try and turn a declining high street around when you lose your businesses is a tough call. it makes sense to keep people here to try and turn things around. that is a more sensible option for me but it's not a negotiation that can be done. if you don't pay you need to leave. i really have no choice in the matter now. t need to leave. i really have no choice in the matter now. i am so sorry you — choice in the matter now. i am so sorry you have — choice in the matter now. i am so sorry you have found _ choice in the matter now. i am so sorry you have found yourself - choice in the matter now. i am so sorry you have found yourself in i sorry you have found yourself in this situation. we appreciate you talking to us. thank you.

tickets went on sale this morning for the greatest hits tour by the original material girl. madonna will be performing across europe and in north america later this year to mark the 40th anniversary of her breakthrough single, holiday. fans have been paying up to £1,300 for a vip seat, as our music correspondent mark savage reports. # holiday.... # celebrate.# 40 years after her breakthrough single, madonna announced her greatest hits tour with a video parodying her 1992 film truth or dare. madonna, i dare you to do a world tour and play your greatest hits for decades. that's a lot of songs. it's a lot of songs. you think people would come to that show? i'll be there. yeah, i'm there. there. so the answer is yeah. the stars. previous tours have always focused on new music,

so this will be the first time she's played hits like this. #just like a virgin. all the tickets for the uk dates were snapped up this morning with fans paying between £47 and £1,300 to see the show. i paid £370 a ticket. and do you think that's the right price for a madonna tour at this point? it's madonna. it's you know, she's not cheap. this could well be her last major tour. madonna already holds the record for the highest earning tour by a female artist. with prices like these, she could set a new bar. mark savage, bbc news.

i'm nowjoined by adam webb. he is the campaign manager at funfair alliance, an online advisory platform on secondary ticketing sales. iimagine i imagine there is going to be a big demand for resale of tickets for this series of concerts.- this series of concerts. yes. as soon as the _ this series of concerts. yes. as soon as the tickets _ this series of concerts. yes. as soon as the tickets went - this series of concerts. yes. as soon as the tickets went on - this series of concerts. yes. as - soon as the tickets went on presale on wednesday, there is the general sale today, — on wednesday, there is the general sale today, pre—celtic fan clubs on wednesday, soon as that starts you see tickets — wednesday, soon as that starts you see tickets appearing on resale sites _ see tickets appearing on resale sites. ~ . . see tickets appearing on resale sites. . ., ., ., , see tickets appearing on resale sites. ~ ., ., ., , ., sites. what are the dangers of bu in: a sites. what are the dangers of buying a ticket _ sites. what are the dangers of buying a ticket from _ sites. what are the dangers of buying a ticket from someone | sites. what are the dangers of- buying a ticket from someone other than the original seller? tt’s than the original seller? it's frau:ht than the original seller? it's fraught with _ than the original seller? it's fraught with dangers. apart from anything — fraught with dangers. apart from anything obviously there was only one of— anything obviously there was only one of the — anything obviously there was only one of the shows that had been

announced another photo now you can buy tickets _ announced another photo now you can buy tickets from the box office for the shows — buy tickets from the box office for the shows. that is number one is that people — the shows. that is number one is that people think the show is sold out and _ that people think the show is sold out and that is the only place i have _ out and that is the only place i have to — out and that is the only place i have to buy tickets and so they can io have to buy tickets and so they can go and _ have to buy tickets and so they can go and pay— have to buy tickets and so they can go and pay inflated prices from a ticket _ go and pay inflated prices from a ticket out — go and pay inflated prices from a ticket out rather than going to a box office — ticket out rather than going to a box office and be sure they are going _ box office and be sure they are going to — box office and be sure they are going to get into the show. that is number— going to get into the show. that is number one. the second thing is if you look— number one. the second thing is if you took on— number one. the second thing is if you look on sites, for this show it says— you look on sites, for this show it says resale — you look on sites, for this show it says resale is not permitted but they were — says resale is not permitted but they were allowing the resale of tickets — they were allowing the resale of tickets. so fundamentally you may not get _ tickets. so fundamentally you may not get in — tickets. so fundamentally you may not get in if you buy tickets online _ not get in if you buy tickets online. ., .., not get in if you buy tickets online. ., y ., not get in if you buy tickets online. ., , , ., online. how can you be sure you are caettin online. how can you be sure you are getting something _ online. how can you be sure you are getting something legitimate? - online. how can you be sure you are getting something legitimate? theyj getting something legitimate? they can't guarantee _ getting something legitimate? they can't guarantee the _ getting something legitimate? they can't guarantee the tickets. the competition and markets authority have looked extensively at this market — have looked extensively at this market for a number of years and they are — market for a number of years and they are saying the absolute bulk of they are saying the absolute bulk of the sellers on these sites a large—scale ticket touts were acquiring tickets in bulk and are

reseiiing — acquiring tickets in bulk and are reselling through these sites a profit — reselling through these sites a profit i— reselling through these sites a profit. i will tread very carefully before — profit. i will tread very carefully before using one of those sites. what sort of legislation do you think is necessary to make the secondary market workable and safe for consumers? tit secondary market workable and safe for consumers?— for consumers? in terms of the uk there has actually _ for consumers? in terms of the uk there has actually been _ for consumers? in terms of the uk there has actually been great - there has actually been great progress, certainly before the pandemic, and afterwards now as welt _ pandemic, and afterwards now as welt the — pandemic, and afterwards now as well. the uk is probably at the forefront — well. the uk is probably at the forefront of change in this area. so forefront of change in this area. so for instance. — forefront of change in this area. so for instance, all of the primary ticketing — for instance, all of the primary ticketing companies, for example, what i _ ticketing companies, for example, what i mean by that is the place you buy the _ what i mean by that is the place you buy the ticket from originally, will offer you — buy the ticket from originally, will offer you resell at the price you paid, _ offer you resell at the price you paid, so— offer you resell at the price you paid, so you can resell the ticket that you — paid, so you can resell the ticket that you bought and get your money back _ that you bought and get your money back that _ that you bought and get your money back. that is standard in the uk, although— back. that is standard in the uk, although it — back. that is standard in the uk, although it doesn't tend to be elsewhere in the world. the competition and markets authority,

as a result — competition and markets authority, as a result of their investigation which _ as a result of their investigation which has — as a result of their investigation which has been going on for six years— which has been going on for six years now. _ which has been going on for six years now, actually made some quite constructive — years now, actually made some quite constructive recommendations to government about 18 months ago. we are yet— government about 18 months ago. we are yet to _ government about 18 months ago. we are yet to hear from government. not quite sure _ are yet to hear from government. not quite sure if— are yet to hear from government. not quite sure if they are still interested in this issue or not but we hope — interested in this issue or not but we hope that they are. if the government could enact those recommendations that the cma maid, which _ recommendations that the cma maid, which would toughen up some of our laws around — which would toughen up some of our laws around ticket touting, i think that would — laws around ticket touting, i think that would be really helpful. adam webb from funfair alliance, thank you. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. hello. there is still some snow on the ground in places. some icy conditions, too. but blue skies overhead. we have had quite a lot of sunshine today. still some showers grazing this east coast. some of those on the wintry side over high ground and also a bit more cloud into the far south—west

of england and maybe into pembrokeshire as well. the odd spot of rain is possible. top temperatures between 4c and 8c but those temperatures are rapidly dropping as we go through the evening. it's going to turn really cold for all of us for a time. but for northern ireland and western scotland we see cloud and rain pushing in, some snow over high ground briefly, but here it will be turning much milder by the start of saturday. and we develop a bit of a split in our fortunes through the weekend with cloudy, damp, but milder weather affecting northern ireland and good parts of scotland with some brisk winds as well. but further south and east, we hold on to some sunshine once any early fog has cleared, but it is going to stay on the chilly side. just 3c or 4c. that colder air holding on towards the south—east of the uk on sunday. milder further north and west. hello this is bbc news. the headlines: president zelensky appeals for more tanks and weapons — as western defence ministers meet to discuss support for ukraine. hundreds of thank you are not hundreds of tanks. all of us can use

thousands of words in discussions but i cannot put words instead of guns that are needed against russian artillery. guns that are needed against russian artille . ~ ., ., ., guns that are needed against russian artillery-— fair- artillery. what do we want? fair -a . artillery. what do we want? fair pay- when _ artillery. what do we want? fair pay- when do — artillery. what do we want? fair pay- when do we _ artillery. what do we want? fair pay. when do we want - artillery. what do we want? fair pay. when do we want it? - artillery. what do we want? fair pay. when do we want it? now! j more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland — one of the dates will coincide with a strike by nurses. the family of 17—year—old yousef makki, who was fatally stabbed, win their fight to have a fresh inquest into his death. a surprise fall in the amount spent by shoppers in december, as people cut back on their christmas spending. #it # it would be # it would be so # it would be so nice... # it would be so nice... # # it would be so nice... # so nice... # the # it would be so nice... # the fans paying up to £1300 to see madonna in her career spanning its tour. sport now, and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon. the night's action at the australian open is almost at an end.

it feels early doesn't it after andy murray's 4am finish. and the news is different from a british perspective too, because cameron norrie has been knocked out in the third round in melbourne, beaten in five sets by world number 71jiri lehecka. norrie who is the 11th seed has still never reached the last 16 of the opening grand slam of the year. he was twice ahead before lehecka came back both times to take it to a deciding set. it began with norrie having some tape applied to his knee during a medical time—out. and whether it affected him or not the 21 year old czech, ranked 71 in the world, took it 6—4. meanwhile, 25 years on from petr korda winning the australian open another korda has made waves in melbourne again. petr�*s son sebastian beat two—time finalist daniil medvedev to reach the fourth round, winning in straight sets against the seventh seed. world number one iga swiatek needed just 55 minutes to progress to the fourth round. she beat spanish qualifier cristina bucsa elsewhere this morning, third seed jessica pegula also enjoyed a speedy win.

the american tookjust over an hour to beat ukraine's marta kostyuk 6—0, 6—2. meanwhile ahead of the wheelchair tournament that starts later this month, britain's alfie hewitt retained the melbourne open title by beating japan's tokito oda in straight sets. pep guardiola says manchester city are �*comfortable' and �*too relaxed' after winning the premier league four times in five seasons. and despite coming back from 2—0 down to beat spurs last night, he says he wants to get the club's fire back. his extraordinary reaction came after a dramatic game. after conceding twice in the final moments of the first half city did the same in the first eight minutes of the second. then riyad mahrez, who had played a part in both goals, scored twice himself for a 4—2 victory. city have reduced the gap to arsenal above them to five points. but guardiola says there's no chance of catching the leaders if they play

like they have been. i want a reaction, i want a reaction for all the club, the whole organisation. notjust the players, the staff, everyone. happy flowers team. happy flowers is good, no, i don't want to be happy flowers, i want to beat arsenal. but if we play in that way, arsenal will destroy us. spurs boss antonio conte has called on his players to be a bit more nasty if they�* re to on his players to be a bit more nasty if they're to fulfil his dream of playing champions league football next season. t of playing champions league football next season. ., . of playing champions league football next season-— next season. i think that we are doinu next season. i think that we are doing progress. _ next season. i think that we are doing progress, and _ next season. i think that we are doing progress, and in - next season. i think that we are doing progress, and in my - next season. i think that we are | doing progress, and in my mind, next season. i think that we are . doing progress, and in my mind, in some aspects. in other aspects i think that we have to come back like last season and to be a bit more solid, a bit more focused, a bit more nasty. west ham have signed

aston villa striker danny ings in a deal worth up to £15 million. he leaves villa park as their top scorer so far this season with seven. he has been signed in time to play for west ham in their game against everton tomorrow, with both teams in the bottom three. the 30 year—old has signed a contract until the summer of 2025. meanwhile striker chris wood has become nottingham forest's 24th signing of the season after moving to the city ground on loan from newcastle, where's he's only been for a year. the deal could be made permanent at the end of the season. championship side sheffield united have been placed under a transfer embargo by the football league. the move relates to the default of payments to another club, although the efl hasn't confirmed which club or player it involves. the ban means sheffield united cannot register a player without the written prior consent of the league until the overdue payment is made. they're currently second in the championship.

that's all the sport for now. you can find more on all those stories on the bbc sport website. there is one match continuing until the very, very end, although it is only 130 over there. thank you, see you in a while. in afghanistan, the death toll of an unprecedented cold wave has risen to 78 as temperatures in many parts of the country drop to —30 degrees centigrade. snowstorms have forced the closure of many key highways and roads, hampering the delivery of aid. it comes as a un delegation led by deputy secretary general, amina mohammed, has ended a four—day visit meeting with senior taliban officials in kabul to discuss aid programmes and the participation of women. my colleague yalda hakim is in kabul. we can talk to her now. good to see you. what came out of this trip by

the deputy secretary general of the un? ~ the deputy secretary general of the un? . ., , y ., the deputy secretary general of the un? . ~ ., the deputy secretary general of the un? well, as you say, amina mohammed is the second _ un? well, as you say, amina mohammed is the second in — un? well, as you say, amina mohammed is the second in command _ un? well, as you say, amina mohammed is the second in command at _ un? well, as you say, amina mohammed is the second in command at the - is the second in command at the united nations, the most powerful woman at the un, and she came here with the head of un women, sending a clear message to the taliban government here, that they want women to participate again in this society, they continue to reiterate that it society, they continue to reiterate thatitis society, they continue to reiterate that it is notjustifiable that they should be pushed out of the public eye. as you know for the last year girls over the age of 12 have not been able to go to school since the taliban taliban took over afghanistan, and in the last month, young women were told they could no longer go to university as part of that sort of crackdown and imposing of those restrictions. the taliban also announced that female aid workers could no longer work with aid agencies. the united nations says that it would make their work

next to impossible. while the united nations isn't directly impacted by this, women in the un agencies continue to work, especially in the health sector. they say they do a lot of their projects with these aid agencies. in a deeply conservative society, these women can only go and do home visits when it comes to women and children. so how will they get the much—needed aid and supplies? especially when the un says that more than 28 million people across this country now need life—saving aid. because, as you say, temperatures have plummeted. yes, on top of what was already a humanitarian crisis, what impact are you seeing of this incredibly cold weather? .,. you seeing of this incredibly cold weather? .. .., weather? each time i can here it feels like the _ weather? each time i can here it feels like the situation _ weather? each time i can here it feels like the situation is - weather? each time i can here it i feels like the situation is becoming more restricted. movement becomes more restricted. movement becomes more and more difficult. i do see

women occasionally out and about on the streets, but their faces are covered. they are more nervous about speaking to me. certainly, they don't want to be anywhere near our cameras. and as you say, top of that the humanitarian crisis. since the international community departed from afghanistan, a country that britain was engaged in over 20 years, since that departure this country has plummeted even deeper into an economic crisis, the economy has all but collapsed, which has resulted in a man—made humanitarian crisis. in the last week or so we have heard about at least 78 people who have died as a result of the cold. many of those children. the idea that people could survive in some of the most remote parts of this country completely cut off from the outside world, including here in kabul, surviving here in —35 degrees were thousands of livestock have frozen to death, just seems unbearable. frozen to death, 'ust seems unbearableh frozen to death, 'ust seems unbearable. ., ., ., ~ .,

unbearable. yalda hakim, for the moment, thank— unbearable. yalda hakim, for the moment, thank you _ unbearable. yalda hakim, for the moment, thank you very - unbearable. yalda hakim, for the moment, thank you very much. i unbearable. yalda hakim, for the - moment, thank you very much. yalda hakim in kabul. more than 2.5 million electricity customers on economy tariffs which are different tariffs charged for electricity depend on the time of day have seen their bills rise since the 1st of january despite the government price cap. analysis suggests customers are facing an average increase of £116 a year. our cost of living correspondent culliton smith reports. his electricity bill has just gone up. t reports. his electricity bill has just gone up-_ reports. his electricity bill has 'ust one u. ~ ., , just gone up. i think we have been foruotten. just gone up. i think we have been forgotten- 0n _ just gone up. i think we have been forgotten. on economy _ just gone up. i think we have been forgotten. on economy seven - just gone up. i think we have been forgotten. on economy seven i - just gone up. i think we have been i forgotten. on economy seven i think we are being penalised, they have put them up more than they have the standard tariff.— standard tariff. people on economy seven tariffs _ standard tariff. people on economy seven tariffs pay — standard tariff. people on economy seven tariffs pay two _ standard tariff. people on economy seven tariffs pay two different - seven tariffs pay two different rates for their electricity, really cheap rate for seven hours through the night time and a much higher rate for the daytime. that makes senseif rate for the daytime. that makes sense if you have storage heaters or you need a lot of energy at night. but keith and joan don't.—

