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. 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 - 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 — 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 nice... 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. ukraine's western allies have failed to reach a consensus on the provision of battle tanks to kyiv. more than 50 countries have been meeting at the us air base in germany. neitherthe meeting at the us air base in germany. neither the us or germany have decided to deliver their respective advanced tanks, which was one of kyiv�*s main demands. earlier today, volodymyr zelensky appeared via video link to make a direct appealfor tanks. via video link to make a direct appealfortanks. germany via video link to make a direct appealfor tanks. germany is under pressure to allow its leopard tanks to be exported to ukraine, which isn't a member of nato. the uk has committed, it will send 1a challenger tanks to the front line. the us defence secretary, lloyd austin, announced what extra military support will be going to ukraine. ,, ., _, ,

military support will be going to ukraine. ,, ., , ., ukraine. several countries have come forward with — ukraine. several countries have come forward with key _ ukraine. several countries have come forward with key donations _ ukraine. several countries have come forward with key donations that - ukraine. several countries have come forward with key donations that will i 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, including a patriot battery from germany. that is especially important alongside our own contribution of the patriot system. the netherlands is also donating patriot missiles and launchers and training. meanwhile, canada has procured a system and associated munitions for ukraine, so these air defence systems will help save countless innocent lives. we are pushing hard to meet ukraine's requirements for tanks and other armoured vehicles. the uk has announced a significant donation of challenger tanks for ukraine. this is the first introduction of western main battle tanks into ukraine. may

i also commend our british allies were making this decision. sweden announced it is donating infantry fighting vehicles and an additional donation soon of archer howitzers. we have also heard new donation enactments from countries such as denmark. latvia is donating more stingers and helicopters and other equipment. estonia is providing ukraine with a significant new package of much—needed 155 millimetre howitzer and munitions. all of these announcements are a direct result of our work at this group. these commitments demonstrate the ongoing resolve of our allies and partners to help ukraine defend itself. that was the us defence secretary

speaking at the airbase in germany, a meeting of more than 50 countries trying to support ukraine, but as we have been reflecting, one of the key things that volodymyr zelensky particularly wants is tanks, and there is still no clear agreement on that. we will discuss all of that in a moment with the chair of the parliamentary select committee. let's speak to our russia editor, steve rosenberg. the fact that there clearly isn't full agreement, the fact that there clearly isn't fullagreement, or the fact that there clearly isn't full agreement, or it hasn't got that yet, is that useful to russia? how will that be viewed? vladimir putin likes it — how will that be viewed? vladimir putin likes it when _ how will that be viewed? vladimir putin likes it when there - how will that be viewed? vladimir putin likes it when there is - how will that be viewed? vladimir putin likes it when there is no - putin likes it when there is no complete agreement in the west. there has been no official reaction here yet to that an announcement and to that press conference. but i'm sure the is will be pleased that there will be no american and german battle tanks going yet to ukraine.

interestingly, this morning, in the russian government paper, here it is, they have issued a warning to germany and to the german chancellor. they said that no one should know better than the german chancellor what happened the last time that german armour approached the borders of russia, meaning world war ii. there is a picture of a german tank. the paper says that if these tanks are sent to kill russian soldiers, the same thing will happen as in world war ii, the tanks will be destroyed. the russians are trying to equate the war in ukraine with the second world war. the authorities here want the russian people to believe it is basically the same thing, that russia is fighting a war of liberation, fighting a war of liberation, fighting to defend the motherland. 0f fighting to defend the motherland. of course, this is completely different, because in world war ii, the soviet union was invaded by nazi germany. a year ago, the soviet union was invaded by nazi germany. a yearago, it the soviet union was invaded by nazi germany. a year ago, it was vladimir putin's russia that invaded ukraine.

yes, i do know particularly from what flooded me zelensky has said in recent weeks, his argument has been that russia is regrouping, preparing for another push inside ukraine. that is why zelensky says, from his perspective, time is not on his side. ., �* , perspective, time is not on his side. . �* , , , side. that's right. interestingly, we had some — side. that's right. interestingly, we had some official _ side. that's right. interestingly, we had some official comment | side. that's right. interestingly, i we had some official comment this morning from the kremlin about this whole situation. the russian authorities were quite dismissive of western arms supplies, including potential tanks being supplied to ukraine. putin's press secretary said that the importance of such supplies shouldn't be exaggerated, and that it wouldn't change the situation, and that it wouldn't stop russia achieving its goal in ukraine. so, publicly, at least, the

message from the kremlin is, this special military operation, as the kremlin still calls it, is going to plan. but it clearly isn't. this will has been going on for nearly a year now and there is no sign that russia is close to achieving its goals and winning this war. in fact, there are signs of nervousness. just this week, there were reports of air defence systems being installed on rooftops on various buildings in moscow, out of fear, i would imagine, for potential ukrainian missile attacks. that gives the sense of nervousness here. publicly, the message it is all going well and according to plan, but when you look at what is happening and what happened over the last year, there is nervousness here in russia. very interesting. thank you for now. let's speak to tobias ellwood, conservative mp and chair of the defence select committee.

