this is bbc news, i'm martine croxall. the headlines: are your tax affairs a distraction for the — are your tax affairs a distraction for the party— are your tax affairs a distraction for the party mr— are your tax affairs a distraction for the party mr zahawi? - the prime minister's independent ethics adviser is to look into the tax affairs of conservative party chairman, nadhim zahawi. it's after it was revealed he paid a penalty for unpaid tax when he was chancellor. integrity and accountability is a really important to me. and clearly, in this case, there are questions that need answering, and that's why i've asked independent adviser to get to the bottom of everything. the bbc�*s chairman, richard sharp, says there was no conflict of interest after claims he helped the then prime minister boris johnson secure a loan, just before getting the bbcjob. more than 20,000 nhs ambulance workers are taking part in another strike over pay,

manning picket lines across much of england and wales. former employees of the welsh rugby union have accused the organisation of having a "toxic" culture of sexism. i need to know that i have done one thing right with my life. and we'll hear from brendan fraser about his oscar—tipped role as a morbidly obese man trying to reconnect with his family in new film, the whale. good afternoon and welcome to the bbc news channel. the prime minister has asked his independent ethics adviser to examine how the conservative party chairman

and former chancellor, nadhim zahawi, settled a multi—million pound tax dispute. rishi sunak says there are questions that need answers. mr zahawi says his error was careless but not deliberate, and his advisers say he doesn't intend to resign. labour however warns he needs to "come clean" and they're calling his position "untenable". here's our political correspondent, lone wells. will you resign as party chair, mrzahawi? - few words, big questions about one huge tax bill. nadhim zahawi is confident he acted properly and says he looks forward to answering any questions about his tax affairs. this man, sir laurie magnus, will now be asking them, the government's independent ethics adviser. integrity and accountability is really important to me. and clearly in this case, there are questions that need answering, and that's why i've asked our independent adviser to get to the bottom of everything, to investigate the matter fully and establish all the facts and provide advice to me on nadhim zahawi's compliance

with the ministerial code. i'm pleased that nadhim zahawi has agreed with that approach and has agreed to fully cooperate with that investigation. the prime minister appointed nadhim zahawi to be chairman of the conservative party in the autumn. in the summer, he had to pay a tax bill of about £5 million to hmrc, which included a penalty. this was when he was chancellor, the man responsible for all our taxes. is hmrc still after you, sir? are you up to date? - the dispute was over shares in the polling company yougov, which he set up before he became an mp. his father took founding shares in it. in a statement on saturday, he said hmrc had disagreed about the allocation of these shares, that he had agreed to settle the matter and pay what they said was due, and they had said it was a careless and not deliberate error. but labour say the real error now is the prime minister's judgment. the prime minister knows that his position as chair of the party is untenable. the prime minister promised us

integrity and accountability. he needs to show some leadership and sack him. and if he doesn't, then that, in my view, is a strong failure of leadership. and that pressure is not going away for the prime minister and his chairman. there are still big questions swirling about when exactly nadhim zahawi first knew that hmrc had concerns about his taxes and what the prime minister knew when he appointed him chairman. rishi sunak says he was first aware of nadhim zahawi's tax penalty this weekend. these questions are a cloud hanging over them both, turning the focus away from the business of governing. lone wells, bbc news, westminster. let's talk to our political correspondent david wallace lockhart who joins me from westminster. what are the opposition parties are saying about this story? weill. what are the opposition parties are saying about this story?— saying about this story? well, they want to see — saying about this story? well, they want to see rishi _ saying about this story? well, they want to see rishi sunak _ saying about this story? well, they want to see rishi sunak sack - saying about this story? well, they l want to see rishi sunak sack nadhim zahawi as a chair of the

conservative party. they don't think he should be in that position any more. they think that the fact that he paid a penalty to hmrc over unpaid tax while he was chancellor serving a borisjohnson's government not that long ago means he is not appropriate to be staying any government role. what is interesting, of course, and all of this is it wasjust interesting, of course, and all of this is it was just last week, last wednesday's prime minister's questions that rishi sunak was defending nadhim zahawi, saying he had addressed this matter in full. today we are hearing about this investigation the prime minister has asked for, so what has prompted that? well, it seems to be this revelation that came over the course of the weekend that that penalty had been paid by nadhim zahawi. a spokesperson for the prime minister said that when rishi sunak was speaking at pmqs, he was setting out his understanding at the time. 0ver his understanding at the time. over the weekend, they said, additional facts have been placed in the public domain by the chairman and therefore they believe it is right to ask the

independent adviser on a ministerial ethics, sir laurie magnus, to investigate and report back to the facts as he sees them. the prime minister's official spokesman said he primarily will be focusing that investigation on whether or not the ministerial code, they ruled that government ministers have to follow, has been broken. we are not sure of the timescale of all of this. number 10 would like it done quite quickly, but have pointed out that laurie magnus has to be given at the time that he feels is appropriate to undertake this investigation. nadhim zahawi, obviously, saying he is confident that he has acted properly throughout and planning to stay in his role. the prime minister seems to support him staying in the role while this investigation is undertaken, but of course, a difficult decision will loom for rishi sunak, ultimately, when laurie magnus reports back and we get to the independent adviser�*s view on

how properly nadhim zahawi has acted throughout these events over the past matter of days. important to point out as well, as ion did there at the end of her report, this sucks oxygen away from the matters that rishi sunak would rather talk about command today making an announcement on mental health funding, but what most people, opposition politicians, some of his own politicians, and those who are following politics, want to know is will he or won't he ultimately staked by the chair of the conservative party?- ultimately staked by the chair of the conservative party? david, thank ou for the the conservative party? david, thank you for the moment _ the conservative party? david, thank you for the moment david _ the conservative party? david, thank you for the moment david wallace i you for the moment david wallace lockhart in westminster. and in about 20 minutes we'll be speaking to tax lawyer dan neidle about mr zahawi's tax affairs so stay with us for that. the chairman of the bbc, richard sharp, has issued a statement denying claims that shortly before being given the role, he helped the then—prime minister, borisjohnson secure a loan guarantee agreement. labour is continuing calls

for a full investigation. he denies any conflict of interest, and the government insists there was a transparent and rigorous selection process for the chairman'sjob. 0ur media editor katie razzall has more. look, he is under significant pressure after these reports over the weekend in the sunday times, which essentially were suggesting that he withheld information that could have been a conflict of interest when it came to him being appointed as bbc chairman. so the sunday times was reporting that he was helped to arrange this loan guarantee for the then prime minister, borisjohnson, and that weeks later the government, through borisjohnson, made him their preferred candidate to be bbc chairman. so today he wrote to bbc staff. he talked about the story being a distraction and he said he wanted to make clear there was no conflict of interest because he said all he did was connect a businessman who's planning to act, or wanted to act as a loan guarantor to borisjohnson, with the head of the civil service, who could give him advice about what was allowed.

mr sharp says in that email to staff, "i was not involved in making a loan or arranging a guarantee and i did not arrange any financing. what i did do was to seek an introduction of sam blythe to the relevant official in government." so he believes that puts him in the clear, particularly as he says he discussed the fact that he was applying for the job as bbc chairman with simon case, the civil servant worried about a conflict of interest, and they agreed he would take no further part in any conversations about loans. so i guess the question is does it draw a line in the sand? what happens next? big questions still to be answered, including will there be an inquiry? as you said, labour wants one. will the dcms select committee call him back to question him? because they questioned him at the time and some people believe on that committee that he should have revealed this information to them then and then the perception issues. he's an away day with senior staff tomorrow. he's clearly under pressure. richard sharp is the face

of impartiality on the bbc and yet his own impartiality is being questioned. and until we do an interview with him, i think those questions will rumble on. we arejoined by we are joined by tony fisher, a specialist in corporate law. what do we mean we talk about a conflict—of—interest and how applicable is it your? in conflict-of-interest and how applicable is it your?- applicable is it your? in this context connie _ applicable is it your? in this context connie any - applicable is it your? in this i context connie any application applicable is it your? in this - context connie any application for a public office such as that now occupied by mr sharp has to comply with the seven principles of conduct which underpin public life, two of which underpin public life, two of which are openness and honesty. all applicants have access to guidance with regards to what should or shouldn't be disclosed. that guidance makes it very clear that candidates should disclose anything where there is a possible perception of a conflict—of—interest, whether or not an actual conflict—of—interest actually exists. and at the question, really, is whether or not having been involved in some way with arranging

some financial benefit for the prime minister who was ultimately to make the decision about who should be appointed, that should have been disclosed. it would not necessary they have meant that he was prohibit from proceeding with the application and the panel would have been able to take a view on that, but i think there is a? as to whether it should be —— should have been disclosed at the time. be -- should have been disclosed at the time. ., , .,, ., . , be -- should have been disclosed at the time. ., , ., . , , the time. how problematic is this that it occurred _ the time. how problematic is this that it occurred some _ the time. how problematic is this that it occurred some time - the time. how problematic is this that it occurred some time ago i the time. how problematic is this i that it occurred some time ago and were only finding out about it now? again, the cabinet office guidance makes it clear if they subsequently discover that a conflict has been concealed during the process of appointment, then they can consider whether or not any of these principles of conduct in the pending public life have been breached. and in the most serious of cases, that could lead to a dismissalfrom in the most serious of cases, that could lead to a dismissal from that post. could lead to a dismissal from that

ost. , , , could lead to a dismissal from that ost. ,, , ., could lead to a dismissal from that ost. ,, ., , . ., post. dismissal or resignation? well, the question _ post. dismissal or resignation? well, the question of— post. dismissal or resignation? i well, the question of resignation post. dismissal or resignation? - well, the question of resignation as a matterfor the individual concerned himself rather than any panel. but if there is a sense that this is a very serious breach, that is an option that he would have. mil is an option that he would have. all members of staff have received an e—mail from the chairman today. in it he sets out how he was involved and more to the point, from his perspective, how he was not involved. is it for an individual to say whether there is a conflict—of—interest, or for someone else to adjudicate? i conflict-of-interest, or for someone else to adjudicate?— else to adjudicate? i think it's ultimately _ else to adjudicate? i think it's ultimately for _ else to adjudicate? i think it's ultimately for the _ else to adjudicate? i think it's ultimately for the panel - else to adjudicate? i think it's ultimately for the panel to i ultimately for the panel to adjudicate whether or not something which is disclosed is real a conflict of interest. but if they do not know about it, of course, they can't make that analysis. and it is

in any public appointment, always wise to air on the side of caution in terms of what you disclose —— err on the side of caution, rather than whole things back which could lead to charges of deception.— whole things back which could lead to charges of deception. even if something — to charges of deception. even if something turns _ to charges of deception. even if something turns out _ to charges of deception. even if something turns out to _ to charges of deception. even if something turns out to be - to charges of deception. even if something turns out to be a - to charges of deception. even if something turns out to be a storm| to charges of deception. even if i something turns out to be a storm in a teacup, move on, doesn't matter, i'm sure in law optics don't matter, but in public life, they do. thea:t i'm sure in law optics don't matter, but in public life, they do.— but in public life, they do. they do in law is actually _ but in public life, they do. they do in law is actually come _ but in public life, they do. they do in law is actually come as - but in public life, they do. they do in law is actually come as far- but in public life, they do. they do in law is actually come as far as i in law is actually come as far as thejudiciary is in law is actually come as far as the judiciary is concerned. a in law is actually come as far as thejudiciary is concerned. ajudge will close himself or herself from dealing with a matter where they might be a perception of a conflict of interest. and i think it is a very important principle of public service and public life that everybody is seen to be acting completely openly and honestly. so that things like this are disclosed.

tony fisher, thank you very much for joining us this afternoon. ah, joining us this afternoon. pleasure. a scheme that offers households discounts on their bills for cutting electricity use at peak times, will come into effect between 5pm and 6pm this evening. the measure aims to avert the risk of blackouts, relieving pressure on the national grid. our personal finance correspondent kevin peachy is here. this has been talked about before and has now come to fruition? lip to and has now come to fruition? up to and has now come to fruition? up to a million households— and has now come to fruition? up to a million households in _ and has now come to fruition? ii? tr: a million households in england, scotland and wales are signed up and the idea being that they delayed their electricity use outside of those peak times, so between five pn those peak times, so between five pm and 6pm tends to be when people go home, they may be put the oven on, they put the tv on, the washing machine and so on. the idea is that all of that gets pushed back may be later on in the evening, takes out that peek really and smooths out

people's energy use. customers, as i say, have already signed up to it. it depends on their energy use how much they're going to save really and of course the bigger picture is that the authorities want to stop any kind of blackouts. i think this is a very cautious approach at this stage, clearly prompted by the cold snap, the fact that there has not been a huge amount of wind power generation recently. they are looking at this and trying it out to see how successful it is. thea:t looking at this and trying it out to see how successful it is.— see how successful it is. they are doinu us see how successful it is. they are doing us all _ see how successful it is. they are doing us all a _ see how successful it is. they are doing us all a favour, _ see how successful it is. they are doing us all a favour, in - see how successful it is. they are doing us all a favour, in a - see how successful it is. they are doing us all a favour, in a way, i doing us all a favour, in a way, aren't they?— doing us all a favour, in a way, aren't the ? , ., , ~ aren't they? yes, potentially. and it is all about _ aren't they? yes, potentially. and it is all about habits, _ aren't they? yes, potentially. and it is all about habits, isn't - aren't they? yes, potentially. and it is all about habits, isn't it? - aren't they? yes, potentially. and it is all about habits, isn't it? we. it is all about habits, isn't it? we arejust to it is all about habits, isn't it? we are just to getting home, it is all about habits, isn't it? we arejust to getting home, the kids want their tea, and so on, and we is quitea want their tea, and so on, and we is quite a lot of energy at the sort of peak times. the idea all of that is smoothed out and we will see if that continues. whether this cold snap may prompt a repeat of this in

future days. the more often it happens and people get used to it, maybe the bigger the savings for those signed up, and perhaps more people will sign up through their energy supplier. people will sign up through their energy summer-— energy supplier. yes, there is certainly an — energy supplier. yes, there is certainly an incentive - energy supplier. yes, there is certainly an incentive there i energy supplier. yes, there is certainly an incentive there if| certainly an incentive there if you're getting some kind of discount, but it is remarkable how much difference that one error could really make to the country. yes. much difference that one error could really make to the country.— really make to the country. yes. it is surprising _ really make to the country. yes. it is surprising -- — really make to the country. yes. it is surprising -- that _ really make to the country. yes. it is surprising -- that one hour- really make to the country. yes. it| is surprising -- that one hour could is surprising —— that one hour could really make to the country. clearly they have got to pick a key time and i think there are people who can sign up to it, remember, only on smart meters. that is important. we have also had some warnings today from a regulator ofgem saying that it is notjust these kind of incentive schemes that are key at this time, clearly people struggling with their bills and they say they will look at it in a detailed review on switching people off regular metres onto prepayment meters, a more expensive option, and they say there will be a legal threat behind

that if suppliers are not treating vulnerable customers properly when they try to switch them on to these prepayment meters.— they try to switch them on to these prepayment meters. yes, there has been uuite prepayment meters. yes, there has been quite a — prepayment meters. yes, there has been quite a lot _ prepayment meters. yes, there has been quite a lot of— prepayment meters. yes, there has been quite a lot of coverage - prepayment meters. yes, there has been quite a lot of coverage of - prepayment meters. yes, there has been quite a lot of coverage of that| been quite a lot of coverage of that any last few days, hasn't the? thank you very much, kevin peachy. more than 20,000 nhs workers have begun another strike in the ongoing row over pay and conditions. members of the unison gmb and unite trade unions, and unite trade unions are on picket lines across much of england and wales. all ambulance employees, including paramedics, call centre and control room staff, notjust emergency crews, are on strike. on merseyside, at two liverpool hospital trusts, midwives, porters and cleaners are also taking part. unions argue this year's average pay rise ofjust under 5% isn't enough to stop people leaving the health service. however, the uk government says the strike action is "hugely disappointing". our health correspondent, dominic hughes, has more details. the third strike day for ambulance workers from unison, one of three health unions taking action across much of england and wales today. what do we want? fair pay.

when do we want it? now _ on the picket line in leeds is lyndsay. with eight years of experience, she says this strike is as much about the future of the health service as it is about pay. i've waited in corridors for six hours with patients needing urgent medical attention. it's demoralising, it's bad for the patient, it's not what patients should be doing. when they need a hospital they should be in it. it's not fair to them. the government need to have a realistic view of what we do. they need to put their feet in our shoes and see what we do and see what our patients go through. unions are calling for a 10.5% pay rise. the governments in england and wales have given nhs staff an average increase in pay of 4.75%, as recommended by the independent nhs pay review body. that's currently half the rate of inflation. as with previous days of industrial action, the most serious and life—threatening calls will be answered. in fact, we've already seen a couple of ambulances leaving this station here in leeds this morning,

but there is no doubt this will also cause some disruption to the health service. ministers described today's industrial action as "hugely disappointing," and say talks about what is fair and affordable are continuing. but the head of health at unison, a key player closely involved in those talks with the government, says ministers could end the strikes tomorrow. this is not efficient, you know? if the government is really concerned with efficiencies in the nhs, then the most efficient thing is to call off the strikes by adding extra funding to the nhs, boosting pay and talking to us about how to resolve the workforce emergency. the start times and lengths of today's industrial action will vary between ambulance services, but most will last for about 12 hours. leeds is one area where the army are helping to keep services running. and more strikes are coming. with no movement on pay and neither side showing signs of compromise, at the moment it's hard to see how this dispute ends.

dominic hughes, bbc news, leeds. our health correspondent katharine da costa is in bristol on a picket line. i well attended as a today? hello there, i well attended as a today? hello there. well. _ i well attended as a today? hello there, well, we _ i well attended as a today? hello there, well, we have _ i well attended as a today? hello there, well, we have about - i well attended as a today? hello there, well, we have about a - i well attended as a today? hello there, well, we have about a dozen orso there, well, we have about a dozen or so ambulance workers here. they are unison members. they are 12 hour strike until 7pm tonight. many have said to me they do not want to be here but they feel it is the only way they can highlight the need for fair pay, to recruit and retain more staff, and to highlight the impact that the nhs crisis is having on patient care. they say they are willing to continue strike action for as long as it takes. the government has said it is willing to talk about what is fair and affordable moving forward into the new financial year starting in april, but the unions have said they

will not participate in the bat until the government addresses this current pay dispute. that has led to new dates for strike action in february and march and health leaders are worried about widespread disruption are derailing efforts to tackle nhs backlogs. one idea that has been raised is to backdate the new financial year's pay deal to january, but this morning, the prime minister, rishi sunak, would not commit to that. he has so far been reluctant to intervene in the pay negotiations, despite direct appeals from the unions. he has stressed the need for fairness in from the unions. he has stressed the need forfairness in pay, but there are no new dates for formal negotiations, there are no new proposals on at the table, and unison has suggested the hold—up could be with the chancellorjeremy hunt. ., ., . hunt. for the moment, cutting the cost in bristol, _ hunt. for the moment, cutting the cost in bristol, thank _ hunt. for the moment, cutting the cost in bristol, thank you - hunt. for the moment, cutting the cost in bristol, thank you very - cost in bristol, thank you very

much. —— katharine da costa. a transport correspondent is here. it is not the first time recently we have been talking about record levels of cancellations. that has been the case over the past couple of months and at the latest data that has been released, which as you say goes up to the 7th of january, it does paint an even bleaker picture for passengers. it is not just on strike days where people are finding there is disruption and are sometimes the service they were hoping to catch has been cancelled, but in some cases as well, it might have been removed the day before, something which is not reflected in the statistics. these statistics are about on the day cancellations, trains that were in the timetable and then got cancelled on the day, they do not reflect those cancelled

up they do not reflect those cancelled up to 10pm the night before, which means some passengers can actually, the experiences worse than these stats are showing. 50 the experiences worse than these stats are showing.— stats are showing. so it is not to do with just _ stats are showing. so it is not to do with just the _ stats are showing. so it is not to do with just the strikes, - stats are showing. so it is not to do with just the strikes, what i stats are showing. so it is not to do with just the strikes, what is | stats are showing. so it is not to| do with just the strikes, what is it to do with? because passengers will then expect a refund, often, that can be costly?— then expect a refund, often, that can be costly? people are entitled to refunds under— can be costly? people are entitled to refunds under the _ can be costly? people are entitled to refunds under the delay, - can be costly? people are entitled to refunds under the delay, repay| to refunds under the delay, repay system. the reason is the industry and government have been given largely relate to staffing. the industry says there has been a backlog of training over the pack to make, they are working to recruit more drivers. when it comes to the specific period where looking at with these latest stats, that late december, earlyjanuary, the december, early january, the industry december, earlyjanuary, the industry says this was a period of a lot industrial action going on and if you remember, there were 248 hour strikes in december by the rmt union, 248 hour strikes —— tanak 48 hour strikes. while those strike days will not be reflected in the

strikes because they are preplanned timetables, the operators put special timetables in place, they argue that such is the level of destruction because by that it is difficult to get services going again, so they are saying the reason things got particularly bad might be something to do that as but obviously, we have heard ministers recently saying that train services are not reliable enough and they are working with operators to improve things. i suspect it is not a lot of consolation to people who have been let down by poor services recently. for the moment, katie austen, thank you. nhs midwives are going on strike in wales on february 7th. the royal college of midwives said the industrial action by midwives and maternity support workers would take place between 8am to 4pm. however the union said the safety of women would be the prime concern during the strike, and some units would continue working to ensure care for women

in labour or needing emergency care. several former employees at the welsh rugby union have told the bbc about a "toxic" culture of sexism at the organisation. in one incident, a male employee at the wru allegedly said that he wanted to rape a female colleague. bbc wales investigates has spoken to two women who have since left the organisation who said that alleged bullying and sexism at the organisation left them feeling suicidal. wyre davies reports. when charlotte wathan, an experienced sports administrator, joined the welsh rugby union in 2018 to take women's rugby to the next level, she was warned by other women to expect occasional sexist comments. but what she says happened to her after she'd been there for about a year went much further. i had an experience of someone referring about me in an office environment in front of other staff, in front of other young female staff as well, that they wanted to rape me.

and i remember ijust... ijust left the room and i burst into tears and i felt sick, and i thought, crikey, is this what it's come to? and there was a senior manager who witnessed that. any repercussions at all? no repercussions. charlotte eventually reported the alleged comments as part of a wider grievance. the wru hired a lawyer to look into her allegations and charlotte gave them a list of potential witnesses to corroborate what she was saying. but we've discovered that a number of them were not contacted. and the man she accused of saying he wanted to rape her in his hotel room wasn't interviewed as part of the grievance inquiry. he still works for the welsh rugby union. the wru said that charlotte's claims were unsubstantiated following a thorough independent investigation. they say they can't comment further because they've since reached a settlement with her. wow. yeah. that's something else.