but keith and joan don't. you've been wanting — but keith and joan don't. you've been wanting to _ but keith and joan don't. you've been wanting to alter— but keith and joan don't. you've been wanting to alter it - but keith and joan don't. you've been wanting to alter it to - but keith and joan don't. you've i been wanting to alter it to standard tariff _ been wanting to alter it to standard tariff i _ been wanting to alter it to standard tariff. . r' been wanting to alter it to standard tariff. ., ,~' ., y ., , been wanting to alter it to standard tariff. ., ., ., tariff. i asked two years ago and the said tariff. i asked two years ago and they said they — tariff. i asked two years ago and they said they will _ tariff. i asked two years ago and they said they will put _ tariff. i asked two years ago and they said they will put me i tariff. i asked two years ago and they said they will put me on i tariff. i asked two years ago and they said they will put me on a i they said they will put me on a waiting list. what waiting list that is they never explained. tt waiting list. what waiting list that is they never explained.— waiting list. what waiting list that is they never explained. it has now been bought _ is they never explained. it has now been bought by — is they never explained. it has now been bought by octopus _ is they never explained. it has now been bought by octopus who i is they never explained. it has now been bought by octopus who said l is they never explained. it has now- been bought by octopus who said they were looking to the johnson is' case _ were looking to the johnson is' case. ,., were looking to the johnson is' case. y ., , were looking to the johnson is' case. , . . y were looking to the johnson is' case. , . .y case. do you use the electricity at niuht case. do you use the electricity at nicht in? case. do you use the electricity at night in? do _ case. do you use the electricity at night in? do you _ case. do you use the electricity at night in? do you have _ case. do you use the electricity at night in? do you have any - case. do you use the electricity at i night in? do you have any appliances running? tia. night in? do you have any appliances runnina ? ., �* ., ., running? no. i've done enough night shifts in my — running? no. i've done enough night shifts in my time! _ running? no. i've done enough night shifts in my time! i— running? no. i've done enough night shifts in my time! i don't _ running? no. i've done enough night shifts in my time! i don't want i running? no. i've done enough night shifts in my time! i don't want to i shifts in my time! i don't want to to back shifts in my time! i don't want to go back to _ shifts in my time! i don't want to go back to go — shifts in my time! i don't want to go back to go to _ shifts in my time! i don't want to go back to go to bed, _ shifts in my time! i don't want to go back to go to bed, get - shifts in my time! i don't want to go back to go to bed, get up i shifts in my time! i don't want to go back to go to bed, get up at i go back to go to bed, get up at three _ go back to go to bed, get up at three o'clock and put the washer on. the regulator raised the cap for economy seven injanuary. economy seven in january. consultancy economy seven injanuary. consultancy firm future energy associates say average economy seven tariffs have gone up by more than £100 a year as a result. since october the government has limited the price that energy companies can charge for every kilowatt hour. but only if you are on a single tariff. for people on economy seven who have two different tariffs they have left it up to companies to decide how

much they charge for a day rate and a nitrate. the regulator offjim say they are investigating whether all suppliers are advising customers about the cheapest tariffs but they say if economy seven customers use a cheaper off—peak electricity they can make substantial savings —— day rate and a night rate. fuel poverty campaigners say they want the government to do more. the cost of these tariffs are going up and they are going up in spite of the fact that obviously we are supposed to be in a situation where prices are locked in and people can budget with confidence knowing what their energy bills are going to cost. the government say suppliers have been allowed to change economy seven rates to balance out more expensive day rates against cheaper night rates. cold comfort for those facing higher bills this winter. british gas says it will stop switching hassles onto prepayment meters automatically when they cannot pay

their bills. it comes as calls to stop the practice of switching customers onto a prepayment meter. there has been a big rise in people needing crisis support. british gas has promised £10 million for customers in need including grants up customers in need including grants up to £250. the headlines on bbc news. president zelensky calls for more tanks and weapons. more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland. one of the dates will coincide with a strike by nurses. the family of yousef makki who was fatally stabbed when their fight to have a fresh inquest into his death. dentists have warned about the risks of buying clear braces known

dentists have warned about the risks of buying clear braces known as aligners online. some people have suffered permanent nerve damage and tooth loss. the british orthodontic society says results could be "disastrous" if the teeth aren't monitored properly. mattea bubalo is leading an investigation into this and joins me now. how do these braces work? mouthguards that fit snugly over your teeth to straighten them over time and to get them online you can order an impression kit and you order an impression kit and you order the party that hardens and you send them back to a lab, or you can get a 3d scan of your mouth that essentially does the same thing. the largest company that provides this is called remote dentistry smile direct club, us based company and they say they straighten your teeth faster and much more cheaply than traditional braces and you don't have to see a dentist throughout the course of treatment. you can do this online virtually and they say you dentist oversees your treatment. what makes them different from what you would get if you want to see a dentist? , , , , .,

dentist? dentists in the uk provide clear aligners _ dentist? dentists in the uk provide clear aligners in _ dentist? dentists in the uk provide clear aligners in their _ dentist? dentists in the uk provide clear aligners in their offices i dentist? dentists in the uk provide clear aligners in their offices and i clear aligners in their offices and train track braces you might have one when you were younger. the dentists i spoke to had concerns about these braces stressed the element of seeing a dentist in person, the checkup is important because people underestimate how much force these aligners put on your teeth as they get moved. so they check for things like your teeth health, guns and an x—ray is really important to see the roots of the teams to see if they can withstand pressure as they move. they are worried that people's bite might be skewed if they are moved too quickly because when you are moving teeth you want it to be a slow and gentle process. smile direct club say they are like that you should do your own check in before getting their braces but you don't have to prove you have done that. the dentists i spoke to were quite concerned because they wouldn't approve people for a checkup that they don't oversee. because they are not in control of what you might go on to do. clearly things can go wrong. and dentists here are warning against them but what does the company say? the

com an what does the company say? the company says — what does the company say? t“t2 company says that they list out all the risks on their site, they say the risks on their site, they say the people that use them can talk to a dentist throughout treatment, if they have any concerns. the problem is that the person i spoke to who is a dad from glasgow tried other braces because they were much cheaper than something like invisible and that he was offered at his dentist's office, it came back at between £4000 and £6,000. smile direct club was 1800, much cheaper option. he started wearing them and he started noticing that his guns were receding a bit and he told me he was too scared to bite into an apple for fear he would lose his front tooth. he did try and get in touch with the dentist overseeing him, you get the name of a dentist on your box where you get the aligners are sent to you and he said that he wasn't able to get in touch with his dentist, he had months of back and forth to customer services and when he tried to get his money back eventually, because he was told

to keep wearing the aligners and that didn't work out for him, just made his pain worse, he ended up applying for a and refund of months he got one but he had to sign a confidentiality clause which smile direct assay is in line with standard industry practices. so be careful what _ standard industry practices. so be careful what you _ standard industry practices. so be careful what you are _ standard industry practices. so be careful what you are signing i standard industry practices. so be careful what you are signing up i standard industry practices. so be careful what you are signing up for is the message will stop the messages — is the message will stop the messages have _ is the message will stop t“t2 messages have a look what is out there, talk to your dentist about what to consider, look at the information online and see if it works for you. but make sure you keep the conversation going. thank ou ve keep the conversation going. thank you very much- _ the family of a mental health campaigner who took her own life by swallowing poison while in hospital say her work has had an important impact in helping others. an inquest found yesterday that the 26 year old was failed by the priory hospital in stockport last year. angus crawford has been speaking to beth matthews' family about her life. you may find parts of his report upsetting. you can see her standing up here. she's got ralph on her board. and a big grin on herface.

remembering beth matthews, seriously injured in a suicide attempt in 2019. an absolute miracle that she survived that and she sustained a lot of physical, life—changing injuries. it just shows how strong she was because she did fight back and she began to become more mobile. she was in her little wheelchair and i would push her around and she would go like, "go faster," and ralph sat on her lap and i've got all sorts of funny videos. and beth made the decision to talk about her recovery. it started with a facebook page. it started with a facebook post. obviously that day was the lowest point of my life but now to be around people that supported me... it went viral, it went absolutely viral on facebook and then that was the start of people contacting her and then from then on she just worked with the police and she started her twitter and her blog and people just really took to her and her story.

she realised that she was developing something and she could actually start to think that actually there are people out there who are benefiting from my knowledge and understanding. she definitely saved my life. robert found beth's blog when he was contemplating ending his own life. he read it and changed his mind. i thought if beth can get| through this, then surely i can get through this. beth struggled with her injuries and took her own life at this hospital in greater manchester last march. her family believe that she could have got better if she had been properly looked after. there was still that fight in her and when i last saw her she said, "i do want to be here." they are angry but still want her message of hope to live on. i hold onto all the happy

memories, definitely, because there were a lot, but also the ability that she had to touch other people's lives. it was more than touch, she had a huge impact. but even though what has happened to beth means she can't continue, if this helps one other person, i know beth will be smiling. angus crawford, bbc news. you can see angus�*s documentary about beth matthews on the bbc iplayer. and if you've been affected by any of the issues raised in that report, you can find help and advice at bbc.co.uk/actionline. is there life in outer space? scientists from the european space agency are putting the final touches to an ambitious mission that aims to find out just that. our science editor rebecca morelle has been to see the spacecraft heading to the mysterious moons ofjupiter.

bleak yet beautiful, the giant moons ofjupiter, covered in a thick crust of ice, but hidden beneath hints of vast oceans where life could thrive. now a mission is getting ready to make an epic journey to study them. at airbus in toulouse in france engineers are putting the finishing touches to the spacecraft. it is called thejupiter icy moons explorer, orjuice. this is a number of scientific instruments that we have onjuice. they range from a radar that will see beneath the ice to lasers creating 3d models of the surface and high resolution cameras. all of this is to assess whether the moons could support life. these oceans could sustain the necessary conditions necessary to support the emergence of primitive forms of life in these oceans and this is this environment that we want to further investigate with a number of scientific instruments to learn

more about this. juice will travel more than four billion miles before it arrives at its destination in eight years' time. the spacecraft will visit three ofjupiter�*s moons. it will fly around ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system. its ocean could contain more water than all of the earth's oceans put together. it will also study callisto, whose ancient surface is covered in craters. this moon could harbour life, but that is not as likely as on europa, where the spacecraft will be trying to spot plumes of water vapour erupting from beneath its icy crust. i don't think we are expecting to go there and find schools of fish in the ocean, but to be honest with you, we really don't know, and i think that is it. we are at the very beginning of our understanding and ourjourney towards understanding the habitability of these environments. but studying these moons won't be easy. the spacecraft will be

working in an incredibly challenging environment. it will encounter harsh radiation and temperatures that swing between plus and minus 200 degrees. but the team is confident it will work and the next step is to pack the spacecraft up ready for its launch in april. scientists hope we will finally discover what lies beneath the surface of these mysterious moons and whether it is possible for life to exist elsewhere in our solar system. rebecca morelle, bbc news, toulouse. whoever they are, i suggest they keep their heads down. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. good afternoon. changes in our weather are going to be taking place very slowly over the next few days. certainly for the rest of today we keep clear skies overhead. that has allowed for a lot of sunshine. still some snow lying on the ground in places. still some icy conditions, but largely sunny skies overhead. just a few showers grazing these eastern coasts and a bit more cloud

pushing into the far south—west of england. temperatures between four and eight degrees, but they will drop away very quickly into the evening. it is going to be another cold and frosty night. however, across northern ireland and the western side of scotland, this is where changes begin to take place. we see cloud, some outbreaks of rain. a little bit of snow on the leading edge. but, by morning, temperatures for the likes of northern ireland and north—west scotland will be well above freezing. further south and east, a very cold start to saturday. we develop a split in our fortunes. southern and eastern parts of the uk stick in the colder air for quite a long time this weekend, whereas further north and west we will see something milder working its way in. so the further south and east you are expect it to stay cold. the further north and west, milder and cloudier weather working in with some outbreaks of rain. so for saturday, some fog patches through east wales, the west midlands down into the west country. some of that fog could be slow to clear. broadly speaking, across much of england and wales,

we'll see sunny spells. just the odd shower into the south—east corner. for northern ireland and scotland, though, we see more cloud creeping in, some patchy rain, more of a breeze, but that's where we'll have the mildest conditions with highs of eight or nine degrees. compare that with maybe just four across parts of the midlands. as we move out of saturday into sunday, this frontal system pushes in from the north—west, but it's running up against high pressure. under the highs, some fog patches to start across eastern and south—eastern parts of england on sunday morning. that is, though, where we see the best chance of some sunshine through the day. further north and west, more cloud, some splashes of rain and temperatures up to around nine or ten degrees. for a good part of england and the east of wales, it is going to be another cold—feeling day. in fact, if you get stuck under fog for any length of time you may struggle to get much above freezing. now it does look like that milder air will eventually get down towards the south—east corner, at least for a time, although it may turn colder again by the end of next week.

this is bbc news. the headlines: president zelensky appeals for more tanks and weapons — as western defence ministers meet to discuss support for ukraine. some british tanks have been promised, but voldymr zelensky says time isn't on his side: more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland — one of the dates will coincide with a strike by nurses. the family of 17—year—old yousef makki, who was fatally stabbed, win their fight to have a fresh inquest into his death a surprise fall in the amount spent by shoppers in december, as people cut back on their christmas spending and fans are paying up to 13 hundred pounds to see madonna

on her career—spanning greatest hits tour good afternoon and welcome to the bbc news channel. the ukrainian president, volodomyr zelensky, has appeared via videolink to make a direct appealfor tanks, at a meeting of western defence chiefs in germany. representatives of more than 50 countries are discussing the co—ordination of stronger military support for kyiv. president zelensky called on the allies to agree the delivery of tanks and other advanced weapons as a matter of urgency. germany is under pressure to allow its leopard—two tanks to be exported to ukraine, which isn't a member of nato. the uk has commited to sending 14 challenger 2 tanks to the frontline.

here's our diplomatic correspondent, james landale. for western defence chiefs gathering in germany, a huge decision awaits. one that could shape the next phase of the war in ukraine and potentially even its outcome. these allies have already given ukraine unprecedented military support, now they need to decide whether to go further. america's position, at least, is clear. this is a crucial moment. russia is recruiting and regrouping. this is not a moment to slow down, it is a time to dig deeper. the ukrainian people are watching us. the kremlin is watching us. and history is watching us. so we won't let up and we went waver in our determination to help ukraine defend itself from russia's imperial aggression.

what ukraine wants is the fire power to end the relative stalemate on the front line and the ability to launch a counter offensive against russian forces breaking through their lines in the south and east. and this is what ukraine wants, the leopard—two battle tank many european countries have and are willing to provide, but there is a problem. germany makes these tanks and it has a veto over where they are sent and is reluctant to let them go to ukraine. much to the frustration of its president who told the meeting he wants hundreds. i am truly grateful to all of you for the weapons you have provided, every unit helps to save our people from terror. but time, time remains the russian weapon. we have two speed up, time must become our common weapon. overnight, the us promised ukraine mow bradley fighting vehicles, more air defence missile systems.

european nations have also been promising more military support. all of it putting pressure on the shoulders of this man, germany's new defence minister whose government fears sending tanks may escalate the conflict. his officials have hinted germany might send tanks but only if the us does, too. for now it appears no decision has been made. the leopard two are part of the consultations which are going on between nato allies and partners in this group of nations supporting ukraine. for now, the fighting continues on the front the kremlin spokesman said sending ukraine tanks would not change the situation on the ground and their importance was being overestimated. james landale, bbc news. bartosh viellinsky is with us, he's a polish political scientist and journalist serving

as foreign editor of country's biggest liberal newspaper gazeta vyborcha. thank you forjoining us. what signs if any do you see in the improvement of this disagreement between poland and germany?— and germany? there is a little bit of improvement. _ and germany? there is a little bit of improvement. progress - and germany? there is a little bit of improvement. progress has i and germany? there is a little bit i of improvement. progress has been made _ of improvement. progress has been made because germany is no longer saying _ made because germany is no longer saying no _ made because germany is no longer saying no. they decided to check if they have — saying no. they decided to check if they have any tanks left. this is a slight _ they have any tanks left. this is a slight change. it's amazing that after— slight change. it's amazing that after a — slight change. it's amazing that after a year of the war in neighbouring country to ukraine is checking _ neighbouring country to ukraine is checking the viability of tanks and armament. but still they didn't say no. armament. but still they didn't say no that _ armament. but still they didn't say no that is — armament. but still they didn't say no. that is important step forward.