very good evening to you. thank you for talking to us. some announcements, some decisions coming out of germany and that meeting, but crucially not the one that ukraine once, not more promises of tanks. what do you make of that? this once, not more promises of tanks. what do you make of that? as steve was describing _ what do you make of that? as steve was describing there, _ what do you make of that? as steve was describing there, russia - what do you make of that? as steve was describing there, russia is - was describing there, russia is moving to a war footing and ukraine will be very disappointed with the announcements that are coming out of ramstein, given that this conflict has been raging for almost a year, putin will be delighted that, once again, the west is seen to stall in its support for ukraine. i find it baffling myself, in this day and age, that we can watch an entire country, european democracy, be attacked they in and day out, get with the immense superior firepower at our disposal, we are still not willing to give ukraine their kit and hardware it needs. the uk, we have done well to set that example

by delivering a squadron of main battle tanks, but that won't make a huge amount of difference. we have been at the forefront of pushing the envelope on both the quality and quantity of military support for ukraine, but this is all very late in the day, possibly too late. unless other nations sought their act out, stop blinking and follow suit, not least the united states and germany, then we can see this as being a benefit to russia in the long—term. being a benefit to russia in the long-term— long-term. what is your understanding _ long-term. what is your understanding or- long-term. what is your understanding or your . long-term. what is your - understanding or your assessment long-term. what is your _ understanding or your assessment as to why we haven't reached that point, as to why the us and germany haven't made that decision? i point, as to why the us and germany haven't made that decision?- haven't made that decision? i really do not understand _ haven't made that decision? i really do not understand this. _ haven't made that decision? i really do not understand this. go - haven't made that decision? i really do not understand this. go back - haven't made that decision? i really do not understand this. go back to. do not understand this. go back to the beginning of this war, once nato declared at the start that it would not formally respond or intervene, in this russian invasion of a european state, it effectively gave putin licence to act with impunity, to increase the level of risk that he could take, effectively

unchallenged on the battlefield, even granting him space to completely regroup after that failed initial invasion. it has allowed putin to blast ukrainian cities from afar with regular intervals, with missile attacks. i am pleased to see patriot missile systems coming in which will protect civilians, but ultimately this is turning into a frozen conflict and the only way ukraine knows it can push through those russian defences, post russia out of ukraine proper, is with main battle tanks. right now, they only have 1a on their way. we should hang our heads in shame. so have 14 on their way. we should hang our heads in shame.— our heads in shame. so that long list that was _ our heads in shame. so that long list that was read _ our heads in shame. so that long list that was read out _ our heads in shame. so that long list that was read out at - our heads in shame. so that long list that was read out at that - our heads in shame. so that long | list that was read out at that news conference in germany by the us defence secretary, the list of armaments and humvees that is going, is yourjudgment, then, with your experience in these matters that it is welcome to appoint, but it

fundamentally doesn't help? you sound, i don't want to put words in your mouth, but you sound deeply concerned. is that your assessment, that this gives russia an opportunity to regroup and so on? yeah. the key ingredient on a battlefield, is the main battle tank, and the recce vehicle. these are the vehicles you need on mass. there are plenty of armoured vehicles, but the big beasts, the challenger tanks, the ones with firepower and mobility and armaments, they are the ones that are needed on the ground at the moment. in conjunction with the airpower, the uavs and the artillery systems as well. ukraine knows this and is calling for 300 main battle tanks. i'm astonished the united states and canada are not doing more here. they are normally the ones that lean into this, as we do. this

is a critical year, 2023. it will determine the outcome. russia's ability to endure hardship is greater than that in the west. as you heard steve talking about, putin is preparing his nation for an enduring battle, preparing it with —— comparing it with the second world war. everybody needs to lean into this. we need to do more than this to help ukrainians. at the moment, we have left them to do the fighting. there are consequences spilling way beyond ukraine, but we are still not doing enough to help ourfriends there. are still not doing enough to help our friends there. titer? are still not doing enough to help our friends there.— are still not doing enough to help our friends there. very good to talk to ou. our friends there. very good to talk to you- thank— our friends there. very good to talk to you. thank you _ our friends there. very good to talk to you. thank you so _ our friends there. very good to talk to you. thank you so much. - chancellorjeremy hunt is said to be seriously considering a £300 million funding package for british steel to avert a collapse.

i'm joined now by our business correspondent, theo leggett. what more do we know? we have been here before. it was only three years orso here before. it was only three years or so since british steel was rescued out of insolvency by the chinese firm. what we know is that the two sides have been in talks for a long time. the company thinks that the steel—making business is loss—making, energy prices since the takeover have increased dramatically, the price of carbon permits has also gone up, so that business is losing money. 0n the one hand, you have the owners saying it is necessary that they have some support to keep the business going, on the other hand you have the government, which is aware that this is a business that employs thousands of people, it is an important

contributor to the economy, especially around scunthorpe, where the main plant is. but one thing the government wants —— the government doesn't want to do is be seen to p"°p up doesn't want to do is be seen to prop up a chinese company with deep pockets was up one of the reasons they think that the steel industry in britain is the state it is in now is partly because of competition from heavily subsidised chinese manufacturers. the government doesn't want to go in and prop the business up. what we are likely to see is £300 million of support going to this company, yes, but that support will be very tightly a earmarked, there will be money for decarbonisation, replacing the blast furnaces at scunthorpe with a more modern, much more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run alternative. the chinese owners will be obliged to put more money into the business, something like £1 billion over the next ten years was