tonia antoniazzi is conflicted. proud of her welsh caps and international career, but the now labour mp says she's been contacted by several women with concerns about sexism and the culture inside the wru. comparable, she says, to what's happened in other sports. this is on a level of gymnastics. this is on a level of what's happened in cricket. what is happening now, and i know that it's notjust in rugby, is that sporting governing bodies are not being held accountable. they mark their own homework. we've spoken separately to two women who said they'd even contemplated suicide because of bullying and sexism they say they experienced at the wru. one went as far as to write a manual for her husband on what to do in the event of her death. the welsh rugby union says it takes any allegations from staff seriously

and it will act very swiftly as such behaviour has no place in the union or welsh rugby. charlotte, and others who say they've suffered, hope their coming forward will be a wake—up call for the game. wyre davies, bbc news. the suspect in a mass shooting at a dance venue near los angeles on satrurday, when ten people died, has been found dead by police. the 72—year—old is believed to have shot himself inside a van that officers had surrounded. our correspondent, david willis, has the very latest. officers called to a suburb in eastern la described a scene of carnage. a ballroom dancing venue for elderly members of the local asian american community on the eve of the lunar new year. the suspect has been named as 72—year—old huu can tran. police believe he was planning a similar attack at a dance studio in the neighbouring city of alhambra before bystanders overpowered him and wrestled

a firearm from his grasp. acting on reports of a white van that he was thought to be driving, officers pulling up behind the vehicle heard a single gunshot ring out. they found the suspect slumped across the steering wheel, dead from a self—inflicted gunshot wound. detectives also recovered a handgun and other evidence linking him to the massacre. gun violence needs to stop, there's too much of it. we're all standing here tonight because an individual took a weapon and did the damage that we've talked about. the chinese community here is hurting and in pain. i feel this sense of great loss - about the home that i always had, it'sjust gone, i'll never be able to feel safe here again. - president biden called the attack senseless and ordered a lowering of flags on federal buildings in memory of those who died. last year, in the wake

of a school massacre in texas, he signed into law the first major gun safety legislation this country had seen in nearly 30 years, but at the time he said it wasn't enough. the massacre in monterey park is the fifth mass shooting in the united states this year. david willis, bbc news, los angeles. now it's time for a look at the weather with susan hello. some very dramatic contrast in the temperatures across the uk. currently to the south we have arctic air extending across from the continent under a ridge of high pressure to the northwest. we have very mild atlantic air coming in on a south—westerly wind. quite a lot of moisture to the northwest of the uk, could be murky across the hills into the small hours of tuesday could be some patchy rain for the coasts and hills. further south, the winds are light, the skies are clear. there could be some dense patches of freezing fog forming for first thing on tuesday across the midlands,

to the very south. however, it looks like there'll be a little bit more cloud pulling in perhaps as we go into the small hours. but that fog risk could be a significant feature for first thing on tuesday. it should lift as the hours go by. with the help of some sunshine. to the far south, though, the cloud is likely to stick around. another chilly day generally across england and wales. mild. as for scotland and northern ireland, temperatures again in double figures. hello this is bbc news. the prime minister's independent ethics adviser is to look into the tax affairs of conservative party chairman, nadhim zahawi. it's after it was revealed he paid a penalty for unpaid tax when he was chancellor. integrity and accountability is a really important to me. and clearly, in this case, there are questions that need answering, and that's why i've asked independent adviser to

get to the bottom of everything. the bbc�*s chairman, richard sharp, says there was no conflict of interest after claims he helped the then prime minister, borisjohnson secure a loan, just before getting the bbcjob. more than 20,000 nhs ambulance workers are taking part in another strike over pay, manning picket lines across much of england and wales. former employees of the welsh rugby union have accused the organisation of having a �*toxic�* culture of sexism. and we'll hear from brendan fraser about his oscar—tipped role as a morbidly obese man trying to reconnect with his family in new film, the whale. sport now...and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon.

the court of final line—ups are complete at the australian open. djokovic blew away the australian home favourite alex de minaur in just over two hours on the rod laver arena. djokovic lost just five games in a comfortable straight sets victory. he'll go level with rafael nadal�*s overall record of 22 grand slams if he wins at melbourne park. it would also be his tenth aussie open title. djokovic paid tribure to his medical team after the win. tonight to his medical team after the win. it wasn't obvious dealing tonight it wasn't obvious that i was dealing with an injury. i didn't feel anything today, so today was great. i thank my medical team, my physio, thank god, they did really help me. i keep on going, obviously.

by help me. i keep on going, obviously. by twojerome rublev help me. i keep on going, obviously. by two jerome rublev was involved help me. i keep on going, obviously. by twojerome rublev was involved in an epic. it went to a fifth set tie—break before rublev edged it. there was a real story overnight with the women's fourth seed caroline garcia — beaten by poland's magda linette — a player ranked 45th in the world. it means linette reaches a grand slam quarterfinal for the first time in her career.... where she'll play karolina pliskova... it's great. i don't know, ifeel quite calm, actually. it feels really good, but i don't know, if i can still believe it, or i am just really happy. i'm still focused, may be, on the next round. i really happy. i'm still focused, may be, on the next round.— be, on the next round. i guess i need a little _ be, on the next round. i guess i need a little time. _ be, on the next round. i guess i need a little time. i _ be, on the next round. i guess i need a little time. i guess - be, on the next round. i guess i need a little time. i guess it's . be, on the next round. i guess i need a little time. i guess it's a| need a little time. i guess it's a fresh _ need a little time. i guess it's a fresh toss— need a little time. i guess it's a fresh loss and it is always hurting, and atways— fresh loss and it is always hurting, and always tough to go through. need and always tough to go through. need a couple _ and always tough to go through. need a couple more days to get over it and to— a couple more days to get over it and to be — a couple more days to get over it and to be more cautious about what

has been _ and to be more cautious about what has been happening, and keep working for it _ and 5th seed aryna sabalenka is through to her first australian open quarterfinal with a 7—5 6—2 win over belinda bencic. .. sabalenka is yet to drop a set in melbourne this year. she'll play unseeded donna vekic in the last 8. one match in the premier league this evening. fulham could overtake tottenham, and move into fifth in the table with a win over antonio conte's side at craven cottage. spurs have had a difficult run with consecutive defeats against arsenal and manchester city. i think the situation, compared to the past, — i think the situation, compared to the past, is — i think the situation, compared to the past, is defined. the task here, my task— the past, is defined. the task here, my task here — the past, is defined. the task here, my task here is to try to to help the club, — my task here is to try to to help the club, to— my task here is to try to to help the club, to create a solid foundation, and then to improve and too step—by—step to become competitive and to fight for something important.

great britain's ellie downie has retired from gymnastics at the age of 23. she anounced it on social media saying that "after really tough last few years i've made the decision to prioritise my mental health and happiness." downie became the first british gymnast to win the all—around title at a major international competition — when she took gold at the european championships in 2017. that's all the sport for now. what mac will be back with more teter— what mac will be back with more later on — a bbc investigation has uncovered how organised crime is moving into the world of extreme dog breeding. french and english bulldogs and the new american bully, are being bred with exaggerated characteristics including muscular frames, and they're selling for vast sums of money on social media. sam poling reports. hello, hi, i'm sam from the bbc. i'm here for vanessa. this rescue centre in wales is at

the sharp end of the dog trade. it cares for abandoned or abused dogs. dogs like keanu. he's an american bully — a popular bulldog crossbreed. oh, my goodness. he's a victim of extreme breeding, where dogs are deliberately bred to create exaggerated features. it's as though his legs are on back to front. this is torture. now, you know what these dogs are going to look like, but you're still breeding them, trying to get more and more exaggerated features. this is karl and victoria shellard. they run the english bulldog breeding business posherbulls. they were convicted of multiple animal welfare offences last year, and were fined £19,000 each for their unlicensed operation. despite the prosecution, i suspect karl shellard is still profiting from bulldogs, so i pay him a visit. he says he's still in business. if you look at all my dogs, they all look slightly different. well, they do, but... they have different characteristics.

but they're so distinctive, and that's because i think you said on the phone it's the overdone — is it overdone? yeah, they like the overdone look. i personally prefer them a little bit tighter in the body, and not as much loose skin. so why breed them this way? but this is what people like... realty? — ..and desire. the shellards didn't respond when contacted by the bbc. the trade in bulldogs with extreme features isn'tjust dangerous for the dogs — last year was the deadliest for fatal dog attacks, with bulldog breeds responsible for seven of the ten deaths. this is beast. he's an american xl bully. although american bullies aren't banned, historically they've been crossbred with pit bulls — and they've been banned in the uk since 1991. in november 2021, beast killed ten—year—old jack lis. they kept saying they're working on him, they're working on him. and then...

..the paramedic walked away... ..and came back with a blanket. and i knew. the dogs owner, brandon hayden, was jailed for four and a half years after admitting owning or being in charge of a dangerously out—of—control dog, and was banned from ever having a dog again. every time i shut my eyes... ..and i try and tell myself that's not the last image that i've got of him. i try and tell myself it was when he shut the door with his skateboard in his hands. but... ..that�*s not true. sam poling, bbc news.

eu foreign ministers have been meeting in brussels to discuss a possible increase in military aid to ukraine. on the agenda is another tranche of 500 million euros for the purchase of weapons to be sent to ukraine. meanwhile, poland is looking at ways to send some of its leopard tanks to ukraine. that would need official permission from germany, which built and sold the tanks. poland has said it will make an official request for this — but the polish prime minister has also hinted he might ignore the requirement. speaking earlier today, he — said while his government would seek the necessary permission, it intended to send the tanks regardless of the response. even if we do not get this consent in the end, as part of a small coalition — even if the germans would not be in this coalition — we will still hand over our tanks

together with others to ukraine. our berlin correspondent damien mcguinness said poland has yet to ask permission from germany. what really seeing is a huge division, within parliament, but crucially within the government. there are three parties in this government. the green foreign minister yesterday, on french television, said that germany would not stand in the way of countries like poland exporting german tanks to ukraine. but, so far, chancellor schultz has not said whether he agrees with this position. when the government spokesperson was asked this here in berlin, gave a very vague answer, saying formal procedures have to be followed. it is still unclear what chancellor schultz thinks. he is the one who would make the final decision. the reason why this is such a complex

contractual matter is, when you look at the polls, the country is split. a slim majority of german voters say they support sending battle tanks to ukraine. germany already sends a lot, it is the second—largest giver of weapons and financial aid to ukraine after the us, but this issue of tanks has become such a controversial, heated matter here, because you do have a sizeable minority of german voters who said this would excel escalate things in ukraine, and they feel it is too quick, too much, too fast, that is why there are some voters that agree with chancellor schultz's position, it is good to be thinking about this position, not rushing into anything, and taking all things into account. the majority of people think he is being too hesitant, i think you can see that from the two other parties in his government coalition, who are openly critical, and you certainly sit in the opposition, and you see it among the majority of voters. either it is being too hesitant or they don't want weapons going at all

to ukraine. chancellor schultz is pleasing few people, certainly outside germany, but not in germany either. for more on the tax disputes, we are joined by sir chris bryant. on the issue of sending tanks to ukraine, coordinated a letter to the german defence minister, to say that we would... we fully accept germany's sovereignty, but we urge them to provide the support ukraine needs. if them to provide the support ukraine needs. , ., ., ., ., ., them to provide the support ukraine needs. ., ., ., ., ., needs. if you are going to do that, i am needs. if you are going to do that, i am going — needs. if you are going to do that, i am going to _ needs. if you are going to do that, i am going to come _ needs. if you are going to do that, i am going to come back— needs. if you are going to do that, i am going to come back with, -

needs. if you are going to do that, l i am going to come back with, these are the terms of engagement. what would you say to poland, they are yet we understand, to ask permission. we don't know if they are going to do that. they are supposed to, and germany are supposed to, and germany are supposed to, and germany are supposed to sign it off, but they say they might send them anyway. mr; say they might send them anyway. ij�*i fundamental say they might send them anyway. ij�*i1: fundamental point say they might send them anyway. m1 fundamental point is we are sending 14 challenger tanks. if every country in europe sent 14 tanks then ukraine would have all the tanks it needed to see of what could be a nasty new offensive in the spring from russia, once the spring weather improves. all i want to do is, i want to make sure, and i've said this for many years, said it in 2014, i want to make sure putin doesn't win, because wars of aggression cannot win. we mustn't appease them and we have to make sure ukraine gets the support it needs. 50 sure ukraine gets the support it needs, ., ., sure ukraine gets the support it needs. ., ., , ., �* sure ukraine gets the support it needs. .,. , ., �* , needs. so poland shouldn't send them without permission? _ needs. so poland shouldn't send them without permission? i— needs. so poland shouldn't send them without permission? i want _ needs. so poland shouldn't send them without permission? i want to - without permission? i want to germany to — without permission? i want to germany to germany - without permission? i want to germany to germany to - without permission? i want to germany to germany to say i without permission? i want to i germany to germany to say yes without permission? i want to - germany to germany to say yes to some of its own leopards to tanks,

and two other tanks that have been made by germany but made by other countries. i would urge them to say yes, and i would urge poland to say that yes. for that matter, i would be delighted if mr orban in hungary stops his meddling. that is giving succour to putin's position. it is notjust succour to putin's position. it is not just the war crimes succour to putin's position. it is notjust the war crimes that succour to putin's position. it is not just the war crimes that are going on in ukraine at the hands of the russians, it is also the fact that the russian people are suffering. hundreds and thousands of young men are being sent off effectively to die as cannon fodder for putin's violent war.— for putin's violent war. thank you. let's talk about _ for putin's violent war. thank you. let's talk about nadeem _ for putin's violent war. thank you. let's talk about nadeem zaha - for putin's violent war. thank you. | let's talk about nadeem zaha way. what is your view on rishi sunak asking his independent ethics adviser to have a look at this case. unfortunately rishi sunak is so weak it is taking a week to realise what

everyone realised a week ago, and some journalists if they hadn't been soothed, would have dug out last july and august. i think most people in this country would be going, as it this all over again? a prime minister getting another fine, ministers being accused of being dodgy with their finances, another minister being accused of bullying, investigations here, there and everywhere. of course that should have been an investigation. to be honest, i rather agree, have been an investigation. to be honest, i ratheragree, ithink have been an investigation. to be honest, i rather agree, ithink it will be pretty untenable for nadeem zaha way to stay in post. isn’t will be pretty untenable for nadeem zaha way to stay in post.— zaha way to stay in post. isn't this makin: a zaha way to stay in post. isn't this making a judgment _ zaha way to stay in post. isn't this making a judgment before - zaha way to stay in post. isn't this making a judgment before we - zaha way to stay in post. isn't this | making a judgment before we have zaha way to stay in post. isn't this - making a judgment before we have had an investigation? the investigation has happened. if nadeem zahawi could come out on the airwaves tomorrow and go on the today programme and go on good

morning britain, and explain the situation, then maybe there is nothing to see. itjust feels as if there has been a series of points at which everything could have been laid out for everybody to see. shouldn't nadeem zahawi have told the prime minister when he appointed him as chair of the conservative party, that this story was going to break eventually? shouldn't this have all been out in the open ages ago? this is my fundamental worry. we had a vote in the house of commons a few weeks ago. you would have thought that the public had a right to know all the financial interests of all government ministers. fairly basic. it happens nearly every other country in the world. you would think that that would be published within, i don't know, 48 hours of them taking up office. if you go on the government's website and look for financial interests of government ministers, the last time it was published was made last year. it's not even an accurate list of ministers! let alone a list of their

financial interests. i think we have a right to know what their financial interests are. in the end, government is about, it is on the basis of consent in a democracy. when you lose trust because you have got a prime minister being sanctioned by the police, not wearing a seat belt isn't the greatest crime in the universe, and doubtless other people have done it, but nonetheless, it looks clumsy to have been fined twice by the police in a year, when you have got the deputy prime minister being investigated for bullying, on four or five different instances, you have got another minister being investigated for islamic phobia, and that investigation has been hanging around for more than 18 months. and just got the chairman of the conservative party unable to do any interviews, which is basically the job of the chairman of the conservative party, because of these issues around his tax. itjust feels as if this isn't a government at

all. . ., ., ., all. nadeem zahawi has said that he welcomes this _ all. nadeem zahawi has said that he welcomes this investigation - all. nadeem zahawi has said that he welcomes this investigation by - all. nadeem zahawi has said that he welcomes this investigation by the i welcomes this investigation by the ethics adviser. this is what he has said. ., .., ., ., ethics adviser. this is what he has said. ., ., ., ., said. you could have called for a week ago. _ said. you could have called for a week ago, couldn't _ said. you could have called for a week ago, couldn't a? _ said. you could have called for a week ago, couldn't a? he - said. you could have called for a week ago, couldn't a? he has i said. you could have called for a l week ago, couldn't a? he has said that he welcomes _ week ago, couldn't a? he has said that he welcomes it _ week ago, couldn't a? he has said that he welcomes it and _ week ago, couldn't a? he has said that he welcomes it and he - week ago, couldn't a? he has said that he welcomes it and he looks. that he welcomes it and he looks forward to explaining all of the facts. surely we should let him do that, and let the ethics adviser come to a conclusion, before members of your party, and the liberal democrats for that matter, before calling for his resignation? i democrats for that matter, before calling for his resignation?- calling for his resignation? i think some conservatives _ calling for his resignation? i think some conservatives are _ calling for his resignation? i think some conservatives are doing - calling for his resignation? i think some conservatives are doing it i calling for his resignation? i thinkl some conservatives are doing it as well, in the background. the point is, the government can't get on with doing it proper business of running the country, of tackling the cost of living crisis, the war in ukraine, and the real problems in the nhs, because it is endlessly caught up in these moments of, i hate the word sleaze, but, scandal. and itjust doesn't feel as if propriety and ethics function very well at the heart of government. one of the

things that i would like to, incidentally sought out, as we have far to many different organisations. there is the propriety and ethics team in downing street, and there is the independent adviser into ministerial interest, and there is the advisory committee on business appointments, which is when ministers are appointed jobs. that is the standards committee and the privileges committee, and the independent parliamentary standards authority. all these different bodies, i think we have far too many. it is the badly knitted scarf, and it needs to be made far more consistent so people understand the rules and stick within them, and there aren't different sets of advice being provided by the propriety and ethics team inside downing street. i propriety and ethics team inside downing street.— propriety and ethics team inside downing street. i want to ask you a cuestion, downing street. i want to ask you a question. which _ downing street. i want to ask you a question, which i _ downing street. i want to ask you a question, which i know _ downing street. i want to ask you a question, which i know you - downing street. i want to ask you a question, which i know you might i question, which i know you might find slightly difficult, about richard sharpe. but first of all, i

must remind you, dominic robert denies all of those allegations of bullying. we must put that on the record it bullying. we must put that on the recor: ., , �* .,, bullying. we must put that on the recor: ., , �* ., , ., record it doesn't feel as if we are an here record it doesn't feel as if we are anywhere different _ record it doesn't feel as if we are anywhere different in _ record it doesn't feel as if we are anywhere different in where - record it doesn't feel as if we are anywhere different in where we i record it doesn't feel as if we are - anywhere different in where we were anywhere different in where we were a year or two years ago, when nearly every story that was affecting... related to a swirling scandal around government ministers. that is the only point i am making. people are innocent until proven guilty. they weren't able to investigate those allegations because they didn't have an independent adviser on the minute stereo because you had two advisers resign in a row. that is the reason we don't have full access to the financial interests of government ministers at the moment. to another chairman, ministers at the moment. to another chairman. this _ ministers at the moment. to another chairman, this time _ ministers at the moment. to another chairman, this time the _ ministers at the moment. to another chairman, this time the bbc's - chairman, this time the bbc's chairman, this time the bbc's chairman, richard sharpe, who has written to staff at the bbc,

explaining his position when it comes to this loan that the then prime minister, borisjohnson, was seeking. an ou might find it difficult to answer these questions. what might you say about this subject, you may have to interview borisjohnson? brute subject, you may have to interview boris johnson?— subject, you may have to interview borisjohnson?— subject, you may have to interview boris johnson? we are sounding very dark and obscure. _ boris johnson? we are sounding very dark and obscure. i _ boris johnson? we are sounding very dark and obscure. i am _ boris johnson? we are sounding very dark and obscure. i am chair- boris johnson? we are sounding very dark and obscure. i am chair of- boris johnson? we are sounding very dark and obscure. i am chair of the l dark and obscure. i am chair of the standards committee and we adjudicate on cases that come before us. i am very careful not to say anything about something that might come before us. i'm not going to say anything about borisjohnson whatsoever. the 1.1 would make is, that successive government, labour and conservative, have often appointed somebody who is loyal to their party, as chairman of the bbc. i have not got a problem with that. as it happens, i did disagree with one of the labour people he was appointed in the past. on the whole,

i think there was one occasion where tony blair appointed somebody who is now a conservative member of the house of lords. on the whole, parties have tended to a point from their own. all i'd say about the chairmanship of the bbc is, is that it is absolutely essential to protect the integrity of the bbc, that everything has to be declared at every single point. i don't know whether that is true in richard sharpe's case.— sharpe's case. one final question, in terms of — sharpe's case. one final question, in terms of bbc _ sharpe's case. one final question, in terms of bbc appointments, i in terms of bbc appointments, wouldn't it be better to have an independent body that chose the appointments and stopped them being political, and maybe even decided on the licence fee, while we still have it? , �* ., , the licence fee, while we still have it? ,�* , the licence fee, while we still have it? ,�* ., it? yes, i'm a big supporter of the licence fee- _ it? yes, i'm a big supporter of the licence fee. i _ it? yes, i'm a big supporter of the licence fee. i should _ it? yes, i'm a big supporter of the licence fee. i should declare - it? yes, i'm a big supporter of the licence fee. i should declare that i j licence fee. i should declare that i used to work for the bbc and i'm gay, and i was a priest in the church of england, so i'm basically the diametric opposite of anything the diametric opposite of anything the daly mail believes in. i have always felt that chairmanship of the

abc and the director—general, should be in politically neutral hands. it should be handed out as a marble to any political party. spain is a country i know best, and the moments where you become the government, you appoint the new head of the spanish broadcasting organisation. i think thatis broadcasting organisation. i think that is wrong. the bbc should be independent of politics, and i have said that historically when it was a labour government, and i say it now when it is a conservative government, and i will say it when it is a labour government. what that covers all the bases. chris bryant, thank you very much.— covers all the bases. chris bryant, thank you very much. nothing if not thorou:h. i'm joined now by dan neidle, the tax policy expert and blogger who wrote about mr zahawi's tax affairs last summer. what are the rules regarding making financial declarations? in brief, if you can? if