the pressure is huge and the germans finally— the pressure is huge and the germans finally will _ the pressure is huge and the germans finally will yield to that pressure and send — finally will yield to that pressure and send the tanks. they cannot simply— and send the tanks. they cannot simply abandon allies. this german stance, _ simply abandon allies. this german stance, still— simply abandon allies. this german stance, still only poland is supplying... this is a just cause because — supplying... this is a just cause because we _ supplying... this is a just cause because we need to remember that soon russia will restart their offensive actions in ukraine. the ground _ offensive actions in ukraine. the ground is— offensive actions in ukraine. the ground is already freezing and temperatures have fallen and the russians — temperatures have fallen and the russians will start aggressive offensives again. so ukraine needs weapons _ offensives again. so ukraine needs weapons to provide a better set just chance _ weapons to provide a better set just chance of— weapons to provide a better set just chance of revived —— survival. the germans — chance of revived —— survival. the

germans by — chance of revived —— survival. the germans by saying no and causing casualties— germans by saying no and causing casualties of ukrainian armies. there — casualties of ukrainian armies. there is— casualties of ukrainian armies. there is also a point of the need to think— there is also a point of the need to think about — there is also a point of the need to think about-— there is also a point of the need to think about. poland could decide to send thanks — think about. poland could decide to send thanks to _ think about. poland could decide to send thanks to ukraine _ think about. poland could decide to send thanks to ukraine without i send thanks to ukraine without getting germany's approval but how wise would it be risking that sort of division? tt wise would it be risking that sort of division?— wise would it be risking that sort of division? it would not be wise. poland offered _ of division? it would not be wise. poland offered only _ of division? it would not be wise. poland offered only 12 _ of division? it would not be wise. poland offered only 12 or - of division? it would not be wise. poland offered only 12 or 14. i of division? it would not be wise. poland offered only 12 or 14. we l poland offered only 12 or 14. we have _ poland offered only 12 or 14. we have 247 — poland offered only 12 or 14. we have 247 leopard—two in our army. but doing _ have 247 leopard—two in our army. but doing that against germany's will, 12_ but doing that against germany's will, 12 of— but doing that against germany's will, 12 of 14 tanks will not change the situation and we need to have a coalition— the situation and we need to have a coalition of— the situation and we need to have a coalition of countries. we need to send _ coalition of countries. we need to send in _ coalition of countries. we need to send in hundreds of those tanks not only it _ send in hundreds of those tanks not only it it— send in hundreds of those tanks not only 14. it will be a political signal— only 14. it will be a political signal and polish voters will have elections — signal and polish voters will have elections this year and the

government is using propaganda to -et government is using propaganda to get some _ government is using propaganda to get some points but it won't help ukrainians. creating a division within— ukrainians. creating a division within nato, that is what vladimir putin— within nato, that is what vladimir putin wants and we need to be very cautious— putin wants and we need to be very cautious on— putin wants and we need to be very cautious on that. unity is the key issue _ cautious on that. unity is the key issue with — cautious on that. unity is the key issue with dealing with this war. nato _ issue with dealing with this war. nato must be united. germany are refusing _ nato must be united. germany are refusing to — nato must be united. germany are refusing to send help required by ukraine _ refusing to send help required by ukraine and poland is... we need to stay calm _ ukraine and poland is... we need to stay calm and talk to each other but they must— stay calm and talk to each other but they must be a dialogue. finally i believe _ they must be a dialogue. finally i believe this matter will be settled. a year— believe this matter will be settled. a year ago— believe this matter will be settled. a year ago germany was not ready to -ive a year ago germany was not ready to give out — a year ago germany was not ready to give out anything but look what they did, they—

give out anything but look what they did, they sent rocket launchers and howitzers _ did, they sent rocket launchers and howitzers and anti—aircraft cannons, so they— howitzers and anti—aircraft cannons, so they did — howitzers and anti—aircraft cannons, so they did a — howitzers and anti—aircraft cannons, so they did a lot. so one step more is required — so they did a lot. so one step more is required to fulfil their obligation to ukraine. this should be done _ obligation to ukraine. this should be done and i believe it will. belarus _ be done and i believe it will. belarus is _ be done and i believe it will. belarus is obviously an ally of president putin. what are your sources inside the polish government thinking about how minsk might get involved? what president lukashenko is doing since last— what president lukashenko is doing since last year is to prevent this scenario— since last year is to prevent this scenario to _ since last year is to prevent this scenario to happen, he is using all the power— scenario to happen, he is using all the power he can to resist russian demands— the power he can to resist russian demands to get involved in the war. president _ demands to get involved in the war. president lukashenko knows the resistance within his country will be huge — resistance within his country will be huge if— resistance within his country will be huge if he decides to enter this

conflict _ be huge if he decides to enter this conflict and he sends troops to ukraine — conflict and he sends troops to ukraine. that is why he's not doing that _ ukraine. that is why he's not doing that but _ ukraine. that is why he's not doing that. but president putin doesn't agree _ that. but president putin doesn't agree with that and continues to put pressure _ agree with that and continues to put pressure on — agree with that and continues to put pressure on him. i don't think belarus — pressure on him. i don't think belarus would do that but there is another— belarus would do that but there is another issue. belarusian soil will be used _ another issue. belarusian soil will be used as— another issue. belarusian soil will be used as it was used via before as a base _ be used as it was used via before as a base for— be used as it was used via before as a base for launching assaults against — a base for launching assaults against ukraine and as a ground where— against ukraine and as a ground where the — against ukraine and as a ground where the troops are being asked and brought— where the troops are being asked and brought together. the belarusian airbases— brought together. the belarusian airbases will also be used to conduct _ airbases will also be used to conduct strikes against ukraine so belarus _ conduct strikes against ukraine so belarus is — conduct strikes against ukraine so belarus is somehow participating in the war~ _ belarus is somehow participating in the war. it's an important issue personally— the war. it's an important issue personally because my friend has been _ personally because my friend has been imprisoned two years ago and i was facing _ been imprisoned two years ago and i was facing a — been imprisoned two years ago and i was facing a trial and he could land injail—

was facing a trial and he could land injail up _ was facing a trial and he could land injail up to— was facing a trial and he could land injail up to 12 years so was facing a trial and he could land in jail up to 12 years so this is a injail up to 12 years so this is a painful— in jail up to 12 years so this is a painful issue but we still believe president lukashenko is not stupid and he _ president lukashenko is not stupid and he won't get involved in the war~ _ and he won't get involved in the war. . ~' and he won't get involved in the war. ., ~ i ., and he won't get involved in the war. ., ~ y ., and he won't get involved in the war. ., ~ . ., ., ~ war. thank you so much for talking to us. rafael loss is security policy analyst at the european council on foreign relations, a pro—eu think tank. i know you are in demand today from various parts of the bbc. where do you see the divisions amongst western allies, those inside and outside nato? t western allies, those inside and outside nato?_ western allies, those inside and outside nato? ~ , ., , ., outside nato? i think divisions over the ast outside nato? i think divisions over the past couple _ outside nato? i think divisions over the past couple of _ outside nato? i think divisions over the past couple of days _ outside nato? i think divisions over the past couple of days have i outside nato? i think divisions over. the past couple of days have become visible on this question of whether or not to supply ukraine with western produced heavy tanks. several countries including poland, finland have already made announcements pledging to supply certain numbers as part of the

european coalition but germany has been standing in the way so far, avoiding taking a positive decision in that direction because germany is at the centre of this debate as the producer and original explanation. how likely is it that germany will give into the they have no doubt felt after months of debate? tt give into the they have no doubt felt after months of debate? it has not been months _ felt after months of debate? it has not been months of _ felt after months of debate? it has not been months of debate - felt after months of debate? it has not been months of debate and i felt after months of debate? tt t2; not been months of debate and the german chancellor says he now feels this pressure but the fact is i would have expected a positive decision coming out of the meeting, there was a clear expectation from there was a clear expectation from the united states government that germany would export or let other

countries export stocks to ukraine and contribute to the coalition itself. it is german industry that is going to sustain tanks by providing ammunition and spare parts. providing ammunition and spare arts. ~ . providing ammunition and spare arts. 2 ., , ., y ., parts. what will germany need from other countries _ parts. what will germany need from other countries to _ parts. what will germany need from other countries to finally _ parts. what will germany need from other countries to finally agree? i other countries to finally agree? the argument has always been from the chancellor is that germany did not want to go alone in providing ukraine with military weapons. for a long time that was interpreted as some of the country dotted at the uk pledged heavy tanks two weeks ago and it didn't seem to have on the chancellor and what his that he is seeking is a pledge from joe biden that the us will sense the heavy tanks to ukraine. i am not sure why this is the case. speculation exist

around escalation concerns but that seems to suggest that olaf scholz does not quite believe in nato's article five another assurances that the west, by shouldering your�*s defence and capabilities it is providing an so this leaves me a bit befuddled to be honest. itrufheh providing an so this leaves me a bit befuddled to be honest.— providing an so this leaves me a bit befuddled to be honest. when we hear president zelensky _ befuddled to be honest. when we hear president zelensky say _ befuddled to be honest. when we hear president zelensky say that _ befuddled to be honest. when we hear president zelensky say that time i befuddled to be honest. when we hear president zelensky say that time is i president zelensky say that time is not on ukraine's side, how much extra persuasion is that forgermany? is that the thing that makes berlin decide to respond? tt is that the thing that makes berlin decide to respond?— decide to respond? it seems strateuic decide to respond? it seems strategic circumstances i decide to respond? it seems strategic circumstances on i decide to respond? it seems i strategic circumstances on the ukraine ground teachers in germany's decision making. when the us moves germany is there and it is committing significant military aid to ukraine but it does not intend to

lead in any meaningful way by creating a european coalition on this tank question. so really i think president zelensky is right in pointing out that the russians are preparing the next round of mobilisation, russian defence ministry has announced a reorganisation of its western military district and there are mounting signals that russia will invest to recover from its current losses in the war and sees a chance to win this war. it requires a big strategic response from nato countries including germany that we have not seen to date.— have not seen to date. thank you very much _ have not seen to date. thank you very much for— have not seen to date. thank you very much for your _ have not seen to date. thank you very much for your time. - the headlines on bbc news:

president zelensky appeals for more tanks and weapons — as western defence ministers meet to discuss support for ukraine. more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland — one of the dates will coincide with a strike by nurses the family of 17—year—old yousef makki, who was fatally stabbed, win their fight to have a fresh inquest into his death the unite union has announced more dates for strike action by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland. some of them will coincide with walkouts by ambulance staff from another union, the gmb and on one date in february nurses will also be striking. earlier, i spoke to our health reporterjim reed, who told us more. it's a complex picture when it comes to the ambulance strikes because there are three different unions involved. taken as a whole, it does look like this is intensifying. there are 12 days of strikes now booked between now and easter. the unions represent

people in different areas across different professions. paramedics, call handlers and other ambulance staff are going to be involved. the unite union today saying there is going to be another six days of strikes we didn't know about before and ten in total. unite is the smallest of the three ambulance unions. the one to watch in particular is february the 6th, two weeks on monday. on that day at the moment you've currently got two of the three ambulance unions striking in england and wales and you've got the royal college of nursing striking on the same day in england and wales. if that is the case it looks like quite a coordinated action. nhs trusts are already warning about significant disruption. some people are talking about it being the largest strike in nhs history on that day. so not a lot of time for a breakthrough in talks. how hopeful are the various

parties sounding? speaking to unions up to about three or four days ago, there was a sense of a possible breakthrough. there was this meeting between the ambulance unions and the health secretary, steve barclay, at the beginning of last week and they came out of that with a sense of optimism that there could be a breakthrough, perhaps a deal about backdating some pay or a one—off payment. since then it has switched the other way and if anything they seem more gloomy than ever. i understand there has not been any substantial contact between both sides since that meeting. the unions seem to think at the moment there is no chance of a breakthrough and it looks like these strikes, unless something changes, are going to go ahead. that is quite perplexing because we hear from both sides that they are open to discussions. the problem is they are open to discussions on different things. steve barclay has made it clear that he is happy to discuss next

year's pay agreement, this is the one that starts from the next financial year in april. what the unions want to do is renegotiate essentially the deal for this year that was put in place injuly or august. we got the recommendation of the independent pay review body and the money for that pay rise which is between 4% and 5% has already gone into people's bank accounts. what the unions say is that deal was not good enough, especially with the cost of living and inflation being so high. they want to renegotiate that deal, whereas the government wants to look forward and start talks about the next deal. that is where the current dispute is at the moment. the family of a 17—year—old boy who was fatally stabbed have won their fight to have a fresh inquest into his death. yousef makki was killed during a row in hale barns,

greater manchester, in march 2019. his assailant, joshua molnar, was cleared of manslaughter and murder. an inquest later ruled out both unlawful killing and accidental death and recorded a narrative conclusion. yousef�*s family were granted a judicial review last year, which has now quashed the originalfindings. i spoke to our reporter, yunus mulla, who was at court in manchester with the latest. yousef makki's family wanted that original inquest quashed and overturned and they have got thatjudgment today after a judicial review. yousef makki was stabbed byjoshua molnar, another teenager, back in 2019. he told the court that there had been this coming together after both had produced knives and yousef makki was stabbed. at a criminal trial he was cleared of manslaughter and he was cleared of murder but he was jailed for possessing a knife and for lying to police at the scene.

there was this subsequent inquest. the coroner at the time said she couldn't be sure of the precise sequence of events and there was insufficient evidence for her to find that he was unlawfully killed. and therefore she came out with this narrative conclusion. now, after thisjudgment today, what we will get is a fresh inquest and another look at the facts of this case. yousef makki's sister said to me earlier she was shocked and overwhelmed by this decision today and said it will give them another opportunity to shine a light on what happened to her brother. so what happens next? what the family's lawyers are arguing is that the burden of proof is different at an inquest than it is in a criminal court. therefore they felt the coroner could have come to a different view than that of a jury in a criminal

case and so there will be this fresh inquest and today in theirjudgment what the high court said today was that the coroner's findings lacked some explanation and although the evidence doesn't necessarily point in one direction, they are not satisfied that all of the facts of the case were analysed and looked at properly. what the lawyers acting for yousef makki's family are saying is that they feel is that they will now get this thorough examination of all the evidence and hopefully they will get what they are looking for, but clearly there are no guarantees which way this will go. this new inquest will take place but at the moment we don't have a date. retail sales, the amount of goods we bought in shops and online, saw the biggest fall on record in the month of december. new figures from the office for national statistics show volumes were down by 5.8% compared with the same time the previous year.

it's just one sign of how rising prices are hitting people's pockets. our business correspondent emma simpson has more from norwich. in norwich city centre they know how to put on a show, a sparkling christmas, but how was it for retail? jarrolds the biggest on the block, a family owned department store. here they were planning for the worst, but it turned out far better. we were cautious with inventory levels, we were cautious with our marketing. but actually the reality was the consumer came out and spent really well pre—christmas. i thinkjust feeling that sense of actually we are going to have a good christmas this year come what may. high streets were busier as people shopped less online, partly due to postal strikes. the boss of this jewellery chain had a strong christmas too, despite the cost of living crisis. i think there is definitely resilience there. i think the british consumer likes to shop around and get a bargain

so people want value and quality and they are prepared to maybe forgo other items to get that. so i think there is a little bit of polarisation. everybody definitely isn't skin. a host of big names have posted what seem like decent numbers. but take a closer look and much of the sales growth is down to higher prices. and remember, the year before was disrupted by omicron and supply chain problems, flattering this year's figures. and we bought a lot less says the ons. a reality check on what's really going on. what these tell figures are telling us is that consumers are voting i with how tight they are feeling that pound in their pocket _ is at the moment so i think- they are really reluctant to spend it as they feel the very real i pressures of not only inflationary rates but also the cost of living crisis that is pressing very hard on consumers at the moment. many shoppers we spoke to are looking to reign back. i think a lot of people don't

want to spend quite as much as we were spending. even if you've got a bit of money in reserve you don't want to use it. it is a bit scary, yes. i will be careful, i think. i am thinking twice about spending money. was christmas a bit of a last hurrah? potentially it was, looking i at the energy prices coming up and the bill changes for the energy. the mood music is challenging. christmas has not been a disaster for retailers but there hasn't been much to celebrate either and with tougher times ahead. emma simpson, bbc news, norwich. tickets went on sale this morning for the greatest hits tour by the original material girl. madonna will be performing across europe and in north america later this year to mark the 40th anniversary of her breakthrough single, holiday. fans have been paying up

to £1,300 for a vip seat, as our music correspondent mark savage reports. # holiday.... # celebrate.# 40 years after her breakthrough single, madonna announced her greatest hits tour with a video parodying her 1992 film truth or dare. madonna, i dare you to do a world tour and play your greatest hits for decades. that's a lot of songs. it's a lot of songs. you think people would come to that show? i i'll be there. yeah, i'm there. so the answer is yeah. the stars. previous tours have always focused on new music, so this will be the first time she's played hits like this. and this. #just like a virgin.

all the tickets for the uk dates were snapped up this morning with fans paying between £47 and £1,300 to see the show. i paid £370 a ticket. and do you think that's the right price for a madonna tour at this point? it's madonna. it's you know, she's not cheap. this could well be her last major tour. madonna already holds the record for the highest earning tour by a female artist. with prices like these, she could set a new bar. mark savage, bbc news. let's bring injordan page, a freelance culture journalist who was lucky enough to get his hands on a ticket to see madonna earlier today. where are you going to be seeing

madonna? fist where are you going to be seeing madonna? �* . ., , where are you going to be seeing i madonna?_ so madonna? at the o2 in october. so ou don't madonna? at the o2 in october. so you don't have _ madonna? at the o2 in october. so you don't have to _ madonna? at the o2 in october. so you don't have to fly _ madonna? at the o2 in october. so you don't have to fly off _ madonna? at the o2 in october. so you don't have to fly off anyway. i you don't have to fly off anyway. how difficult was it to get the tickets? tt how difficult was it to get the tickets? 2. 2 how difficult was it to get the tickets? 22 2 2 , how difficult was it to get the tickets? ., , , y ., tickets? it was pretty tough. i “oined tickets? it was pretty tough. i joined the _ tickets? it was pretty tough. i joined the chelate _ tickets? it was pretty tough. i joined the chelate and - tickets? it was pretty tough. i joined the chelate and it i tickets? it was pretty tough. i joined the chelate and it was l tickets? it was pretty tough. i i joined the chelate and it was about 150,000 people in front of me so my expectations were low but i managed to get my hands on a pair of tickets. 2, 2, to get my hands on a pair of tickets. ., ., y ., ., ., tickets. how long did you have to wait? i thought _ tickets. how long did you have to wait? | thought it _ tickets. how long did you have to wait? i thought it would - tickets. how long did you have to wait? i thought it would be i tickets. how long did you have to| wait? i thought it would be longer than it was- _ wait? i thought it would be longer than it was. it _ wait? i thought it would be longer than it was. it was _ wait? i thought it would be longer than it was. it was about - wait? i thought it would be longer than it was. it was about 20 i wait? i thought it would be longer than it was. it was about 20 or - wait? i thought it would be longer than it was. it was about 20 or 30} than it was. it was about 20 or 30 minutes. when i got onto the page i just kept refreshing until i could get some. just kept refreshing until i could aet some. ., ~' ,, just kept refreshing until i could aet some. ., ~ ., get some. you sound like you have done this before _ get some. you sound like you have done this before and _ get some. you sound like you have done this before and you _ get some. you sound like you have done this before and you know - get some. you sound like you have| done this before and you know what you have to do. how much did you pay? i you have to do. how much did you .a ? ' ii you have to do. how much did you -a ? ' ii ., , , . pay? i paid £150. i was expecting to sa -- pay? i paid £150. i was expecting to say -- pay — pay? i paid £150. i was expecting to say -- pay that _ pay? i paid £150. i was expecting to say -- pay that much. _ pay? i paid £150. i was expecting to say -- pay that much. how - pay? i paid £150. i was expecting to say -- pay that much. how much i pay? i paid £150. i was expecting to say -- pay that much. how much ofj pay? i paid £150. i was expecting to i say -- pay that much. how much of a madonna fan — say -- pay that much. how much of a madonna fan are _ say -- pay that much. how much of a madonna fan are you? _ say -- pay that much. how much of a madonna fan are you? i _ say -- pay that much. how much of a madonna fan are you? i am _ say -- pay that much. how much of a madonna fan are you? i am a - say -- pay that much. how much of a madonna fan are you? i am a solid i madonna fan are you? i am a solid fan. i madonna fan are you? i am a solid fan- i listen _ madonna fan are you? i am a solid fan. i listen to _ madonna fan are you? i am a solid fan. i listen to him _ madonna fan are you? i am a solid fan. i listen to him as— madonna fan are you? i am a solid fan. i listen to him as a _ madonna fan are you? i am a solid fan. i listen to him as a lot. - madonna fan are you? i am a solid fan. i listen to him as a lot. i- fan. i listen to him as a lot. i have been into her music since i was a teenager. i really respect her as