the government is looking for clear commitments on this anti—ring fence any money that it does give the business so that it can only be used for specific projects and not everyday expenditure. the headlines on bbc news: germany hasn't made a decision on whether to send tanks to ukraine. according to the us defence secretary. that comes after a major meeting of western defence ministers. as we werejust ministers. as we were just hearing, 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 collase. ~ ., ., ., save the struggling metal maker from collase. ~ . . ., collapse. what we want? fair pay! when do we _ collapse. what we want? fair pay! when do we want _ collapse. what we want? fair pay! when do we want it? _ when do we want it? now! more strike action has been announced by ambulance workers. 0ne announced by ambulance workers. one of the dates will coincide with a strike by nurses.

as we say, the unite union announcing more dates will strike action by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland. some of them coincide with walkouts by ambulance staff from another union, the gmb, and on one date in february, nurses will also be striking. 0ur health reporter, jim reed, told us more. it isa it is a complex picture, especially when it comes to the ambulance strikes, because there are three different unions involved. taken as a whole, it looks like this is intensifying. there are 12 days of strikes now booked between now and easter across different areas, because the unions represent different areas and different professions. 0verall, paramedics, call handlers and others will be involved. the unions saying they

will be another six days of strikes that we didn't know about before, ten in total post of unite is the smallest of the three ambulance unions. the one to watch is february the 6th, two weeks on monday, where you currently have two of the three ambulance unions striking in england and wales and the royal college of nursing striking on the same day. if thatis nursing striking on the same day. if that is the case, it looks like quite coordinated action. nhs trusts are warning about what could be significant disruption on that day in particular. some people are talking about it being the largest strike in nhs history, potentially, on that day. 0ur health correspondent talking about nhs strikes. 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. 0ur correspondence brought us this update from outside court. the family wanted _ update from outside court. tue: family wanted that update from outside court. tte: family wanted that initial update from outside court. "tt9: family wanted that initial inquest quashed and overturned and they have thatjudgment today quashed and overturned and they have that judgment today after a quashed and overturned and they have thatjudgment today after a judicial that judgment today after a judicial review. yousef thatjudgment today after a judicial review. yousef makki was stabbed by joshua molnar, another teenager, backin joshua molnar, another teenager, back in 2019. he told the court that there had been this coming together after they had produced knives, and yousef makki was fatally 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 a 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. after thisjudgment today, what we will get is a fresh inquest and another look at the facts of the case. yousef makki's sister said to me earlier that she was shocked and overwhelmed by this decision today, she said it will give them another opportunity to shine a light on what happened to her brother. we will talk about retail figures in the next little while. therefore we

do that, we are going to turn to something entirely different. a story you might be aware of today. 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 0rthodontic society says results could be "disastrous" if the teeth aren't monitored properly. 0ur reporter has been explaining more about why dentists are concerned about this product and how they differ from what you might find at a dentist. in they differ from what you might find at a dentist. they differ from what you might find at a dentist-— at a dentist. in the uk, they rovide at a dentist. in the uk, they provide clear _ at a dentist. in the uk, they provide clear aligners - at a dentist. in the uk, they provide clear aligners and i at a dentist. in the uk, they i provide clear aligners and they provide clear aligners and they provide train track braces that you wore when you were younger. the dentists who have concern about these braces stressed that people can underestimate how much force is

applied to people's t. it is important to see the x—rays, to see if they can withstand pressure as they move. they are worried that people's bite might get skewed if you move teeth too quickly, you want it to be slow and gentle. they do say that you should do your own checkup before you get there braces, you don't have to prove you can do that, and those i spoke to were concerned because they would not want to look at a procedure they don't oversee.— want to look at a procedure they don't oversee. braces, as i would call them, _ don't oversee. braces, as i would call them. are — don't oversee. braces, as i would call them, are available. - don't oversee. braces, as i would call them, are available. what. don't oversee. braces, as i would call them, are available. what is| call them, are available. what is the concern about this from your perspective? we the concern about this from your persoective?_ the concern about this from your --ersective? ~ :, , , perspective? we are seeing this huge trend that is — perspective? we are seeing this huge trend that is going _ perspective? we are seeing this huge trend that is going on _ perspective? we are seeing this huge trend that is going on and _ perspective? we are seeing this huge trend that is going on and on - perspective? we are seeing this huge trend that is going on and on where i trend that is going on and on where