financial declarations? in brief, if ou can? , ., . financial declarations? in brief, if ou can? y., ., ., you can? if you have income or rains, you can? if you have income or gains. you _ you can? if you have income or gains. you are _ you can? if you have income or gains, you are expected, - you can? if you have income or gains, you are expected, if- you can? if you have income or gains, you are expected, if it i you can? if you have income orj gains, you are expected, if it is you can? if you have income or i gains, you are expected, if it is a large amount, you are expected to instruct a proper adviser to advise you on the tax consequences, to give you on the tax consequences, to give you all the information you need to do your tax return, check the tax rate than the best you can with hmrc. it's what the largest businesses do in the country. it is what billionaires do, it is what i do. it seemed it is not what nadeem zahawi did. . �* . do. it seemed it is not what nadeem zahawi did. , �* , ., ,, ., zahawi did. isn't this an issue of transparency. — zahawi did. isn't this an issue of transparency, as _ zahawi did. isn't this an issue of- transparency, as much as anything? hmrc have said it wasn't deliberate, it may have been careless, and he has set up at all? fiifi it may have been careless, and he has set up at all? ok, transparency. back in has set up at all? ok, transparency. itack in july — has set up at all? ok, transparency. itack in july i — has set up at all? ok, transparency. back in july i wrote _ has set up at all? ok, transparency. back in july i wrote that _ has set up at all? ok, transparency. back in july i wrote that i _ has set up at all? ok, transparency. back in july i wrote that i thought i back injuly i wrote that i thought nadeem zahawi had participated in complex offshore structure that meant he hadn't paid tax that he should have paid. he should have responded to that by saying, that he may have made a mistake and that he would look at it with his advisers. he didn't. he responded by threatening to sue me for libel and threatening to sue me for libel and threatening to sue other reporters for libel. he then spent six months

denying there was anything wrong with his tax affairs, while simultaneously being chancellor of the exchequer and simultaneously instructing accountants without telling anyone, to settle the tax that was owed. it seems the amount of tax he hadn't paid was the 3.7 million that i said it was. to say thatis million that i said it was. to say that is a lack of transparency, is a remarkable british understatement. we have now got the independent ethics adviser to the prime minister, looking into this. nadeem zahawi says he welcomes the opportunity to explain what happened. opportunity to explain what happened-— opportunity to explain what happened. opportunity to explain what ha ened. ~ , ., ., ., happened. why do we need an ethics adviser? surely _ happened. why do we need an ethics adviser? surely that _ happened. why do we need an ethics adviser? surely that is _ happened. why do we need an ethics adviser? surely that is a _ happened. why do we need an ethics adviser? surely that is a good - happened. why do we need an ethics adviser? surely that is a good way i adviser? surely that is a good way of doinu adviser? surely that is a good way of doing it. _ adviser? surely that is a good way of doing it, through _ adviser? surely that is a good way of doing it, through a _ adviser? surely that is a good way of doing it, through a proper- of doing it, through a proper structure which is recognised by number ten, as a way of bringing sunlight to this subject. yet mac that can happen down the line, but why can't nadeem zahawi tell us what happened. what was the tax? why

didn't he pay it? why was he careless? why threatened to sue people reporting on it? why did ni people reporting on it? why did n! for six months there was anything wrong? why did he have to explain why the tax was due isn't it a private matter?— why the tax was due isn't it a rivate matter? ., . ., . , private matter? for the chancellery ofthe private matter? for the chancellery of the exchequer _ private matter? for the chancellery of the exchequer to _ private matter? for the chancellery of the exchequer to carelessly - private matter? for the chancellery of the exchequer to carelessly fail i of the exchequer to carelessly fail to pay tax on £27 million of income or gains, that is a matter of legitimate public interest, and for him, at the same time, to try to stop people talking about it, sending would threaten them, that is a clear matter of public interest. i just want to pause for a second and ask you, what motivation you may have, other than being interested in tax. an ou supported the labour party in the past, so it could look like this is partisan attack on a conservative minister. advised

ministers in — conservative minister. advised ministers in all _ conservative minister. advised ministers in all four _ conservative minister. advised ministers in all four parties. i conservative minister. advisedl ministers in all four parties. my political views are one thing, my tax analysis has always been nonpartisan, and i have defended mr sunak against accusation by channel 4 that he avoided tax. anyone searching for that can see it. my interest is the integrity of the tax system. my personal interest is trying to find out why someone threatened to sue me for reporting something that turned out to be true. ~ something that turned out to be truer ., ,, .., something that turned out to be true. . .., something that turned out to be true. . ., ~ something that turned out to be true. . .. ., ~ ., true. we appreciate you talking to is this afternoon. _ true. we appreciate you talking to is this afternoon. thank _ true. we appreciate you talking to is this afternoon. thank you - true. we appreciate you talking to is this afternoon. thank you very l is this afternoon. thank you very much. now it's time for a look at the weather with susan hello. some very dramatic contrast in the temperatures across the uk. currently to the south we have arctic air extending across from the continent under a ridge of high pressure to the northwest. we have very mild atlantic air coming in on a south—westerly wind. quite a lot of moisture to the northwest of the uk, could be murky across the hills into the small hours of tuesday

could be some patchy rain for the coasts and hills. further south, the winds are light, the skies are clear. there could be some dense patches of freezing fog forming for first thing on tuesday across the midlands, parts of east anglia and the welsh marches. to the very south. however, it looks like there'll be a little bit more cloud pulling in perhaps as we go into the small hours. but that fog risk could be a significant feature for first thing on tuesday. it should lift as the hours go by with the help of some sunshine. to the far south, though, the cloud is likely to stick around. another chilly day generally across england and wales. mild as for scotland and northern ireland, temperatures again in double figures.

this is bbc news, i'm martine croxall. the headlines: are your tax affairs a distraction for the — are your tax affairs a distraction for the party, _ are your tax affairs a distraction for the party. mr— are your tax affairs a distraction forthe party, mrzahawi? - the prime minister's independent ethics adviser is to look into the tax affairs of conservative party chairman, nadhim zahawi. it's after it was revealed he paid a penalty for unpaid tax when he was chancellor. integrity and accountability is really important to me. and clearly, in this case, there are questions that need answering, and that's why i've asked the independent adviser to get to the bottom of everything. the bbc board will review any potential conflicts of interest around the corporation's chairman, richard sharp. it's after claims he was involved in securing a loan for then prime minister, borisjohnson, shortly before getting the job. more than 20,000 nhs ambulance workers are taking part

in another strike over pay, manning picket lines across much of england and wales. former employees of the welsh rugby union have accused the organisation of having a "toxic" culture of sexism. i need to know that i have done one thing right with my life! and we'll hear from brendan fraser about his oscar—tipped role as a morbidly obese man trying to reconnect with his family in new film the whale. good afternoon, welcome to the bbc news channel. the prime minister has asked his independent ethics adviser to examine how the conservative party chairman and former chancellor, nadhim zahawi, settled a multi—million pound tax dispute.

rishi sunak says there are questions that needed answers. mr zahawi says his error was careless but not deliberate, and his advisers say he doesn't intend to resign. labour however warns he needs to "come clean" and they're calling his position "untenable". here's our political correspondent, lone wells. will you resign as party chair, mrzahawi? - few words, big questions about one huge tax bill. nadhim zahawi is confident he acted properly and says he looks forward to answering any questions about his tax affairs. this man, sir laurie magnus, will now be asking them, the government's independent ethics adviser. integrity and accountability is really important to me. and clearly in this case, there are questions that need answering, and that's why i've asked our independent adviser to get to the bottom of everything, to investigate the matter fully and establish all the facts and provide advice to me on nadhim zahawi's compliance with the ministerial code.

i'm pleased that nadhim zahawi has agreed with that approach and has agreed to fully cooperate with that investigation. the prime minister appointed nadhim zahawi to be chairman of the conservative party in the autumn. in the summer, he had to pay a tax bill of about £5 million to hmrc, which included a penalty. this was when he was chancellor, the man responsible for all our taxes. is hmrc still after you, sir? are you up to date? - the dispute was over shares in the polling company yougov, which he set up before he became an mp. his father took founding shares in it. in a statement on saturday, he said hmrc had disagreed about the allocation of these shares, that he had agreed to settle the matter and pay what they said was due, and they had said it was a careless and not deliberate error. but labour say the real error now is the prime minister's judgment. the prime minister knows that his position as chair of the party is untenable.

the prime minister promised us integrity and accountability. he needs to show some leadership and sack him. and if he doesn't, then that, in my view, is a strong failure of leadership. and that pressure is not going away for the prime minister and his chairman. there are still big questions swirling about when exactly nadhim zahawi first knew that hmrc had concerns about his taxes and what the prime minister knew when he appointed him chairman. rishi sunak says he was first aware of nadhim zahawi's tax penalty this weekend. these questions are a cloud hanging over them both, turning the focus away from the business of governing. lone wells, bbc news, westminster. our political correspondent david wallace lockhart explained the pressure the prime minister is under over his party's chairman. they want to see rishi sunak sack nadhim zahawi as chair of the conservative party. they don't think he should be in that position anymore.

they think the fact that he paid a penalty to hmrc over unpaid tax while he was chancellor serving in borisjohnson�*s government not that long ago, means that he isn't appropriate to be staying in a government role. now, what's interesting, of course, in all of this is it was just at last week's, last wednesday's prime minister's questions that rishi sunak was defending nadhim zahawi, saying he had addressed this matter in full. today we're hearing about this investigation and the prime minister has asked for. so what's prompted that? well, it seems to be this a revelation that came over the course of the weekend that that penalty had been paid by nadhim zahawi. a spokesperson for the prime minister said that when rishi sunak was speaking at pmqs, he was setting out his understanding at the time. they said over the weekend additionalfacts have been placed in the public domain by the chairman and therefore they believe it's right to ask the independent adviser on ministerial ethics.

that's sir laurie magnus — to investigate and report back on the facts as he sees them. the prime minister's official spokesman said primarily he'll be focusing that investigation on whether or not the ministerial code, the rules that government ministers have to follow, has been broken. we're not sure of the timescale of all of this. number 10 would like it done quite quickly, but have pointed out that laurie magnus has to be given the time that he feels is appropriate to undertake this investigation. nadhim zahawi obviously saying that he's confident that he's acted properly throughout and planning to stay in his role. the prime minister seems to support him staying in the role while this investigation is undertaken. but of course a difficult decision will loom for rishi sunak, ultimately, when laurie magnus reports back and we get the independent adviser�*s view on how properly nadhim zahawi has acted throughout this, throughout these events we've

had over the past matter of days. important to point out, as well, as lone did there at the end of her report, this really does suck oxygen away from the matters that rishi sunak would rather be talking about today. today he was making an announcement on mental health funding. but of course, what most people, the opposition politicians, some of his own politicians and of course, those who are following politics want to know is will he or won't he ultimately stick by the chair of the conservative party? that was david wallace and lockhart talking to us earlier. a bit of breaking news now, a man has been found guilty of robbing the olympic cyclist mark cavendish and his wife have high—value watches during a raid at their home at which they were held at the right point. intruders wearing balaclavas broke into the cavendish's home in 2021,

threatened to stab the athlete according to what the court heard, and took two items, watches romario henry denied two counts of robbery but was found guilty on both counts by a majority verdict of 10— tojurors. his co—defendant, whose 28 and from camberwell, denied two counts of robbery and was cleared by a jury. so a counts of robbery and was cleared by ajury. so a man counts of robbery and was cleared by a jury. so a man found guilty of robbing mark cavendish and his wife. the chairman of the bbc, richard sharp, has issued a statement denying claims that shortly before being given the role, he helped the then—prime minister, borisjohnson, secure a loan guarantee agreement. labour is continuing calls for a full investigation. both men deny any conflict of interest, and the government insists there was a transparent and rigorous selection process for the chairman'sjob. our media editor

katie razzall has more. look, he is under significant pressure after these reports over the weekend in the sunday times, which essentially were suggesting that he withheld information that could have been a conflict of interest when it came to him being appointed as bbc chairman. so the sunday times was reporting that he helped to arrange this loan guarantee for the then prime minister, borisjohnson, and that weeks later the government, through borisjohnson, made him their preferred candidate to be bbc chairman. so today he wrote to bbc staff. he talked about the story being a distraction and he said he wanted to make clear there was no conflict of interest because he said all he did was connect a businessman who was planning to act, or wanted to act as a loan guarantor to borisjohnson, with the head of the civil service, who could give him advice about what was allowed. mr sharp says in that email to staff, "i was not involved in making a loan or arranging a guarantee and i did not arrange any financing. what i did do was to seek

an introduction of sam blythe to the relevant official in government." so he believes that puts him in the clear, particularly as he says he discussed the fact that he was applying for the job as bbc chairman with simon case, the civil servant worried about a conflict of interest, and they agreed he would take no further part in any conversations about loans. so i guess the question is does it draw a line in the sand? what happens next? big questions still to be answered, including will there be an inquiry? as you said, labour wants one. will the dcms select committee call him back to question him? because they questioned him at the time and some people believe on that committee that he should have revealed this information to them then and then the perception issues. he's on an away day with senior staff tomorrow. he's clearly under pressure. richard sharp is the face of impartiality on the bbc and yet his own impartiality is being questioned. and until we do an interview with him, i think those questions will rumble on. our media editor there. just a little more on that story now because the commissioner of the public appointments, william shawcross, says he will review the

competition that took place to appoint richard sharpe as the chairman of the bbc. he says it is to ensure the process was run in compliance with the government's governance code for public appointments and as we know, the bbc bird is going to review whether there were any potential conflicts of interest. nhs midwives are going on strike in wales on february 7th. the royal college of midwives said the industrial action by midwives and maternity support workers would take place between 8am to 4pm. however, the union said the safety of women would be the prime concern during the strike, and some units would continue working to ensure care for women in labour or needing emergency care. more than 20,000 nhs workers have begun another strike in the ongoing row over pay and conditions. members of the unison, gmb and unite trade unions are on picket lines across much of england and wales. all ambulance employees, including paramedics, call centre and control room staff, notjust emergency crews, are on strike. on merseyside, at two liverpool hospital trusts, midwives, porters and cleaners

are also taking part. unions argue this year's average pay rise ofjust under 5% isn't enough to stop people leaving the health service. however, the uk government says the strike action is "hugely disappointing". our health correspondent, dominic hughes, has more details. the third strike day for ambulance workers from unison, one of three health unions taking action across much of england and wales today. what do we want? fair pay. when do we want it? now _ on the picket line in leeds is lyndsay. with eight years of experience, she says this strike is as much about the future of the health service as it is about pay. i've waited in corridors for six hours with patients needing urgent medical attention. it's demoralising, it's bad for the patient, it's not what patients should be doing. when they need a hospital they should be in it. it's not fair to them. the government need to have a realistic view of what we do. they need to put their feet in our

shoes and see what we do and see what our patients go through. unions are calling for a 10.5% pay rise. the governments in england and wales have given nhs staff an average increase in pay of 4.75%, as recommended by the independent nhs pay review body. that's currently half the rate of inflation. as with previous days of industrial action, the most serious and life—threatening calls will be answered. in fact, we've already seen a couple of ambulances leaving this station here in leeds this morning, but there is no doubt this will also cause some disruption to the health service. ministers described today's industrial action as "hugely disappointing," and say talks about what is fair and affordable are continuing. but the head of health at unison, a key player closely involved in those talks with the government, says ministers could end the strikes tomorrow. this is not efficient, you know? if the government is really concerned with efficiencies in the nhs, then the most efficient thing is to call off the strikes

by adding extra funding to the nhs, boosting pay and talking to us about how to resolve the workforce emergency. the start times and lengths of today's industrial action will vary between ambulance services, but most will last for about 12 hours. leeds is one area where the army are helping to keep services running. and more strikes are coming. with no movement on pay and neither side showing signs of compromise, at the moment it's hard to see how this dispute ends. dominic hughes, bbc news, leeds. a scheme that offers household steels for cutting electricity use at peak times will come into effect between 5pm and 60 and this evening. it aims to relieve the — 5pm and 60 and this evening. it aims to relieve the risk _ of blackouts. our personal finance correspondent kevin peachey told us how it works.

it's been trialled before, but this is the first time it's being used in earnest, if you like. up to a million households in england, scotland and wales are signed up and the idea being that they delay their electricity use outside of those peak times. so between 5pm and 6pm tends to be when people get home — maybe they put the oven on, maybe they they they put the tv on, the washing machine and so on. the idea is that all of that gets pushed back maybe later on in the evening, takes out that peak, really, and sort of smooths out people's energy use. customers, as i say, have already signed up to it. that depends on their energy use, how much they're going to save, really. and of course, the bigger picture is that the authorities want to stop any kind of of blackouts. i think this is a very cautious approach at this stage, clearly prompted by the cold snap, prompted by the fact that there's not been a huge amount of wind power generation recently. so i think they're looking at this and really trying it out

how successful it is. they're doing us all a favour in a way, aren't they? yeah, potentially, potentially. and of course it's all about habits, isn't it? you know, we are used to getting home, the kids want their tea and so on, and we use quite a lot of of energy at these sort of peak times. the idea all of that is smoothed out and we'll see if that continues, whether this cold snap may prompt a repeat of this in future days. and clearly, the more often it happens and the more people get used to it, maybe the bigger the savings for those signed up and perhaps more people will sign up through their energy supplier. yeah, there's certainly an incentive there if you're getting some kind of discount. but it's remarkable, isn't it, how much difference that one hour could really make to the country? yeah, it is surprising, really, that there is such a peak. i mean, clearly they've got to pick a key time.

and i think there are people who can sign up to it, remember, only on smart meters. that's important. and we've also had some warnings today from the regulator, ofgem, saying that, you know, it's notjust these kind of incentive schemes that are key at this time of year. clearly people are struggling with their bills and they say they're going to look at a detailed review on switching people off of regular meters onto prepayment meters, a more expensive option. and they say there will be a legal threat behind that if suppliers are not treating vulnerable customers properly when they try to switch them onto these prepayment meters. a bbc investigation has uncovered how organised crime is moving into the world of extreme dog breeding. french and english bulldogs and the new american bully, are being bred with exaggerated characteristics including muscular frames, and they're selling for vast sums of money on social media. sam poling reports. hello, hi, i'm sam from the bbc.

i'm here for vanessa. this rescue centre in wales is at the sharp end of the dog trade. it cares for abandoned or abused dogs. dogs like keanu. he's an american bully — a popular bulldog crossbreed. oh, my goodness. he's a victim of extreme breeding, where dogs are deliberately bred to create exaggerated features. it's as though his legs are on back to front. this is torture. now, you know what these dogs are going to look like, but you're still breeding them, trying to get more and more exaggerated features. this is karl and victoria shellard. they run the english bulldog breeding business posherbulls. they were convicted of multiple animal welfare offences last year, and were fined £19,000 each for their unlicensed operation. despite the prosecution, i suspect karl shellard is still profiting from bulldogs, so i pay him a visit. he says he's still in business. if you look at all my dogs, they all look slightly different. well, they do, but...

they have different characteristics. but they're so distinctive, and that's because i think you said on the phone it's the overdone — is it overdone? yeah, they like the overdone look. i personally prefer them a little bit tighter in the body, and not as much loose skin. so why breed them this way? but this is what people like... realty? — ..and desire. the shellards didn't respond when contacted by the bbc. the trade in bulldogs with extreme features isn'tjust dangerous for the dogs — last year was the deadliest for fatal dog attacks, with bulldog breeds responsible for seven of the ten deaths. this is beast. he's an american xl bully. although american bullies aren't banned, historically they've been crossbred with pit bulls — and they've been banned in the uk since1991. in november 2021, beast killed ten—year—old jack lis. they kept saying they're working on him, they're working on him. and then...