an artist. so i'm very happy to be seeing her. an artist. so i'm very happy to be seeing her-— an artist. so i'm very happy to be seeinu her. ., ., , , seeing her. too good an opportunity to miss then. _ seeing her. too good an opportunity to miss then, greatest _ seeing her. too good an opportunity to miss then, greatest hits - seeing her. too good an opportunity to miss then, greatest hits tour. - to miss then, greatest hits tour. definitely. to miss then, greatest hits tour. definitel . ,, ., , , to miss then, greatest hits tour. definitel. ,, , ., , definitely. she has been so many different personas, _ definitely. she has been so many different personas, she _ definitely. she has been so many different personas, she has - different personas, she has reinvented herself so many times. if there is one particular era you would like the most, which era would it be? i would like the most, which era would it be? ., would like the most, which era would itbe? ., ,_ it be? i would say probably confessions _ it be? i would say probably confessions on _ it be? i would say probably confessions on a _ it be? i would say probably confessions on a dance - it be? i would say probablyl confessions on a dance floor it be? i would say probably - confessions on a dance floor because they were the first albums i listened to. i still listen to them today and you can still hear the music today. i today and you can still hear the music today-— today and you can still hear the music today. i have to agree with ou music today. i have to agree with you although _ music today. i have to agree with you although i — music today. i have to agree with you although i predate _ music today. i have to agree with you although i predate you - music today. i have to agree with you although i predate you and l music today. i have to agree with you although i predate you and i | music today. i have to agree with l you although i predate you and i go all the way back to holiday. i wasn't that fussed at the time. flan wasn't that fussed at the time. can ou vote? wasn't that fussed at the time. can you vote? no- _ wasn't that fussed at the time. can you vote? no. that _ wasn't that fussed at the time. can you vote? no. that was _ wasn't that fussed at the time. can you vote? no. that was a - wasn't that fussed at the time. can you vote? no. that was a very - you vote? no. that was a very sensible answer _ you vote? no. that was a very sensible answer because - you vote? no. that was a very sensible answer because i - you vote? no. that was a very i sensible answer because i would you vote? no. that was a very - sensible answer because i would have asked you to do it. are you going with other people? i am asked you to do it. are you going with other people?— asked you to do it. are you going with other people? i am going with my boyfriend- _

with other people? i am going with my boyfriend- so — with other people? i am going with my boyfriend. so you _ with other people? i am going with my boyfriend. so you will- with other people? i am going with my boyfriend. so you will be - with other people? i am going with| my boyfriend. so you will be singing along? my boyfriend. so you will be singing alon: ? , , ~ ., my boyfriend. so you will be singing alon.? , , �* ., ., my boyfriend. so you will be singing alona?, , ~ ., ., , along? definitely. a lot of people are sa in: along? definitely. a lot of people are saying this — along? definitely. a lot of people are saying this might _ along? definitely. a lot of people are saying this might be - along? definitely. a lot of people are saying this might be her - along? definitely. a lot of people are saying this might be her lastl are saying this might be her last tour. do you think it will be because she seems like she will go on forever. i because she seems like she will go on forever-— on forever. i hope it's not. she has had such an _ on forever. i hope it's not. she has had such an amazing _ on forever. i hope it's not. she has had such an amazing career- on forever. i hope it's not. she has had such an amazing career and i on forever. i hope it's not. she has| had such an amazing career and she is so influential so if it was a final tour i would respect that. she has been entertaining us for a0 years. i hope not but if it is then she deserves a rest. i years. i hope not but if it is then she deserves a rest.— she deserves a rest. i feel like i should have _ she deserves a rest. i feel like i should have joined _ she deserves a rest. i feel like i should have joined the - she deserves a rest. i feel like i should have joined the queue i she deserves a rest. i feel like i l should have joined the queue this morning now. if your boyfriend decides not to go, bear morning now. if your boyfriend decides not to go, hear me in mind. thank you very much. ido i do regret it, i might see how they are fixed. hello, 02. then rich as the weather. ——now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. hello. there is still some snow

on the ground in places. some icy conditions too. but blue skies overhead. we have quite a lot of sunshine today. still some showers grazing this east coast. some of those on the wintry side on the high ground and also a bit more cloud into the far south—west of england and maybe into pembrokeshire as well. the odd spot of rain is possible. top temperatures between ac and 8c but those temperatures are rapidly dropping as we go through the evening. it's going to turn really cold for all of us for a time but for northern ireland and western scotland we see cloud and rain pushing in, some snow over high ground briefly, but here it will be turning much milder by the start of saturday. and we develop a bit of a split in our fortunes through the weekend with cloudy, damp but milder weather affecting northern ireland and a good part of scotland with some brisk winds as well. but further south and east, we hold on to some sunshine once any early fog has cleared, but it is going to stay on the chilly side. just 3c or ac. that cold air holding on towards the south—east hello. this is bbc news. i'm martine croxall. the headlines:

president zelensky appeals for more tanks and weapons — as western defence ministers meet to discuss support for ukraine. what do we want? fair pay. when do we want it? — what do we want? fair pay. when do we want it? now. _ more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland — one of the dates will coincide with a strike by nurses. the family of i7—year—old yousef makki, who was fatally stabbed, win their fight to have a fresh inquest into his death. a surprise fall in the amount spent by shoppers in december, as people cutback on their christmas spending. #it # it would be # it would be so # it would be so nice... # it would be so nice... # and fans are paying up to £1,300 to see madonna on her career—spanning greatest hits tour. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre. hello. from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon. it's jur andy hello. good afternoon. it'sjust andy murray at dan evans left as the british contingent in the australian open men's singles after cameron norrie was knocked out in the third

round in melbourne beaten in five sets by the world number 71 julia hurske. ——jiri lehecka. norrie has still never reached the last 16 of the opening grand slam of the year, and was twice ahead before lehecka came back both times to take it to a deciding set. it began with norrie having some tape applied to his knee during a medical time out. and whether it affected him or not, the 21 year old czech, ranked 71 in the world, took it 6—a. meanwhile, 25 years on from petr korda winning the australian open, another korda has made waves in melbourne again. petr�*s son sebastian beat two—time finalist daniil medvedev to reach the fourth round, winning in straight sets against the seventh seed. world number one iga swiatek needed just 55 minutes to progress to the fourth round. she beat spanish qualifier cristina bucsa. elsewhere this morning, third seed jessica pegula also enjoyed a speedy win. the american tookjust over an hour to beat ukraine's marta kostyuk 6—0, 6—2.

new chelsea signing mykhailo mudryk is likely to make his debut in their premier league match at liverpool after he became. he might not be the last since joining in the transfer window. he cost £62 million. that could go as high as nearly 90. it has been reported the club could spend another 35 million on the under 21 playerfrom psv another 35 million on the under 21 player from psv eindhoven. another 35 million on the under 21 playerfrom psv eindhoven. graham potter says there is no certainty they will make more signings. i do not think there will be too many. i have no complaints about the squad. like i've said before, the january window is very complex. you might want a, b and c but a, b and c window is very complex. you might wanta, b and c buta, b and care not available, but in terms of positional need at the same time you are always looking to strengthen your team and strengthening the squad and it's exciting the players we have. when players come back

there is a good squad of players there is a good squad of players there and an exciting squad of players. west ham have signed aston villa striker danny ings in a deal worth up to £15 million. he leaves villa park as their top scorer so far this season with seven, and has been signed in time to play for west ham in their game against everton tomorrow with both teams in the bottom three. the 30 year—old has signed a contract until the summer of 2025. meanwhile striker chris wood has become nottingham forest's 2ath signing of the season after moving to the city ground on loan from newcastle, where's he's only been for a year. the deal could be made permanent at the end of the season. spurs boss antonio conte says his team needs to be "a bit more nasty" if they are to fulfil his "dream" of playing champions league football next season. their chances of doing so were hit by a a—2 defeat at manchester city last night that leaves them in fifth, five points outside the top four.

i think that we are doing progress in my opinion, and in my mind, in some aspects. in other aspects i think that we have to come back like last season and to be a bit more solid, a bit more focused, a bit more nasty. championship side sheffield united have been placed under a transfer embargo by the english football league. the move relates to the default of payments to another club, although the efl hasn't confirmed which club or player it involves. the ban means sheffield united cannot register a player �*without the written prior consent of the league' until the overdue payment is made. they are currently fighting for promotion, second in the championship. much more throughout the afternoon. but that is all of the afternoon. but that is all of the sport for now. thank you very much. a court has ruled the detention of social media influencer andrew tate and his

brother in romania is to be extended until the 27th of february. andrew and tristan tate are being held while police investigate allegations of trafficking and rape. meanwhile, teenage girls have told the bbc how the brothers contacted them online, apparently using a standard formula. our correspondent lucy williamson sent this report from bucharest. behind the screen andrew tate is speaking. his utterances followed by a tiny audience of prosecutors, lawyers and police. the rest of the world stands waiting as police investigate allegations of trafficking and rape. one of those allowed through the gates was his brother tristan's girlfriend, arriving with his daughter. neither andrew tate nor his brother have yet been charged, but their public image has been complicated by the things they say and the way they behave online. daria was 16 when she says she received a private message on instagram two years ago

from andrew tate's account. it read simply, "romanian girl," followed by a strawberry emoji. it was very obvious we were high school girls, like, we had the high school in our bio and everything. i feel like he was just trying to find girls that seemed like as innocent or as naive as possible, in my opinion. daria, who is now at university in the uk, says it is important she speaks out because so many young men idolise andrew tate. i don't think that at this time it is being regulated at all and this is a big problem because we can't wake up in 20 years with, like, two million andrew tates. ijust say... in a video andrew tate outlined his method for approaching women online. sometimes, because like i said, intrigue, i will put a completely pointless emoji on the end, some cherries, or an orange, or a strawberry cos it doesn't mean anything. then i write my reply.

"why do i never see you? where are you hiding?" 99% of them say, "i'm not hiding." that is what nearly every one of them says. another woman, who didn't want to reveal her identity on camera, showed us screenshots of an exchange between her and tristan tate when she was 17 that appears to follow andrew's script. she was first contacted last may. his initial message reads, "you're beautiful." he then moves on to say, "i feel i have seen you around town before. where have you been hiding?" "it's likely," she replies, "i didn't hide." translation: i know he was writing i the same thing to a lot of girls, i including a friend of mine. he used the same approach, always starting the conversation with exactly the same line, "you're beautiful." in publicity for his online courses in manipulating and exploiting women, andrew tate has said his job was to "meet a girl, sleep with her,

get her to fall in love with me to the point where she'd do anything i say and then get her working on webcam so we could become rich together". schools here in romania are talking about the issue of online safety, sparked by headlines around the tate case. more than half the girls in this class had already been contacted by an adult stranger online. teachers say they are in a battle to shape the next generation against influencers like andrew tate. lucy williamson, bbc news, bucharest. dentists have warned about the risks of buying clear braces known as aligners online. some people suffered permanent nerve damage and tooth loss. the british orthodontic society says results could be disastrous if the teeth are not monitored properly. let's talk more about this with the chair of the british dental association, eddie crouch. thank you forjoining us. what

concerns do you have about this type of aligner? if you want to edit these astons, you must take control of this page by pressing spacebar.this is 50 other people get a warning saying you're editing astonsif you don't take control of this page, the real problems with this are that either people go in on the high street to a shop and they get scanned by a dental care professional or they take impressions of their own teeth and send them off to these companies. and whilst there is a dentist supposedly attached to the treatment, those dentists are remote and do not carry out a full examination of the patient, and we have been worried for quite some while that many patients are not fit before they start this treatment. smile direct club who are one of the companies that sell these things advise people to get dental advice six months beforehand. they do say they have very good outcomes as well. to what extent do you understand people would opt for this because they are considerably cheaper than going to a dentist for them? . , cheaper than going to a dentist for them? ., , ., ,., , cheaper than going to a dentist for them? ., , ., , , them? that is the reason why people take u- them? that is the reason why people take up these — them? that is the reason why people take up these options _ them? that is the reason why people take up these options because i them? that is the reason why people take up these options because they l

take up these options because they are cheap but they do come with some risks. they might advise that but they don't check any of that. they certainly don't look at any radiographs, x—rays of the patient�*s teeth. and if the patient hasn't had a dental examination there will still go ahead with the treatment to the detriment of the patient�*s oral health sometimes. haifa the detriment of the patient's oral health sometimes.— the detriment of the patient's oral health sometimes. how can you have these aligners. _ health sometimes. how can you have these aligners, then, _ health sometimes. how can you have these aligners, then, to _ health sometimes. how can you have these aligners, then, to be _ health sometimes. how can you have these aligners, then, to be sure i these aligners, then, to be sure that you are going to have good teeth at the end of it? it that you are going to have good teeth at the end of it?— teeth at the end of it? it needs maintaining — teeth at the end of it? it needs maintaining and _ teeth at the end of it? it needs maintaining and monitoring i maintaining and monitoring throughout the actual treatment process. many dentists do this on the high street for their patients and patients go in at regular intervals so that the progress because of the treatment can be checked. none of that is done with these remote companies. they give you a set of aligners, they send you off, if you have any problems you contact them. sometimes they will send you another set of aligners, but at no point is anybody having a

look to see what the progress of the treatment is. 50. look to see what the progress of the treatment is— treatment is. so, say you do have a roblem treatment is. so, say you do have a problem with _ treatment is. so, say you do have a problem with them _ treatment is. so, say you do have a problem with them and _ treatment is. so, say you do have a problem with them and then - treatment is. so, say you do have a problem with them and then you i treatment is. so, say you do have a i problem with them and then you have to go to your dentist to get it fixed, would it be free on the nhs to have that corrective work done? oh, dear, ithink to have that corrective work done? oh, dear, i think doctor crouch has frozen. i'm really sorry about that. that was doctor eddie crouch from the british dental association. you're watching bbc news. a reminder of the headlines this afternoon. president zelensky appeals for more tanks and weapons — as western defence ministers meet to discuss support for ukraine. what do you want? fair pay. the when do we want it? — what do you want? fair pay. the when do we want it? now! _ more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland — one of the dates will coincide with a strike by nurses. the family of i7—year—old yousef makki, who was fatally stabbed, win their fight to have a fresh

inquest into his death. more than 2.5 million electricity customers on economy seven tariff switch see different tariffs charged for electricity depending on the time of day have seen their bills rise since the 1st of january despite the government price cap. analysis suggests that customers are facing an average increase of £116 a year. our cost of living correspondent colletta smith reports. we moved in in 1983. keith and joan's electricity _ reports. we moved in in 1983. keith and joan's electricity bill— reports. we moved in in 1983. keith and joan's electricity bill has - reports. we moved in in 1983. keith and joan's electricity bill has just i and joan's electricity bill has just gone up. i think we've been forgotten, those of us on economy seven, i think we are being penalised, injanuary they seven, i think we are being penalised, in january they have seven, i think we are being penalised, injanuary they have put them up more than them on standard tariff. people on economy seven tariffs paid two different rates for their electricity. a really cheap rate for seven hours in the and a much higher rate for the daytime. that makes sense if you've got storage heaters or need a lot of energy at night but keith and joan don't. ., . , energy at night but keith and joan don't. ., ., , ., ., don't. you have been wanting to