people _ trend that is going on and on where people want to order everything online, — people want to order everything online, as — people want to order everything online, as you just said. the problem _ online, as you just said. the problem is, they are omitting the healih— problem is, they are omitting the health professional. these direct to consumer— health professional. these direct to consumer companies so you have to have a _ consumer companies so you have to have a checkup with the dentist, but nobody _ have a checkup with the dentist, but nobody has — have a checkup with the dentist, but nobody has to prove it. there are so many _ nobody has to prove it. there are so many province with this. cases are not being — many province with this. cases are not being monitored, so we see more patients— not being monitored, so we see more patients with pain problems, teeth becoming — patients with pain problems, teeth becoming loose, headaches, jaw problems— becoming loose, headaches, jaw problems and so forth. that becoming loose, headaches, “aw problems and so forthi becoming loose, headaches, “aw problems and so forth. that is from someone ordering _ problems and so forth. that is from someone ordering a _ problems and so forth. that is from someone ordering a brace - problems and so forth. that is from someone ordering a brace online i someone ordering a brace online because they think their teeth are wonky and they want them to look better, they want a big smile, and then they wear them for some amount of time and then what happens? have you had people presenting to you in your clinic and they admit that this is why they are in pain, for example?— is why they are in pain, for examle? :, , example? yeah, the thing is, when --eole example? yeah, the thing is, when people see — example? yeah, the thing is, when people see these _ example? yeah, the thing is, when people see these products - example? yeah, the thing is, when people see these products online, | people see these products online, these _ people see these products online, these companies are clever because they are _ these companies are clever because they are targeting people who are self—conscious and might not be able to afford _ self—conscious and might not be able to afford to _ self—conscious and might not be able to afford to see a dentist. they think_ to afford to see a dentist. they

think they— to afford to see a dentist. they think they are getting a bargain that is— think they are getting a bargain that is straightening out their teeth — that is straightening out their teeth. they are also given kits to take their— teeth. they are also given kits to take their own impressions at home and send _ take their own impressions at home and send them off. it takes a dentist— and send them off. it takes a dentist about six years to qualify and another five or six years to become — and another five or six years to become a _ and another five or six years to become a specialist orthodontist, so it is not— become a specialist orthodontist, so it is not something you can learn in a few— it is not something you can learn in a few minutes. as you said, people then come — a few minutes. as you said, people then come in— a few minutes. as you said, people then come in and they say, my bite doesn't _ then come in and they say, my bite doesn't feel— then come in and they say, my bite doesn't feel right, my teeth feel loose. _ doesn't feel right, my teeth feel loose. my— doesn't feel right, my teeth feel loose, my gums are receding. all these _ loose, my gums are receding. all these things can happen, but when you go— these things can happen, but when you go to _ these things can happen, but when you go to a — these things can happen, but when you go to a professional, they are monitoring — you go to a professional, they are monitoring you and can take care of you and _ monitoring you and can take care of you and they can sort out problems along _ you and they can sort out problems along the _ you and they can sort out problems along the way. if you and they can sort out problems along the way-— you and they can sort out problems along the way. if someone does come to ou and along the way. if someone does come to you and reports _ along the way. if someone does come to you and reports all _ along the way. if someone does come to you and reports all of _ along the way. if someone does come to you and reports all of those - to you and reports all of those concerns, is there anything you can do at that point or is it too late? what position are you and the patient in?— what position are you and the atient in? ~ , , patient in? when these patients come, it depends _ patient in? when these patients come, it depends how— patient in? when these patients come, it depends how far i patient in? when these patients come, it depends how far along | patient in? when these patients i come, it depends how far along they are. come, it depends how far along they are if— come, it depends how far along they are if they— come, it depends how far along they are. if they are early on in their journey— are. if they are early on in their journey with these companies, we might— journey with these companies, we might say, — journey with these companies, we might say, stop here and we will start— might say, stop here and we will

start again, but it often costs them double _ start again, but it often costs them double or— start again, but it often costs them double or triple what they have already— double or triple what they have already paid. the other thing is that sometimes the province become extraordinarily complicated and they pay more _ extraordinarily complicated and they pay more for remedial work. if teeth have died _ pay more for remedial work. if teeth have died or— pay more for remedial work. if teeth have died or they are getting severe 'aw have died or they are getting severe jaw problems, other people may need to be involved in the treatment planning, — to be involved in the treatment planning, which makes it more complex— planning, which makes it more complex than if they came to the professional in the first place. is professional in the first place. is your professional in the first place. your point professional in the first place. t3 your point and the port of professional dentists that this isn't just about. . . ? professional dentists that this isn'tjust about...? are these things creating a situation that is uncomfortable and annoying or is your point that it is actually sometimes more dangerous or has longer term risks than that? t sometimes more dangerous or has longer term risks than that? i think it is absolutely _ longer term risks than that? i think it is absolutely more _ longer term risks than that? i think it is absolutely more dangerous. i longer term risks than that? i think it is absolutely more dangerous. at the end _ it is absolutely more dangerous. at the end of— it is absolutely more dangerous. at the end of the day, you are dealing with something biological in your mouth _ with something biological in your mouth, that is moving something biologically. so sometimes the damage — biologically. so sometimes the damage can be irreversible. if you have _ damage can be irreversible. if you have nerve — damage can be irreversible. if you have nerve death, you need root canal— have nerve death, you need root canal treatment and you cannot go back from — canal treatment and you cannot go back from that. if you have jaw