..the paramedic walked away... ..and came back with a blanket. and i knew. the dogs owner, brandon hayden, was jailed for four and a half years after admitting owning or being in charge of a dangerously out—of—control dog, and was banned from ever having a dog again. every time i shut my eyes... ..and i try and tell myself that's not the last image that i've got of him. i try and tell myself it was when he shut the door with his skateboard in his hands. but... ..that�*s not true. sam poling, bbc news.

this lets book to the chairman of the campaign group staff voices. thank you forjoining us on bbc news. why... to what extent is the prime minister missing in action regarding ambulance workers�* strikes? which are looking to turn up strikes? which are looking to turn up to picket lines? i strikes? which are looking to turn up to picket lines?— up to picket lines? i think what m self up to picket lines? i think what myself and _ up to picket lines? i think what myself and other _ up to picket lines? i think what myself and other people - up to picket lines? i think what myself and other people who i up to picket lines? i think what i myself and other people who are striking would like is some kind of resolution, some kind of understanding by the government that the sense that the kind of situation is completely unmanageable and there is completely unmanageable and there is only going to get far worse. we are losing staff. the stuff that we do have in the nhs are really struggling to

hold the fort given that there is an increasing pressure on them, given we do not have our colleagues around to support us. it is a really, really difficult time in the nhs. i think we would really appreciate me strikes to be taken seriously, these are meant to be understood from a position of this huge cost of living crisis and at the suppression of wages that we have been suffering, not just wages that we have been suffering, notjust in the nhs, but across the board, really. people who are the lowest paid are struggling the most. i think what would be great is some recognition of the general population in this country and our experience and the struggle that we are having. i think that�*s really what we would like. the are having. i think that's really what we would like. the government has said, though, _ what we would like. the government has said, though, that _ what we would like. the government has said, though, that it _ what we would like. the government has said, though, that it is _ what we would like. the government has said, though, that it is not - has said, though, that it is not going to revisit this pay rises that it has already given, the 4.75% on average. the government says hill cis hello, can you hear us? hello,

alia, can you hear us? can cis hello, can you hear us? hello, alia, can you hear us?— cis hello, can you hear us? hello, alia, can you hear us? can you hear is auain? alia, can you hear us? can you hear is again? thank— alia, can you hear us? can you hear is again? thank you _ alia, can you hear us? can you hear is again? thank you for _ alia, can you hear us? can you hear is again? thank you for bearing - alia, can you hear us? can you hear| is again? thank you for bearing with us, sorry, we lost a from us. let me sa that us, sorry, we lost a from us. let me say that again. _ us, sorry, we lost a from us. let me say that again, governments - us, sorry, we lost a from us. let me say that again, governments have i say that again, governments have said that in the nhs in england and wales have got 4.75% pay rise, with everyone guaranteed at least £1400, recommended by the independent pay review body. the government wants to look at the next pay round. would it not be better to start thinking about that, give yourself more time to get what you would regard as a better pay rise for the next round? i think for some reason it is not computing. i don�*t understand what is not being understood about the situation in the nhs. it can be seen by anybody, really. we have 500 people dying every week

unnecessarily, that is what we understand. these are excess deaths every week. that is notjust a scandal, it is incredible violence. when we have a very wealthy country, when we can see that there is wealth, being accrued, we have had the biggest increase of wealth disparity, in fact, any quality very, very recently in the country�*s history, so we know there is money there. we know that money has not been paid through taxation by the wealthiest often in this country. we need... we are basically propping up these essential services. i don�*t think it sustainable, i think workers are on their knees. a lot of people are injobs, multiplejobs, wages are being suppressed. it�*s a very unusual situation when we have so much employment and people not able to put food on the table. 40% of people who are accessing universal credit are in work. this is unusual. it�*s not a usual situation, scenario to be seen in this country, but we�*re also learning more about the fact that

people are not paying their taxes properly and these are people who are in government, people who are incredibly wealthy, so no, i don�*t think that we should wait until the next year when we lose even more staff. we have lost 40,000... haste staff. we have lost 40,000... have to challenge — staff. we have lost 40,000... have to challenge on _ staff. we have lost 40,000... have to challenge on this _ staff. we have lost 40,000... have to challenge on this accusation there are a lot of wealthy people in this country effectively evading tax. that�*s against the law and i�*m not going to ask you to substantiate that, but i have to address it. let me ask a final question. even if you got to the pay rise you wanted, how would that resolve the long term ongoing issue of so many tens vacancies across the nhs are? if thatis vacancies across the nhs are? if that is what people are striking about as well, even a big pay rise would not resolve it, with it? because you�*re not going to resolve those vacancies in a matter of weeks questioning actually, we could fill those vacancies are people had an incentive to come and work in the nhs. ., , ., �* ., incentive to come and work in the nhs. .,, ., �* ., ., .

nhs. people don't have an incentive because the — nhs. people don't have an incentive because the pay _ nhs. people don't have an incentive because the pay is _ nhs. people don't have an incentive because the pay is not _ nhs. people don't have an incentive because the pay is not equivalent i nhs. people don't have an incentive because the pay is not equivalent to | because the pay is not equivalent to that of the work that people are doing. it is also not enough for people to put money on the table. it's people to put money on the table. it�*s completely the right thing to do. retaining staff, recruiting staff is what should be the priority of the government at the moment and that means providing them a payslip that means providing them a payslip that will actually be able to help them make ends meet. we�*re not asking for millions, just for enough to make things, our lives kind of comfortable enough for us to go to work every morning and do ourjobs. these are incredibly importantjobs. when we�*ve got... i can substantiate that claim, but i won�*t because you don�*t want me to, but there are things being done incredibly incongruously, counterintuitively. this levelling up scheme, for example, is putting more money into the wealthier communities, so in general, people are struggling and money is not going where it should be. we can put it like that, if we

like. ., ., , like. some of that levelling up mone , like. some of that levelling up money. it _ like. some of that levelling up money. it did _ like. some of that levelling up money, it did go _ like. some of that levelling up money, it did go to _ like. some of that levelling up - money, it did go to disadvantaged communities and we spoke to them last week. alia but from nhs staff voices, thank you for talking to us. train cancellations have reached another record high according to data from the railway regulator, the office of rail and road. in the four weeks to january 7th, 8% of services were cancelled, with avanti west coast the worst offender. earlier i spoke to our transport correspondent katy austin, who told us more. well, it�*s not the first time recently we�*ve been talking about record levels of cancellations. that�*s been the case over the past couple of months. and then the latest data that�*s been released, which, as you say, goes up to 7th january, does paint an even bleaker picture for passengers. it�*s notjust on strike days where people are finding there is disruption and sometimes the service they were hoping to catch has been cancelled, but in some cases as well might have been removed the day before, and that is something that�*s not reflected in these statistics.

so these statistics are about on—the—day cancellations, the the trains that were in the timetable and then got cancelled on the day. they don�*t reflect those that were cancelled up to 10pm the night before, which means for some passengers, actually, the experiences is worse than these stats are showing. so if it�*s not to do just with strikes, what is it to do with? because passengers will then expect refunds often, won�*t they? and that can be costly. well, people are entitled to refunds under the delay repay system. but the reasons that the industry and the government have been given largely relate to staffing. the industry says that there�*s been a backlog of training over the pandemic and they and the government say they�*re working to recruit more drivers. when it comes to the specific period we�*re looking at with these latest stats that kind of late december, earlyjanuary, the industry says, well, this was a period of a lot of industrial action going on.

there were those, if you remember, there were two 48 hour strikes in december by the rmt union, two 48 hour strikes at the start of january with a train driver strike there as well. and while those strike days won�*t be reflected in these stats because they�*re actually pre—planned timetables, the operators put special timetables in place, the industry argues that actually, such as the level of disruption caused by that, then it�*s then harder to get services going again. so they�*re saying that the reason things got particularly bad might have something to do with that as well. but obviously we�*ve heard ministers kind of admit recently they don�*t think train services are reliable enough at the moment. and they say they�*re doing what they can to work with the operators to improve things. i suspect that�*s not a lot of consolation to people who have been let down, they might feel, by poor services recently. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with susan powell. hello. some very dramatic contrasts in the temperatures across the uk currently. to the south, we have arctic air extending across from the continent under a ridge of high pressure

to the northwest, we have very mild atlantic air coming in on a south—westerly wind. quite a lot of moisture to the north—west of the uk, could be murky across the hills into the small hours of tuesday, could be some patchy rain for the coasts and hills. further south, the winds are light, the skies are clear. there could be some dense patches of freezing fog forming for first thing on tuesday across the midlands, parts of east anglia and the welsh marches. to the very south, however, it looks like there�*ll be a little bit more cloud pulling in, perhaps as we go into the small hours. but that fog risk could be a significant feature for first thing on tuesday. it should lift as the hours go by with the help of some sunshine. to the far south, though, the cloud is likely to stick around. another chilly day generally across england and wales. mildest for scotland and northern ireland — temperatures again in double figures. hello this is bbc news. you�*ll likely your tax affairs and

distraction? you�*ll likely your tax affairs and distraction? the prime minister�*s independent ethics adviser is to look into the tax affairs of conservative party chairman, nadhim zahawi. it�*s after it was revealed he paid a penalty for unpaid tax when he was chancellor. integrity and accountability is really important to me. and clearly, in this case, there are questions that need answering, and that�*s why i�*ve asked the independent adviser to get to the bottom of everything. the process of appointing bbc chairman, richard sharp, is to be reviewed. the commissioner of public appointments announced the move, after claims mr sharp was involved in securing a loan of up to £800,000 for the then—prime minister borisjohnson. more than 20,000 nhs ambulance workers are taking part in another strike over pay, manning picket lines across much of england and wales. former employees of the welsh rugby union have accused the organisation of having a �*toxic�* culture of sexism.

and we�*ll hear from brendan fraser about his oscar—tipped role as a morbidly obese man trying to reconnect with his family in new film, the whale sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. some injury headaches for new england head coach steve borthwick courtney lawes has pulled out of the training squad, ahead of the six nations the launch of the tournament took place earlier today, with all the head coaches asked about the new rules on tackle height, where players in clubs, schools, colleges and universities must tackle from waist—height down from next season borthwick agrees safety needs to be addressed. i think right now everybody understands the importance of this matter, and i think everybody wants to find the best solution. is there an instant fix? is there an instant answer? no, idon�*t an instant fix? is there an instant answer? no, i don�*t think so, but is it the right thing to do, to be

trying to address the issue? absolutely. i know there are a few who will be publishing further details around this, and i think other nations are trying to address it. meanwhile, wales head coach warren gatland has said he doen�*t know a lot about claims that there is a "toxic culture" of sexism at the welsh rugby union... charlotte wathan, the former general manager of welsh women�*s rugby, said she considered suicide as a result of her time at the wru after a bbc investigation revealed the allegations. the wru said both cases were investigated and proper procedures were followed for me, it is something i don�*t know a lot about. i have been away since the world cup in 2019, so you would know a lot more about this than i do. i haven�*t read too much of the press about things. it is like anything, there are two sides to every story and you hope you get a balance in terms of both sides being

represented in the proper way. the quarter—final line ups are complete at the australian open and there were no signs of the hamstring problem, causing some bother for novak djokovic... who breezed breezed into the last 8. djokovic blew away the australian home favourite alex de minaur injust over two hours on the rod laver arena. djokovic lostjust five games in a comfortable straight sets victory. he�*ll go level with rafael nadal�*s overall record of 22 grand slams if he wins at melbourne park .. it would also be his tenth aussie open title. djokovic paid tribure to his medical team after the win. djokovic will take on russia�*s andrey rublev who�*s seeded fifth. he was involved in something of an epic this morning with denmark�*s holger rune.. it went to a fifth set tie break — before rublevjust edged through.... elsewhere wins for americans ben shelton and tommy paul who will meet each other in the last eight.

we can go live to the house of commons now where labour deputy leader angela rayner is an urquent question on the tax affairs of conservative party chairman nadhim zahawi and a conflict of interest row over bbc chairman richard sharp and former prime minister borisjohnson. like i think the honourable lady for her question. starting with ministerial appointments, payments made to his majesty�*s government are a matterfor the prime minister in line with its constitutional position as the sovereign�*s crisp adviser. it is for the prime minister to recommend individuals for appointment. minister to recommend individuals forappointment. in minister to recommend individuals for appointment. in considering potential appointments, the prime minister may receive advice from the civil service on matters of propriety and potential conflicts of incense trust. the civil service has no role in approving or vetoing appointments, as appointments are a matterfor appointments, as appointments are a matter for the appointments, as appointments are a matterfor the prime appointments, as appointments are a matter for the prime minister. appointments, as appointments are a matterfor the prime minister. it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the advice that may be given during the appointments process. it is critical that all prime ministers are able to receive advice in confidence. i would not want to do anything to a road that

ability. once an appointment is made the process for the management of the process for the management of the conflict—of—interest and potential conflicts is clear and robust, and follows the processes of our ministerial code. it is the response ability of all ministers to ensure no conflict arises or could reasonably put be perceived to arise between their role and private interests, financial or otherwise. that is ultimately incumbent on the individual, and this is clearly set out in the miss ministerial code. ministers should declare and manage potential conflicts of interests, working with their permanent secretary and the independent adviser on ministers�* interest. they are under an ongoing duty to further declare relevant changes to their interest. honourable members will be aware that the prime minister has appointed sir laurie magnus as independent adviser on ministers�* interest. so laurie will be taking forward the work on declaration of ministers went back interest along lines with his published terms of reference. as the prime minster

confirmed, the independent so be conducting an investigation to establish the facts surrounding the matters concerning that have been subject to media reports over the weekend. i know he will bring integrity to the role of advisor and the outcome of this work will be made public in due course. angela ra ner. made public in due course. angela rayner- thank— made public in due course. angela rayner. thank you _ made public in due course. angela rayner. thank you mr _ made public in due course. angela rayner. thank you mr speaker. i made public in due course. angela | rayner. thank you mr speaker. we made public in due course. angela - rayner. thank you mr speaker. we may have a carousel— rayner. thank you mr speaker. we may have a carousel of— rayner. thank you mr speaker. we may have a carousel of ministers, _ rayner. thank you mr speaker. we may have a carousel of ministers, but - rayner. thank you mr speaker. we may have a carousel of ministers, but is - have a carousel of ministers, but is the same _ have a carousel of ministers, but is the same old — have a carousel of ministers, but is the same old excuses. _ have a carousel of ministers, but is the same old excuses. every- have a carousel of ministers, but is the same old excuses. every single time _ the same old excuses. every single time reports— the same old excuses. every single time. reports that _ the same old excuses. every single time. reports that are _ the same old excuses. every single time. reports that are then - the same old excuses. every single. time. reports that are then sheckler chancettor— time. reports that are then sheckler chancellor of — time. reports that are then sheckler chancellor of the _ time. reports that are then sheckler chancellor of the exchequer - time. reports that are then sheckler chancellor of the exchequer agreed i time. reports that are then sheckler| chancellor of the exchequer agreed a settlement— chancellor of the exchequer agreed a settlement with _ chancellor of the exchequer agreed a settlement with the _ chancellor of the exchequer agreed a settlement with the hmrc _ chancellor of the exchequer agreed a settlement with the hmrc includingi chancellor of the exchequer agreed a | settlement with the hmrc including a penalty, _ settlement with the hmrc including a penalty. raised — settlement with the hmrc including a penalty, raised serious _ settlement with the hmrc including a penalty, raised serious concerns, - penalty, raised serious concerns, notjust— penalty, raised serious concerns, not just about _ penalty, raised serious concerns, not just about that _ penalty, raised serious concerns, not just about that case, - penalty, raised serious concerns, not just about that case, but - not just about that case, but standards _ not just about that case, but standards in— not just about that case, but standards in this _ not just about that case, but standards in this entire - not just about that case, but - standards in this entire government. can the _ standards in this entire government. can the minister— standards in this entire government. can the minister tell— standards in this entire government. can the minister tell us, _ standards in this entire government. can the minister tell us, if _ standards in this entire government. can the minister tell us, if the - can the minister tell us, if the vetting — can the minister tell us, if the vetting process _ can the minister tell us, if the vetting process raised - can the minister tell us, if the vetting process raised flags. can the minister tell us, if the vetting process raised flags to can the minister tell us, if the - vetting process raised flags to the former— vetting process raised flags to the former prime _ vetting process raised flags to the former prime minister— vetting process raised flags to the former prime minister about - vetting process raised flags to the former prime minister about the i former prime minister about the original— former prime minister about the original appointment, _ former prime minister about the original appointment, and - former prime minister about the original appointment, and when| original appointment, and when exactly— original appointment, and when exactly did _ original appointment, and when exactly did this _ original appointment, and when exactly did this prime _ original appointment, and when exactly did this prime minister. exactly did this prime minister know? — exactly did this prime minister know? does— exactly did this prime minister

know? does he _ exactly did this prime minister know? does he know- exactly did this prime minister know? does he know if- exactly did this prime minister know? does he know if and i exactly did this prime minister. know? does he know if and how exactly did this prime minister- know? does he know if and how this conflict—of—interest _ know? does he know if and how this conflict—of—interest was _ know? does he know if and how this conflict—of—interest was managed? i conflict—of—interest was managed? and why— conflict—of—interest was managed? and why was — conflict—of—interest was managed? and why was it _ conflict—of—interest was managed? and why was it kept _ conflict—of—interest was managed? and why was it kept secret, - conflict—of—interest was managed? and why was it kept secret, mr- and why was it kept secret, mr speaker? — and why was it kept secret, mr speaker? is— and why was it kept secret, mr speaker? is there _ and why was it kept secret, mr speaker? is there no _ and why was it kept secret, mr speaker? is there no system i and why was it kept secret, mr| speaker? is there no system in and why was it kept secret, mr- speaker? is there no system in place to prevent _ speaker? is there no system in place to prevent a — speaker? is there no system in place to prevent a person _ speaker? is there no system in place to prevent a person being _ speaker? is there no system in place to prevent a person being actively. to prevent a person being actively investigated — to prevent a person being actively investigated from _ to prevent a person being actively investigated from unpaid - to prevent a person being actively investigated from unpaid tax - to prevent a person being activelyi investigated from unpaid tax being appointed — investigated from unpaid tax being appointed to — investigated from unpaid tax being appointed to run _ investigated from unpaid tax being appointed to run the _ investigated from unpaid tax being appointed to run the uk's - investigated from unpaid tax being appointed to run the uk's tax - appointed to run the uk's tax system? _ appointed to run the uk's tax system? maybe _ appointed to run the uk's tax system? maybe it's- appointed to run the uk's tax system? maybe it's that - appointed to run the uk's tax i system? maybe it's that absurd appointed to run the uk's tax - system? maybe it's that absurd that no one _ system? maybe it's that absurd that no one would — system? maybe it's that absurd that no one would think _ system? maybe it's that absurd that no one would think it _ system? maybe it's that absurd that no one would think it would - system? maybe it's that absurd that no one would think it would ever - no one would think it would ever happen — no one would think it would ever happen. we _ no one would think it would ever happen. we understand - no one would think it would ever happen. we understand the - happen. we understand the confidentiality— happen. we understand the confidentiality of— happen. we understand the confidentiality of the - happen. we understand the i confidentiality of the honours process, _ confidentiality of the honours process, surely, _ confidentiality of the honours process, surely, where - confidentiality of the honours process, surely, where there| confidentiality of the honours l process, surely, where there is confidentiality of the honours - process, surely, where there is a serving _ process, surely, where there is a serving minister— process, surely, where there is a serving minister is— process, surely, where there is a serving minister is blocked, - process, surely, where there is al serving minister is blocked, there is an— serving minister is blocked, there is an overwhelming _ serving minister is blocked, there is an overwhelming case - serving minister is blocked, there is an overwhelming case for - serving minister is blocked, there - is an overwhelming case for sounding the alarm _ is an overwhelming case for sounding the alarm did — is an overwhelming case for sounding the alarm. did that— is an overwhelming case for sounding the alarm. did that happen? - is an overwhelming case for sounding the alarm. did that happen? and - the alarm. did that happen? and where _ the alarm. did that happen? and where was — the alarm. did that happen? and where was the _ the alarm. did that happen? and where was the report? _ the alarm. did that happen? and where was the report? if - the alarm. did that happen? and where was the report? if not, . the alarm. did that happen? andl where was the report? if not, why the alarm. did that happen? and . where was the report? if not, why is there _ where was the report? if not, why is there a _ where was the report? if not, why is there a lower— where was the report? if not, why is there a lower bar— where was the report? if not, why is there a lower bar to _ where was the report? if not, why is there a lower bar to get _ where was the report? if not, why is there a lower bar to get into- where was the report? if not, why is there a lower bar to get into this - there a lower bar to get into this cabinet — there a lower bar to get into this cabinet then— there a lower bar to get into this cabinet then there _ there a lower bar to get into this cabinet then there is _ there a lower bar to get into this cabinet then there is to - there a lower bar to get into this cabinet then there is to get - there a lower bar to get into this cabinet then there is to get a - cabinet then there is to get a knighthood? _ cabinet then there is to get a knighthood? number- cabinet then there is to get a knighthood? numberten, i cabinet then there is to get a - knighthood? numberten, apparently, knighthood? number ten, apparently, still doesn't _ knighthood? numberten, apparently, still doesn't know— knighthood? numberten, apparently, still doesn't know if— knighthood? numberten, apparently, still doesn't know if other _ still doesn't know if other ministers _ still doesn't know if other ministers are— still doesn't know if other ministers are in _ still doesn't know if other ministers are in dispute l still doesn't know if other. ministers are in dispute over their own taxes — ministers are in dispute over their own taxes so _ ministers are in dispute over their own taxes. so what is _ ministers are in dispute over their own taxes. so what is the - own taxes. so what is the prime minister— own taxes. so what is the prime minister doing _ own taxes. so what is the prime minister doing about it? - own taxes. so what is the prime minister doing about it? last- own taxes. so what is the prime i minister doing about it? last week he told _ minister doing about it? last week he told the —

minister doing about it? last week he told the house, _ minister doing about it? last week he told the house, all— minister doing about it? last week he told the house, all questions i minister doing about it? last week. he told the house, all questions had been answered, _ he told the house, all questions had been answered, and _ he told the house, all questions had been answered, and he _ he told the house, all questions had been answered, and he was - he told the house, all questions had been answered, and he was told - he told the house, all questions had| been answered, and he was told that there _ been answered, and he was told that there was— been answered, and he was told that there was no— been answered, and he was told that there was no outstanding _ been answered, and he was told that there was no outstanding issues. - been answered, and he was told that there was no outstanding issues. yet now: _ there was no outstanding issues. yet now. the _ there was no outstanding issues. yet now, the independent— there was no outstanding issues. yet now, the independent adviser- there was no outstanding issues. yet now, the independent adviser is - now, the independent adviser is investigating _ now, the independent adviser is investigating. so— now, the independent adviser is investigating. so will— now, the independent adviser is investigating. so will he - now, the independent adviser is investigating. so will he publish| investigating. so will he publish the terms — investigating. so will he publish the terms of— investigating. so will he publish the terms of reference? - investigating. so will he publish the terms of reference? and . investigating. so will he publish. the terms of reference? and why investigating. so will he publish - the terms of reference? and why does the terms of reference? and why does the prime _ the terms of reference? and why does the prime minister— the terms of reference? and why does the prime minister need _ the terms of reference? and why does the prime minister need an— the terms of reference? and why does the prime minister need an adviser- the prime minister need an adviser to tell— the prime minister need an adviser to tell him — the prime minister need an adviser to tell him that — the prime minister need an adviser to tell him that this _ the prime minister need an adviser to tell him that this conduct - the prime minister need an adviser to tell him that this conduct is - the prime minister need an adviser to tell him that this conduct is in i to tell him that this conduct is in ethical? — to tell him that this conduct is in ethical? if— to tell him that this conduct is in ethical? if this _ to tell him that this conduct is in ethical? if this isn't _ to tell him that this conduct is in ethical? if this isn't a _ to tell him that this conduct is in ethical? if this isn't a breach, i to tell him that this conduct is in ethical? if this isn't a breach, ifi ethical? if this isn't a breach, if this isn't— ethical? if this isn't a breach, if this isn't a _ ethical? if this isn't a breach, if this isn't a breach _ ethical? if this isn't a breach, if this isn't a breach of— ethical? if this isn't a breach, if this isn't a breach of the - this isn't a breach of the ministerial— this isn't a breach of the ministerial code, - this isn't a breach of the ministerial code, surely| this isn't a breach of the i ministerial code, surely the this isn't a breach of the - ministerial code, surely the code itself— ministerial code, surely the code itself is _ ministerial code, surely the code itself is wrong, _ ministerial code, surely the code itself is wrong, mr— ministerial code, surely the code itself is wrong, mr speaker? - ministerial code, surely the codej itself is wrong, mr speaker? and ministerial code, surely the code i itself is wrong, mr speaker? and it is the _ itself is wrong, mr speaker? and it is the prime — itself is wrong, mr speaker? and it is the prime minister's _ itself is wrong, mr speaker? and it is the prime minister's job - itself is wrong, mr speaker? and it is the prime minister's job to - itself is wrong, mr speaker? and it is the prime minister's job to fix i is the prime minister's job to fix it. is the prime minister's job to fix it if— is the prime minister's job to fix it if the — is the prime minister's job to fix it. if the prime _ is the prime minister's job to fix it. if the prime minister- is the prime minister's job to fix it. if the prime minister came i is the prime minister's job to fix . it. if the prime minister came clean about— it. if the prime minister came clean about what— it. if the prime minister came clean about what he — it. if the prime minister came clean about what he knew, _ it. if the prime minister came clean about what he knew, and _ it. if the prime minister came clean about what he knew, and when, - it. if the prime minister came cleani about what he knew, and when, and took responsibility— about what he knew, and when, and took responsibility for— about what he knew, and when, and took responsibility for the _ about what he knew, and when, and took responsibility for the conduct i took responsibility for the conduct of his— took responsibility for the conduct of his own — took responsibility for the conduct of his own cabinet, _ took responsibility for the conduct of his own cabinet, would - took responsibility for the conduct of his own cabinet, would we - took responsibility for the conduct| of his own cabinet, would we need yet another— of his own cabinet, would we need yet another investigation - of his own cabinet, would we need yet another investigation into - yet another investigation into another— yet another investigation into another member— yet another investigation into another member of— yet another investigation into another member of his - yet another investigation into another member of his top i yet another investigation into - another member of his top team. even now, another member of his top team. even now. number— another member of his top team. even now. numberten— another member of his top team. even now, number ten says _ another member of his top team. even now, number ten says it— another member of his top team. even now, number ten says it retains- another member of his top team. even now, number ten says it retains the . now, number ten says it retains the full confidence? _ now, number ten says it retains the full confidence? how— now, number ten says it retains the full confidence? how can _ now, number ten says it retains the full confidence? how can the - now, number ten says it retains the full confidence? how can the prime| full confidence? how can the prime minister—