alter it to standard _ don't. you have been wanting to alter it to standard tariff. - don't. you have been wanting to alter it to standard tariff. i i don't. you have been wanting to | alter it to standard tariff. i asked them two years _ alter it to standard tariff. i asked them two years ago _ alter it to standard tariff. i asked them two years ago and - alter it to standard tariff. i asked them two years ago and they i alter it to standard tariff. i asked | them two years ago and they said they would put me on a waiting list. what waiting list that is they never explained. what waiting list that is they never ex - lained. �* , what waiting list that is they never exlained. �* , .,, what waiting list that is they never exlained. �* , , _ explained. bulb has been bought by octous explained. bulb has been bought by octopus who _ explained. bulb has been bought by octopus who told _ explained. bulb has been bought by octopus who told us _ explained. bulb has been bought by octopus who told us they _ explained. bulb has been bought by octopus who told us they will i explained. bulb has been bought by octopus who told us they will look l octopus who told us they will look into thejohnson is' case. do you use the electricity at night time? do you have any appliances running? no, i've done enough night shifts in my time _ no, i've done enough night shifts in my time i— no, i've done enough night shifts in my time. i don't want to go back to id my time. idon't want to go back to go to— my time. i don't want to go back to go to bed. — my time. i don't want to go back to go to bed, get up at three o'clock and put _ go to bed, get up at three o'clock and put washer on, i don't think, no. ., ., ., , ., no. the regulator raised the cap for economy seven _ no. the regulator raised the cap for economy seven in _ no. the regulator raised the cap for economy seven in january - no. the regulator raised the cap for economy seven in january and i no. the regulator raised the cap for economy seven in january and a i economy seven in january and a consultancy firm future energy associates sentence makes a average economy seven tariffs have gone up by economy seven tariffs have gone up by more than £100 a year as a result. since october the government has limited the price that energy companies can charge for every killer —— kilowatt—hour. for people on economy seven who have different tariffs that they have left it up to companies to decide how much they

charge for a day rate and a night rate. the regulator of gem say they are investigating whether all suppliers are advising customers about the cheapest tariffs. but they say if economy seven customers use cheaper off—peak electricity they can make substantial savings. fuel poverty campaigners want the government to do more. the poverty campaigners want the government to do more. the costs of these tariffs — government to do more. the costs of these tariffs are _ government to do more. the costs of these tariffs are going _ government to do more. the costs of these tariffs are going up _ government to do more. the costs of these tariffs are going up and - government to do more. the costs of these tariffs are going up and they i these tariffs are going up and they are going up in spite of the fact that obviously we are supposed to be in a situation where prices are locked in and people can budget with confidence knowing what their energy bills are going to cost. the government _ bills are going to cost. the government to _ bills are going to cost. the government to safe - bills are going to cost. the government to safe suppliers have been allowed to change the economy seven rates to balance out more expensive day rates against cheaper night rates. that is cold comfort to those facing higher bills this winter. colletta smith, bbc news. british gas says it will stop switching households onto prepayment meters remotely when they struggled to pay their bills. it comes amid growing calls to stop the

practice. that's where a smart meter is turned by a supplier into a prepayment meter without the customer being given a choice. citizens advice says it has seen a big rise in people needing crisis support like emergency grants. british gas also promised £10 million of extra support for customers in need which could include a grant of up to £250. let's bring you some breaking news now where the defence ministers are meeting to discuss future support for ukraine. we are told that no decision on supplying leopard two tanks to ukraine has been reached, that meeting of allies and germany's ramstein air base according to politt�*s defence minister speaking today, though he did say he remains optimistic that efforts to provide the tanks will end in success but we don't know when. he said hope comes from the fact that defence ministers are 15 countries met on the sidelines of today was my conference

and we talked about this topic. i am convinced that coalition building will end in success. it is obviously a debate that has been under way in germany for several months and no solution yet, but talks are continuing. nearly 500,000 people in england, scotland and wales missed out on starting medication to lower their blood pressure during the pandemic according to new research. the investigation by the british heart foundation found that a further 300,000 didn't get treatment to reduce their cholesterol. the findings have been published in the journal nature medicine. google's parent company alphabet has announced 12,000 job cuts, about 6% of the group plasma total workforce around the world. in a memo to staff the ceo sundar pichai said he took full responsibility for the cuts, saying that people had been hired for a different economic reality than the one the company faces today. thejob than the one the company faces today. the job losses follow similar announcements from major tech companies meta and microsoft. it was

a clear night for most of us, which used to mean a spectacular view of the night skies. in recent years, though, the number of stars we can see with the naked eye has reduced dramatically because of light pollution or sky glow. new research suggests in areas where 250 stars were visible two decades ago we now only see 150. our science correspondent victoria gill reports. the glow of earth at night captured from the international space station. that urban gleam might look beautiful but these are actually pictures of pollution, light being sent up into space rather than directed at the ground where it is useful. and whether it's street light advertising or purely decorative, that light pollution is getting worse. to find that out, researchers collected night sky observations from amateur astronomers all around the world, people who went out to count the stars and submitted their results to an online project

called globe at night. this showed that over the last decade, the night sky has been getting about 10% brighter every year. this view of the stars is disappearing, right? so this is something that until relatively recently, within one or two lifetimes, was something that was a shared experience across everyone around the world, this going out and seeing stars at night—time. it's also a symbol and a reminder that the way we are lighting is relatively wasteful, and that we don't seem to be getting better at it. the brighter the night sky is, the brighter a star has to be for us to be able to see it with the naked eye. so even in quite a rural area like this, and on a clear night, when the streetlights start to glow, the sky glows and that obscures the faintest stars. and as that glow gets brighter every year, we lose more and more of those stars from our view. light pollution doesn'tjust obscure the night sky. it's been shown to affect the behaviour of nocturnal animals and to disrupt our sleep

and affect our health. and unlike so many complicated environmental problems, this one could be fixed by simply turning down the lights. victoria gill, bbc news. army driverjoe coutinho was supposed to be taking a senior officer to normandy at more than a week after d—day but the sergeant major had other plans and ordered him to cross the channel in the early hours of the attack. joe, who turned 100 this week, has been sharing his memories withjohn maguire. wow. this may well be the first time that a d—day veteran has received a birthday card from king charles iii, sent to the remarkablejoe cattini to honour his centenary. i thought i'd get to perhaps 80. but then i kept on going. when i got to 99, i thought, oh, well, i might make the 100. well, here i am!

newsreel: german bombers rain fire and high-explosive _ newsreel: german bombers reign fire and high-explosive _ bombs in their most savage attack on london. - joe was a rescue worker for the civil defence service in london during the blitz before joining the army. he then became a colonel�*s driver and was to take his staff car to normandy nine days after the allied invasion. that was until he was spotted by a sergeant major who was organising transport for d—day. "where do you think you're going, corporal?" i said, "i'm going back to camp. he says, "well, you can change that for a start." he says, "there's a vehicle over there that wants a driver. you're a driver, you drive it." and when i realised what it was loaded with, ammunition and petrol, then that really blew my top. what he witnessed that day on the french coast, especially the fate of so many so young, has stayed with him ever since.

it was shocking. and they're the people that should be remembered. i shall never forget them. his family says his 90s have been some of the busiest and best of his very long life. so, any advice? everything in moderation. when i was in the army, i could drink five pints of beer. now, i'm down to a half. he'll have ample opportunity to test that theory this week john maguire, bbc news. many happy returns, joe. is there life in outer space? scientists from the european space agency are putting the final touches to an ambitious exploration that aims to find outjust that.

our science editor rebecca morelle has been to see the spacecraft heading to the mysterious moons ofjupiter. bleak yet beautiful, the giant moons ofjupiter, covered in a thick crust of ice, but hidden beneath hints of vast oceans where life could thrive. now a mission is getting ready to make an epic journey to study them. at airbus in toulouse in france engineers are putting the finishing touches to the spacecraft. it is called thejupiter icy moons explorer, orjuice. this is a number of scientific instruments that we have onjuice. they range from a radar that will see beneath the ice to lasers creating 3d models of the surface and high resolution cameras. all of this is to assess whether the moons could support life. these oceans could sustain the necessary conditions necessary to support the emergence of primitive forms of life in these oceans and it is this environment that we want to further investigate with a number of scientific instruments to learn

more about this. juice will travel more than four billion miles before it arrives at its destination in eight years' time. the spacecraft will visit three ofjupiter�*s moons. it will fly around ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system. its ocean could contain more water than all of the earth's oceans put together. it will also study callisto, whose ancient surface is covered in craters. this moon could harbour life, but that is not as likely as on europa, where the spacecraft will be trying to spot plumes of water vapour erupting from beneath its icy crust. i don't think we are expecting to go there and find schools of fish in the ocean, but to be honest with you, we really don't know, and i think that is it. we are at the very beginning of our understanding and ourjourney towards understanding the habitability of these environments. but studying these

moons won't be easy. the spacecraft will be working in an incredibly challenging environment. it will encounter harsh radiation and temperatures that swing between plus and minus 200 degrees. but the team is confident it will work and the next step is to pack the spacecraft up ready for its launch in april. scientists hope we will finally discover what lies beneath the surface of these mysterious moons and whether it is possible for life to exist elsewhere in our solar system. rebecca morelle, bbc news, toulouse. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. good afternoon. changes in our weather are going to be taking place very slowly over the next few days. certainly for the rest of today we keep clear skies overhead. that has allowed for a lot of sunshine. still some snow lying on the ground in places. still some icy conditions, but largely sunny skies overhead. just a few showers grazing these eastern coasts and a bit more cloud pushing into the far south—west of england. temperatures between four and eight

degrees, but they will drop away very quickly into the evening. it is going to be another cold and frosty night. however, across northern ireland and the western side of scotland, this is where changes begin to take place. we see cloud, some outbreaks of rain. a little bit of snow on the leading edge. but, by morning, temperatures for the likes of northern ireland and north—west scotland will be well above freezing. further south and east, a very cold start to saturday. we develop a split in our fortunes. southern and eastern parts of the uk stick in the colder air for quite a long time this weekend, whereas further north and west we will see something milder working its way in. so the further south and east you are expect it to stay cold. the further north and west, milder and cloudier weather working in with some outbreaks of rain. so for saturday, some fog patches through east wales, the west midlands down into the west country. some of that fog could be slow to clear. broadly speaking, across much of england and wales, we'll see sunny spells. just the odd shower

into the south—east corner. for northern ireland and scotland, though, we see more cloud creeping in, some patchy rain, more of a breeze, but that's where we'll have the mildest conditions with highs of eight or nine degrees. compare that with maybe just four across parts of the midlands. as we move out of saturday into sunday, this frontal system pushes in from the north—west, but it's running up against high pressure. under the highs, some fog patches to start across eastern and south—eastern parts of england on sunday morning. that is, though, where we see the best chance of some sunshine through the day. further north and west, more cloud, some splashes of rain and temperatures up to around nine or ten degrees. for a good part of england and the east of wales, it is going to be another cold—feeling day. in fact, if you get stuck under fog for any length of time you may struggle to get much above freezing. now it does look like that milder air will eventually get down towards the south—east corner, at least for a time, although it may turn colder again by the end of next week.

this is bbc news. the headlines: president zelensky appeals for more tanks and weapons as western defence ministers meet to discuss support for ukraine. more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland. one of the dates will coincide with a strike by nurses. the family of 17—year—old yousef makki, who was fatally stabbed, win theirfight to have a fresh inquest into his death. a surprise fall in the amount spent by shoppers in december, as people cutback on their christmas spending. and fans are paying up to £1,300 to see madonna on her career—spanning

greatest hits tour. good afternoon and welcome to the bbc news channel. the ukrainian president, volodomyr zelensky, has appeared via videolink to make a direct appealfor tanks, at a meeting of western defence chiefs in germany. representatives of more than 50 countries are discussing the co—ordination of stronger military support for kyiv. president zelensky called on the allies to agree the delivery of tanks and other advanced weapons as a matter of urgency. germany is under pressure to allow its leopard—two tanks to be exported to ukraine, which isn't a member of nato. the uk has commited to sending 1a challenger 2 tanks to the frontline. here's our diplomatic

correspondent, james landale. a press conference is just beginning. let's listening. —— listen in. over to you secretary austin. ,., ., listen in. over to you secretary austin. ., i. ., austin. good afternoon everyone and thank ou austin. good afternoon everyone and thank you for— austin. good afternoon everyone and thank you forjoining _ austin. good afternoon everyone and thank you forjoining us _ austin. good afternoon everyone and thank you forjoining us today. i austin. good afternoon everyone and thank you forjoining us today. we i thank you forjoining us today. we have just concluded the eighth ukraine defence contact group meeting and it was great to start the new year by deepening our coordination as we work together for ukraine's self defence. as president biden has said this is a decisive decade for the world. and this is a decisive moment for ukraine's

struggle to defend itself. so this contact group will not slow down. we are going to continue to dig deep and based upon the progress we have made today i am confident that ukraine's partners from around the globe are determined to meet this moment. the united states remains committed to leading in this coordinated effort and this morning i was pleased to announce another major round of us security assistance designed to meet ukraine's urgent battlefield requirements. there is $2.5 billion package is one of our largest yet. it helps ukraine we did say defence needs with additional munitions and eight avenger air defence systems. this package also helps tackle ukraine's urgent need for armour and

combat vehicles. it includes 59 additional bradley infantry fighting vehicles. and 90 stryker armoured personnel carriers. 53 m wraps and 350 at barnard humvees. it will provide thousands more rounds of artillery. we were honoured to hear this morning from president zelensky of ukraine. let me also thank several other brave ukrainian leaders forjoining us today. that includes my good friend mr alexi the minister of defence and the deputy chief of defence. their presentations gave us a first—hand account of what ukraine's military and citizens are facing. today's

meeting focused on ukraine's needs for a defence and armour. we also pushed hard on how to synchronise those donations and turn them into fully operational capabilities. that means every step from donation to training to maintenance and then to sustainment. we also focused on how our collective and individual training efforts would be prosecuted. so as you heard president biden recently announced, the latest us training initiative, and it builds on the us programme to train ukrainian troops dating back to 201a. other countries are stepping up with their own initiatives and many are joining the european union's military assistance

mission. meanwhile, we are also continuing to strengthen our defence industrial bases through the work of the national armaments directors. all of these efforts underscore how much we have deepened our corporation since the contact group began last april. i will work shows how much nations of goodwill can achieve when we work together. and it shows our long—term commitment to supporting ukraine against russia's unprovoked aggression. as we saw againjust days ago unprovoked aggression. as we saw again just days ago russia continues its assault on ukraine's civilian and critical infrastructure. russia continues to bombard ukraine's cities with cruise missiles and

drones. but the ukrainian people stand defiant and strong and ukrainian troops are bravely defending the country and their fellow citizens. as russia's cruelty deepens, the resolve of this contact group grows. that is clear from the announcement with her today and i will start to with a defence. several countries have come forward with key donations that will help protect ukraine's skies and cities and citizens. france and germany and the uk have all donated air defence systems to ukraine and that includes a picture of battery from germany. that is especially important coming alongside our own contribution of a patriot system. the netherlands has also donated patriot missiles and launchers in training. canada has procured the system and associated

munitions for ukraine. so these air defence systems will heal —— help save countless innocent lives. we are also pushing hard to meet ukraine's requirements for tanks and other armoured vehicles. the uk has announced a significant donation of challenger two tanks for ukraine. this is the first introduction of western main battle tanks and ukraine. also commendable british allies for making this decision. sweden announced its donating infantry fighting vehicles. and an additional donation soon of archer howitzers. we've also heard inspiring and important new donation announcements from several other countries and that includes denmark which will donate 19 howitzers. latvia is donating more stingers and helicopters and other equipment. estonia is providing ukraine with a

significant new package of much—needed 155 millimetre howitzers admonitions. all of today's announcements are a direct result of our work at the contact group on these important new commitments demonstrate the ongoing resolve of our allies and partners to help ukraine defend itself. this is not just about ukraine's security, it's also about european security and it's about global security. it's about the kind of world that we want to live in. and it's about the world that we want our children and grandchildren to inherit. the members of this contact group are standing upfor members of this contact group are standing up for the world where rules matter and where rights matter and where sovereignty is respected.