problems. _ back from that. if you have jaw problems, you may need surgery to have fixed _ problems, you may need surgery to have fixed braces. it can be more dangerous— have fixed braces. it can be more dangerous thanjust a have fixed braces. it can be more dangerous than just a little bit of easily— dangerous than just a little bit of easily correctable movement if the teeth _ easily correctable movement if the teeth. :, ., easily correctable movement if the teeth. ., ~ , :, easily correctable movement if the teeth. ., ~ . , :, easily correctable movement if the teeth. ., ~ i , :, teeth. 0k. thank you. just to tell ou, the teeth. 0k. thank you. just to tell you. the smile — teeth. 0k. thank you. just to tell you, the smile direct _ teeth. 0k. thank you. just to tell you, the smile direct club - teeth. 0k. thank you. just to tell you, the smile direct club says i teeth. 0k. thank you. just to tell you, the smile direct club says it| you, the smile direct club says it is the user was macro responsibility to see a dentist and receive a clean bill of health for their teeth and gums within six months of starting treatment. it does say that potential risks for patients, including nerve damage, gum disease and tooth loss are also explained. so that is what they have said to us in a statement. 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 0micron 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. much more, including a word about madonna tickets. now it's time for a look at the weather.

thank you. good evening. what a beautiful end to the week it has been. it has been cold, with some snow and ice on the ground in places, but what a lovely end to the day for that weather watcher in midlothian. the further south and east you are this weekend, it will stake, but a change further north and west, milder but cloudier conditions to come with some outbreaks of rain. turning cold for all of us this evening, but as this cloud and rain comes in overnight, it will usher in the much milder air. six celsius by belfast by six again. ross elsewhere, and some fog across parts of the country. england and wales are seeing sunny spells tomorrow full of northern ireland and scotland having more cloud, some spots of rain, but that is where we will have the mildest of the conditions. northern and western parts of the uk on sunday could get

into double digits. further south and east, it will stakeholderfor longer. —— it will stakeholder. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines. the us defence secretary since germany is doing enough to help ukraine but we could all do more. germany is coming under intense pressure to send tanks to help ukraine. the government is considering putting £300 million into british steel to save the struggling metal makerfrom struggling metal maker from collapse. struggling metal makerfrom collapse. more strike action is announced by ambulance workers in england, wales and northern ireland. 0ne england, wales and northern ireland. one of the dates will coincide with the strike by nurses. the family of 17—year—old who was fatally stabbed have won their fight to have a fresh inquest into his

death. it is been a surprise fall in december as they cut back on christmas spending. and coming up in this half hour, fans of been paying up to £1300 a ticket to see madonna on her career spanning greatest hits tour. british hopes in the singles — at least — at the australian open now lie with andy murray and dan evans after cameron norrie was knocked out in the third round in melbourne byjiri lehecka. also out is world number 7 daniil medvedev. the two—time finalist suffered a shock defeat to american sebastian korda. as top names continue

to fall at the tournament — andy swiss rounds up today's action. another british man another five setter but a different result. after andy murray's marathon, they might�*ve hoped for something simpler when the two sets to one lead, the signs are promising. but from there, is 21—year—old czechoslovakian opponent played the match of his life and losing to yemen or he clearly learned his lesson as he cleared off the next two sets and with that, victory. through to the last for the grand slam to the very first time, he played better was the simple assessment but he will feel this was a missed opportunity, the higher seed left in the men's draw safely through an he was up against the netherland player were he would soon show his touch. she is still

yet to win a grand slam title but he will fancy his chances and he faces the seed. she hopes and it's still very much on track, losing just a single game she breezed past the spanish player. victory in a mere 55 minutes, she may take some stopping. and he sweats. andy swiss. a few deals have been completed in the premier league today and arsenal confirming belgium international leandro trossard will join the club from brighton. the forward joins in a deal worth 21 million pounds plus add ons — until 2027 with the option for a further year. west ham have signed aston villa striker danny ings in a deal worth up to 15 million pounds. he leaves villa park as their top scorer so far this season with seven

andcan play in the crucial relegation battle with everton tomorrow. the 30 year old has signed a contract until 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. liam smith has denied he was making homophobic comments towards chris eubankjunior in yesterday's press conference ahead of their middleweight fight in manchester. the pair weighed in today at the same weight of 11 stone 5 pounds ahead of tomorrow night. chris eubankjr was wearing a pro—lgbtq rainbow armband following yesterdays ugly exchanges; for which they have apologised. i never said anything homophobic. nothing, people think i did but i apologise but i don't think anything

homophobic came out of my mouth yesterday. i was asking the question basically, i neversaid yesterday. i was asking the question basically, i never said any homophobic words toward sin but like i said, the people are offended by that, i apologise. —— towards him. -- towards him. do i regret what he said, absolutely. _ -- towards him. do i regret what he said, absolutely. he _ -- towards him. do i regret what he said, absolutely. he disrespected i said, absolutely. he disrespected and heard — said, absolutely. he disrespected and heard and alienated a whole group _ and heard and alienated a whole group of— and heard and alienated a whole group of people. and that is an acceptable, we do not want that in boxing _ acceptable, we do not want that in boxing you — acceptable, we do not want that in boxing. you want to be all—inclusive in the _ boxing. you want to be all—inclusive in the sport — boxing. you want to be all—inclusive in the sport. when you get ready to fi-ht in the sport. when you get ready to fight a _ in the sport. when you get ready to fight a man. — in the sport. when you get ready to fight a man, tensions are high, but he had _ fight a man, tensions are high, but he had to— fight a man, tensions are high, but he had to be — fight a man, tensions are high, but he had to be responsible, we have kids looking up to us. to the example _ that's all the sport for now. you can find more on all those stories on the bbc sport website. that's bbc dot c0 dot uk slash sport — lizzie will be back