full confidence? how can the prime minister claim— full confidence? how can the prime minister claim to— full confidence? how can the prime minister claim to deliver— full confidence? how can the prime minister claim to deliver integrity, i minister claim to deliver integrity, professionalism _ minister claim to deliver integrity, professionalism and _ minister claim to deliver integrity, j professionalism and accountability that he _ professionalism and accountability that he promises, _ professionalism and accountability that he promises, while _ professionalism and accountability that he promises, while his - that he promises, while his conservative _ that he promises, while his conservative party- that he promises, while his conservative party chair- that he promises, while hisi conservative party chair still that he promises, while his - conservative party chair still sits in his— conservative party chair still sits in his cabinet? _ conservative party chair still sits in his cabinet?— conservative party chair still sits in his cabinet? ., ~ . ., ., in his cabinet? thank you. we follow a --roer in his cabinet? thank you. we follow a proper process _ in his cabinet? thank you. we follow a proper process under— in his cabinet? thank you. we follow a proper process under the - a proper process under the ministerial code. interests are required to be declared, they are required to be declared, they are required to be shared and discussed with permanent secretaries. i am confident that the usual process would have been followed in the appointment process by this prime minister, for the right honourable gentleman. if there are issues to be raised in respect of historic activities, as was suggested by this weekend�*s press, that is a matter for the independent adviser to look at. his findings, the summary of his findings, will be published in due course. integrity, and accountability are critical, as is professional is, and this government will wait and hear the facts before taking decisions based on those

facts. i think the right honourable lady would do well to do the same. thank you mr speaker, i think it is a great _ thank you mr speaker, i think it is a great shame _ thank you mr speaker, i think it is a great shame that _ thank you mr speaker, i think it is a great shame that the _ thank you mr speaker, i think it is a great shame that the processesl thank you mr speaker, i think it is i a great shame that the processes of the propriety— a great shame that the processes of the propriety and _ a great shame that the processes of the propriety and ethics _ a great shame that the processes of the propriety and ethics team - a great shame that the processes of the propriety and ethics team of- a great shame that the processes of the propriety and ethics team of our civil service — the propriety and ethics team of our civil service are _ the propriety and ethics team of our civil service are being _ the propriety and ethics team of our civil service are being called - the propriety and ethics team of our civil service are being called into- civil service are being called into disrepute — civil service are being called into disrepute by— civil service are being called into disrepute by the _ civil service are being called into disrepute by the comments - civil service are being called into disrepute by the comments of. civil service are being called into. disrepute by the comments of the honourable — disrepute by the comments of the honourable lady— disrepute by the comments of the honourable lady opposite. - disrepute by the comments of the honourable lady opposite. we - disrepute by the comments of the i honourable lady opposite. we have disrepute by the comments of the - honourable lady opposite. we have to accept, _ honourable lady opposite. we have to accept, in _ honourable lady opposite. we have to accept. in public— honourable lady opposite. we have to accept, in public life, _ honourable lady opposite. we have to accept, in public life, there _ honourable lady opposite. we have to accept, in public life, there are - accept, in public life, there are times— accept, in public life, there are times when— accept, in public life, there are times when you _ accept, in public life, there are times when you may— accept, in public life, there are times when you may be - accept, in public life, there are times when you may be asked i accept, in public life, there are i times when you may be asked to accept, in public life, there are - times when you may be asked to serve in government. — times when you may be asked to serve in government. when— times when you may be asked to serve in government, when you _ times when you may be asked to serve in government, when you go _ times when you may be asked to serve in government, when you go through i in government, when you go through that process — in government, when you go through that process you _ in government, when you go through that process you are _ in government, when you go through that process you are required, - in government, when you go through that process you are required, quitel that process you are required, quite rightly. _ that process you are required, quite rightly. to— that process you are required, quite rightly, to disclose _ that process you are required, quite rightly, to disclose absolutely- rightly, to disclose absolutely everything _ rightly, to disclose absolutely everything that _ rightly, to disclose absolutely everything that might - rightly, to disclose absolutely everything that might cause i rightly, to disclose absolutely- everything that might cause conflict with you _ everything that might cause conflict with you being _ everything that might cause conflict with you being a _ everything that might cause conflict with you being a minister— everything that might cause conflict with you being a minister of- everything that might cause conflict with you being a minister of the - with you being a minister of the crown — with you being a minister of the crown does _ with you being a minister of the crown does my— with you being a minister of the crown. does my right _ with you being a minister of the i crown. does my right honourable friend _ crown. does my right honourable friend agree, _ crown. does my right honourable friend agree, that— crown. does my right honourable friend agree, that that _ crown. does my right honourable friend agree, that that process i crown. does my right honourablei friend agree, that that process can only survive — friend agree, that that process can only survive where _ friend agree, that that process can only survive where in _ friend agree, that that process can only survive where in there - friend agree, that that process can only survive where in there is - friend agree, that that process can only survive where in there is both| only survive where in there is both confidentiality _ only survive where in there is both confidentiality about _ only survive where in there is both confidentiality about your - confidentiality about your disclosures, _ confidentiality about your disclosures, and - confidentiality about yourl disclosures, and tolerance confidentiality about your - disclosures, and tolerance on all sides— disclosures, and tolerance on all sides whilst _ disclosures, and tolerance on all sides whilst that _ disclosures, and tolerance on all sides whilst that process - disclosures, and tolerance on all sides whilst that process is - sides whilst that process is completed? _ sides whilst that process is completed? i— sides whilst that process is completed?— sides whilst that process is comleted? ~' , ., ., completed? i think my honourable friend for what _ completed? i think my honourable friend for what he _ completed? i think my honourable friend for what he said. _ completed? i think my honourable friend for what he said. it - completed? i think my honourable

friend for what he said. it is - friend for what he said. it is absolutely right. for people being called into government, there is a proper process. there is a requirement forfull proper process. there is a requirement for full disclosure. proper process. there is a requirement forfull disclosure. for that process to continue to be meaningful and to work for decades into the future, you need to retain confidentiality. conventionality has to be a part of it, and the right way forward, when an issue is raised, is for an independent adviser to look into it.- raised, is for an independent adviser to look into it. thank you, mr speaker- _ adviser to look into it. thank you, mr speaker. here _ adviser to look into it. thank you, mr speaker. here is _ adviser to look into it. thank you, mr speaker. here is what - adviser to look into it. thank you, mr speaker. here is what we - adviser to look into it. thank you, | mr speaker. here is what we know about— mr speaker. here is what we know about the — mr speaker. here is what we know about the appointment _ mr speaker. here is what we know about the appointment of - mr speaker. here is what we know about the appointment of the - mr speaker. here is what we know about the appointment of the bbc| about the appointment of the bbc chair~ _ about the appointment of the bbc chair~ the — about the appointment of the bbc chair~ the bbc_ about the appointment of the bbc chair. the bbc chair, _ about the appointment of the bbc chair. the bbc chair, richard - chair. the bbc chair, richard sharpe, _ chair. the bbc chair, richard sharpe, helped _ chair. the bbc chair, richard sharpe, helped arrange - chair. the bbc chair, richard sharpe, helped arrange a - chair. the bbc chair, richard - sharpe, helped arrange a £600,000 loan for— sharpe, helped arrange a £600,000 loan for the — sharpe, helped arrange a £600,000 loan for the right _ sharpe, helped arrange a £600,000 loan for the right honourable - sharpe, helped arrange a £600,000 i loan for the right honourable member for u>

in getting the man appointing him a huge loan~ — in getting the man appointing him a huge loan~ mr— in getting the man appointing him a huge loan. mr sharp, _ in getting the man appointing him a huge loan. mr sharp, the _ in getting the man appointing him a huge loan. mr sharp, the former. huge loan. mr sharp, the former prime _ huge loan. mr sharp, the former prime minister, _ huge loan. mr sharp, the former prime minister, and _ huge loan. mr sharp, the former prime minister, and the - huge loan. mr sharp, the former prime minister, and the cousin. prime minister, and the cousin offering — prime minister, and the cousin offering the _ prime minister, and the cousin offering the loan, _ prime minister, and the cousin offering the loan, dined - prime minister, and the cousin. offering the loan, dined together prime minister, and the cousin- offering the loan, dined together at chequers _ offering the loan, dined together at chequers preload _ offering the loan, dined together at chequers preload and _ chequers preload and pre—appointment. - chequers preload and| pre—appointment. the chequers preload and - pre—appointment. the former chequers preload and _ pre—appointment. the former prime minister's _ pre—appointment. the former prime minister's spokesperson _ pre—appointment. the former prime minister's spokesperson said, - pre—appointment. the former prime minister's spokesperson said, so- minister's spokesperson said, so what, _ minister's spokesperson said, so what. deal~ _ minister's spokesperson said, so what, deal. the _ minister's spokesperson said, so what, deal. the ethics— minister's spokesperson said, so what, deal. the ethics team - minister's spokesperson said, so what, deal. the ethics team told minister's spokesperson said, so- what, deal. the ethics team told the former— what, deal. the ethics team told the former prime — what, deal. the ethics team told the former prime minister— what, deal. the ethics team told the former prime minister to _ what, deal. the ethics team told the former prime minister to stop- former prime minister to stop talking — former prime minister to stop talking to _ former prime minister to stop talking to mr— former prime minister to stop talking to mr sharp _ former prime minister to stop talking to mr sharp about - former prime minister to stop talking to mr sharp about hisi talking to mr sharp about his finances _ talking to mr sharp about his finances. ministers _ talking to mr sharp about his finances. ministers told - talking to mr sharp about his| finances. ministers told other applicants— finances. ministers told other applicants not— finances. ministers told other applicants not to _ finances. ministers told other applicants not to waste - finances. ministers told other applicants not to waste theiri finances. ministers told other- applicants not to waste their time applying — applicants not to waste their time applying. the _ applicants not to waste their time applying. the appointment - applicants not to waste their time applying. the appointment was i applicants not to waste their time j applying. the appointment was to applicants not to waste their time i applying. the appointment was to go to the _ applying. the appointment was to go to the right _ applying. the appointment was to go to the right honourable _ applying. the appointment was to go to the right honourable member- to the right honourable member friend. _ to the right honourable member friend. the — to the right honourable member friend, the tory— to the right honourable member friend, the tory donor. - to the right honourable member friend, the tory donor. even - to the right honourable member friend, the tory donor. even byi to the right honourable member. friend, the tory donor. even by the grubby— friend, the tory donor. even by the grubby standards _ friend, the tory donor. even by the grubby standards of _ friend, the tory donor. even by the grubby standards of this _ friend, the tory donor. even by the i grubby standards of this government, it is all— grubby standards of this government, it is all a _ grubby standards of this government, it is all a bit— grubby standards of this government, it is all a bit banana _ grubby standards of this government, it is all a bit banana republic. - grubby standards of this government, it is all a bit banana republic. mr- it is all a bit banana republic. speaker, i think the honourable gentleman for his question. as he knows, there was a very robust process in place for the point of chairman of the bbc, including a pre—appointment here. it was an

incredible robust process with an independent panel of five members, that went through that process. just to reassure the house, i understand that the commissioner in public opponent is going to double that that went through and the process was absolutely consistent with the proper governance expected of these appointments. i know that the chairman of the bbc has invited senior nonexecutive director of the bbc to discuss, with the board, to make certain that all relevant conflicts of interest were rob lee disclosed. there were two processes that are ongoing but this was a very robust process. i that are ongoing but this was a very robust process.— robust process. i shouldn't be astonished, _ robust process. i shouldn't be astonished, but _ robust process. i shouldn't be astonished, but i _ robust process. i shouldn't be astonished, but i am - robust process. i shouldn't be i astonished, but i am astonished robust process. i shouldn't be - astonished, but i am astonished at the brass— astonished, but i am astonished at the brass neck— astonished, but i am astonished at the brass neck of— astonished, but i am astonished at the brass neck of the _ astonished, but i am astonished at the brass neck of the shadow - astonished, but i am astonished ati the brass neck of the shadow leader of the _ the brass neck of the shadow leader of the opposition— the brass neck of the shadow leader of the opposition for— the brass neck of the shadow leader of the opposition for suggesting - of the opposition for suggesting that the — of the opposition for suggesting that the prime _ of the opposition for suggesting that the prime minister- of the opposition for suggesting that the prime minister didn't i of the opposition for suggesting i that the prime minister didn't need to ask— that the prime minister didn't need to ask his— that the prime minister didn't need to ask his independent _ that the prime minister didn't need to ask his independent adviser - that the prime minister didn't need to ask his independent adviser on i to ask his independent adviser on this, _ to ask his independent adviser on

this, when— to ask his independent adviser on this, when they— to ask his independent adviser on this, when they spent _ to ask his independent adviser on this, when they spent months - to ask his independent adviser on . this, when they spent months calling for an— this, when they spent months calling foran independent— this, when they spent months calling for an independent adviser— this, when they spent months calling for an independent adviser to - this, when they spent months calling for an independent adviser to be - for an independent adviser to be appointed — for an independent adviser to be appointed. as _ for an independent adviser to be appointed. as my— for an independent adviser to be appointed. as my right - for an independent adviser to be i appointed. as my right honourable friend _ appointed. as my right honourable friend aware — appointed. as my right honourable friend aware of— appointed. as my right honourable friend aware of any— appointed. as my right honourable friend aware of any plans - appointed. as my right honourable friend aware of any plans by - appointed. as my right honourable friend aware of any plans by the i friend aware of any plans by the independent _ friend aware of any plans by the independent adviser— friend aware of any plans by the independent adviser to - friend aware of any plans by the independent adviser to publish i friend aware of any plans by the i independent adviser to publish an updated _ independent adviser to publish an updated list — independent adviser to publish an updated list of— independent adviser to publish an updated list of ministerial- updated list of ministerial interest? _ updated list of ministerial interest?— updated list of ministerial interest? ,, , ., , , interest? she is absolutely right. the other side _ interest? she is absolutely right. the other side of _ interest? she is absolutely right. the other side of this _ interest? she is absolutely right. the other side of this house - interest? she is absolutely right. the other side of this house hasl the other side of this house has been calling for an independent adviserfor months. one been calling for an independent adviser for months. one gets appointed, and it isn�*t good enough. and you have to take all the decisions and avoidable the facts. to reassure the honourable lady, my understanding is that the independent adviser plans a publication prior to his report in may. the public administration committee is looking _ the public administration committee is looking forward _ the public administration committee is looking forward to _ the public administration committee is looking forward to meeting - the public administration committee is looking forward to meeting the - is looking forward to meeting the ethics _ is looking forward to meeting the ethics adviser. _ is looking forward to meeting the ethics adviser. i— is looking forward to meeting the ethics adviser. i think— is looking forward to meeting the ethics adviser. i think from - is looking forward to meeting the ethics adviser. i think from whatl ethics adviser. i think from what the ethics adviser. ! think from what the minister— ethics adviser. ! think from what the minister has— ethics adviser. i think from what the minister has said, _ ethics adviser. i think from what the minister has said, the - ethics adviser. i think from whatj the minister has said, the prime minister— the minister has said, the prime minister has _ the minister has said, the prime minister has said _ the minister has said, the prime minister has said that _ the minister has said, the prime minister has said that there - the minister has said, the prime minister has said that there are i minister has said that there are questions — minister has said that there are questions to _ minister has said that there are questions to be _ minister has said that there are questions to be answered. - minister has said that there are questions to be answered. the| questions to be answered. the minister— questions to be answered. the minister has _ questions to be answered. the

minister has been— questions to be answered. the minister has been very - questions to be answered. the minister has been very careful| questions to be answered. the i minister has been very careful to say that— minister has been very careful to say that the _ minister has been very careful to say that the filling _ minister has been very careful to say that the filling of _ minister has been very careful to say that the filling of the - say that the filling of the ministerial— say that the filling of the ministerial code - say that the filling of the ministerial code is- say that the filling of the ministerial code is up. say that the filling of the ministerial code is up to| say that the filling of the i ministerial code is up to the individual. _ ministerial code is up to the individual, which _ ministerial code is up to the individual, which is - ministerial code is up to the individual, which is correct. | ministerial code is up to the i individual, which is correct. is ministerial code is up to the - individual, which is correct. is he trying _ individual, which is correct. is he trying to— individual, which is correct. is he trying to tell _ individual, which is correct. is he trying to tell us, _ individual, which is correct. is he trying to tell us, does _ individual, which is correct. is he trying to tell us, does the - individual, which is correct. is he trying to tell us, does the prime | trying to tell us, does the prime minister. — trying to tell us, does the prime minister. did— trying to tell us, does the prime minister, did the _ trying to tell us, does the prime minister, did the prime - trying to tell us, does the prime minister, did the prime ministerj trying to tell us, does the prime i minister, did the prime minister no that the _ minister, did the prime minister no that the member— minister, did the prime minister no that the member for— minister, did the prime minister no that the member for stratford - minister, did the prime minister no that the member for stratford wasi that the member for stratford was due to _ that the member for stratford was due to be — that the member for stratford was due to be investigated? _ that the member for stratford was due to be investigated? the- that the member for stratford was due to be investigated? the prime minister would _ due to be investigated? the prime minister would have _ due to be investigated? the prime minister would have had _ due to be investigated? the prime minister would have had the - due to be investigated? the prime. minister would have had the benefit of the usual appointments process being undertaken, so he would have had full disclosure regarding the interests of the right honourable gentlemen, is disclosed at the time in the prime minister made his appointment as chair of the conservative party. the prime minister has _ conservative party. the prime minister has correctly - conservative party. the prime minister has correctly asked i conservative party. the prime. minister has correctly asked his independent _ minister has correctly asked his independent adviser— minister has correctly asked his independent adviser to - minister has correctly asked his| independent adviser to establish minister has correctly asked his - independent adviser to establish the facts on _ independent adviser to establish the facts on this — independent adviser to establish the facts on this matter. _ independent adviser to establish the facts on this matter. does _ independent adviser to establish the facts on this matter. does my- independent adviser to establish the facts on this matter. does my right i facts on this matter. does my right honourable — facts on this matter. does my right honourable friend _ facts on this matter. does my right honourable friend agree _ facts on this matter. does my right honourable friend agree that - facts on this matter. does my right honourable friend agree that we i facts on this matter. does my right i honourable friend agree that we must not prejudge — honourable friend agree that we must not prejudge the _ honourable friend agree that we must not prejudge the outcome, _ honourable friend agree that we must not prejudge the outcome, and - honourable friend agree that we must not prejudge the outcome, and allowl not prejudge the outcome, and allow this process — not prejudge the outcome, and allow this process to— not prejudge the outcome, and allow this process to conclude? _ not prejudge the outcome, and allow this process to conclude? [— not prejudge the outcome, and allow this process to conclude? i do - this process to conclude? i do auree. this process to conclude? i do agree- that — this process to conclude? i do agree. that is _ this process to conclude? i do agree. that is the _ this process to conclude? agree. that is the purpose of this process to conclude?“ agree. that is the purpose of having an independent adviser. he has been

asked to investigate, to work out exactly what the facts are, and we should not... it is illjudged to decide before you know all the facts. that is the process we are undergoing at the moment. i�*m facts. that is the process we are undergoing at the moment. i'm sure we'll remember— undergoing at the moment. i'm sure we'll remember that _ undergoing at the moment. i'm sure we'll remember that first _ undergoing at the moment. i'm sure we'll remember that first speech - we'll remember that first speech from _ we'll remember that first speech from downing _ we'll remember that first speech from downing street _ we'll remember that first speech from downing street when - we'll remember that first speech from downing street when the i we'll remember that first speech - from downing street when the prime minister— from downing street when the prime minister promised _ from downing street when the prime minister promised as _ from downing street when the prime minister promised as integrity, - minister promised as integrity, professionalism, _ minister promised as integrity, professionalism, and _ minister promised as integrity, - professionalism, and accountability at every— professionalism, and accountability at every level _ professionalism, and accountability at every level. unfortunately- professionalism, and accountability at every level. unfortunately we . at every level. unfortunately we have _ at every level. unfortunately we have seen — at every level. unfortunately we have seen precious— at every level. unfortunately we have seen precious little - at every level. unfortunately we i have seen precious little evidence of that _ have seen precious little evidence of that so — have seen precious little evidence of that so far~ _ have seen precious little evidence of that so far. this _ have seen precious little evidence of that so far. this weekend - have seen precious little evidence of that so far. this weekend yet i of that so far. this weekend yet more _ of that so far. this weekend yet more doubt _ of that so far. this weekend yet more doubt has _ of that so far. this weekend yet more doubt has been _ of that so far. this weekend yet more doubt has been heaped i of that so far. this weekend yet more doubt has been heaped inj of that so far. this weekend yet - more doubt has been heaped in the minds _ more doubt has been heaped in the minds of— more doubt has been heaped in the minds of the — more doubt has been heaped in the minds of the electorate, _ more doubt has been heaped in the minds of the electorate, my- minds of the electorate, my constituents _ minds of the electorate, my constituents are _ minds of the electorate, my constituents are certainly, i minds of the electorate, my- constituents are certainly, about whether— constituents are certainly, about whether they _ constituents are certainly, about whether they can _ constituents are certainly, about whether they can trust _ constituents are certainly, about| whether they can trust politicians in general — whether they can trust politicians in general. does— whether they can trust politicians in general. does the _ whether they can trust politicians in general. does the minister- whether they can trust politicians i in general. does the minister accept that, in general. does the minister accept that. unless— in general. does the minister accept that, unless something _ in general. does the minister accept that, unless something is— in general. does the minister accept that, unless something is done - in general. does the minister accept that, unless something is done veryj that, unless something is done very quickly— that, unless something is done very quickly about — that, unless something is done very quickly about the _ that, unless something is done very quickly about the betting _ that, unless something is done very quickly about the betting and - quickly about the betting and management— quickly about the betting and management of— quickly about the betting and management of conflicts - quickly about the betting and management of conflicts of i quickly about the betting and - management of conflicts of interest, further— management of conflicts of interest, further damage _ management of conflicts of interest, further damage is— management of conflicts of interest, further damage is going _ management of conflicts of interest, further damage is going to— management of conflicts of interest, further damage is going to be - management of conflicts of interest, further damage is going to be done i further damage is going to be done in the _ further damage is going to be done in the confidence _ further damage is going to be done in the confidence in _ further damage is going to be done in the confidence in this _ further damage is going to be done in the confidence in this place - further damage is going to be done in the confidence in this place for. in the confidence in this place for the british— in the confidence in this place for the british public. _ in the confidence in this place for the british public. we _ in the confidence in this place for the british public.— the british public. we have the ministerial _