and where people can choose their own path free from tyranny and aggression. i am confident that this group will remain united. we will continue to build momentum, we will support ukraine against russian aggression for the long haul and we will continue to work toward a free and secure ukraine in a stable and decent world. with that let me turn over to the chairman for his comments. over to the chairman for his comments-— over to the chairman for his comments. ., ~ , ., ., , ., comments. thank you for your leadership _ comments. thank you for your leadership in _ comments. thank you for your leadership in this _ comments. thank you for your leadership in this contact i comments. thank you for your| leadership in this contact group comments. thank you for your i leadership in this contact group in suppori— leadership in this contact group in support of— leadership in this contact group in support of ukrainian freedom. thanks as well— support of ukrainian freedom. thanks as well to _ support of ukrainian freedom. thanks as well to all the ministers and the chiets— as well to all the ministers and the chiefs of— as well to all the ministers and the chiefs of defence that were here. sa different _ chiefs of defence that were here. sa different countries were represented today _ different countries were represented today a _ different countries were represented today. a special thank you to the ukrainian — today. a special thank you to the ukrainian minister of defence and deputy— ukrainian minister of defence and deputy chief of defence. i recently had an—

deputy chief of defence. i recently had an opportunity to meet with general— had an opportunity to meet with general zelezny in poland. they all represent — general zelezny in poland. they all represent the exceptional bravery of the ukrainian army and most importantly the ukrainian people. this week— importantly the ukrainian people. this week after meeting general zelezny— this week after meeting general zelezny i — this week after meeting general zelezny i visited some of the training _ zelezny i visited some of the training that we are doing in germany— training that we are doing in germany and also an opportunity to have meetings and attended the military— have meetings and attended the military committee meeting were all members _ military committee meeting were all members of the countries of nato met with one _ members of the countries of nato met with one of— members of the countries of nato met with one of the primary topic to be in support— with one of the primary topic to be in support ukraine. i think that in my in support ukraine. i think that in n1y43— in support ukraine. i think that in n1y43as— in support ukraine. i think that in n1y43asan— in support ukraine. i think that in my a3 as an uniform this is the most unified _ my a3 as an uniform this is the most unified i_ my a3 as an uniform this is the most unified i have — my a3 as an uniform this is the most unified i have ever seen nato. the war has— unified i have ever seen nato. the war has evolved over the last 11 months — war has evolved over the last 11 months but the mission of this group, — months but the mission of this group, this contact group has

remained _ group, this contact group has remained the same. we are effectively committed to supporting ukraine _ effectively committed to supporting ukraine with capabilities to defend itself against the illegal and unprovoked russian aggression. in the words — unprovoked russian aggression. in the words of president biden and many— the words of president biden and many other national leaders, as much as it takes _ many other national leaders, as much as it takes for as long as it takes in order to — as it takes for as long as it takes in orderto keep as it takes for as long as it takes in order to keep ukraine three, independent and sovereign. these meetings — independent and sovereign. these meetings play an important role as we support ukraine in the defence of its territory _ we support ukraine in the defence of its territory and it's a demonstration of the unity and resolve — demonstration of the unity and resolve of the allied nations. yesterday secretary austin mentioned president _ yesterday secretary austin mentioned president biden released our 30th security— president biden released our 30th security assistance package signifying our continued commitment to ukraine _ signifying our continued commitment to ukraine. this package combines with our— to ukraine. this package combines with our previous one and includes manoeuvre — with our previous one and includes manoeuvre capabilities would supporting artillery, the equivalent of at least —

supporting artillery, the equivalent of at least two combined manoeuvre brigades _ of at least two combined manoeuvre brigades or— of at least two combined manoeuvre brigades or six neck infantry battalions. ten motorised infantry lrattalions— battalions. ten motorised infantry battalions and for artillery battalions. this package along with the allied _ battalions. this package along with the allied donations are indicated to signifying a collective resolve and our — to signifying a collective resolve and our commitment to ukraine to protect— and our commitment to ukraine to protect the — and our commitment to ukraine to protect the population from the russian — protect the population from the russian attacks and to provide the armour— russian attacks and to provide the armour necessary to go on the offensive — armour necessary to go on the offensive to liberate russian occupied ukraine. this week in germany— occupied ukraine. this week in germany we began collective training _ germany we began collective training. that training in addition to the _ training. that training in addition to the equipment will significantly increase _ to the equipment will significantly increase ukrainian is capability to defend _ increase ukrainian is capability to defend itself from the russian attacks — defend itself from the russian attacks and to go on the tactical

and operational offensive to liberate _ and operational offensive to liberate the occupied areas. with the training we are doing... they will more — the training we are doing... they will more effectively synchronise all of _ will more effectively synchronise all of the — will more effectively synchronise all of the combined arms in order to execute _ all of the combined arms in order to execute manoeuvre based operations. the support _ execute manoeuvre based operations. the support we discussed today, the training _ the support we discussed today, the training we _ the support we discussed today, the training we discussed today and the way ahead — training we discussed today and the way ahead is really an extension of what's _ way ahead is really an extension of what's been going on since 2014 and today— what's been going on since 2014 and today signifies a very real and tangible — today signifies a very real and tangible difference in ukraine's efforts — tangible difference in ukraine's efforts to defend itself. international aggression where large countries _ international aggression where large countries use military force to attack — countries use military force to attack small countries cannot be allowed — attack small countries cannot be allowed to stand. eventually, president putin, russia will realise

the full— president putin, russia will realise the full extent of their miscalculation but until president putin ends this war, his war of choice. — putin ends this war, his war of choice. the _ putin ends this war, his war of choice, the nations of this contact group _ choice, the nations of this contact group will— choice, the nations of this contact group will continue to support the defence _ group will continue to support the defence of ukraine in order to uphold — defence of ukraine in order to uphold the rule —based international order~ _ uphold the rule —based international order. thank you and i welcome your questions _ my question is, many of us thought that today— my question is, many of us thought that today we — my question is, many of us thought that today we would _ my question is, many of us thought that today we would have _ my question is, many of us thought that today we would have a - that today we would have a breakthrough _ that today we would have a breakthrough in _ that today we would have a breakthrough in the - that today we would have a i breakthrough in the discussion that today we would have a - breakthrough in the discussion about heavy— breakthrough in the discussion about heavy battle — breakthrough in the discussion about heavy battle tanks. _ breakthrough in the discussion about heavy battle tanks. you _ breakthrough in the discussion about heavy battle tanks. you didn't - heavy battle tanks. you didn't mention— heavy battle tanks. you didn't mention that _ heavy battle tanks. you didn't mention that at _ heavy battle tanks. you didn't mention that at all _ heavy battle tanks. you didn't mention that at all and - heavy battle tanks. you didn't mention that at all and you i heavy battle tanks. you didn't i mention that at all and you didn't talk about leopard—two or - mention that at all and you didn't i talk about leopard—two or abrahams tanks~ _ talk about leopard—two or abrahams tanks~ did _ talk about leopard—two or abrahams tanks~ did you — talk about leopard—two or abrahams tanks. did you talk— talk about leopard—two or abrahams tanks. did you talk about _ talk about leopard—two or abrahams tanks. did you talk about that - tanks. did you talk about that today? — tanks. did you talk about that toda ? ., ., ., , ., today? you may have heard the german minister of defence _ today? you may have heard the german minister of defence say _ today? you may have heard the german minister of defence say earlier - today? you may have heard the german minister of defence say earlier that i minister of defence say earlier that they have not made a decision on the provision of leopard—two tanks. we are really focused on making sure

ukraine has the capability it has to be successful right now so we have a window of opportunity here between now and the spring, whenever they commence their operation and counteroffensive, and that is not a long time and we have to pull together the right capabilities. you heard the chairman walk through some of the substantial combat power we had some of our allies have offered to provide. there are tanks in that offer.: for example continues to offer.: for example continues to offer tanks and will provide tanks and other countries will offer tanks capability as well. i don't have any announcements to make. you heard the german minister of defence say that they have not made a decision yet.

over the past week a number of european — over the past week a number of european countries _ over the past week a number of european countries have - over the past week a number of| european countries have publicly pleaded — european countries have publicly pleaded with _ european countries have publicly pleaded with germany _ european countries have publicly pleaded with germany to - european countries have publicly pleaded with germany to allow. european countries have publicly i pleaded with germany to allow the transfer— pleaded with germany to allow the transfer of— pleaded with germany to allow the transfer of their— pleaded with germany to allow the transfer of their tanks. _ pleaded with germany to allow the transfer of their tanks. they- pleaded with germany to allow the transfer of their tanks. they still. transfer of their tanks. they still have _ transfer of their tanks. they still have not— transfer of their tanks. they still have not made _ transfer of their tanks. they still have not made a _ transfer of their tanks. they still have not made a decision. - transfer of their tanks. they still have not made a decision. are i transfer of their tanks. they still. have not made a decision. are you disappointed — have not made a decision. are you disappointed in _ have not made a decision. are you disappointed in the _ have not made a decision. are you disappointed in the german - have not made a decision. are you i disappointed in the german position and how— disappointed in the german position and how can — disappointed in the german position and how can germany— disappointed in the german position and how can germany still _ disappointed in the german position and how can germany still be - disappointed in the german position and how can germany still be seen i disappointed in the german position. and how can germany still be seen as and how can germany still be seen as a reliable _ and how can germany still be seen as a reliable ally— and how can germany still be seen as a reliable ally given _ and how can germany still be seen as a reliable ally given what _ and how can germany still be seen as a reliable ally given what is _ and how can germany still be seen as a reliable ally given what is widely- a reliable ally given what is widely perceived — a reliable ally given what is widely perceived as — a reliable ally given what is widely perceived as them _ a reliable ally given what is widely perceived as them dragging - a reliable ally given what is widely perceived as them dragging theirl perceived as them dragging their feet on— perceived as them dragging their feet on something _ perceived as them dragging their feet on something so _ perceived as them dragging their feet on something so simple? i perceived as them dragging their. feet on something so simple? and perceived as them dragging their- feet on something so simple? and for the chairman. — feet on something so simple? and for the chairman. is— feet on something so simple? and for the chairman, is there _ feet on something so simple? and for the chairman, is there any— the chairman, is there any prohibition— the chairman, is there any prohibition on— the chairman, is there any prohibition on the - the chairman, is there any prohibition on the use i the chairman, is there any prohibition on the use of. the chairman, is there any- prohibition on the use of american weapons _ prohibition on the use of american weapons by— prohibition on the use of american weapons by the _ prohibition on the use of american weapons by the ukrainians - prohibition on the use of american weapons by the ukrainians in- prohibition on the use of american i weapons by the ukrainians in crimea currently? _ weapons by the ukrainians in crimea currently? you — weapons by the ukrainians in crimea currently? you have _ weapons by the ukrainians in crimea currently? you have talked - weapons by the ukrainians in crimea currently? you have talked about i weapons by the ukrainians in crimeai currently? you have talked about how they swore _ currently? you have talked about how they swore like — currently? you have talked about how they swore like many— currently? you have talked about how they swore like many others - currently? you have talked about how they swore like many others has i currently? you have talked about how they swore like many others has to i they swore like many others has to end they swore like many others has to and through — they swore like many others has to and through a _ they swore like many others has to end through a negotiated - they swore like many others has to i end through a negotiated settlement but is now— end through a negotiated settlement but is now the — end through a negotiated settlement but is now the time _ end through a negotiated settlement but is now the time for— end through a negotiated settlement but is now the time for the _ end through a negotiated settlement but is now the time for the russiansl but is now the time for the russians and ukrainians— but is now the time for the russians and ukrainians to _ but is now the time for the russians and ukrainians to come _ but is now the time for the russians and ukrainians to come to— but is now the time for the russians and ukrainians to come to the - but is now the time for the russians and ukrainians to come to the table| and ukrainians to come to the table to talk— and ukrainians to come to the table to talk about — and ukrainians to come to the table to talk about that? _ and ukrainians to come to the table to talk about that? first— and ukrainians to come to the table to talk about that?— to talk about that? first let me sa , this to talk about that? first let me say. this isn't _ to talk about that? first let me say, this isn't really _ to talk about that? first let me say, this isn't really about i to talk about that? first let me say, this isn't really about one | say, this isn't really about one single — say, this isn't really about one single platform. so our goal is to

provide _ single platform. so our goal is to provide the capability that ukraine needs— provide the capability that ukraine needs to _ provide the capability that ukraine needs to be successful in the near term _ needs to be successful in the near term you — needs to be successful in the near term. you have heard us talk about two battalions of bradley infantry fighting _ two battalions of bradley infantry fighting vehicles. very capable platform. three battalions were brigades — platform. three battalions were brigades with of strikers. if you add that— brigades with of strikers. if you add that up that two brigades of combat — add that up that two brigades of combat power that the us is providing along with enablers. you look at _ providing along with enablers. you look at sweden providing a battalion of cb 90s _ look at sweden providing a battalion of cb 90s. armoured personnel carriers — of cb 90s. armoured personnel carriers. the germans are providing martyrs _ carriers. the germans are providing martyrs the — carriers. the germans are providing martyrs. the polls are providing a battalions— martyrs. the polls are providing a battalions worth of mechanised capability. the german highlighted for battalions of artillery. so this is a very— for battalions of artillery. so this is a very capable package. if

employed properly, it will enable them _ employed properly, it will enable them to— employed properly, it will enable them to be successful. we are going to ensure we are doing everything necessary— to ensure we are doing everything necessary to ensure they have the ability _ necessary to ensure they have the ability to _ necessary to ensure they have the ability to employed properly. you heard _ ability to employed properly. you heard us — ability to employed properly. you heard us talk about training we are going _ heard us talk about training we are going to _ heard us talk about training we are going to do, this is something we haven't_ going to do, this is something we haven't been able to do in the past. as we _ haven't been able to do in the past. as we speak, troops are being linked up as we speak, troops are being linked up with— as we speak, troops are being linked up with bradley infantry fighting vehicles — up with bradley infantry fighting vehicles and they will train four weeks — vehicles and they will train four weeks not _ vehicles and they will train four weeks not only on how to operate the vehicles _ weeks not only on how to operate the vehicles but _ weeks not only on how to operate the vehicles but also on how to properly set conditions for manoeuvre. and how to _ set conditions for manoeuvre. and how to exploit opportunities and bridge _ how to exploit opportunities and bridge obstacles. i think this will be a really capable package that we have put— be a really capable package that we have put together and i really do believe _ have put together and i really do believe it— have put together and i really do believe it will enable the ukrainians to be successful. so this

is not _ ukrainians to be successful. so this is not dependent upon a single platform _ is not dependent upon a single platform. this is a combined arms effort _ platform. this is a combined arms effort that— platform. this is a combined arms effort that we have brought together and i effort that we have brought together and i true _ effort that we have brought together and i true believe it's going to provide — and i true believe it's going to provide the best opportunity for success — provide the best opportunity for success. , , , provide the best opportunity for success. , y ., �* provide the best opportunity for success. y ,. ,, success. typically, i don't discuss prohibitions _ success. typically, i don't discuss prohibitions or _ success. typically, i don't discuss prohibitions or permissions i success. typically, i don't discuss prohibitions or permissions on i success. typically, i don't discuss| prohibitions or permissions on the use of weapons. that goes towards rules of engagement and we don't typically discuss those. on the second question, president biden and president zelensky and most of the leaders of europe have said this what is likely to end in the negotiation and from a military standpoint it's a very difficult fight. this fight stretches all the way from the front line goes from kharkiv to kaesong and there is significant fighting ongoing. it's more or less a static front line with the exception of bakhmut and

soledar. the distance, in the us that the distance from washington to atlanta. so it's a significant amount of territory. in the territory are still remaining a lot of russian forces and russian occupied ukraine. from a military standpoint i still maintain that for this year it would be very difficult to militarily reject the russian forces from every inch of ukrainian occupied or russian occupied ukraine. that doesn't mean it can't happen now won't happen but it would be very difficult. what can happen is a continued defence and stabilising the front. it's possible to do that. and i think depending on the delivery and training of all of this equipment i do think it's very possible for the ukrainians to run a significant tactical or operational offensive operation to liberate as much ukrainian territory as possible. then we will see where it

goes. but i do think at the end of the day they swore like many wars in the day they swore like many wars in the past will end up with some sort of negotiation and that will be determined in terms of timing by the leaders of both countries. president putin could end this war today. he started it, it his war of choice and he got ended today. it's turning into a catastrophe for russia. massive amounts of casualties, lots of damage to the russian military. so he should and could end this war right now. is so he should and could end this war riaht now. , , ., y so he should and could end this war riaht now. , , . y ., ., right now. is germany doing enough in order to show _ right now. is germany doing enough in order to show real— right now. is germany doing enough in order to show real leadership i right now. is germany doing enough in order to show real leadership in l in order to show real leadership in europe? _ in order to show real leadership in euro e? , �* .., in order to show real leadership in euroe? , �* ., ., ., europe? yes. but we can all do more. the united — europe? yes. but we can all do more. the united states _ europe? yes. but we can all do more. the united states and _ europe? yes. but we can all do more. the united states and every _ europe? yes. but we can all do more. the united states and every member| the united states and every member can do— the united states and every member can do more. germany has contributed a lotto _ can do more. germany has contributed a lot to this— can do more. germany has contributed a lot to this campaign. from the very— a lot to this campaign. from the very beginning we saw them cycle in

a defence _ very beginning we saw them cycle in a defence capability, the patriots most _ a defence capability, the patriots most recently, they have stepped up and offered to provide martyrs and they will— and offered to provide martyrs and they will conduct the training on those _ they will conduct the training on those platforms. we are trying —— training _ those platforms. we are trying —— training ukrainian soldiers on manoeuvre and other things and specialty— manoeuvre and other things and specialty things here in germany as well so _ specialty things here in germany as well so germany has opened its doors and made _ well so germany has opened its doors and made the training areas and facilities — and made the training areas and facilities available for us to continue _ facilities available for us to continue to do the work that we need to do _ continue to do the work that we need to do and _ continue to do the work that we need to do. and germany is also training troops _ to do. and germany is also training troops and — to do. and germany is also training troops and training battalions so they have — troops and training battalions so they have a big involvement like the rest of— they have a big involvement like the rest of the _ they have a big involvement like the rest of the contact group and they are working hand—in—hand with the rest of— are working hand—in—hand with the rest of our— are working hand—in—hand with the rest of our colleagues. i was asked

earlier— rest of our colleagues. i was asked earlier if— rest of our colleagues. i was asked earlier if germany was a leader, was that the _ earlier if germany was a leader, was that the question? are they reliable ally? they— that the question? are they reliable ally? they are a reliable ally and they have — ally? they are a reliable ally and they have been for a very long time and i_ they have been for a very long time and i true _ they have been for a very long time and i true believe they will continue to be reliable ally going forward — continue to be reliable ally going forward. not to mention germany as host to _ forward. not to mention germany as host to 39,000 of my troops and their— host to 39,000 of my troops and their families and also 10,000 civilians — their families and also 10,000 civilians here and so we've had a great _ civilians here and so we've had a great relationship throughout over the years— great relationship throughout over the years and i will continue to have _ the years and i will continue to have that — the years and i will continue to have that great relationship. germany will continue to exercise leadership— germany will continue to exercise leadership going forward. a numberof