with sports day in an hour. in the last hour, 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 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. westminster story. former chancellor

is facing a series of questions about his tax affairs following an article on sunday which claimed he admitted a 7—figure payment to hmrc in december to settle a tax dispute. this afternoon, the guardian newspaper is recording that he has agreed to pay a penalty as part of the seven figure settlement, labour is called for an inquiry and whether he has broken and ministerial code or misled the public. a spokesman says his taxes are properly declared and he has never had to instruct any lawyers to deal with hmrc on his behalf. let's talk a little bit more to our political correspondent jonathan blake who joins to our political correspondent jonathan blake whojoins me to our political correspondent jonathan blake who joins me from westminster. people might not be aware of all of this and all the details but does remind us of what is going on here. the

details but does remind us of what is going on here.— is going on here. the chair of the conservative _ is going on here. the chair of the conservative party _ is going on here. the chair of the conservative party and _ is going on here. the chair of the conservative party and maintains cabinet and that party and at ministerial roles and was briefly chancellor under borisjohnson but there is a swell of scrutiny over his tax affairs before going into politics, he made a lot of money, including co—founding the polling company and it's his relationship with that that scrutiny is focused on at the moment and the questions centre on whether nadhim zahawi tried to avoid paying capital gains tax by using an offshore company to hold shares and you golf and the sun reported that he had paid millions of pounds to revenue and customs to settle a dispute and bbc news has not been able to verify that claim but it's not been denied by spokesman for nadhim zahawi and he said his taxes are properly declared

and paid in the uk and added that nadhim zahawi has never had to instruct lawyers to deal with hmrc on his behalf. bhd instruct lawyers to deal with hmrc on his behalf.— instruct lawyers to deal with hmrc on his behalf. and we have seen the guardian newspaper _ on his behalf. and we have seen the guardian newspaper is _ on his behalf. and we have seen the guardian newspaper is reporting i on his behalf. and we have seen the | guardian newspaper is reporting that nadhim zahawi has paid a penalty as part of his settlement and what we know about that. th part of his settlement and what we know about that.— know about that. in addition to the money paid — know about that. in addition to the money paid by _ know about that. in addition to the money paid by nadhim _ know about that. in addition to the money paid by nadhim zahawi i know about that. in addition to the money paid by nadhim zahawi to l know about that. in addition to the i money paid by nadhim zahawi to hmrc to settle the dispute, there was a penalty on top of 30% of the amount which the total amount to £3.8 million. according to the paper penalty is paid if someone does not pay the appropriate amount of taxes at the right time, again, we've asked nadhim zahawi's team about these claims and have not had a response although he spokesperson for him to tell the guardian that they did not recognise the figures quoted and reiterated that his taxes are properly declared and paid in the uk. now, forformer chancellor

of the exchequer, they will be facing this and crucial when and if mr nadhim zahawi comments publicly in labour this evening is powering on the political pressure to make sure they go and deputy leader saying that nadhim zahawi's story does not line up and he has to put his money where his mouth is and dismiss nadhim zahawi from his cabinet. :, ., dismiss nadhim zahawi from his cabinet. :, ,, , :, dismiss nadhim zahawi from his cabinet. :, ~' i :, i dismiss nadhim zahawi from his cabinet. :, ,, i :, i . cabinet. thank you very much there. ukraine, appealing _ cabinet. thank you very much there. ukraine, appealing to _ cabinet. thank you very much there. ukraine, appealing to western i ukraine, appealing to western nations in germany sing his country needs tanks in order to deal with russia's invasion. we had a news conference out of germany in the last hour or two. various pieces of military hardware have been promised but not tanks, only the british

doesn't challenge tanks and not some of the other tanks that flood zelinski is been requesting. he is in ukraine and very good to have you with us tonight and with quite a lengthy list and military equipment and so on that will be going to ukraine but it is not the tanks that zelinski has been talking about. just explain why they are, in ukrainian nights, so vital. ltp just explain why they are, in ukrainian nights, so vital. up until now, ukrainian nights, so vital. up until now. ukraine _ ukrainian nights, so vital. up until now, ukraine is _ ukrainian nights, so vital. up until now, ukraine is at _ ukrainian nights, so vital. up until now, ukraine is at two _ ukrainian nights, so vital. up until now, ukraine is at two successfull now, ukraine is at two successful counteroffensive and an kharkiv the russians ran away in disarray and in kherson, russia did not try to defend that land. they have a friend