the british public. we have the ministerial code _ the british public. we have the ministerial code and _ the british public. we have the ministerial code and it - the british public. we have the ministerial code and it is - the british public. we have the ministerial code and it is an i ministerial code and it is an important approach. the honourable lady refers to professionalism and she is right. part of professionalism is based on making decisions based on all the facts and it is their eye can see that should be established swiftly. does it is their eye can see that should be established swiftly.— be established swiftly. does my riaht be established swiftly. does my ri . ht on be established swiftly. does my right on your — be established swiftly. does my right on your friend _ be established swiftly. does my right on your friend agree - be established swiftly. does my right on your friend agree that, | right on your friend agree that, beneath— right on your friend agree that, beneath the _ right on your friend agree that, beneath the bluster— right on your friend agree that, beneath the bluster from - right on your friend agree that, beneath the bluster from the i right on your friend agree that, - beneath the bluster from the bench is, beneath the bluster from the bench is. what _ beneath the bluster from the bench is. what they— beneath the bluster from the bench is, what they are _ beneath the bluster from the bench is, what they are really _ beneath the bluster from the bench is, what they are really saying - beneath the bluster from the bench is, what they are really saying is . is, what they are really saying is that there — is, what they are really saying is that there is _ is, what they are really saying is that there is various _ is, what they are really saying is that there is various information they— that there is various information they don't— that there is various information they don't know— that there is various information they don't know the _ that there is various information they don't know the answer - that there is various information they don't know the answer to, i that there is various information - they don't know the answer to, that they don't know the answer to, that they don't— they don't know the answer to, that they don't have _ they don't know the answer to, that they don't have the _ they don't know the answer to, that they don't have the facts _ they don't know the answer to, that they don't have the facts about, - they don't know the answer to, that they don't have the facts about, not least _ they don't have the facts about, not least because — they don't have the facts about, not least because hmrc— they don't have the facts about, not least because hmrc doesn't - they don't have the facts about, not i least because hmrc doesn't comment on the _ least because hmrc doesn't comment on the individual— least because hmrc doesn't comment on the individual tax _ least because hmrc doesn't comment on the individual tax affairs _ least because hmrc doesn't comment on the individual tax affairs of - on the individual tax affairs of people. — on the individual tax affairs of people. and _ on the individual tax affairs of people, and therefore - on the individual tax affairs of people, and therefore it - on the individual tax affairs of people, and therefore it is - people, and therefore it is absolutely— people, and therefore it is absolutely right _ people, and therefore it is absolutely right that - people, and therefore it is absolutely right that the i absolutely right that the independent _ absolutely right that the independent adviser- absolutely right that the i independent adviser should absolutely right that the - independent adviser should be allowed — independent adviser should be allowed to— independent adviser should be allowed to collect _ independent adviser should be allowed to collect those - independent adviser should be allowed to collect those facts i independent adviser should be i allowed to collect those facts and publish _ allowed to collect those facts and publish them, _ allowed to collect those facts and publish them, to _ allowed to collect those facts and publish them, to set _ allowed to collect those facts and publish them, to set the - allowed to collect those facts and publish them, to set the record l publish them, to set the record straight? — publish them, to set the record straiuht? ,, t, , , straight? indeed, i have absolutely no doubt my _ straight? indeed, i have absolutely no doubt my right _ straight? indeed, i have absolutely no doubt my right honourable - straight? indeed, i have absolutely| no doubt my right honourable friend will cooperate in every way to make certain that all the facts are known. he will go through that process. the independent adviser will come to its conclusions and the summarised conclusions will be

published. summarised conclusions will be ublished. ., ~ summarised conclusions will be ublished. ., ,, , ., summarised conclusions will be ublished. ., ,, ~ summarised conclusions will be ublished. ., ~ published. thank you mr speaker. the prime minister _ published. thank you mr speaker. the prime minister stood _ published. thank you mr speaker. the prime minister stood on _ published. thank you mr speaker. the prime minister stood on the _ published. thank you mr speaker. the prime minister stood on the steps - published. thank you mr speaker. the prime minister stood on the steps of l prime minister stood on the steps of 10 downing — prime minister stood on the steps of 10 downing street— prime minister stood on the steps of 10 downing street and _ prime minister stood on the steps of 10 downing street and promised - prime minister stood on the steps of 10 downing street and promised the| 10 downing street and promised the nation _ 10 downing street and promised the nation that— 10 downing street and promised the nation that he — 10 downing street and promised the nation that he would _ 10 downing street and promised the nation that he would act _ 10 downing street and promised the nation that he would act with - nation that he would act with integrity— nation that he would act with integrity and _ nation that he would act with integrity and yet, _ nation that he would act with integrity and yet, here - nation that he would act with integrity and yet, here we i nation that he would act withi integrity and yet, here we are agaih — integrity and yet, here we are agaih isn't— integrity and yet, here we are again. isn't this _ integrity and yet, here we are again. isn't this whole - integrity and yet, here we are again. isn't this whole affair. integrity and yet, here we are i again. isn't this whole affair yet another— again. isn't this whole affair yet another point _ again. isn't this whole affair yet another point of _ again. isn't this whole affair yet another point of proof, - again. isn't this whole affair yet another point of proof, that's . again. isn't this whole affair yet - another point of proof, that's where there _ another point of proof, that's where there are _ another point of proof, that's where there are conflicts _ another point of proof, that's where there are conflicts of— another point of proof, that's where there are conflicts of interest, - another point of proof, that's where there are conflicts of interest, it - there are conflicts of interest, it is far— there are conflicts of interest, it is far more _ there are conflicts of interest, it is far more likely _ there are conflicts of interest, it is far more likely you _ there are conflicts of interest, it is far more likely you are - there are conflicts of interest, it is far more likely you are goingl there are conflicts of interest, it i is far more likely you are going to have _ is far more likely you are going to have conflicts _ is far more likely you are going to have conflicts of _ is far more likely you are going to have conflicts of interests - is far more likely you are going to have conflicts of interests when . have conflicts of interests when you've — have conflicts of interests when you've got _ have conflicts of interests when you've got a _ have conflicts of interests when you've got a government - have conflicts of interests when you've got a government of- have conflicts of interests when you've got a government of the| you've got a government of the super-rich, _ you've got a government of the super-rich, for— you've got a government of the super—rich, for the _ you've got a government of the super—rich, for the super—rich? you've got a government of the - super—rich, for the super—rich? get back— super—rich, for the super—rich? get back i_ super—rich, for the super—rich? get back i could — super—rich, for the super—rich? get back i could never— super—rich, for the super—rich? get back i could never have _ super—rich, for the super—rich? get back i could never have guessed i. back i could never have guessed i would _ back i could never have guessed i would have — back i could never have guessed i would have a _ back i could never have guessed i would have a question _ back i could never have guessed i would have a question along - back i could never have guessed ll would have a question along those lines from — would have a question along those lines from the _ would have a question along those lines from the honourable - would have a question along those - lines from the honourable gentleman. you'll_ lines from the honourable gentleman. you'll make _ lines from the honourable gentleman. you'll make the — lines from the honourable gentleman. you'll make the important _ lines from the honourable gentleman. you'll make the important thing, - lines from the honourable gentleman. you'll make the important thing, the i you'll make the important thing, the prime _ you'll make the important thing, the prime mihister— you'll make the important thing, the prime minister stead, _ you'll make the important thing, the prime minister stead, integrity- prime minister stead, integrity accountability _ prime minister stead, integrity accountability and _ prime minister stead, integrity- accountability and professionalism, that is— accountability and professionalism, that is absolutely— accountability and professionalism, that is absolutely right. _ accountability and professionalism, that is absolutely right. that - that is absolutely right. that underpins — that is absolutely right. that underpins this _ that is absolutely right. underpins this government that is absolutely right.- underpins this government are that is absolutely right— underpins this government are part of that is making sure you have the facts. that is what we are undertaking to do through the auspices of the independent adviser.

the ministerial code now seems to be a set of— the ministerial code now seems to be a set of guidelines, _ the ministerial code now seems to be a set of guidelines, this _ the ministerial code now seems to be a set of guidelines, this is _ a set of guidelines, this is starting _ a set of guidelines, this is starting to— a set of guidelines, this is starting to sound - a set of guidelines, this is starting to sound like - a set of guidelines, this is starting to sound like a i a set of guidelines, this is i starting to sound like a script a set of guidelines, this is - starting to sound like a script from pirates _ starting to sound like a script from pirates of— starting to sound like a script from pirates of the _ starting to sound like a script from pirates of the caribbean. - starting to sound like a script from pirates of the caribbean. can - starting to sound like a script from pirates of the caribbean. can i - starting to sound like a script from pirates of the caribbean. can i ask| pirates of the caribbean. can i ask the minister. _ pirates of the caribbean. can i ask the minister, if— pirates of the caribbean. can i ask the minister, if someone - pirates of the caribbean. can i ask the minister, if someone is - pirates of the caribbean. can i ask the minister, if someone is has i the minister, if someone is has disclosed — the minister, if someone is has disclosed that _ the minister, if someone is has disclosed that they— the minister, if someone is has disclosed that they are - the minister, if someone is has disclosed that they are in - the minister, if someone is has l disclosed that they are in dispute with the — disclosed that they are in dispute with the inland _ disclosed that they are in dispute with the inland revenue - disclosed that they are in dispute with the inland revenue about i disclosed that they are in dispute . with the inland revenue about their taxes. _ with the inland revenue about their taxes. is _ with the inland revenue about their taxes. is it— with the inland revenue about their taxes, is it appropriate _ with the inland revenue about their taxes, is it appropriate to _ with the inland revenue about their taxes, is it appropriate to then - taxes, is it appropriate to then appoint— taxes, is it appropriate to then appoint that _ taxes, is it appropriate to then appoint that person _ taxes, is it appropriate to then appoint that person as - taxes, is it appropriate to then appoint that person as the - appoint that person as the chancellor— appoint that person as the chancellor of— appoint that person as the chancellor of the - appoint that person as the i chancellor of the exchequer? appoint that person as the - chancellor of the exchequer? surely that matter— chancellor of the exchequer? surely that matter should _ chancellor of the exchequer? surely that matter should have _ chancellor of the exchequer? surely that matter should have been - that matter should have been resolved _ that matter should have been resolved before _ that matter should have been resolved before such - that matter should have been resolved before such an - that matter should have been - resolved before such an appointment took place _ resolved before such an appointment took place chris— resolved before such an appointment took place chris back— resolved before such an appointment took place chris back i _ resolved before such an appointment took place chris backi do _ resolved before such an appointment took place chris back— took place chris back i do not know what was disclosed, _ took place chris back i do not know what was disclosed, nor _ took place chris back i do not know what was disclosed, nor does - took place chris back i do not know what was disclosed, nor does the l what was disclosed, nor does the honourable gentleman. that is why we have an independent adviser making sure we have the facts. the have an independent adviser making sure we have the facts.— sure we have the facts. the current chairman of — sure we have the facts. the current chairman of the _ sure we have the facts. the current chairman of the conservative - sure we have the facts. the current chairman of the conservative party| chairman of the conservative party went _ chairman of the conservative party went on _ chairman of the conservative party went on television, _ chairman of the conservative party went on television, before - chairman of the conservative party went on television, before he'd - went on television, before he'd settles — went on television, before he'd settles his— went on television, before he'd settles his tax _ went on television, before he'd settles his tax affairs, - went on television, before he'd settles his tax affairs, and - went on television, before he'd settles his tax affairs, and said| settles his tax affairs, and said his tax— settles his tax affairs, and said his tax affairs _ settles his tax affairs, and said his tax affairs were, _ settles his tax affairs, and said his tax affairs were, quote, - settles his tax affairs, and said i his tax affairs were, quote, fully

paid and — his tax affairs were, quote, fully paid and up—to—date. _ his tax affairs were, quote, fully paid and up—to—date. we - his tax affairs were, quote, fully paid and up—to—date. we now. his tax affairs were, quote, fully. paid and up—to—date. we now know that statement— paid and up—to—date. we now know that statement was _ paid and up—to—date. we now know that statement was untrue, - paid and up—to—date. we now know that statement was untrue, don't . paid and up—to—date. we now know. that statement was untrue, don't we? of got _ that statement was untrue, don't we? of got a _ that statement was untrue, don't we? of got a great — that statement was untrue, don't we? of got a great deal _ that statement was untrue, don't we? of got a great deal of _ that statement was untrue, don't we? of got a great deal of respect - that statement was untrue, don't we? of got a great deal of respect for - of got a great deal of respect for the honourable gentleman, but he knows i don't know the answer to that question. i have got no doubt that question. i have got no doubt that the work of the independent adviser will establish the facts, and that will be reported to the prime minister.— prime minister. lets leave that uruent prime minister. lets leave that urgent question, _ prime minister. lets leave that urgent question, which - prime minister. lets leave that urgent question, which was - prime minister. lets leave that i urgent question, which was asked prime minister. lets leave that - urgent question, which was asked by the deputy labour leader, angela rayner. answer questions regarding the tax affairs of nadeem zahawi, who is very much in the news today. jeremy quinn is saying the ministerial code is clear that declaration should be made about potential conflicts of interest and is a requirement for those interests to be declared in a timely manner. he went on to say that he doesn't want to pre—empt the investigation that sir laurie magnus is going to

conduct. he is the independent ethics adviser to the prime minister. we will come back to that, no doubt, a little bit later on in the day. let's return to sport and speak to gavin who was in salford. we have some breaking news about the fortunes of frank lampert. yes everton have — fortunes of frank lampert. yes everton have sacked frank fortunes of frank lampert. 193 everton have sacked frank lampard, we can confirm, after the results that have seen them plummet to bottom of the table. southampton are propping the table up, but everton just ahead of them on goal difference. bad news for frank lampard this morning. we think it has been coming for a while, the run of results has been dreadful. 15 points from their last 20 league matches this season. really not good at the moment for everton. fans are very unhappy with the board situation. 0nly ten days ago they fired the owner and he said he backed lampard. lampard took over but the club 16th in the table and

managed to keep them up in the league, but their run of results has been awful. i think it is something like eight losses in their last nine games. lampard has paid the price for that effectively. they have not been good at all this season. it started early on when they sold richarlison. they haven't really replaced him since the start of the season. they have struggled to score goals. frank lampard has paid the price for that. the team have been in a terrible run of form, they were a permanent fixture in the top—flight, for many years, over the last few decades. not many people can remember everton as a second—tier team, can remember everton as a second—tierteam, but can remember everton as a second—tier team, but at the moment they are in the relegation zone. they are only three points off 14th place, so the board making this change to save their season, to bring in a new man, to steer the ship, and turn things around. they feel like they have made this move at the right time, in order to effectively save the season. talk turns to who will take over. talk

has turned to sean dyche, and it looks like he is effectively the favourite. he has been out of a job since leaving burnley, so frank lampard sacked as manager of everton, that is the breaking news. we will update you more as we get it. after years out of the spotlight, the actor, brendan fraser, is now tipped for success at the oscars winning rave reviews, playing a man who's morbidly obese, in the new film �*the whale.�* lizo mzimba has been to meet him.. the point of this course is to learn how to write clearly and persuasively. think about the truth of your argument. charlie is a reclusive lecturer. he's severely obese and desperate to reconnect with his estranged daughter. are you actually trying to parent me right now?

who would want me to be a part of their life? how much responsibility do you feel doing a part like this? a great deal. ifeel i'm going to need to be the voice for those who live the way that charlie does, to depict him with dignity and with respect, in a way that we haven't seen that character played on screen before. i need to know that she's going to have a decent life, where she cares about people... fraser's remarkable transformation the result of heavy prosthetics. the lead character might be an unusual one for hollywood, but the director hopes the story will resonate with us all. i need to know that i have done one thing right with my life! i'm happy that it's out in the world and it has a positive message. it's about bringing... it's about bringing families back together. and so much that's happened over the last few years has brought so many people apart that it's nice to feel that human connection again. she saved him... it's a return to the spotlight

for fraser, who was once one of hollywood's leading stars. she was trying to help... i think the response to this film has certainly opened people's eyes to new ideas and ways to reorient beliefs that they held formerly that are, i guarantee, changed by story's end. did you really feel you were out in the wilderness for the past few years in film terms? you could say that i was, yes. he's already been winning awards for the role. it's exciting, it's rewarding. it's...it's new to me. and i'm keen to see what happens next. what do you hope will happen next? i hope that we'll be having another conversation like this soon. people are amazing. and when the oscar nominations are unveiled tomorrow afternoon, it'll be a huge shock if brendan fraser's name isn't on the list for best actor.

lizo mzimba, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with susan powell. hello. a really pronounced contrast in our temperatures across the uk to start the day today. santon downham in suffolk saw temperatures fall to minus ten degrees celsius through the small hours of monday. coldest night in east anglia in a decade. further north, across the highlands, aggregate plus 11 degrees. further north, across the highlands, plus 11 degrees. that's above average for the daytime temperatures here for this time of year. the cold air to the south has originated from the arctic and is being dragged in underneath a ridge of high pressure. the very mild further north is being fed in on a south—westerly wind and has come from quite a way south in the atlantic. quite a lot of moisture around across the northern half of the uk will mean some low cloud potentially into the early hours of tuesday and some patchy rain for the coasts and across some

of the western facing hills. further south where clear skies continue, we could see minus eight raleigh for example, somewhere in oxfordshire. butjust notice this little area of green here across southern and easternmost counties, there could be some cloud pulling in from the continent through the small hours that save those areas from seeing the sharpest of the frost. but this ridge of high pressure extending across central parts of england and wales means light winds overnight. there's still a lot of moisture around from the recent rain. dense patches of freezing fog could be an issue for parts of the midlands, the welsh marches and east anglia for first thing on tuesday. here's the cloud to the south. it's still going to feel cold here, perhaps not quite as cold as it has done on monday. we should see some sunshine across that central swathe and the fog lifting by the afternoon. if it sticks, though, temperatures will struggle to get above freezing. mildest will always be towards the northwest. double figures across scotland and northern ireland by midweek. change, though, is afoot. we start to see this high to the south weakening and this front coming in from the north. and what that is eventually going to do, is push out

that very cold air from southern most counties. it's a slowjob, though. some southern areas will still struggle with the cold, perhaps, and dense patches of fog around through wednesday. but you can see generally across our map, ourfigures are returning closer to average values for the time of year, despite the fact by wednesday we'll be picking up a northwesterly wind. even with the northerly wind, we're still in relatively mild weather, particularly for southern reaches of the uk as we look to the end of this week.

this is bbc news, i'm martine croxall. the headlines at lipm: are your tax affairs a distraction forthe party, mrzahawi? - the prime minister's independent ethics adviser is to look into the tax affairs of conservative party chairman, nadhim zahawi. it's after it was revealed he paid a penalty for unpaid tax when he was chancellor. integrity and accountability is really important to me. and clearly, in this case, there are questions that need answering, and that's why i've asked the independent adviser to get to the bottom of everything. the process of appointing bbc chairman, richard sharp, is to be reviewed. the commissioner of public appointments announced the move, after claims mr sharp was involved in securing a loan of up to £800,000 for the then—prime minister borisjohnson. more than 20,000 nhs ambulance workers are taking part in another strike over pay, manning picket lines across much of england and wales.

former employees of the welsh rugby union have accused the organisation of having a "toxic" culture of sexism. everton have sacked manager frank lampard after less than a year in charge. their defeat at west ham on saturday was everton's ninth loss in 12 league games. 0nze, douze, treize. .. and meet li—year—old teddy. he can count to 100 in seven languages and has been reading since he was two. he's now britain's youngest member of high—iq society mensa. good afternoon, welcome to the bbc news channel. the prime minister has asked his independent ethics adviser to examine how

the conservative party chairman and former chancellor, nadhim zahawi, settled a multi—million pound tax dispute. rishi sunak says there are questions that needed answers. mr zahawi says his error was careless but not deliberate, and his advisers say he doesn't intend to resign. labour however warns he needs to "come clean" and they're calling his position "untenable". here's our political correspondent, lone wells. will you resign as party chair, mrzahawi? - few words, big questions about one huge tax bill. nadhim zahawi is confident he acted properly and says he looks forward to answering any questions about his tax affairs. this man, sir laurie magnus, will now be asking them, the government's independent ethics adviser. integrity and accountability is really important to me. and clearly in this case, there are questions that need answering, and that's why i've asked our independent adviser to get to the bottom of everything, to investigate the matter fully and establish all the facts and provide advice to me on nadhim zahawi's compliance with the ministerial code. i'm pleased that nadhim zahawi has

agreed with that approach and has agreed to fully cooperate with that investigation. the prime minister appointed nadhim zahawi to be chairman of the conservative party in the autumn. in the summer, he had to pay a tax bill of about £5 million to hmrc, which included a penalty. this was when he was chancellor, the man responsible for all our taxes. is hmrc still after you, sir? are you up to date? - the dispute was over shares in the polling company yougov, which he set up before he became an mp. his father took founding shares in it. in a statement on saturday, he said hmrc had disagreed about the allocation of these shares, that he had agreed to settle the matter and pay what they said was due, and they had said it was a careless and not deliberate error. but labour say the real error now is the prime minister's judgment. the prime minister knows that his position as chair of the party is untenable.