a number of lawmakers and observers have said _ a number of lawmakers and observers have said that— a number of lawmakers and observers have said that at _ a number of lawmakers and observers have said that at this _ a number of lawmakers and observers have said that at this point _ a number of lawmakers and observers have said that at this point it - have said that at this point it makes — have said that at this point it makes sense _ have said that at this point it makes sense to _ have said that at this point it makes sense to send - have said that at this point it makes sense to send a - have said that at this point it| makes sense to send a small have said that at this point it - makes sense to send a small number of abrams— makes sense to send a small number of abrams tanks— makes sense to send a small number of abrams tanks if— makes sense to send a small number of abrams tanks if only _ makes sense to send a small number of abrams tanks if only to _ makes sense to send a small number of abrams tanks if only to encourage | of abrams tanks if only to encourage germany— of abrams tanks if only to encourage germany to— of abrams tanks if only to encourage germany to unlock _ of abrams tanks if only to encourage germany to unlock the _ of abrams tanks if only to encourage germany to unlock the leopard—twoj germany to unlock the leopard—two tanks _ germany to unlock the leopard—two tanks we _ germany to unlock the leopard—two tanks we have — germany to unlock the leopard—two tanks we have not _ germany to unlock the leopard—two tanks we have not sent. _ germany to unlock the leopard—two tanks we have not sent. is _ germany to unlock the leopard—two tanks we have not sent. is that i tanks we have not sent. is that feasible — tanks we have not sent. is that feasible and _ tanks we have not sent. is that feasible and if _ tanks we have not sent. is that feasible and if not _ tanks we have not sent. is that feasible and if not why- tanks we have not sent. is that feasible and if not why not? i tanks we have not sent. is that. feasible and if not why not? and tanks we have not sent. is that i feasible and if not why not? and for the chairman. — feasible and if not why not? and for the chairman, given _ feasible and if not why not? and for the chairman, given the _ feasible and if not why not? and for the chairman, given the amount- feasible and if not why not? and for the chairman, given the amount of| the chairman, given the amount of arm of— the chairman, given the amount of arm of the — the chairman, given the amount of arm of the united _ the chairman, given the amount of arm of the united states— the chairman, given the amount of arm of the united states and - the chairman, given the amount ofi arm of the united states and allies ascending — arm of the united states and allies ascending at — arm of the united states and allies ascending at this _ arm of the united states and allies ascending at this point _ arm of the united states and allies ascending at this point how- ascending at this point how confident— ascending at this point how confident are _ ascending at this point how confident are you _ ascending at this point how confident are you that - ascending at this point how confident are you that they| ascending at this point how- confident are you that they can put together— confident are you that they can put together a — confident are you that they can put together a coherent _ confident are you that they can put together a coherent offensive - confident are you that they can put together a coherent offensive in. confident are you that they can putl together a coherent offensive in the coming _ together a coherent offensive in the coming months _ together a coherent offensive in the coming months and _ together a coherent offensive in the coming months and to _ together a coherent offensive in the coming months and to what - together a coherent offensive in the coming months and to what extentl together a coherent offensive in the . coming months and to what extent we that took_ coming months and to what extent we that took like — coming months and to what extent we that look like. you _ coming months and to what extent we that look like. you referenced - coming months and to what extent we that look like. you referenced a - that look like. you referenced a targe _ that look like. you referenced a targe number— that look like. you referenced a large number of— that look like. you referenced a large number of casualties, - that look like. you referenced a large number of casualties, can that look like. you referenced a - large number of casualties, can you -ive large number of casualties, can you give us _ large number of casualties, can you give us any— large number of casualties, can you give us any update _ large number of casualties, can you give us any update on _ large number of casualties, can you give us any update on what - large number of casualties, can you give us any update on what you - large number of casualties, can you give us any update on what you are | give us any update on what you are seeing _ give us any update on what you are seeing at _ give us any update on what you are seeing at this — give us any update on what you are seeing at this point _ give us any update on what you are seeing at this point for— give us any update on what you are seeing at this point for casualties l seeing at this point for casualties on tioth_ seeing at this point for casualties on both sides? _ seeing at this point for casualties on both sides? [— seeing at this point for casualties on both sides?— seeing at this point for casualties on both sides? i think you heard at the german _ on both sides? i think you heard at the german minister _ on both sides? i think you heard at the german minister of _ on both sides? i think you heard at the german minister of defence i on both sides? i think you heard at. the german minister of defence said earlier today that there is no linkage between providing m ones and providing leopard—two and he was clear about that. this notion of

unlocking in my mind is not an issue. more importantly in his mind as well. in terms of providing capability what we in the department always look at is providing credible combat capability. we don't do things or employee capabilities as an ocean. for anything other than providing credible combat capability. that is where our focus will be in the future but whatever we do. in will be in the future but whatever we do. ., ., . . we do. in order to execute a successful— we do. in order to execute a successful offensive - we do. in order to execute a i successful offensive operation we do. in order to execute a - successful offensive operation at the tactical level for the ukrainians, you've got to man the unit but they have to be trained and they have _ unit but they have to be trained and they have to be married up with the equipment— they have to be married up with the equipment and trained. if you look

at the _ equipment and trained. if you look at the weather and terrain you can see you _ at the weather and terrain you can see you have a relatively short window — see you have a relatively short window of _ see you have a relatively short window of time to accomplish both those _ window of time to accomplish both those key— window of time to accomplish both those key tests. it is very challenging to do that. for all these — challenging to do that. for all these different nations here today to assemble all of the equipment and -et it to assemble all of the equipment and get it synchronised and get the ukrainian — get it synchronised and get the ukrainian troops trained, that will be very— ukrainian troops trained, that will be very heavy—lift. so i am confident _ be very heavy—lift. so i am confident and i think it can be done but it— confident and i think it can be done but it witt— confident and i think it can be done but it will be a challenge. so we will see — but it will be a challenge. so we will see i— but it will be a challenge. so we will see. i don't want to predict one way— will see. i don't want to predict one way or— will see. i don't want to predict one way or the other. the ukrainian forces _ one way or the other. the ukrainian forces so _ one way or the other. the ukrainian forces so far— one way or the other. the ukrainian forces so far have executed at least two and _ forces so far have executed at least two and even more than that six full offensive _ two and even more than that six full offensive operations. —— successful. they— offensive operations. —— successful. they have _ offensive operations. —— successful. they have run — offensive operations. —— successful. they have run a very successful operation — they have run a very successful operation and kiss on. it remains to be seen _ operation and kiss on. it remains to be seen att— operation and kiss on. it remains to be seen. all of that equipment will have to _ be seen. all of that equipment will

have to be — be seen. all of that equipment will have to be shipped into ukraine and put together inside a coherent plan. we have _ put together inside a coherent plan. we have discussed what his visions were _ we have discussed what his visions were in— we have discussed what his visions were in he — we have discussed what his visions were in he is working on that and we will see _ were in he is working on that and we will see which way it goes. in terms of casualties, the numbers of casualties in war are always suspect _ casualties in war are always suspect i— casualties in war are always suspect. i would tell you that the russian — suspect. i would tell you that the russian casualties, it was well over 100,000 — russian casualties, it was well over 100,000 i— russian casualties, it was well over 100,000. i would say it is significantly a 100,000. the significantly a100,000. the russians— significantly a 100,000. the russians have suffered a tremendous amount— russians have suffered a tremendous amount of— russians have suffered a tremendous amount of casualties in the mititarv _ amount of casualties in the military. that includes the regular military— military. that includes the regular military and the wagner group and other— military and the wagner group and other forces fighting with the russians. they have really suffered a lot _ russians. they have really suffered a lot you _ russians. they have really suffered a lot. you saw that the russians have _ a lot. you saw that the russians have pulled up in mobilisation of 300,000 — have pulled up in mobilisation of 300,000 so they are replacing the

tosses— 300,000 so they are replacing the tosses in— 300,000 so they are replacing the losses in terms of manpower but they have suffered huge amount. ukraine has also _ have suffered huge amount. ukraine has also suffered tremendously. there _ has also suffered tremendously. there is— has also suffered tremendously. there is a — has also suffered tremendously. there is a significant amount of innocent — there is a significant amount of innocent civilians that have been kitted _ innocent civilians that have been kitted as — innocent civilians that have been kitted as a — innocent civilians that have been killed as a result of the russian actions~ — killed as a result of the russian actions. the russians are hitting civilian— actions. the russians are hitting civilian infrastructure. there is a significant — civilian infrastructure. there is a significant amount of economic damage~ — significant amount of economic damage. the ukrainian military has suffered _ damage. the ukrainian military has suffered a — damage. the ukrainian military has suffered a significant amount of casualties in themselves. so this is a very— casualties in themselves. so this is a very bloody war and there are significant casualties on both sides — significant casualties on both sides. this is why i say i think sooner— sides. this is why i say i think sooner or— sides. this is why i say i think sooner or later this'll have to get to a negotiating table in order to trring _ to a negotiating table in order to trring this— to a negotiating table in order to bring this to a conclusion and that will have — bring this to a conclusion and that will have to — bring this to a conclusion and that will have to happen when the end state _ will have to happen when the end state is _ will have to happen when the end state is met. when that day comes we will negotiate. there has been a huge _ will negotiate. there has been a huge amount of suffering on both sides _ huge amount of suffering on both sides. ., , ., huge amount of suffering on both sides. . , . . sides. that is all the time we have available today. _ sides. that is all the time we have available today. thank _ sides. that is all the time we have available today. thank you - sides. that is all the time we have - available today. thank you gentlemen and this concludes our press

briefing. and this concludes our press briefinu. ., and this concludes our press briefinu. . _, . , and this concludes our press briefin.. . .., . , , ,, briefing. that concludes the press conference _ briefing. that concludes the press conference in _ briefing. that concludes the press conference in germany _ briefing. that concludes the press conference in germany after- briefing. that concludes the press conference in germany after that l conference in germany after that meeting of 5a different countries all coming together to discuss how to best support ukraine following that appeal for more military hardware from the ukrainian president, volodymyr zelensky, who appeared via web link to talk to all of the representatives. first we had from the us secretary of defence, himself a former a—star us general, and also the chairman of the joint chiefs. he said this is the most unified he's ever seen nato. perhaps trying to address some of those concerns that germany is still not committed to sending the leopard—two tanks ukraine wants. lloyd austin said in what is a decisive decade it was important for the allies to

provide support for ukraine when the kremlin is watching so closely. he went on to list the military hardware that the countries that have gathered they are prepared to commit which includes $2.5 billion of aid from the us. donations from several countries instead including air defence systems and that was because it was important to show unity when global security was at stake. still no commitment from germany to send those leopard—two tanks ukraine but earlier the polish defence minister said he was hopeful that eventually they will succeed. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. hello. there is still some snow on the ground in places. some icy conditions too. but blue skies overhead. we have had quite a lot of sunshine today. still some showers grazing this east coast.

some of those on the wintry side on the high ground and also a bit more cloud into the far south—west of england and maybe into pembrokeshire as well. the odd spot of rain is possible. top temperatures between 4c and 8c but those temperatures are rapidly dropping as we go through the evening. it's going to turn really cold for all of us for a time but for northern ireland and western scotland we see cloud and rain pushing in, some snow over high ground briefly, but here it will be turning much milder by the start of saturday. and we develop a bit of a split in our fortunes through the weekend with cloudy, damp but milder weather affecting northern ireland and good parts of scotland with some brisk winds as well. but further south and east, we hold on to some sunshine once any early fog has cleared, but it is going to stay on the chilly side. just 3c or ac. that cold air holding on towards the south—east of the uk on sunday. milder further north and west.

hello, this is bbc news. i'm martine croxal. the headlines: the us defence secretary says germany is doing enough to help ukraine but said we could all do more. germany is coming under intense pressure to send tanks. the

government is considering putting £300 million into british steel to save the struggling metal maker from collapse. save the struggling metal maker from colla se. ~ ., save the struggling metal maker from collase. . . ., . save the struggling metal maker from collapse-— fair- save the struggling metal maker from collapse-— fair pav- i collapse. what do we want? fair pay. more strike — collapse. what do we want? fair pay. more strike action _ collapse. what do we want? fair pay. more strike action announced - more strike action announced spineless workers in england, wales and northern ireland, one of the dates will coincide with a strike by nurses. the family of i7—year—old yousef makki who was fatally stabbed to win their fight to have a fresh inquest into his death. a surprise fall in the amount spent by shoppers in december as people cut back on their christmas spending. # it would be # it would be so # it would be so nice. # it would be so nice. so nice. # fans are paying up to £1300 to see madonna on her career spanning greatest hits tour. a court has ruled that the detention of the social media influencer andrew tate and his brother in romania is to be extended until the 27th of february. andrew and tristan tate are being held while police

investigate allegations of trafficking and rape. meanwhile, teenage girls have told the bbc how the brothers contacted them online, apparently using a standard formula. our correspondent lucy williamson sent this report from bucharest. behind the screen andrew tate is speaking. his utterances followed by a tiny audience of prosecutors, lawyers and police. the rest of the world stands waiting as police investigate allegations of trafficking and rape. one of those allowed through the gates was his brother tristan's girlfriend, arriving with his daughter. neither andrew tate nor his brother have yet been charged, but their public image has been complicated by the things they say and the way they behave online. daria was 16 when she says she received a private message on instagram two years ago from andrew tate's account. it read simply, "romanian girl," followed by a strawberry emoji.

it was very obvious we were high school girls, like, we had the high school in our bio and everything. i feel like he was just trying to find girls that seemed like as innocent or as naive as possible, in my opinion. daria, who is now at university in the uk, says it is important she speaks out because so many young men idolise andrew tate. i don't think that at this time it is being regulated at all and this is a big problem because we can't wake up in 20 years with, like, two million andrew tates. ijust say... in a video andrew tate outlined his method for approaching women online. ..sometimes, because like i said, intrigue, i will put a completely pointless emoji on the end, some cherries, or an orange, or a strawberry cos it doesn't mean anything. then i write my reply. "why do i never see you? where are you hiding?" 99% of them say, "i'm not hiding." that is what nearly

every one of them says. another woman, who didn't want to reveal her identity on camera, showed us screenshots of an exchange between her and tristan tate when she was 17 that appears to follow andrew's script. she was first contacted last may. his initial message reads, "you're beautiful." he then moves on to say, "i feel i have seen you around town before. where have you been hiding?" "it's likely," she replies, "i didn't hide." translation: i know he was writing i the same thing to a lot of girls, i including a friend of mine. he used the same approach, always starting the conversation with exactly the same line, "you're beautiful." in publicity for his online courses in manipulating and exploiting women, andrew tate has said his job was to "meet a girl, sleep with her, get her to fall in love with me to the point where she'd do anything i say and then get her working on webcam

so we could become rich together". schools here in romania are talking about the issue of online safety, sparked by headlines around the tate case. more than half the girls in this class had already been contacted by an adult stranger online. teachers say they are in a battle to shape the next generation against influencers like andrew tate. lucy williamson, bbc news, bucharest. the unite union has announced more dates for strike action by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland. some of them coincide with walk—outs by ambulance staff from another union, the gmb, and on one date in february nurses will also be striking. our health correspondentjim reed told us more. it's a complex picture when it comes to the ambulance strike because there are three different unions involved were taken as a whole it looks like it is intensifying now. 12 days of strikes now booked

between now and easter, on the cards at least come across different areas because the unions represent people in different areas across different processions, professions, paramedics, 999 call handlers and other ambulance staff will be involved. the unite union today said there will be another six days of strikes we didn't know about before, ten in total over the time. unite union is the smallest of the three ambulance unions. the one to watch in particular as you suggested is february six, two weeks on monday, and on that day at the moment you currently have two of the three ambulance unions striking in england and wales, and you've got the rcn, royal college of nursing, striking on the same day in england and wales. if that's the case it looks like my coordinated action and nhs trusts are already warning about what could be some very significant disruption on that day in particular. some people are talking about it maybe being the largest strike in nhs history potentially on

that day. 50. strike in nhs history potentially on that da . ., . ., strike in nhs history potentially on thatda. ., . ., ., ., that day. so, not a lot of time for a breakthrough _ that day. so, not a lot of time for a breakthrough in _ that day. so, not a lot of time for a breakthrough in talks. - that day. so, not a lot of time for a breakthrough in talks. how- that day. so, not a lot of time for. a breakthrough in talks. how hopeful are the various parties sounding? it's interesting because speaking to unions up to about three or four days ago there was a sense of a possible breakthrough, some optimism. there was this meeting between the ambulance unions and the health secretary steve barclay at the beginning of last week, and they came out of that with a sense of optimism that could be a breakthrough, perhaps a deal around backdating some hay or a one—off payment. i have to say, since then it has switched the other way and if anything they seem more gloomy than ever. i understand there hasn't been any real substantial contact between both sides since that meeting. that has been getting on for two weeks now and the unions seem to think at the moment there is no chance of a breakthrough and it looks like these strikes, unless something changes, will go ahead. that strikes, unless something changes, will go ahead-— will go ahead. that is quite perplexing _ will go ahead. that is quite perplexing because - will go ahead. that is quite perplexing because we - will go ahead. that is quite | perplexing because we hear will go ahead. that is quite - perplexing because we hear from will go ahead. that is quite _ perplexing because we hear from both perplexing because we hearfrom both sides that they are open to discussions.—

sides that they are open to discussions. , ., , , , . discussions. the problem is they are 0 en to discussions. the problem is they are open to discussions _ discussions. the problem is they are open to discussions on _ discussions. the problem is they are open to discussions on different - open to discussions on different things at the moment. steve barclay has made it clear he is happy to discuss next year's pay agreement, which they are starting to enter talks for now, the one that starts from next financial year from april. what the nursing union and ambulance unions want to do is renegotiate basically the dealfor unions want to do is renegotiate basically the deal for this year that was put in place, i think it wasjuly, august, we got the recommendation, the independent pay review body, and the money for that pay rise, worth between 4% and 5%, has already gone in people, into staff's bank accounts, already getting it in their pay packets. the unions are saying that deal wasn't good enough, especially with the cost of living and inflation as high as it is, they want to renegotiate that deal, whereas the government wants to look forward and start talks about the next deal. that is where the current dispute is really at the moment. jim where the current dispute is really at the moment.— at the moment. jim reed. the chancellor _ at the moment. jim reed. the chancellor jeremy _ at the moment. jim reed. the chancellorjeremy hunt - at the moment. jim reed. the chancellorjeremy hunt is - chancellorjeremy hunt is considering a £300 million funding