of mine that is heavily fortified with tank traps, ditches and with more troops and to break through this time, to make another successful counteroffensive, ukrainians and military experts agree, they need tanks to make that initial breakthrough to go over fortifications and breakthrough fortified positions and so, the next time is going to be far harder and virtually impossible without significant numbers of tanks. hand significant numbers of tanks. and --eole will significant numbers of tanks. and people will be _ significant numbers of tanks. and people will be watching tonight, thinking why? why hasn't there been this agreement by the us, by germany? the uk said he would do it injust a few germany? the uk said he would do it in just a few days ago. why not these other nations?— in just a few days ago. why not these other nations? germany is the key because — these other nations? germany is the key because most _ these other nations? germany is the key because most of— these other nations? germany is the key because most of the _ these other nations? germany is the key because most of the tanks i these other nations? germany is the key because most of the tanks have | key because most of the tanks have been considered, especially around europe, leopard two tanks and

although many of them are in possession of other countries, germany has to give the sign off because they made these tanks in germany as political issues about sending tanks into an active conflict because of a generation of pacifism, and their history and especially with the social democrat led government, it is difficult political issue in the been trying to kick the can down the road for some time now but the pressure on them from their allies and in a growing way from the population and it's getting very intense right now. i am sorry we do not have long to talk to you but from the guardian, they are there tonight. 12 minutes

to six and we are going to talk about other matters entirely. another smorgasbord of news on bbc news because i did promise were going to few minutes talking about madonna. tickets to madonna's first ever greatest hits tour went on sale this morning. the tour, which celebrates a0 years since the release of her break—out single, holiday, will see the pop icon perform songs from her entire career. here's our music correspondent, mark savage. let's now talk to howard trigg who has been unsuccessful in securing tickets for madonna's london tour dates. no, not at all. myself and two friends were online all day trying to get tickets and no joy at all. and these are tickets just for london? as i was your trying to get? just for london at the moment but a few of the situation is the same worldwide. the problem that we've

got is not only of scalpers were not already putting their tickets online, but there are some tickets left at ticketmaster that they are usually dynamic pricing, tickets over £250 may be £300 are now £900 and that is an official price of ticketmaster.— and that is an official price of ticketmaster. ~ :, :, ,, and that is an official price of ticketmaster. ~ :, :, , , ., , ., ~ ticketmaster. what happened was make the 'udaes ticketmaster. what happened was make the judges sitting _ ticketmaster. what happened was make the judges sitting in _ ticketmaster. what happened was make the judges sitting in queue _ ticketmaster. what happened was make the judges sitting in queue for _ the judges sitting in queue for hours and hours and then what? fin hours and hours and then what? orr 47,000 people were in front of me and i kind of knew that i wasn't going to get any whereabouts it's kind of hoping a lot of people just drop off and while that's happening, new gates are appearing in the switch over to the new dates and at one point, my best was 70,000 on the fourth date there was just no hope. what may come in times of you seen her live and what are you going to do now because my because this is the greatest hits tour. i believe yoursuper the greatest hits tour. i believe your superfan, you've got

the greatest hits tour. i believe your super fan, you've got to go. i've been watching her since 1987. when my going to do now? we are probably going to try and go abroad and may be paris, the parents towards a good place to go to for a concert, maybe amsterdam come immediately, if you can get seats but it absolutely would not be paying scalpers prices were dynamic pricing. paying scalpers prices were dynamic ricina. :, paying scalpers prices were dynamic ”ricin _ ., ., , paying scalpers prices were dynamic ricina. :, ., , ., paying scalpers prices were dynamic ricina. :, :, , ., ., pricing. have paris and other laces, pricing. have paris and other places. have _ pricing. have paris and other places, have they _ pricing. have paris and other places, have they gone i pricing. have paris and other places, have they gone on i pricing. have paris and other. places, have they gone on sale pricing. have paris and other- places, have they gone on sale as well? , :, places, have they gone on sale as well? i :, ., ., ., well? they have a new date going on sale on the — well? they have a new date going on sale on the 26th _ well? they have a new date going on sale on the 26th and _ well? they have a new date going on sale on the 26th and i _ well? they have a new date going on sale on the 26th and i saw— well? they have a new date going on sale on the 26th and i saw i - sale on the 26th and i saw i think it was another date going on on the 22nd and we've put them on the same day and some of the other european countries seem to be trickling them out and so, have a feeling to be exactly the same but fingers crossed. t exactly the same but fingers crossed. , i :, :, , :,

exactly the same but fingers crossed. , :, , :, ., crossed. i wish you lots of luck and they know — crossed. i wish you lots of luck and they know you _ crossed. i wish you lots of luck and they know you will— crossed. i wish you lots of luck and they know you will be persistent, l they know you will be persistent, thank you so much, howard. thank you very much and all the best. more than 2.5 million electricity customers on economy 7 tariffs, which see different prices charged for electricity depending on the time of day, have seen their bills rise since the 1st january — despite the government price cap. analysis suggests customers are facing an average increase of £116 a year. 0ur cost of living correspondent coletta smith reports. we moved in in 1983... keith and joan's electricity bill has just gone up. i think we've been forgotten. see, us on economy 7, i think we've been penalised. they're putting them up, january, they're putting them up more than they have the standard tariff. people on economy 7 tariffs pay two different rates for their electricity. a really cheap rate for seven hours through the night time,

and a much higher rate for the daytime. that makes sense if you've got storage heaters or you need a lot of energy at night. but keith and joan don't. and you've been wanting to alter it to a standard tariff. and i asked bulb two years ago and they said they'd put me on the waiting list. what waiting list that was, they never explained. bulb has now been bought by 0ctopus, who've told us they'll look into thejohnsons' case. do you use the electricity at night time? do you have any of your appliances running? no, no. i've done enough night shifts in my time! i don't want to go to bed, get up at 3am and put the washer on, you know, i don't think, no. the regulator raised the cap for economy 7 injanuary, and the consultancy firm future energy associates say average economy 7 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're on a single tariff. for people on economy 7 who have two different tariffs they've left it up to companies to decide how much they charge for a day rate and a night rate. the regulator 0fgem say they are investigating whether all suppliers are advising customers about the cheapest tariffs. but they say if economy 7 customers use cheap off peak electricity, they can make substantial savings. fuel poverty campaigners want the government to do more. the costs of these tariffs are going up, and they're 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 7 rates to balance out more expensive day rates against cheaper night rates. but that's cold comfort to those facing higher bills this winter. coletta smith, bbc news.

it was a clear night for most of us — which used to mean a spectacular view of the night skies. in recent years however the number of stars we can see with the naked eye has reduced dramatically because of light pollution, or "skyglow". new research suggests that in areas where 250 stars were visible two decades ago — we'd now see only 150. 0ur science correspondent victoria gill has more. that urban gleam might look beautiful but these are actually pictures of pollution, like being sent up in the space rather than directed at the ground where it is useful. and whether it is street light, advertising, purely decorative, that light pollution is getting worse. to find that out, research collected night sky observations from temperature

astronomers all around the world, people went out to count the stars submitted their results to globe at night. this showed that over the last decade, the night sky it's been getting about 10% brighter every year. it will make the view of the stars is disappearing and so, this is something relatively recently within one or two lifetimes, something that was assured experience across everyone around the world is going up and sing the stars at night time, it's also a symbol and a reminder that the way we are at lighting is relatively wasteful and that we do not seem to be getting better at it. the wasteful and that we do not seem to be getting better at it.— be getting better at it. the night s means be getting better at it. the night sky means the — be getting better at it. the night sky means the brighter - be getting better at it. the night sky means the brighter the i be getting better at it. the night sky means the brighter the sky l sky means the brighter the sky has to be in order to see it with the naked eye. so, even in quiet rural areas like this is not a clear night, when streetlights started to glow, the sky close and that obscure is the faintest stars and as that globe gets brighter every year, we lose more and more of the stars

review. light pollution doesn'tjust obscure the night sky, it's been shown to affect the behaviour of nocturnal animals and disrupt our sleep and affect our health. and unlike so many complicated environmental problems, this one could be fixed byjust turning down the lights. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich many of us spend friday with blue skies overhead by the court into the week and still some snow on the ground for this weather watcher in the highlands but there is a change thatis the highlands but there is a change that is going to start to take place and a slow change for the bank of cloud pushing in from the northwest and south westerly winds starting to bring it something milder in this cloud year and modern conditions will develop across northern ireland in western scotland is to go to the night in a little bit of rain and maybe some snow on the leading edge by six o'clock in the morning,

temperatures at belfast and stornoway will be up at six or 7 degrees. forthe stornoway will be up at six or 7 degrees. for the southeast, a very frosty start to saturday, quite a split in the field of the weather for the weekend and southern eastern parts of the uk staying in the grip of this cold air and further north and west, this wedge of mild air train to slump it's wakes up eastwards but taking quite a while to do so, making very slow progress. for the sub used in the uk, this is that the state court in the could be some fog around as well and further north and west, claudia with some outbreaks of rain. fog could cause some issues in the west midlands in the western countries freezing fog could start saturday morning and some blood to be quite dense and slow to clear as well and it could even be quite slippery and will be speaking for england and wales, some spells of sunshine and the odd showerjust praising the far in northern ireland and scotland seeing more cloud, some splashes of rain

but this is where we will have the mildest of the weather, nine, and the weather, nine, maybe 10 degrees and parts of northwest scotland. living saturday night into sunday, this weather frontal system will bring some epics of rain. under the high pressure to the sublease, but this is where we will have the mildest of the weather, nine, maybe 10 degrees and parts of northwest scotland. living saturday night into sunday, this weather frontal system will bring some epics of rain. under the of an area of high pressure to the of an area of high pressure to the southeast, that is her hides around ten or 11 degrees and getting into the milder air, not so much for eastern wales and the bulk of england, temperatures no higher than three or 4 degrees. it was about mild air will eventually get down towards the southeast but maybe not for long because it turned colder in the north.

today at 6:00: more than 50 countries meet in germany to co—ordinate weapons supplies for ukraine. more money, missiles and ammunition have been promised but not the extra tanks that president zelensky is appealing for. this isn'tjust 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. but kyiv insists it needs more — we'll explain why and what it means for the war. also on the programme... christmas had a bit less sparkle — with a drop in the amount we spent in the shops and online in december.

we can't