the prime minister promised us integrity and accountability. he needs to show some leadership and sack him. and if he doesn't, then that, in my view, is a strong failure of leadership. and that pressure is not going away for the prime minister and his chairman. there are still big questions swirling about when exactly nadhim zahawi first knew that hmrc had concerns about his taxes and what the prime minister knew when he appointed him chairman. rishi sunak says he was first aware of nadhim zahawi's tax penalty this weekend. these questions are a cloud hanging over them both, turning the focus away from the business of governing. lone wells, bbc news, westminster. in ther past hour, the commissioner for public appointments william shawcross said he would review the competition which led to richard sharp's appointment as bbc chairman. he made the announcement in response to a request from shadow culture secretary lucy powell. earlier today, richard sharp, issued a statement denying claims

that shortly before being given the role, he helped the then—prime minister, borisjohnson, secure a loan guarantee agreement. let's get more on both these stories with our political correspondent david wallace lockhart who joins me from westminster. david, we heard an urgent question not so long ago in the house of commons from the deputy leader of the labour party, angela rayner, that this matter.— that this matter. yes, that is actually ongoing _ that this matter. yes, that is actually ongoing now - that this matter. yes, that is actually ongoing now in - that this matter. yes, that is actually ongoing now in the i that this matter. yes, that is - actually ongoing now in the house of commons. angela rayner, the deputy leader of the labour party asking the government why exactly they think there needs to be an inquiry into nadhim zahawi and his tax affairs, saying that they think the situation is clear—cut and he should be stepping down. of course, mr zahawi says he is confident he has acted properly throughout, hesatisfied he will have indicated when the adviser looks into all of this. jeremy quinn, the government

minister who was put up to respond to this urgent question urging mps to this urgent question urging mp5 from across the house to wait and see what comes out of that investigation before anyone jumps to any conclusions, before anyone says what should happen next, but labour mps appear to have made up their mind on this issue, and we heard earlierfrom the labour mind on this issue, and we heard earlier from the labour mp chris bryant, who is also the chair of parliament's privileges committee, pa rliament�*s privileges committee, they parliament's privileges committee, they have a role sometimes and overseeing exactly what mps have donein overseeing exactly what mps have done in terms of behaviour. here's what he had to say about nadhim zahawi. i think most people in this country will be going, when — this all over again? prime minister getting another fine. you know, ministers being accused of being dodgy with their finances. another minister being accused of bullying investigations here, there and everywhere. of course, there should have been an investigation,

but to be honest, i rather agree. i think it's going to be pretty untenable for nadhim zahawi to stay imposed. while the prime minister rishi sunak, peers only found out about nadhim zahawi paying a penalty over his previous taxes at the weekend, that comes after defending him at prime minister's questions last wednesday. he wants to go through a proper process. he does concede that there is some unanswered questions here, but he thinks that is exactly why he has this adviser, independent adviser, of a ministerial interest to look into issues like this when they arise. therefore, he wants laurie magnus, the individual holds that to look into 19 zahawi's airfares. here's what he said earlier today. integrity— here's what he said earlier today. integrity and accountability are clearly — integrity and accountability are clearly important to me and in this case there — clearly important to me and in this case there are questions that need answering — case there are questions that need answering. that is why i've asked independent adviser to get any bottom — independent adviser to get any bottom of everything, to investigate the matter fully, and establish all the matter fully, and establish all the facts — the matter fully, and establish all the facts and provide advice to me on a nadhim zahawi's compliance with

the ministerial code. i'm pleased that nadhim zahawi has agreed with that nadhim zahawi has agreed with that approach and has agreed to fully cooperate that investigation. of fully cooperate that investigation. of course, — fully cooperate that investigation. of course, nadhim zahawi is not the of course, nadhim zahawi is not the only chairman under a bit of pressure at the moment. the chairman of the bbc, richard sharpe, facing some questions about exactly what role he had in introducing boris johnson when he was prime minister to an individual distantly related to an individual distantly related to borisjohnson who offered him an £800,000 loan facility. that is what has been reported there. mr sharp saying he did not have any involvement in the prime minister, the then prime minister's finances. he was an adviser in downing street at the time. he was saying he simply connected people. we do know of course that the commissioner of public appointments, william shawcross, is going to look into mr schar�*s appointment. he believes, though, he has not behaved in a properly —— mr sharp's appointment. another question put to the labour

mp chris bryant earlier today who seem to believe the whole process of appointing the government of any colour appointing leachate of the bbc should be questioned. here is what he had to earlier this afternoon.— what he had to earlier this afternoon. �* . , ., afternoon. i've always felt that the chairmanship _ afternoon. i've always felt that the chairmanship of _ afternoon. i've always felt that the chairmanship of the _ afternoon. i've always felt that the chairmanship of the bbc _ afternoon. i've always felt that the chairmanship of the bbc and - afternoon. i've always felt that the l chairmanship of the bbc and director general— chairmanship of the bbc and director general ship of the bbc should be incompletely political neutral hands, — incompletely political neutral hands, it should not be handed out as a bauble — hands, it should not be handed out as a bauble to any political party. i as a bauble to any political party. i hate _ as a bauble to any political party. i hate it _ as a bauble to any political party. i hate it and other countries like spain. _ i hate it and other countries like spain. a — i hate it and other countries like spain, a country i know best elsewhere, where the moment to become _ elsewhere, where the moment to become the government, your point of the new— become the government, your point of the new head of the spanish broadcasting organisation. ijust broadcasting organisation. i just think— broadcasting organisation. ijust think that's wrong. the bbc should be completely independent of politics — be completely independent of politics whatsoever and i have said that historically when it was a labour— that historically when it was a labour government and i would sit there _ labour government and i would sit there when— labour government and i would sit there when it's a conservative government, and i will say it again when _ government, and i will say it again when it— government, and i will say it again when it is— government, and i will say it again when it is a — government, and i will say it again when it is a labour government. gf when it is a labour government. course, there when it is a labour government. of course, there are questions about how exactly you then go about appointing the chair of the bbc. there are other organisations such as the bank of england where the governor is appointed by the

government of the day, but chris bryant clearly of the opinion, and i'm sure he is not alone, that the bbc being an organisation that prides itself on independence and impartiality, its chairman perhaps should not be appointed by the government of the day.- should not be appointed by the government of the day. david, thank ou ve government of the day. david, thank you very much. _ government of the day. david, thank you very much, david _ government of the day. david, thank you very much, david wallace - you very much, david wallace lockhart in westminster. more than 20,000 nhs workers have begun another strike in the ongoing row over pay and conditions. members of the unison, gmb and unite trade unions are on picket lines across much of england and wales. all ambulance employees, including paramedics, call centre and control room staff, notjust emergency crews, are on strike. 0n merseyside, at two liverpool hospital trusts, midwives, porters and cleaners are also taking part. unions argue this year's average pay rise ofjust under 5% isn't enough to stop people leaving the health service. however the uk government says the strike action is "hugely disappointing". 0ur health correspondent, dominic hughes, has more details. the third strike day for ambulance workers from unison, one of three health unions taking

action across much of england and wales today. what do we want? fair pay. when do we want it? now _ 0n the picket line in leeds is lyndsay. with eight years of experience, she says this strike is as much about the future of the health service as it is about pay. i've waited in corridors for six hours with patients needing urgent medical attention. it's demoralising, it's bad for the patient, it's not what patients should be doing. when they need a hospital they should be in it. it's not fair to them. the government need to have a realistic view of what we do. they need to put their feet in our shoes and see what we do and see what our patients go through. unions are calling for a 10.5% pay rise. the governments in england and wales have given nhs staff an average increase in pay of 4.75%, as recommended by the independent nhs pay review body. that's currently half the rate of inflation. as with previous days of industrial action, the most serious and life—threatening calls will be answered.

in fact, we've already seen a couple of ambulances leaving this station here in leeds this morning, but there is no doubt this will also cause some disruption to the health service. ministers described today's industrial action as "hugely disappointing," and say talks about what is fair and affordable are continuing. but the head of health at unison, a key player closely involved in those talks with the government, says ministers could end the strikes tomorrow. this is not efficient, you know? if the government is really concerned with efficiencies in the nhs, then the most efficient thing is to call off the strikes by adding extra funding to the nhs, boosting pay and talking to us about how to resolve the workforce emergency. the start times and lengths of today's industrial action will vary between ambulance services, but most will last for about 12 hours. leeds is one area where the army are helping to keep services running. and more strikes are coming. with no movement on pay and neither side showing signs of compromise,

at the moment it's hard to see how this dispute ends. dominic hughes, bbc news, leeds. earlier our correspondent mark hutchings was at one picket line in cardiff and sent us this update. there is a slight change of approach by the management for today's 2a hour stoppage. they say it is because of the nature of some of those calls affected by it. more than 1000 members of the unite union are taking action, just over halfway through that action now. they stressed they are responding to the most serious calls. as for the rest, the welsh ambulance service have, to some extent, to help drafted in 20 military personnel, four based here, acting largely as ambulance drivers going out with clinical managers. they say that they have learnt the lessons from this already awkward relationship there was with ambulance staff during the pandemic

and it is much better. the row here is between the unions and the welsh labour government. the government are often, they say, a top up payment, i won a top up payment on top of the pay rise, but the unions say to simply not enough for them. we are also hearing today that nhs physiotherapists are planning industrial action on february seven, so it seems there is a long way we are to avoid days of action similar to this one. mccutcheon is reporting from cardiff. taste to this one. mccutcheon is reporting from cardiff-— from cardiff. we will be talking to dr galloway. _ from cardiff. we will be talking to dr galloway. a — from cardiff. we will be talking to dr galloway, a consultant - from cardiff. we will be talking to dr galloway, a consultant in - from cardiff. we will be talking to dr galloway, a consultant in the l dr galloway, a consultant in the next half an hour. for an update on today's strike action and how it might affect you, just visit the bbc news website, at bbc.co.uk/news nhs midwives are going on strike in wales on february 7th. the royal college of midwives said the industrial action by midwives and maternity support workers would take place between 8am to lipm. however the union said the safety of women would be the prime

concern during the strike, and some units would continue working to ensure care for women in labour or needing emergency care. the prime minister has announced £150 million of investment for people experiencing mental health crises to receive care and support in more appropriate settings outside of a&e. he says the money will allow for the procurement of up to 100 new mental health ambulances. these are planned to take specialist staff directly to patients to deliver support to where they are. the headlines on bbc news... the prime minister's independent ethics adviser is to look into the tax affairs of conservative party chairman, nadhim zahawi. it's after it was revealed he paid a penalty for unpaid tax when he was chancellor. the process of hiring bbc chairman richard sharp is to be reviewed by the commissioner of public appointments, after claims mr sharp was involved in securing a loan for the then—prime minister borisjohnson. more than 20,000 nhs ambulance workers are manning picket lines across much of england

and wales in another another strike over pay. the suspect in a mass shooting at a dance venue near los angeles on satrurday, when ten people died has been found dead by police. the 72—year—old is believed to have shot himself inside a van that officers had surrounded. 0ur correspondent, david willis, has the very latest. officers called to a suburb in eastern la described a scene of carnage. a ballroom dancing venue for elderly members of the local asian american community on the eve of the lunar new year. the suspect has been named as 72—year—old huu can tran. police believe he was planning a similar attack at a dance studio in the neighbouring city of alhambra before bystanders overpowered him and wrestled a firearm from his grasp. acting on reports of a white van that he was thought to be driving, officers pulling up behind the vehicle heard a single gunshot ring out.

they found the suspect slumped across the steering wheel, dead from a self—inflicted gunshot wound. detectives also recovered a handgun and other evidence linking him to the massacre. gun violence needs to stop, there's too much of it. we're all standing here tonight because an individual took a weapon and did the damage that we've talked about. the chinese community here is hurting and in pain. i feel this sense of great loss - about the home that i always had, it'sjust gone, i'll never be able to feel safe here again. - president biden called the attack senseless and ordered a lowering of flags on federal buildings in memory of those who died. last year, in the wake of a school massacre in texas, he signed into law the first major gun safety legislation this country had seen in nearly 30 years, but at the time he said it wasn't enough.

the massacre in monterey park is the fifth mass shooting in the united states this year. david willis, bbc news, los angeles. some breaking news is that we brought you, should i say, a short time ago. everton have sacked manager frank lampard after less than a year in charge. everton are now looking for their sixth permanent manager in a five years. joining us now is sportsjournalist for the sun kro evans. some people may have expected this to happen sooner. 1 may have expected this to happen sooner. ~' :, may have expected this to happen sooner. ~ . , .. , sooner. i think that is the case, everton have — sooner. i think that is the case, everton have been _ sooner. i think that is the case, everton have been struggling i sooner. i think that is the case, | everton have been struggling for well now, their firm everton have been struggling for well now, theirfirm has been really shaky and they are in a serious relegation battle. the club like everton have not been relegated since the 19305, it is too much of a risk a big financial risk as well. they lost last week against southampton at home, quite damaging and the loss against southampton ——

west ham on saturday proved too much for lampard. west ham on saturday proved too much for lamard. ~ west ham on saturday proved too much for lampard-— for lampard. where has he gone wron: ? for lampard. where has he gone wrong? he _ for lampard. where has he gone wrong? he was— for lampard. where has he gone wrong? he was a _ for lampard. where has he gone wrong? he was a fine _ for lampard. where has he gone wrong? he was a fine footballerl wrong? he was a fine footballer himself, wasn't he quest market doesn't necessarily mean you will make a great manager. it doesn't necessarily mean you will make a great manager. it doesn't. that has a — make a great manager. it doesn't. that has a team _ make a great manager. it doesn't. that has a team we _ make a great manager. it doesn't. that has a team we often - make a great manager. it doesn't. that has a team we often see. - make a great manager. it doesn't. i that has a team we often see. steven gerrard also sacked earlier this season. with lampard, just think many fans of everton are actually defending, they say the problems run deeper, and many of the last few managers at goodison park have struggled to push the club forward. there has been so much irresponsible spending at the club that has also hampered attempts to bring them up the table. the main problem this season for everton and lampard has been a lack of goals, fire power. they sold their top goal—scorer richarlison to spurs in the summer, didn't really replace him effectively and at the results have kind of shown what you would expect to happen. 50 kind of shown what you would expect to ha en. ., kind of shown what you would expect to ha -en. ., , kind of shown what you would expect to ha en. . , ., kind of shown what you would expect to ha en. ., , :, ., kind of shown what you would expect to hauen. :, , :, :, :, to happen. so a bit of a revolving door when _ to happen. so a bit of a revolving door when it _ to happen. so a bit of a revolving door when it comes _ to happen. so a bit of a revolving door when it comes to _ to happen. so a bit of a revolving door when it comes to managers | to happen. so a bit of a revolving l door when it comes to managers at everton. so many have come and gone in a short period of time. who is available, who might want to take thejob on? i available, who might want to take the job on?— available, who might want to take

the 'ob on? ~ ., :, ., the 'ob on? i think the favourite at the job on? i think the favourite at the moment— the job on? i think the favourite at the moment is _ the job on? i think the favourite at the moment is the _ the job on? i think the favourite at the moment is the former - the job on? i think the favourite at the moment is the former burnley| the moment is the former burnley manager, a real expert at keeping clubs in the division. he is the type of man who would come in, sort things out at the back, potentially going forward as well for everton. sean dyche linked to the job. also marcelo bielsa, the former leeds manager, linked to the job. marcelo bielsa, the former leeds manager, linked to thejob. it marcelo bielsa, the former leeds manager, linked to the job. it will be a very difficultjob, everton have tried every type of manager over the last few years. experienced, young, foreign, english, to billyjust hasn't worked. whoever does take the job next, it almost appears like a bit of a poison chalice, really. have the time to turnit chalice, really. have the time to turn it around before the end of the season? yes, the interesting thing about the world cup break means we are quite used to football season being a bit ahead of where it normally is. we are only about at the halfway stage at the moment, so there is still enough time to come in, turn the results around can i

get the team scoring. any manager who does come in, there is more than enough time but the problem is that the premier league isjust so competitive at the bottom of the table this is season. no side looking guaranteed to go down, every side has decent teams and goal—scorers, fighting for points, so it will be a massive task for any manager to try to control the ship at everton, it's going to be difficult. , , , difficult. keeps it interesting. kiro evans — difficult. keeps it interesting. kiro evans from _ difficult. keeps it interesting. kiro evans from the - difficult. keeps it interesting. kiro evans from the sun, - difficult. keeps it interesting. i kiro evans from the sun, thank difficult. keeps it interesting. - kiro evans from the sun, thank you for talking to us.— a bbc investigation has uncovered how organised crime is moving into the world of extreme dog breeding. french and english bulldogs and the new american bully are being bred with exaggerated characteristics, including muscular frames, and they're selling for vast sums of money on social media. sam poling reports. hello, hi, i'm sam from the bbc. i'm here for vanessa. this rescue centre in wales is at the sharp end of the dog trade. it cares for abandoned or abused dogs. dogs like keanu.

he's an american bully — a popular bulldog crossbreed. oh, my goodness. he's a victim of extreme breeding, where dogs are deliberately bred to create exaggerated features. it's as though his legs are on back to front. this is torture. now, you know what these dogs are going to look like, but you're still breeding them, trying to get more and more exaggerated features. this is karl and victoria shellard. they run the english bulldog breeding business posherbulls. they were convicted of multiple animal welfare offences last year, and were fined £19,000 each for their unlicensed operation. despite the prosecution, i suspect karl shellard is still profiting from bulldogs, so i pay him a visit. he says he's still in business. if you look at all my dogs, they all look slightly different. well, they do, but... they have different characteristics. but they're so distinctive, and that's because i think you said on the phone it's the overdone —

is it overdone? yeah, they like the overdone look. i personally prefer them a little bit tighter in the body, and not as much loose skin. so why breed them this way? but this is what people like... really? — ..and desire. the shellards didn't respond when contacted by the bbc. the trade in bulldogs with extreme features isn'tjust dangerous for the dogs — last year was the deadliest for fatal dog attacks, with bulldog breeds responsible for seven of the ten deaths. this is beast. he's an american xl bully. although american bullies aren't banned, historically they've been crossbred with pit bulls — and they've been banned in the uk since 1991. in november 2021, beast killed ten—year—old jack lis. they kept saying they're working on him, they're working on him. and then...

..the paramedic walked away... ..and came back with a blanket. and i knew. the dog's owner, brandon hayden, was jailed for four and a half years after admitting owning or being in charge of a dangerously out—of—control dog, and was banned from ever having a dog again. every time i shut my eyes... ..and i try and tell myself that's not the last image that i've got of him... ..i try and tell myself it was when he shut the door with his skateboard in his hands, but... ..that�*s not true. sam poling, bbc news. panorama's dogs, dealers and organised crime is on the bbc iplayer now,

and on bbc one tonight, at 8pm. there've been huge power cuts across pakistan, following a breakdown in the national grid — leaving cities including karachi, islamabad and lahore without power. the energy minister said electricity would be restored nationwide within the next few hours, saying it was "not a major crisis". back—up generators allowed many crucial services, such as hospitals, to maintain their power supplies. it's the second nationwide power cut in three months in pakistan. our islamabad correspondent caroline davies has the latest. the minister for power in pakistan told localjournalists that the issue had happened around 7:30am orjust after this morning. the issue, he said, was that because there is less energy used at the moment, that overnight a lot of the power systems are turned off. when they were turned back on again this morning, according to him, there were some fluctuating power supplies and that then led to issues in the system. they have since been trying

to reboot the entire system to bring back electricity across the country. millions are thought to have been affected by this power shortage. now many are already set up for power shortages, for example, hospitals. we have also heard that the stock exchange has not been affected, that airports have not been affected, to many large industries. and that will be because they will have their own generating which will flip on if there is a lack of power already provided to them in the system. now, that is not because there is so many frequent power power blockages, power outages across the entire country, but because that it's quite common to have what's known as load shedding, which is when areas of the country or areas of a city are given less energy in order to be able to make sure that the whole system continues to stand up, that it doesn't fall over. and that means that a lot of industries, a lot of businesses, a lot of key infrastructures

will have their own alternative energy sources. alternative energy sources, and some houses will also have the same thing, too. however, the longer this goes on, the more that potentially becomes a problem, because a lot of these energy sources only have a certain amount of time. bigger industries, bigger places like hospitals will be able to run for several days, but other places, like smaller private homes, might only have enough for a few hours, so the longer this goes, the more potential disruption there is. we've heard from the power minister that they are expecting the energy to be back across the country by about 10pm this evening. we have also heard reports already of some of the power coming back. there are social media reports of it coming back in places like karachi, here in islamabad, too. we've also heard from the minister that in peshawar and in quetta and in multan, there are also returns of power as well. the bigger question, of course, is about whether this might happen again in the future. the very fact that this happened in the first place was because the pakistani authorities say that they were attempting to try to save power by having some of these systems off. now, that is because the vast majority of energy for pakistan is coming from imported

fossil fuels. now, the cost of those has gone up. the pakistani government currently has reduced foreign reserves, so it has less money to pay for things that are more expensive. it's taking various steps to try to reduce the amount of energy that is being used around the country. only a few days ago, earlier this month, the pakistani government said that they wanted to have shopping centres close early at 8:30 and restaurants closed at about 10pm in an attempt to try to save energy costs, so this is an issue that will continue. and as the weather heats up and gets hotter and more people are using things like air conditioning units, it's possible that there will be more problems later this year. caroline davies in islamabad. now it's time for a look at the weather with susan powell. hello. some very dramatic contrasts in the temperatures across the uk currently. to the south, we have arctic air extending across from the continent under a ridge of high pressure to the northwest, we have very mild atlantic air coming in on a south—westerly wind.

quite a lot of moisture to the north—west of the uk, could be murky across the hills into the small hours of tuesday, could be some patchy rain for the coasts and hills. further south, the winds are light, the skies are clear. there could be some dense patches of freezing fog forming for first thing on tuesday across the midlands, parts of east anglia and the welsh marches. to the very south, however, it looks like there'll be a little bit more cloud pulling in, perhaps as we go into the small hours. but that fog risk could be a significant feature for first thing on tuesday. it should lift as the hours go by with the help of some sunshine. to the far south, though, the cloud is likely to stick around. another chilly day generally across england and wales. mildest for scotland and northern ireland — temperatures again in double figures.

hello this is bbc news with martine croxall. are your tax affairs a distraction for the party, mr zahawi? the prime minister's independent ethics adviser is to look into the tax affairs of conservative party chairman, nadhim zahawi. it's after it was revealed he paid a penalty for unpaid tax when he was chancellor. integrity and accountability is really important to me. and clearly, in this case, there are questions that need answering, and that's why i've asked the independent adviser to get to the bottom of everything. the process of hiring bbc chairman richard sharp is to be

reviewed by the commissioner of public appointments, after claims that mr sharp was involved in securing a loan for the then—prime minister borisjohnson. more than 20,000 nhs ambulance workers are taking part in another strike over pay, manning picket lines across much of england and wales. former employees of the welsh rugby union have accused the organisation of having a �*toxic�* culture of sexism. everton have sacked manager frank lampard after less than a year in charge. their defeat at west ham on saturday was everton's ninth loss in 12 league games. 0nze, douze, treize. .. and meet the uk's youngest member of mensa. li—year—old teddy taught himself to read when he was just two, and can count to one hundred in seven languages — including mandarin. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon.

some breaking news in the last hour — everton have sacked manager frank lampard after their run of results which sees them second from bottom. lampard has been in charge forjust under a year. the side have lost eight of their last nine games in all competitions. everton were beaten 2—0 at west ham at the weekend. they're now two points from safety, with just 15 points from their 20 league matches this season. lampard helped steer everton to safety last season. it leaves everton looking for their eighth permanent manager since may 2016. some injury headaches for new england head coach steve borthwick. courtney lawes has pulled out of the training squad, ahead of the six nations. the launch of the tournament took place earlier today, with all the head coaches asked about the new rules on tackle height, where players in clubs, schools, colleges and universities must tackle from waist—height down from next season. borthwick agrees safety needs to be addressed. i think right now, i think everybody understands the importance of this matter, and i think everybody wants

to find the best solution. is there an instant fix? is there an instant answer because make no, i don't think so. answer because make no, i don't think 50. is it the right thing to do to be trying to address the issue? yes, absolutely. a few people are going to be publishing further details around this, and i think world rugby is trying to address this. is trying to address this. owen farrell will captain england after his four—week suspension for a dangerous tackle earlier this month was reduced — and he says promoting safety is the team's priority too. all that we can say is the moment is that we are trying to make the game safer. it's trying to be better for everybody, trying to be a better example for everybody that is playing the game, and we are going to work hard to make sure that we are doing that. i want to be part of that. i want to be part of that. ken owens says he is looking forward to the new challenge of captaining wales in the 2023 six nations. the scarlets hooker was named

as captain for the first time in his career by returning head coach warren gatland. i got igota i got a phone call from him. he's had a news number since he was here last, so i wasn't sure who it was. i answered, and soon it is started speaking knew who it was. it's a massive shock, but a huge honour at the same time. it means a lot, and it means a lot to my family and everybody who has supported me, it is a big moment for them as well. everybody who has supported me, it is a big moment for them as well. the quarter—final line—ups are complete at the australian open, and there were no signs of the hamstring problem causing some bother for novak djokovic, who breezed breezed into the last eight. djokovic blew away the australian home favourite alex de minaur in just over two hours on the rod laver arena. djokovic lostjust five games in a comfortable straight sets victory. he'll go level with rafael nadal�*s overall record of 22 grand slams if he wins at melbourne park. it would also be his tenth aussie open title. djokovic paid tribute to his medical team after the win. djokovic will take on russia's andrey rublev

who's seeded fifth. he was involved in something of an epic this morning with denmark's holger rune. it went to a fifth set tie break, before rublevjust edged through. elsewhere, wins for americans ben shelton and tommy paul who will meet each other in the last eight. a shock in the women's side of the draw, the women's fourth seed caroline garcia, beaten by poland's magda linette — a player ranked 45th in the world. it means linette reaches a grand slam quarterfinal for the first time in her career where she'll play karolina pliskova. and fifth seed aryna sabalenka is through to her first australian open quarter—final with a 7—5 6—2 win over belinda bencic. sabalenka is yet to drop a set in melbourne. she'll play unseeded donna vekic in the last eight. and great britain's ellie downie has retired from gymnastics at the age of 23. she anounced it on social media saying that "after really tough last few years i've made the decision to prioritise my mental health and happiness". downie became the first british gymnast to win the all—around title at a major international competition

when she took gold at the european championships in 2017. that's all the sport for now. gloucestershire police are seeing a woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder. by, woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder. : :, woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder. : . , ~:: , ., of murder. a man in his 60s died at it a- ears of murder. a man in his 60s died at it appears he _ of murder. a man in his 60s died at it appears he was — of murder. a man in his 60s died at it appears he was pushed _ of murder. a man in his 60s died at it appears he was pushed from - of murder. a man in his 60s died at it appears he was pushed from his l it appears he was pushed from his mobility scooter following a suspected robbery. the woman arrested on suspicion of murder after a man in his 605 died. that happened in stroud on sunday according to gloucestershire police. let's get more now on the strikes taking place today across england and wales. thousands of ambulance workers have walked out in a dispute over pay. paramedics, control room staff and support workers from three unions are taking part in the latest round of industrial action.

joining me now is dr robert galloway, an emergency medicine joining me now is professor robert galloway, an emergency medicine consultant for brighton and sussex university hospitals nhs trust. thank you forjoining us. what impact is the strike having today where you are? it’s impact is the strike having today where you are?— impact is the strike having today where you are? it's not the impact ofthe where you are? it's not the impact of the strike _ where you are? it's not the impact of the strike which _ where you are? it's not the impact of the strike which is _ where you are? it's not the impact of the strike which is important, i where you are? it's not the impact of the strike which is important, it| of the strike which is important, it is really why they are going on strike. 1 is really why they are going on strike. . :, :, ., ., strike. i will come to that in a minute. _ strike. i will come to that in a minute. i _ strike. i will come to that in a minute. i am _ strike. i will come to that in a minute, i am asking - strike. i will come to that in a minute, i am asking you - strike. i will come to that in a minute, i am asking you what strike. i will come to that in a - minute, i am asking you what the impact is having.— impact is having. nationally the strikes, because _ impact is having. nationally the strikes, because they _ impact is having. nationally the strikes, because they are - impact is having. nationally the strikes, because they are still. strikes, because they are still prioritising emergency calls, its having limited impact on patients. no one in the nhs want to strike at all, they are striking to try to explain to the public and politicians what is happening. a5 politicians what is happening. as with the nurses strike, there is still minimum staffing levels on all the wards, despite the strike. the question is why they are striking, and it is because of problems within the nhs. the nhs problems are not

because of the strikes, they are striking because of problems in the nhs. it striking because of problems in the nhs. , ., .._ nhs. it might seem contradictory, if ou are nhs. it might seem contradictory, if you are concerned _ nhs. it might seem contradictory, if you are concerned about _ nhs. it might seem contradictory, if you are concerned about patient - you are concerned about patient care, patient safety, you then remove services, which actually puts patients further down the track to getting care. i realise that emergency services still happen, but even so, it is going to have an impact on patient care. i even so, it is going to have an impact on patient care.- even so, it is going to have an impact on patient care. i am not a spokesperson _ impact on patient care. i am not a spokesperson for _ impact on patient care. i am not a spokesperson for the _ impact on patient care. i am not a spokesperson for the ambulance l spokesperson for the ambulance service or the nurses,... i spokesperson for the ambulance service or the nurses,... i realise that, but — service or the nurses,... i realise that, but all— service or the nurses,... i realise that, but all strikes, _ service or the nurses,... i realise that, but all strikes, wherever. service or the nurses,... i realise i that, but all strikes, wherever they may be, are going to have the impact that people who would get care, are not going to get it that day. it is pushing people's care further down the road, when they have already been waiting a long time. this the road, when they have already been waiting a long time.- been waiting a long time. this is the question _ been waiting a long time. this is the question you _ been waiting a long time. this is the question you need _ been waiting a long time. this is the question you need to - been waiting a long time. this is the question you need to ask - been waiting a long time. this is the question you need to ask to| been waiting a long time. this is i the question you need to ask to the government. the strikes are avoidable if the government came to avoidable if the government came to a sensible solution. the question is, are we able to find a service in two or three years�* time, if we

don�*t have any negotiation with the unions. the numbers of nhs staff leaving is astronomical. the service in the future is at risk, just as much as now. the question you are asking me, is one to ask the government. it seems to me that they deliberately don�*t want a resolution. the question is, why don�*t they want a resolution? the people who use the nhs, we�*ll want a resolution, but they are not negotiating and that is the problem. the government is saying it has negotiated but is not prepared to move on this year�*s pay award, prepared to get back round the table discuss the next pay award. everyone is prepared to talk, but not about the same things? if is prepared to talk, but not about the same things?— is prepared to talk, but not about the same things? if you are having a disute the same things? if you are having a dispute about _ the same things? if you are having a dispute about salaries, _ the same things? if you are having a dispute about salaries, you - the same things? if you are having a dispute about salaries, you need i the same things? if you are having a dispute about salaries, you need to| dispute about salaries, you need to talk about what people are getting paid. the ambulance service, and the nurses, and thejunior paid. the ambulance service, and the nurses, and the junior doctors, paid. the ambulance service, and the nurses, and thejunior doctors, have had year on year, pay cuts compared to the rate of inflation. it means that staff are leaving, and by not coming to resolution, you are ending

up coming to resolution, you are ending up costing the nhs more, because staff staff leave, which means there are gaps, which means they are going through agencies which cost a lot more. the government could easily resolve this. it wouldn't cost nearly anywhere near as much as what they say. they spend billions and billions on ppe contracts which were useless, track and trace which wasn't effective, they are wasting billions and that billions could be spent and could still be spent on paying our nhs staff what they deserve, but more importantly, paying them so they don't leave. they are leaving to take otherjobs. there are huge numbers of vacancies which haven't been filled, you are right. thank you for talking to us. several former employees at the welsh rugby union have told the bbc about a "toxic" culture of sexism at the organisation. in one incident, a male employee at the wru allegedly said that he wanted to rape a female colleague.

bbc wales investigates has spoken to two women who have since left the organisation who said that alleged bullying and sexism at the organisation left them feeling suicidal. wyre davies reports. when charlotte wathan, an experienced sports administrator, joined the welsh rugby union in 2018 to take women's rugby to the next level, she was warned by other women to expect occasional sexist comments. but what she says happened to her after she'd been there for about a year went much further. i had an experience of someone referring about me in an office environment in front of other staff, in front of other young female staff as well, that they wanted to rape me. and i remember ijust. ijust left the room and i burst into tears and i felt sick, and i thought, crikey, is this what it's come to? and there was a senior manager who witnessed that. any repercussions at all? no repercussions. charlotte eventually reported the alleged comments as part

of a wider grievance. the wru hired a lawyer to look into her allegations and charlotte gave them a list of potential witnesses to corroborate what she was saying. but we've discovered that a number of them were not contacted. and the man she accused of saying he wanted to rape her in his hotel room wasn't interviewed as part of the grievance inquiry. he still works for the welsh rugby union. the wru said that charlotte's claims were unsubstantiated following a thorough independent investigation. they say they can't comment further because they've since reached a settlement with her. wow. yeah. that's something else. tonia antoniazzi is conflicted. proud of her welsh caps and international career, but the now labour mp says she's been contacted by several women with concerns about sexism and the culture inside the wru. comparable, she says, to what's happened in other sports. this is on a level of gymnastics.

this is on a level of what's happened in cricket. what is happening now, and i know that it's notjust in rugby, is that sporting governing bodies are not being held to account. they mark their own homework. we've spoken separately to two women who said they'd even contemplated suicide because of bullying and sexism they say they experienced at the wru. one went as far as to write a manual for her husband on what to do in the event of her death. the welsh rugby union says it takes any allegations from staff seriously and it will act very swiftly as such behaviour has no place in the union or welsh rugby. charlotte, and others who say they've suffered, hope their coming forward will be a wake—up call for the game. wyre davies, bbc news.

we can go live to llanelli in south wales and speak to liz perkins, a welsh journalist who first broke this story back in march last year. thank you forjoining us. there are some allegations we can't go near because they are legally contentious. how did you first come across this story? it contentious. how did you first come across this story?— across this story? it was a former employee — across this story? it was a former employee who — across this story? it was a former employee who came _ across this story? it was a former employee who came forward - across this story? it was a former employee who came forward to l across this story? it was a former i employee who came forward to me across this story? it was a former - employee who came forward to me with a series of claims. i wanted to go national on this because, basically, she was being called hitler in work. she had people saying that they wanted to rape her in a hotel room all afternoon, and there was also criticisms of the women players as well, saying that they weren't really up to playing rugby, and suggestions that they should be playing netball. it was so disparaging and really shocking when you think it is meant to be a professional outfit, the welsh rugby

union, yet these people were allowed to work there. it seems an absolute scandal. , , , to work there. it seems an absolute scandal. _ , , . ., scandal. rugby is such a huge part of life in wales _ scandal. rugby is such a huge part of life in wales for _ scandal. rugby is such a huge part of life in wales for many _ scandal. rugby is such a huge part of life in wales for many people. l of life in wales for many people. what has the reaction been publicly across the country? i what has the reaction been publicly across the country?— across the country? i think people are really shocked _ across the country? i think people are really shocked that _ across the country? i think people are really shocked that something like this has been allowed to happen in the welsh rugby union. i will say this, that fans in this country are hugely critical of the union, they always keep a very close eye on what they are doing, but they are not happy with what's going on. it is embarrassing, really, we don't need this on our doorstep. i will say this, that it is notjust an issue for welsh rugby, it is also an issue for welsh rugby, it is also an issue for world rugby as well, and the powers that be really need to consider what is going on, because some of these people have left the union in wales and will go on to look forjobs in other unions across the world. i think that really needs

to be considered and something really needs to be done about it. what you hope will happen next? i would like to see more transparency, and accountability within welsh rugby, but i would also like to see world rugby investigating this properly, because you should not have a situation where women do not feel that they can continue to work in this kind of environment. the point is this. these men are not being name. they can happily have a future elsewhere, but these women are picking up the peaches from the abuse they have suffered. what do they do next? i have had many women come in touch with me and they are too scared to be named. they sometimes don't want to go ahead with their stories because of fear of the azores because of this. the welsh rugby union is one of the most powerful unions in terms of rugby and it is something that needs to be done. clearly there are some people who are still working at the welsh

rugby union who should not still be there, and it is high time that the board did something about these people. they cannot continue in their roles if people are expected to take welsh rugby seriously. we appreciate you talking to us. ijust want to return to the statement they gave. they said that proper procedures were followed and the allegations remain unsubstantiated. they couldn't comment further because the case had been settled since the interview with the bbc. it takes any allegations regarding staff behaviour seriously and if any allegations were substantive they would act quickly. it says that behaviour has no place in welsh

rugby. labour are calling for a complete ban. an urgent question was answered in the commons this morning.- in the commons this morning. labour called for a — in the commons this morning. labour called for a ban _ in the commons this morning. labour called for a ban on _ in the commons this morning. labour called for a ban on the _ in the commons this morning. labour called for a ban on the forced - called for a ban on the forced installation of prepayment meters, installation of prepayment meters, in order to ensure that government companies and the regulator reformed a broken system. let's be clear, this is a broken system. no proper criteria for forced installation, this is a broken system. no proper criteria forforced installation, no clear definition of the vulnerable, no proper parity about the credit that should be offered to people in

ppm, no proper rules on debt repayment, and people on prepayment meters, the most vulnerable in our society, paying the most for our energy, a prepayment penalty. will the minister answer three questions? isn't the best thing he can do to prevent hardship this winter, to impose a temporary ban on the installation of the forced installation of the forced installation of the forced installation of prepayment meters, thatis installation of prepayment meters, that is the way to protect thousands more falling into misery. second, does he agree that, particularly in this cost of living crisis, it is quite wrong that people on prepayment meters are paying more for their energy, and willie take action to end the penalty? third, will he pledge to look at the situation in other countries, where no one can forcibly be cut off, as we do with water in the uk, with a minimum amounts of supply to households. energy companies are forcing their way into people's homes, with millions disconnected. expressing regret and writing

letters is not enough, only a ban will do. ~ ., ., ., , letters is not enough, only a ban willdo. ~ ., ., ., , , ., will do. we have already seen a resoonse. _ will do. we have already seen a resoonse. l— will do. we have already seen a response, i think _ will do. we have already seen a response, i think from - will do. we have already seen a. response, i think from suppliers, will do. we have already seen a - response, i think from suppliers, to the calls_ response, i think from suppliers, to the calls from the government. to look _ the calls from the government. to look we — the calls from the government. to look... we believe that the government calls, and indeed engagement with supplies, alongside that of— engagement with supplies, alongside that of ofgem, is the right approach. of course suppliers must exhaust. _ approach. of course suppliers must exhaust. as— approach. of course suppliers must exhaust, as they are required to do, all other— exhaust, as they are required to do, all other alternatives before forcing _ all other alternatives before forcing the installation of a prepayment meter. it is worth remembering, what we don't want to have, _ remembering, what we don't want to have, is_ remembering, what we don't want to have, is a _ remembering, what we don't want to have, is a system, as i understand we too _ have, is a system, as i understand we too once — have, is a system, as i understand we too once were in opposition, the desire _ we too once were in opposition, the desire to _ we too once were in opposition, the desire to come up with seemingly superficial— desire to come up with seemingly superficial popular policies, what we don't — superficial popular policies, what we don't want to do, is create a system — we don't want to do, is create a system where, in fact, more people are forced _ system where, in fact, more people are forced into debt, more people end up—

are forced into debt, more people end up with bailiffs and are drawn into the _ end up with bailiffs and are drawn into the court system. that is exactly — into the court system. that is exactly what we wish to avoid, and for many— exactly what we wish to avoid, and for many consumers, prepayment meters— for many consumers, prepayment meters are — for many consumers, prepayment meters are in fact a useful tool to allow— meters are in fact a useful tool to allow them — meters are in fact a useful tool to allow them to manage their credit and make — allow them to manage their credit and make sure that they don't get drawn— and make sure that they don't get drawn into — and make sure that they don't get drawn into the court system in that way _ drawn into the court system in that wa , , ., ., drawn into the court system in that wa. ., ,, ., drawn into the court system in that way. graham stuart, minister for climate and _ way. graham stuart, minister for climate and energy _ way. graham stuart, minister for climate and energy speaking - way. graham stuart, minister for climate and energy speaking in l way. graham stuart, minister for. climate and energy speaking in the house of commons. some breaking news, the mp for north—west leicestershire, andrew bridgen, has apologised for breaching parliament's code of conduct. he said in a statement, i expect the rules and traditions, and i accept the standards committee which heard my appeal. i apologise for breaching the code of conduct. he had the conservative whip removed. he apologised for breaching paragraph 12 of the code, paragraph iii on the declaration of interests, and he apologised for a letter he wrote to

the former parliamentary standards commissioner, katherine stone, which he says he now realises was inappropriate. he said he should have been more alert to the rules. he made no mention of a recent tweet, which was the reason for him losing the conservative whip, in which he compared the side—effects of covid vaccines to the holocaust, thatis of covid vaccines to the holocaust, that is why he lost the whip. he has apologised for breaching parliament's of conduct. let's get more on this from our business correspondent, theo leggett. at the point is to reduce the load on the national grid, so it is not

about reducing energy usage, it is about reducing energy usage, it is about moving it. the about reducing energy usage, it is about moving it.— about moving it. the problem the moment as _ about moving it. the problem the moment as we're _ about moving it. the problem the moment as we're having - about moving it. the problem the moment as we're having a - about moving it. the problem the moment as we're having a spell l about moving it. the problem the | moment as we're having a spell of cold weather, so demand is high. at the same time, normally we get about 26% of our electricity from wind, but there is not much wind at the moment, so that has gone down a bit. there is heavy demand for electricity from continental europe, again from the cold weather, which means we can't rely on interconnect as to the european grid. there comes as to the european grid. there comes a point when the grid might come under a bit more strain than usual. national grid's electricity services operator has two tools which it can use for dealing with this, or two new tools. one of them is starting up new tools. one of them is starting up coal—fired power stations, which are on standby. last night three of those were told to warm up and get ready. they were later stood down. the other is this new system of acts of the man asking for flexibility. national grid will pay suppliers to reduce demand, and though supplies will, in turn, go to their customers

and say, if you use your washing machine late at night, if you do your cooking a bit later, outside of this peak time, to reduce strain on the network, then we will give you a discount. that is what is happening today, and it is going to happen again tomorrow from liz30pm to 6:30pm. i again tomorrow from 4:30pm to 6:30m. ~' ., , again tomorrow from 4:30pm to 6:30m. ~ ., , ., 6:30pm. i know they have tried it, but are we — 6:30pm. i know they have tried it, but are we likely _ 6:30pm. i know they have tried it, but are we likely to _ 6:30pm. i know they have tried it, but are we likely to see _ 6:30pm. i know they have tried it, but are we likely to see it - but are we likely to see it happening more often? you'll make it as a new tool which is available, because more people i using smart meters. in order to do this, you have to have your energy consumption monitored, and monitored closely, so the energy suppliers know when you're using most of your electricity, and know when you're making the reductions. it is a pretty effective tool. the response to trials, according to the... has been positive. people want to get involved. it is operating in anger for the first time today. it will be used again tomorrow. it is a reasonably pain—free way of reducing the load on the system at its most

vulnerable. a toddler has become britain's youngest member of mensa, the world renowned society, for those with high-iqs. teddy hobbs, who became a member at the age of 3, can count from one to a hundred in seven different languages. his mum, beth, says it's come as a surprise, to everyone. during lockdown, obviously, he watched a bit more telly than he normally would, but he was asking to watch alphablocks and numberblocks instead. we were asking the questions, do you want to watch teletubbies instead, you want to watch more generic children's programmes. he was adamant that he wanted to watch the educational ones. now it's time for a look

at the weather with susan powell hello. a really pronounced contrast in our temperatures across the uk to start the day today. santon downham in suffolk saw temperatures fall to —10 degrees celsius through the small hours of monday, coldest night in east anglia in a decade. further north, across the highlands, achnagart, 11 degrees. that's above average for the daytime temperatures here for this time of year. the cold air to the south has originated from the arctic and is being dragged in underneath a ridge of high pressure. the very mild air further north is being fed in on a south—westerly wind and has come from quite a way south in the atlantic. quite a lot of moisture around across the northern half of the uk will mean some low cloud potentially into the early hours of tuesday and some patchy rain for the coasts and across some of the western—facing hills. further south, where clear skies continue, we could see —8, rurally, for example, somewhere in oxfordshire. butjust notice this little area of green here across southern and easternmost counties.

there could be some cloud pulling in from the continent through the small hours that save those areas from seeing the sharpest of the frost. but this ridge of high pressure extending across central parts of england and wales means light winds overnight. there's still a lot of moisture around from the recent rain. dense patches of freezing fog could be an issue for parts of the midlands, the welsh marches and east anglia for first thing on tuesday. here's the cloud to the south. it's still going to feel cold here, perhaps not quite as cold as it has done on monday. we should see some sunshine across that central swathe and the fog lifting by the afternoon. if it sticks, though, temperatures will struggle to get above freezing. mildest will always be towards the northwest. double figures across scotland and northern ireland. by midweek change, though, is afoot. we start to see this high to the south weakening and this front coming in from the north. and what that is eventually going to do, is push out that very cold air from southern—most counties. it's a slowjob, though. some southern areas will still struggle with the cold, perhaps, some dense patches of fog

around through wednesday. but you can see generally across our map, ourfigures are returning closer to average values for the time of year, despite the fact by wednesday we'll be picking up a northwesterly wind. even with the northerly wind, we're still in relatively mild weather, particularly for southern reaches of the uk, as we look to the end of this week.

this is bbc news. the headlines. distraction for the party mr nadhim zahawi _ the process of hiring bbc chairman richard sharp is to be coming after reports of unpaid tax while he was chancellor.— while he was chancellor. integrity and accountability _ while he was chancellor. integrity and accountability is _ while he was chancellor. integrity and accountability is important. while he was chancellor. integrity and accountability is important to | and accountability is important to be and clearly in this case there are questions that need answering and that is why i have asked our independent adviser to get to the bottom of everything. the process of hiring bbc chairman richard sharp is to be reviewed by the commissioner of public appointments, following claims that mr sharp was involved in securing a loan for then—prime minister, borisjohnson.