package for the struggling firm british steel according to reports. the move would secure thousands of jobs and make the firm more sustainable. the chinese owner of british steel would need to invest £1 billion into the business by 2030. the £300 million would be given in instalments over the next few years and would help the firm replace blast furnaces in scunthorpe with electric alternatives. a family of a 17—year—old boy fatally stabbed have won their fight to have a fresh inquest into his death. yousef makki was killed during a row in greater manchester in march 2019. his assailantjoshua molnar was cleared of manslaughter and murder. an inquest later ruled out both unlawful killing and accidental death and recorded a narrative conclusion. his family were granted a judicial review last year which has quashed the original findings. i've been speaking to our reporter yunus mulla who was at court in manchester. yunus mulla who was at court in

manchester-— yunus mulla who was at court in manchester. ., , �*, . , manchester. yousef makki's family wanted the original— manchester. yousef makki's family wanted the original inquest - manchester. yousef makki's family | wanted the original inquest quashed and overturned and they got that judgment today after a judicial review. yousef makki was stabbed by joshua molnar, another teenager, in hale barns in 2019. he told the court there had been this coming together after they had produced knives and yousef was fatally stabbed. at a criminal trial he was cleared of manslaughter and he was cleared of manslaughter and he was cleared of murder, but he was jailed for possessing a knife and fork lying to police at the scene. there was the subsequent inquest. the coroner at the time said she couldn't be sure of the precise sequence of events, and there was insufficient evidence for her to find that he was unlawfully killed, and therefore she came out with this narrative conclusion. now after this judgment today we will get a fresh

inquest and another look at the facts of this case. yousef makki's sister said to me earlier that she was shocked and overwhelmed by this decision today and she said it would give them another opportunity to shine a light on what happened to her brother yousef what shine a light on what happened to her brother youse— her brother yousef what happens next? what _ her brother yousef what happens next? what the _ her brother yousef what happens next? what the family's - her brother yousef what happens next? what the family's lawyersl her brother yousef what happens i next? what the family's lawyers are an uinu next? what the family's lawyers are aruauin is next? what the family's lawyers are arguing is the _ next? what the family's lawyers are arguing is the burden _ next? what the family's lawyers are arguing is the burden of _ next? what the family's lawyers are arguing is the burden of proof - next? what the family's lawyers are arguing is the burden of proof is - arguing is the burden of proof is different at an inquest than it is at a criminal court, and therefore they felt that the coroner could have come to a different view than that of a jury in a criminal case, and so there will be this fresh inquest. and today in theirjudgment what the high court said today was that the coroner's findings lacked some explanation, and although the evidence doesn't necessarily point in one direction, they are not satisfied that all of the facts of the case were analysed and looked at

properly. what the lawyers acting forjade akoum and yousef makki's family are saying is they feel they will now get this thorough examination of all the evidence, and hopefully they will got what they are looking for, but clearly there are looking for, but clearly there are no guarantees as to which way this will go. this new inquest will take place but at the moment we don't have a date for that.- don't have a date for that. yunus mulla in manchester. the - don't have a date for that. yunus i mulla in manchester. the headlines on bbc news. the us defence secretary says germany is doing enough to help ukraine but said we could all do more. germany is coming under intense pressure to send tanks. the government is considering putting £300 million into british steel to save the struggling metal maker from collapse. more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland. one of the dates will coincide with a strike by nurses. the stalker of actor claire foy has been handed a suspended sentence for stalking her. jason

penrose who is 49 was charged with one count of stalking and two counts of breaching an interim stalking order. our correspondent celestine olulode reports from the old bailey. today the court heard that jason penrose had become infatuated with claire foy and had sent her publicist over 1000 e—mails in 2021. penrose also turned up at ms foy�*s house and had contacted her sister. today, the judge, judge aaronberg kc, said penrose was a paranoid schizophrenic and had spent some time in their mental some time in a mental health unit. the judge also said he had accepted that it was not the intention of mr penrose to cause distress to claire foy but he also acknowledged that the 38—year—old had of course been impacted by this stalking. he read out a statement by ms foy who said that she had felt terrified and helpless in her own home. mr penrose, who is 49 years old,

and is a us citizen, has agreed to be repatriated and today he was also served with a restraining order. celesti na celestina olulode at the old bailey. retail sales, the amount of goods we bought in shops and online saw the biggest fall on record in the month of december. new figures from the office for national statistics show volumes were down by 5.8% compared with the same time in the previous year. it isjust with the same time in the previous year. it is just one sign of how rising prices are hitting people's pockets. our business correspondent emma simpson reports from norwich. in norwich city centre they know how to put on a show, a sparkling christmas, but how was it for retail? jarrolds the biggest on the block, a family owned department store. here they were planning for the worst, but it

turned out far better. we were cautious with inventory levels, we were cautious with our marketing. but actually the reality was the consumer came out and spent really well pre—christmas. i thinkjust feeling that sense of actually we are going to have a good christmas this year come what may. high streets were busier as people shopped less online, partly due to postal strikes. the boss of this jewellery chain had a strong christmas too, despite the cost of living crisis. i think there is definitely resilience there. i think the british consumer likes to shop around and get a bargain so people want value and quality and they are prepared to maybe forgo other items to get that. so i think there is a little bit of polarisation. everybody definitely isn't skint. a host of big names have posted what seem like decent numbers. but take a closer look and much of the sales growth is down to higher prices. and remember, the year before was disrupted by omicron and supply chain problems, flattering this year's figures. and we bought a lot

less, says the ons. a reality check on what's really going on. what these figures are telling us is that consumers are voting i with how tight they are feeling that pound in their pocket _ is at the moment and i think i they are really reluctant to spend it as they feel the very real - pressures of not only inflationary rates we've seen, but also the cost of living crisis i that is pressing very hard i on consumers at the moment. many shoppers we spoke to are looking to reign back. to are looking to rein back. i think a lot of people don't want to spend quite as much as we were spending. even if you've got a bit of money in reserve you don't want to use it. it is a bit scary, yes. i will be careful, i think. i am thinking twice about spending money. was christmas a bit of a last hurrah? potentially it was, looking i at the energy prices coming up and the bill changes for the energy. the mood music is challenging.

christmas has not been a disaster for retailers but there hasn't been much to celebrate either and with tougher times ahead. emma simpson, bbc news, norwich. google's parent company alphabet has announced a 12,000 job cuts, about 6% of the group's total workforce around the world. in a memo to staff, the ceo sundar pichai said he took "full responsibility" for the cuts, saying people had been hired for a different economic reality than the one the company faces today. these jobs losses follow similar annoucments from major tech companeis meta and microsoft. the family of a mental health campaigner who took her own life by swallowing a poisonous substance while in hospital has said her work had real impact in helping others. an inquest found yesterday that 26 year old beth matthews was failed by the priory hospital in stockport last year.

angus crawford has been speaking to beth matthews' family about her life. you may find parts of his report upsetting. you can see her standing up here, she has ralph on her board and a big grin on herface. she has ralph on her board and a big grin on her face.— grin on her face. remembering beth matthews, seriously _ grin on her face. remembering beth matthews, seriously injured - grin on her face. remembering beth matthews, seriously injured in i grin on her face. remembering beth matthews, seriously injured in a i matthews, seriously injured in a suicide attempt in 2019. than matthews, seriously injured in a suicide attempt in 2019. an absolute miracle she survived _ suicide attempt in 2019. an absolute miracle she survived that. _ suicide attempt in 2019. an absolute miracle she survived that. she i miracle she survived that. she sustained a lot of physical, life changing injuries. itjust shows how strong she was because she did fight back, and she began to become more mobile. she was in her little wheelchair and i would push her around and she would say go faster, she would have ralph in her lap, and lots of funny videos. beth she would have ralph in her lap, and lots of funny videos.— lots of funny videos. beth made the decision to talk _ lots of funny videos. beth made the decision to talk about _ lots of funny videos. beth made the decision to talk about her— lots of funny videos. beth made the decision to talk about her recovery. | decision to talk about her recovery. it started with a facebook post. that day was the lowest point of my life, that day was the lowest point of my life. but _ that day was the lowest point of my life, but now to be around people that supported me. it life, but now to be around people that supported me.— life, but now to be around people that supported me. it went viral, it went absolutely _ that supported me. it went viral, it went absolutely viral _ that supported me. it went viral, it went absolutely viral on _ that supported me. it went viral, it went absolutely viral on facebook. went absolutely viral on facebook and that was the start of people

contacting her, and then from then on shejust worked contacting her, and then from then on she just worked with the police and she started her twitter and her blog. people just talk to her and her story. people 'ust talk to her and her sto . ,, . . , . people 'ust talk to her and her sto .,, . ., ., people 'ust talk to her and her sto .,, . . , . , story. she had realised that she was develoin: story. she had realised that she was developing something _ story. she had realised that she was developing something and _ story. she had realised that she was developing something and she i story. she had realised that she wasj developing something and she could actually— developing something and she could actually start to think actually there — actually start to think actually there are people out there that are benefiting — there are people out there that are benefiting from my knowledge and my understanding. she benefiting from my knowledge and my understanding-— understanding. she definitely saved m life. understanding. she definitely saved my life- robert _ understanding. she definitely saved my life. robert found _ understanding. she definitely saved my life. robert found beth's - understanding. she definitely saved my life. robert found beth's blog i my life. robert found beth's blog when he was _ my life. robert found beth's blog when he was considering - my life. robert found beth's blog when he was considering endingl my life. robert found beth's blog i when he was considering ending his own life and he read it and changed his mind. i own life and he read it and changed his mind. ., �* .. his mind. i thought, if beth can get throu~h his mind. i thought, if beth can get through this _ his mind. i thought, if beth can get through this then _ his mind. i thought, if beth can get through this then surely _ his mind. i thought, if beth can get through this then surely i _ his mind. i thought, if beth can get through this then surely i can i his mind. i thought, if beth can get through this then surely i can get i through this then surely i can get through— through this then surely i can get through this _ through this then surely i can get through this-— through this. beth struggled with her in'uries through this. beth struggled with her injuries and _ through this. beth struggled with her injuries and took— through this. beth struggled with her injuries and took her- through this. beth struggled with her injuries and took her own i through this. beth struggled with her injuries and took her own life | her injuries and took her own life at this hospital in greater manchester last march. her family believe that she could have got better if she'd been properly looked after. ., , , better if she'd been properly looked after. . , , ., after. there was still that fight in her and when _ after. there was still that fight in her and when i _ after. there was still that fight in her and when i last _ after. there was still that fight in her and when i last saw- after. there was still that fight in her and when i last saw her- after. there was still that fight in

her and when i last saw her she i after. there was still that fight in i her and when i last saw her she said i do her and when i last saw her she said idowant— her and when i last saw her she said ido want to— her and when i last saw her she said i do want to be here. the}t her and when i last saw her she said i do want to be here.— her and when i last saw her she said i do want to be here. they are angry but still want _ i do want to be here. they are angry but still want her _ i do want to be here. they are angry but still want her message - i do want to be here. they are angry but still want her message of- i do want to be here. they are angry but still want her message of hope l but still want her message of hope to live on. i but still want her message of hope to live on. ., ., ., . to live on. i hold onto all the ha - to live on. i hold onto all the happy memories, _ to live on. i hold onto all the happy memories, definitely, j to live on. i hold onto all the - happy memories, definitely, because there was— happy memories, definitely, because there was a— happy memories, definitely, because there was a lot. but also, the ability— there was a lot. but also, the ability that she had to touch other people's— ability that she had to touch other people's lives. it ability that she had to touch other people's lives-— people's lives. it was more than touch. people's lives. it was more than touch- she _ people's lives. it was more than touch. she had _ people's lives. it was more than touch. she had a _ people's lives. it was more than touch. she had a huge - people's lives. it was more than touch. she had a huge impact. i people's lives. it was more than i touch. she had a huge impact. but even though what's happened to beth means— even though what's happened to beth means she _ even though what's happened to beth means she can't continue, if itjust helps _ means she can't continue, if itjust helps one — means she can't continue, if itjust helps one other person i know beth will be _ helps one other person i know beth will be smiling.— helps one other person i know beth will be smiling. angus crawford, bbc news. you can see the documentary about beth matthews on the bbc iplayer. it's called the lives she saved. and if you've been affected by any of the issues raised here, you can find help and advice at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

nearly 500,000 people in england, scotland and wales missed out on starting medication to lower their blood pressure during the pandemic, according to new research. the investigation by the british heart foundation found that a further 300,000 didn't get treatment to reduce their cholesterol. the findings have been published in the journal nature medicine. tickets went on sale this morning for the greatest hits tour by the original material girl. madonna will be performing across europe and in north america later this year to mark the 40th anniversary of her breakthrough single holiday. fans have been paying up to £1300 for a vip seat, as our music correspondent mark savage reports. # holiday. # celebrate #. a0 years after her breakthrough single, madonna announced her greatest hits tour with a video parodying her 1992 film truth or dare. madonna, i dare you to do a world tour and play your greatest hits. four decades? that's a lot of songs. it's a lot of songs. you think people would come to that show? i i'll be there.

yeah, i'm there. so the answer is yeah. the star's previous tours have always focused on new music, so this will be the first time she's played hits like this... # don't look for second best baby #. and this... #just like a virgin. # and this... # tropical the island breeze #. ..in a single night. all the tickets for the uk dates were snapped up this morning with fans paying between £47 and £1,300 to see the show. i paid £370 a ticket. and do you think that's the right price for a madonna tour at this point? it's madonna. it's, you know, she's not cheap. this could well be her last major tour. madonna already holds the record for the highest earning

tour by a female artist. with prices like these, she could set a new bar. mark savage, bbc news. ben brown... no, it's not, it'sjane hill. i'vejust heard ben brown... no, it's not, it'sjane hill. i've just heard a ben brown... no, it's not, it'sjane hill. i'vejust heard a giggle sol know it is jane, she is here at 5pm. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. they are very similar, i can't tell the difference! don't say that! good afternoon, it's been a beautiful end to the week for many of us, blue skies overhead, but still some snow on the ground in places, giving this gorgeous scene. i will step out of the way and you can see the sunset from our weather watcher in county antrim, but there are some changes along the way, slow changes. this bank of cloud beginning to roll in from the north with south—westerly winds which will eventually bring something milder for some of us this weekend. so

during tonight, that cloud will start spreading into northern ireland, the western side of scotland, some splashes of rain, may be some snow over the high ground on the leading edge, but actually we will bring in something much milder, by the end of the night 6 degrees in belfast but further south and east it's another cold and frosty start to saturday. still in the cold air across a good part of england and well is to start the weekend, this wedge of milder air trying to slump south—eastwards, but taking a while to do so. what it gives us is to split fortunes. the further south and east you are it is likely to stay chilly, there will still be some sunshine but fog patches as well. us is split fortunes. the further south and east you are it is likely to stay chilly, there will still be some sunshine but fog patches as well. further north midlands coming to the west country, freezing fog patches, they can be quite dense and slow to milder weather but cloudy weather and there will be some outbreaks of rain. we will be some outbreaks of rain. we will also have some fog to start the day across parts of east wales, the

west midlands coming to the west country, freezing fog patches, they can be quite dense and slow broadly speaking for england and way is there will be sunshine during the day, just the odd shower in the far south—east. for northern ireland and scotland, and east, highs of some splashes of rain, a fairly brisk breeze, but some milder weather, highs of eight, nine, maybe 10 degrees in the north—west of scotland but further south and east, highs ofjust three dense and slow to clear bedsits cross these eastern parts we will keep some sunshine. further north and west more of that cloud, some spots of rain and drizzle, more of a breeze but 9 degrees in plymouth and ten in belfast and stornoway, but that milder air not getting into east wales or the bulk of england. if you are stuck with fog for any length of time your temperatures will struggle to get above freezing. for some. saturday night we could see fog forming again, particularly under this area of high pressure, that's especially across eastern and south—eastern parts of england. again the freezing fog could be dense and slow to clear but since cross these eastern parts we will keep some sunshine. further north

and west more of that cloud, some spots of rain and drizzle, more of a breeze but 9 degrees in plymouth and ten in belfast and stornoway, but that milder air not getting into east wales or the bulk of england. if you are stuck with fog for any length of time your temperatures will struggle to get it looks like things will turn milder towards the south as we to get it looks like things will turn milder towards the south ai next head through the middle part of next week. but perhaps not for long because there is a chance that colder air could return once again from the north by the end of the week. that's all from me. bye for now. .

this is bbc news. i'm jane hill. the headlines: the government is considering putting germany hasn't made a decision on whether to send tanks to ukraine, according to the us defence secretary, lloyd austin, but they say they are a reliable ally. he was talking at the end of a major meeting of defence ministers. brute talking at the end of a major meeting of defence ministers. we can all do more in — meeting of defence ministers. we can all do more in the _ meeting of defence ministers. we can all do more in the united _ meeting of defence ministers. we can all do more in the united states i meeting of defence ministers. we can all do more in the united states and l all do more in the united states and every other member can do more. germany has can trebert a lot to this campaign. —— germany has contributed a lot. the government is considering putting £300 million into british steel to save the struggling metal maker from collapse. what do we want it? fair pay! went

we want _ what do we want it? fair pay! went we want it? — what do we want it? fair pay! went we want it? now! more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland —