hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... the bbc chairman richard sharpe says he will not stand down. in an interview he said he welcomed the review into his appointment. i am comfortable _ review into his appointment. i am comfortable i _ review into his appointment. i am comfortable i was _ review into his appointment. i —n comfortable i was appointed on merit and aim are comfortable that as a result of my discussion with simon that i avoided a conflict or potential conflict because i was not party to any transaction. calls for conservative chair nadhim zahawi to stand aside or be sacked — after questions over a multi—million pound tax settlement. this year's oscar nominees have been announced. sport now, and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon.

stefanos tsitsipas is through to the semi—finals of the australian open for the fourth time. the third seed maintained his unbeaten record in grand slam quarterfinals claiming a 6—3 7—6 6—4 victory over 21—year—oldjiri lehecka. the czech had defeated britain's cameron norrie to make the last eight but was broken in his first service game and failed to take a set from tsitsipas. he's now made the last eight in a major, six times on the bounce. tsitsipas will play russian karen khachanov in the semi—finals after his american opponent sebastian korda retired from the match through injury. korda was two sets down and trailing 3—love in the third when he threw in the towel. at the end of the second set when i pushed through and ticket, it is extra pressure to the guy especially he has some issues physically and with health. i think at the beginning of the third, when we take

this lead, the attitude changes. i think all those things together, i was quite focused, i knew what i had to do and how to push. it's been a decade since victoria azarenka last won the australian open — and she's continuing her quest to claim a third title at the grand slam. seeded 24th, she's secured her spot in the semifinal in a straight sets win overjessica pegula. the american was the highest seed left in the tournament but couldn't overcome the 33—year—old belarusian who won 6—4 6—1. azarenka will play the wimbledon champion elena rybakina. earlier she swept past jelena ostapenko in straight sets to reach the last four. despite that surprise success at wimbledon, rybakina is still ranked only 25th in the world because ranking points were not awarded at swi9 last year. i had ihada

i had a tough period before wimbledon and the sense i was very tired mentally. i played a lot of tournaments so i was not at my best and i took a break. it was not really an expected win at wimbledon, but here is different because first of all, i already did it once and i got confident that i can do it again. two—time olympic gold medallist mikaela shiffrin is now the most successful woman in world cup skiing history. she claimed her 83rd victory in the giant slalom in kronplatz. the win takes her clear of the record previously held by fellow american lindsey vonn. it leads her just it leads herjust three wins after the legendary swedish skier who has won the most world cup events ever. a blow for new england head coach steve borthwick as saracens stars elliot daly and jamie george have withdrawn from the england squad for the upcoming six nations. daly is out with a hamstring injury

while george is suffering from concussion. the duo have been replaced byjamie blamyre and ollie lawrence and will take part in a twickenham training session later today. they are the latest withdrawals after forward courtney lawes and hooker george mcguigan pulled out of the squad on monday with calf and knee injuries respectively. there's one game in football's league cup tonight — newcastle travel to southampton for the first leg of their semi final. eddie howe's side haven't won a major trophy since 1955 and the manager says they're desperate for the next step. the semifinal itself is not enough. i don't think it is enough for anybody. you go into these games and you say you got into a semifinal means nothing. ultimately you want to get one step further and i know the players the of the same way. my coaching team you're passionate about it, that we want to make the final but we have to navigate these two games. they are going to be very difficult, as i say. he only retired from football a couple of weeks ago an now

gareth bale says he's going to play in a pga tour competition. the former wales, real madrid and tottenham star confirmed he'll be participating in the upcoming at&t pebble beach pro—am. bale willjoin a number of other celebrities at the event in california alongside some of the world's top professionals. the tournament gets under way on february 2nd. that's all the sport for now. thank you very much. a bbc investigation into abuse and neglect at three children's homes and schools in doncaster has found that more than a hundred reports of concern were made before their closure. leaked documents show that children were reported to have been badly mistreated. the regulator ofsted continued to rate the homes as "good" while receiving a0 separate alerts over three years. the regulator's chief inspector has told the bbc she's "deeply sorry", as has the hesley group, which ran the homes. noel titheridge has this report — you may find some of the details in it distressing.

it has been called the worst care scandal since winterbourne view. as well as physical abuse, there was emotional abuse as well. our investigation reveals the scale of abuse reported at children's homes in doncaster. a child was in the kitchen rubbing washing—up liquid all over his arms. i asked him what he was doing. and he said, "i do this so night staff can't grab me, can't hold me." chloe straw worked for over a year at fullerton house, a children's home and special school on the same site. you could see the sadness in his eyes when he was saying this. and it is something that you don't forget, i'll neverforget. chloe says the homes were understaffed and she even filmed a support worker asleep. she says the abuse of some children was openly discussed, but when she reported it to senior staff, nothing happened. so that is why i went to the police. and to get to that point where i thought i would get help and the children would get help, and then to be told, no. you reported this in 2018. how did it feel knowing the homes did not close for three more years?

disgusted because that is a further three years of abuse. south yorkshire police says there was insufficient evidence to progress with the case but it referred the report to the local authority. i've sort of lost all faith really in the care system. nicola's daughter ruby has autism, epilepsy and significant learning difficulties. you think, when they get £250,000 a year towards care, they'd be getting the rolls—royce of care, really. ruby was dragged across the floor at one of the homes in doncaster by a staff member who was then sacked. you can't believe that people in care would treat children like this. you just can't get your head around it. it is appalling. our investigation has interviewed a dozen former hesley staff who blew the whistle. we have also been leaked internal company documents that show both the scale of the abuse, and the failure of authorities to act. safeguarding logs show that children were reported to have been kicked and punched in the stomach, locked in a bathroom overnight, forced to sit in cold baths, and even had vinegar poured on a wound as punishment.

i am so sorry for the children themselves, and for their families. we took our findings to ofsted. children punched and kicked, dragged across the floor, locked inside bathrooms. have you ever heard of abuse on this scale before? this is a truly appalling case. really as shocking as i have ever heard. it is clear this really is dreadful and something that we should all be deeply concerned about. we have learned ofsted received a0 separate warnings, over three years, yet still the homes remained rated good. why didn't you act sooner? well, we acted in response to concerns. we worked slower than we should have been to put the whole picture together and recognise the pattern of abuse emerging. but is that good enough with some of the most acutely vulnerable children in care in the country, many of whom were nonverbal? there is a particularly high risk for these children, and we recognise that, which is why we have both changed our risk assessment to improve our ability to spot patterns early, and also, to train our inspectors.

hesley said it has now closed the homes and was now focused on running its adult placements. it said it could not comment further because the police investigation was not expected to conclude for another year. for families of children, it means a long wait to find out the full truth. noel titheridge, bbc news, doncaster. the prime minister of poland has told germany... the nato secretary general has met germany's new defence minister boris pistorius in berlin, as germany remains under pressure over the supply of tanks to ukraine. after the meeting they said they'd discussed the issue of battle tanks, but a decision still hasn't been made. according to export rules, germany has to give permission for any german—made tanks to be exported, even if they're owned by other countries. poland has now sent an official request, and germany has acknowledged it.

poland's prime minister mateusz morawiecki, spoke to the bbc. she started by asking him if germany had replied to paul and's requested to export the leopard to tanks. we have to export the leopard to tanks. 5 have requested to be approval from germany to send the tanks. we are in the process of also building a coalition of willing countries, countries willing to support ukraine at this juncture in this very critical moment of time. this is a very serious matter because, as we remember, a couple of months ago, the kremlin or dirt conscript processes to start and now the soldiers are being trained —— the kremlin ordered. with the aim to attack ukraine from two or three different directions because the belarusian direction of attack may

not be excluded. this is why an urgent move here is so important and why we talked to our german partners to not procrastinate and not delay, butjust to not procrastinate and not delay, but just to take to not procrastinate and not delay, butjust to take brave decisions and join the coalition of countries who want to send modern tanks to ukraine. ., ., , ., , ukraine. you are saying the germans are delaying — ukraine. you are saying the germans are delaying and _ ukraine. you are saying the germans are delaying and dodging. _ ukraine. you are saying the germans are delaying and dodging. if - ukraine. you are saying the germans are delaying and dodging. if you - ukraine. you are saying the germans are delaying and dodging. if you do l are delaying and dodging. if you do not get the decision that you want, if they do not approve the sending of these tanks, what kind of deadline are you giving them and will you go with a loan? we deadline are you giving them and will you go with a loan?— deadline are you giving them and will you go with a loan? we will do this no matter _ will you go with a loan? we will do this no matter what _ will you go with a loan? we will do this no matter what the _ will you go with a loan? we will do this no matter what the decision i will you go with a loan? we will do this no matter what the decision isj this no matter what the decision is going to be, but we want to go along the procedures that are requested of us. that is why we will be waiting for the next couple of days, one or two weeks, for the official reply. having said that, i am in contact

with prime ministers and presidents of other eu countries and nato countries to help ukraine immediately because ukraine cannot afford to be left alone by the european union. we have to collectively support ukraine because this is a very serious matter. film i this is a very serious matter. am i ri . ht this is a very serious matter. am i riaht in this is a very serious matter. am i right in understanding _ this is a very serious matter. am i right in understanding that you would give germany one to two weeks in order to come back with a decision?— in order to come back with a decision? , ' decision? yes, we will give them 1-2 weeks. i decision? yes, we will give them 1-2 weers- i hope _ decision? yes, we will give them 1-2 weeks. i hope this _ decision? yes, we will give them 1-2 weeks. i hope this reply _ decision? yes, we will give them 1-2 weeks. i hope this reply can - decision? yes, we will give them 1-2 weeks. i hope this reply can come i decision? yes, we will give them 1-2j weeks. i hope this reply can come as quickly as possible. german employed a key role in building up a huge... by a key role in building up a huge... by buying russian gas and trading with russia big time. and now a

special responsibility is on german shoulders and we do expect their contribution. we expect quick decisions, we expect more openness towards ukraine. it is now the offensive by the russian army may be gathering, and we have to counteract it. let's go live to warsaw now and speak to our correspondent adam easton. how inclined do you believe poland is to send these tanks, even if it means they do so without germany's permission? i means they do so without germany's permission?— permission? i think if germany were to continue — permission? i think if germany were to continue to _ permission? i think if germany were to continue to refuse _ permission? i think if germany were to continue to refuse or _ permission? i think if germany were to continue to refuse or decided - permission? i think if germany were to continue to refuse or decided to l to continue to refuse or decided to refuse to give their consent to poland to send them, then poland possibly would send tanks by

themselves. but poland is essentially trying to create this coalition of countries, there is about 20 countries in nato, that have these german—made tanks. poland is only offering ia. it wants to send about 100. polish is only offering 1a. it wants to send about 100. polish officials recognise that sending 1a would not make a lot of difference to ukraine's military capability, to defend or go on the defensive against russia. poland really wants to get as many countries involved as possible in this initiative, including germany, which has hundreds of these tanks. it is holding out for a broader coalition of germany to get involved as well. how well supported by the coalition that already exists warsaw feel? there have been a number of countries that said they would like to send their leopard two tanks, finland has mentioned it and it was talked about in the netherlands.

spain, for example. i think if germany gave its ok for this to happen, and a number of countries would get involved in this initiative. one of the tricky points here is about nato unity in the face of russian aggression. this is a fine line that warsaw is trying to tread. on the one hand, it is trying to ramp up the pressure on berlin to get them to agree to this, but on the other hand it does not want to push them into a corner and have to go it alone, because that calls into question how unified is nato in the face of this russian aggression. that has been a key thing, notjust in poland but for the whole of nature. it in poland but for the whole of nature. ., ., , , ., ., nature. it would appear from the interview that _ nature. it would appear from the interview that we _ nature. it would appear from the interview that we just _ nature. it would appear from the interview that we just heard, - nature. it would appear from the | interview that we just heard, that belarus is very much a factor in their thinking.— their thinking. that is right, poland not _ their thinking. that is right, poland not only _ their thinking. that is right, poland not only borders - their thinking. that is right, - poland not only borders ukraine, it borders the race and there is considerable concern here in warsaw that one of the lines of attack,

should a russian offensive occur in the coming weeks and months, might start three belarus which is close to the polish border. there is a considerable amount of anxiety in poland since russia invaded the ukraine last year. it has increased anxiety levels and a couple of polish citizens were killed by a straight missile that was fired from the ukrainian side, trying to knock out russian missiles. that is how close this conflict is to poland and poland has taken in more than1 million ukrainian refugees, so this is something that everyone in poland is something that everyone in poland is keenly aware of stop that is why pollard is doing its utmost to try and create a formidable coalition in nato to give as much military technical ability and equipment, and ultimately push russia out of ukraine. —— poland.

ultimately push russia out of ukraine. -- poland.- ultimately push russia out of ukraine. -- poland. police forces in england and wales are adopting a new strategy for tackling serious and organised crime — that was first developed in warzones. the tactic — called �*clear, hold, build' — aims to draw out gangs from criminal hotspots and ensure they can't return. our home affairs correspondent, daniel sandford, has been finding out more. grinding their way into a shop selling fake designer goods, greater manchester police are in the middle of an intensive drive against organised crime. the fake goods shops in the cheetham hill area have drawn in drug dealing, violence and prostitution. to fight that, police are adopting a new tactic developed against the taliban in afghanistan called clear, hold, build. what is it you're trying to do? make people safe to come here. you know, we see mothers walking their children to school, the primary school at the top of this road, stepping over rubbish, needles, passing anti—social behaviour daily,

running battles in the middle of the street. no longer. we're giving it back to the community. this machete attack in broad daylight was just one example of the recent violence and left the victim with a punctured lung. so do you actually own this whole block here? ali parsaer, who runs a lighting shop, told me he lost 95% of his customers when the violence began in cheetham hill, and he's had to move much of his business online. sometimes you tell yourself, it's not a film, its not a movie, because in the street you see people are fighting each other with a machete, big sword, something. fighting or destroying the cars. so it is not something you used to see here in manchester. he welcomes plans to bulldoze some of the shops being used by the organised crime groups. since we heard there is a plan to completely destroy those buildings, to build a new area, it is good things for us.

honest, we are looking forward to it. so far, what's called operation vulcan has already shut down dozens of shops and with a permanent police presence the drug dealing and violence has started to reduce. clear hold build means clearing out organised crime, holding the area to prevent its return and building a new future working alongside the local council. over the last nine weeks, police have driven criminals out of all these premises — the idea is to take back the area for the community who live here and the hope is that legitimate businesses will eventually return. the home secretary told me she wants all forces in england and wales to adopt the clear hold build tactic against organised crime. the reason why organised crime is so important is it the root cause of so much crime that we see blighting communities. it's the cause of young people taking up drugs,

it's the cause of violent crime. the residents of cheetham hill have seen police crackdowns many times before, and the men on the street corners have always returned. the test for the clear hold build strategy is whether it can make a difference to what has been an unsolvable problem. daniel sandford, bbc news, manchester. heard in that report, it was first developed in merseyside. we are joined by the eco crime reporter jonathan humphreys. how has the scheme played out in liverpool? i believe the main trial area is birkenhead. figs believe the main trial area is birkenhead.— believe the main trial area is birkenhead. a birkenhead. as your correspondent said, the whole _ birkenhead. as your correspondent said, the whole theory _ birkenhead. as your correspondent said, the whole theory behind - birkenhead. as your correspondent said, the whole theory behind it. birkenhead. as your correspondent said, the whole theory behind it is | said, the whole theory behind it is to prevent other organised criminals from simply filling the void and

stepping up when a large gang is taken up by a police operation. birkenhead has seen quite a lot of proactive policing over the last year and a half. unfortunately, there have been high—profile firearms incidents and you will be aware of the murder of ellie edwards on christmas eve. apart high—profile incidents, there have been a number of gun seizures. there were firearms seized any large number of arrests, and it has been trialled in other areas in merseyside. one success story, before it was known as clear hold build, a large organisation was taking a police operation. it was similar to the scene is described in cheetham hill before. there were people scared to walk certain streets, mums would turn a different way mocking their kids to school. ——

mocking. the force regularly is as a success story. the strategy seems to be the right thing. it is more of the medium to long—term prevention approach rather than simply arresting your way out of organised criminal gangs causing harm in an area. it does seem to have some early successes. of course, how it works going for it will rely a lot on funding. merseyside police have had a00 officers are produced from the force of a 2010. whether there is any strain on resources, it will be seen in time. but the home office have released some funding today, whether that is enough, only time will tell. ., ., , , will tell. how does the built element of _ will tell. how does the built element of the _ will tell. how does the built element of the strategy - will tell. how does the built - element of the strategy worked in principle? what does it look like, what would change any community? fine what would change any community? one thin the what would change any community? (he: thing the police what would change any community? 5iez thing the police do use in the build

phase, money is taken off criminals through the proceeds of crime act. if a high—profile drug dealer or gang were arrested and convicted, the courts can take money, illegal assets of these criminals. one thing the police and partners have been doing as part of the bill phase, is putting the money back into communities, build community centres and giving grants to local charities. essentially things like boxing clubs, they are heavily used in merseyside to keep kids out of trouble and off the streets. football clubs, charities that target domestic violence. it is about making a community less tolerant of criminal activity in their midst, it is about educating people in communities about how organised crime groups exploit vulnerable people in vulnerable areas. there are a lot of different

ways, it is quite a varied strategy. one of the key points is making sure that people are aware of how organised crime groups infiltrate communities, prey on people, use deprivation as a way of life which are vulnerable people. haifa deprivation as a way of life which are vulnerable people.— deprivation as a way of life which are vulnerable people. how did they make sure that _ are vulnerable people. how did they make sure that you _ are vulnerable people. how did they make sure that you are _ are vulnerable people. how did they make sure that you are not - are vulnerable people. how did they make sure that you are not pushing | are vulnerable people. how did theyl make sure that you are not pushing a gang into another area or concentrating more gangs into a smaller space? concentrating more gangs into a smallerspace? it is concentrating more gangs into a smaller space?— smaller space? it is a good question- _ smaller space? it is a good question. gangs _ smaller space? it is a good question. gangs work - smaller space? it is a good question. gangs work in i smaller space? it is a good - question. gangs work in different ways, as we know. there is a high level of traffickers, they have been put behind bars. clear hold build is more about street level gangs. it is more about street level gangs. it is more of a medium to long term solution and it is about changing the culture in communities, alongside clear hold build, i know in merseyside and i'm sure other forces, they are working on

prevention as a key part of their strategy of tackling organised crime. you need to work with communities to change the tolerance of crime, the way that kids may be see gang culture as glamorous or people turn to gangs when there is no opportunity of they feel excluded from mainstream education. it is complicated and that is actually a risk, if you just throw a lot of neighbourhood police officers into one area to clear out a gang, that is of his good for that area, but you need to do more than that to change the culture. it is a long—term thing and it is not something that will be a quick fix. you need to make sure people in that community are not willing to put up with criminals and that should prevent young people from being drawn into that type of lifestyle and becoming criminals in the future. ., ~' , ., , and becoming criminals in the future. ., ~ , . ., future. thank you very much for exolaining _ future. thank you very much for exolaining that _ future. thank you very much for explaining that to _ future. thank you very much for explaining that to us. _ now it's time for a look

at the weather with susan powell. hello. yet again, another start to the day with dramatic temperature contrasts across the uk this tuesday. —9 first thing in rural oxfordshire. travel all the way north to the highlands, plus 12 degrees. the big disparity comes because we've got atlantic air to the north of the uk and arctic air to the south. we tend to see things the other way round more typically. in the next few days certainly we are going to return to a more average temperature picture across the uk. we're going to squeeze away this arctic air from the south and we're going to start to introduce some relatively milder airfrom the north. for this evening and overnight, our temperatures will hold up across scotland and northern ireland. plenty of cloud here. a weather front comes into the north—west. there'll be some rain for western scotland and the north of northern ireland by the end of the night. further south, clearer skies, temperatures will plunge again across parts of england and wales. perhaps not so much though for

northern england and north wales. some cloud coming in here. but where we're set to see the lowest temperatures, across the midlands, east anglia and the west country, also the areas where we're likely, i think to see some freezing fog around for first thing on wednesday. through wednesday daytime, this weather front will work its way south across the uk. a cold front, normally with a north—westerly coming in behind it, we'd expect our temperatures to fall, but actually this air has worked its way in originally from the atlantic, so it's relatively milder than this arctic air to the south. what we will see is, as the front comes south, yes, there will be some thicker clouds, there will be some outbreaks of rain, nothing especially heavy, but we'll see milder conditions returning to southern reaches of the uk. it will then start to turn somewhat cooler across scotland and northern ireland, returning to average temperatures here. under high pressure on thursday, a lot of fine weather to come across the uk. a bit of a northerly wind off the north sea into eastern coastal counties, pulling in a bit more cloud here at times, the odd shower, and definitely adding a rawerfeel to proceedings, but, as you can see,

for southern england it is much milder than it has been in recent days. in contrast, the temperatures start to come down for scotland and northern ireland. we're very much going to continue, i think, with similar temperature profiles to those on through into the weekend. we will lose those very harsh frosts. there's a lot of fine weather to come, but some of us mayjust be plagued with some rather stubborn cloud.

this is bbc news. the headlines:

bbc chairman richard sharp says he will not stand down over the borisjohnson loan row. in an interview, mr sharp says he welcomes a review into his appointment. i'm comfortable that i was appointed on merit. and i'm also comfortable that as a result of my discussion with simon case that i avoided a conflict, or a potential conflict, because i wasn't party to any transaction. calls for conservative chair nadhim zahawi to stand aside or be sacked — after questions over a multi—million pound tax settlement. nato's head calls for the swift deployment of more advanced weapons to ukraine, saying the war is at a pivotal moment. a scandal of abuse and neglect at three children's homes in doncaster. the regulator rated the homes as good even though there had been many warnings about ill—treatment and this years oscar nominees have been announced. those up for best picture include: avatar, elvis, and everything everywhere all at once.

the chairman of the bbc says he has no plans to step aside or resign over the borisjohnson loan row and believes he has done nothing wrong. richard sharp is accused of helping to facilitate a loan to the then prime minister, when he was applying to be bbc chairman. his appointment is now under review by the commissioner of public appointments. our media editor, katie razzall, has been speaking to him. the role of chairman of the bbc is appointed by the government and goes through a scrutiny process by the department of the digital culture and sport, but that chairman is under pressure after a report of the weekend suggested during the recruitment process he helped

introduce a business friend who wanted a helper then prime minister borisjohnson with a loan to a senior contacting government, the cabinet secretary. today it is first interview, richard sharp told me he did nothing wrong and there was no conflict of interest to declare. having had a discussion with the cabinet secretary about avoiding conflict, i felt comfortable, and i still feel there was no conflict, because at that stage, what i was seeking to do was ensure the process was followed by the book and that the process hadn't started up any kind in terms of any support some was going to provide. d0 kind in terms of any support some was going to provide.— kind in terms of any support some was going to provide. do you think you missed — was going to provide. do you think you missed their— was going to provide. do you think you missed their dislike _ was going to provide. do you think. you missed their dislike committee? no. ~ , ., ihad you missed their dislike committee? no._ i had clarified, - you missed their dislike committee? no._ | had clarified, both i no. why not? i had clarified, both had the judgment _ no. why not? i had clarified, both had the judgment i _ no. why not? i had clarified, both had the judgment i had _ no. why not? i had clarified, both had the judgment i had avoided . no. why not? i had clarified, both had the judgment i had avoided a| had thejudgment i had avoided a complex or perception of conflict. do you understand when the bbc is making great efforts to be

impartial, to highlight transparency, this looks the opposite? iq? transparency, this looks the opposite?— transparency, this looks the opposite? transparency, this looks the ouosite? ,~ opposite? icy attacks on the bbc all the time from _ opposite? icy attacks on the bbc all the time from the _ opposite? icy attacks on the bbc all the time from the media, _ opposite? icy attacks on the bbc all the time from the media, and - opposite? icy attacks on the bbc all the time from the media, and for. the time from the media, and for example —— i see attacks. they attack on impartiality, and i think the government put in place are extremely strong on impartiality. william shawcross is examining your appointment. shouldn't you step aside? i appointment. shouldn't you step aside? �* appointment. shouldn't you step aside? 5 ., appointment. shouldn't you step aside? �* ., ~ aside? i am confident he will determine _ aside? i am confident he will determine i — aside? i am confident he will determine i was _ aside? i am confident he will determine i was appointed i aside? i am confident he will| determine i was appointed on aside? i am confident he will - determine i was appointed on merit. that is up to him, it was a highly rigorous process, very tough interview, very tough process to be part of. i'm comfortable, and there was an independent committee to the interview, and they were asking challenging questions of me. i am sure the process was fully recorded so it can be seen whether my appointment was done on merit, and i am confident it will be seen as the

case. ., , am confident it will be seen as the case. . , . ., am confident it will be seen as the case. i, , i ., i, ,, i, case. that is what the commissioner of public appointments _ case. that is what the commissioner of public appointments to _ case. that is what the commissioner of public appointments to decide - case. that is what the commissioner of public appointments to decide in | of public appointments to decide in his review. let's talk to our arts and media correspondent, david sillito. what is the basic allegation we are dealing with?— dealing with? there are two sides, how did richard _ dealing with? there are two sides, how did richard sharp _ dealing with? there are two sides, how did richard sharp get - dealing with? there are two sides, how did richard sharp get the - dealing with? there are two sides, how did richard sharp get the job i dealing with? there are two sides, | how did richard sharp get the job in how did richard sharp get thejob in the first place, i did based on the sunday times story it looked as though there was some involvement, £800,000 loan to borisjohnson to help him with his personal finances, that was the central allegation. did he get the job that was the central allegation. did he get thejob because he'd help the prime minister? what richard sharp is saying to date, and he was saying in his e—mail yesterday, that he did have a communication with an old friend who wanted to help out the prime minister because he had seen in the press there were some problems with his finances. that was only a matter of passing on some

information to simon case, the cabinet secretary, and then it was no more after that. at that time, he was applying for thejob at the bbc and he says there is no conflict of interest because all he did was pass on the name onwards. he was not involved in the loan. the second element is that, lots of people raised eyebrows about it, it looks there were many people in the process. you have the appraisal panel and the commons media select committee, which has a role in saying whether richard sharp should be approving him, and none of them knew anything about it. should he have told them, over reported to avoid a perception of conflict of interest? , i, i, interest? there is one other element which has come _ interest? there is one other element which has come to _ interest? there is one other element which has come to light _ interest? there is one other element which has come to light on _

interest? there is one other element which has come to light on a - interest? there is one other element which has come to light on a podcast| which has come to light on a podcast called the... newsagents, a discussion over what the chairman might�*ve had. what attention is not getting? might've had. what attention is not caettin ? , might've had. what attention is not heflin ? , i, , might've had. what attention is not cuettin? , i, , i, i, might've had. what attention is not getting? this goes to the heart of it, what getting? this goes to the heart of it. what does _ getting? this goes to the heart of it, what does the _ getting? this goes to the heart of it, what does the chairman - getting? this goes to the heart of. it, what does the chairman actually do at the bbc? the job of the chairman has almost always been political, there have been political operatives back to the 19205, rather than people knowing about broadcasting. there's been a distance of one form or another. if you want the history, it is complicated and has changed a great deal. the essence was they would essentially mark the homework of the bbc, they were a regulator in the past. at the moment, he is the head of the board that runs the strategy of the board that runs the strategy of the board that runs the strategy of the bbc. if there was a complaint about what we said, it might make it

towards him, but he has no input before a programme goes out, no editorial interest. this is why there were some questions being asked about how much of a role did he have in appointing the head of bbc news. the bbc said, well, because the head of bbc news is on the board, it was legitimate he would be on a panel that will decide whether or not the chief executive would be on the board, but they said it was not on the actual executive panel, if you follow me, that she would get the job of the chief executive of news. it is a fairly sort of, you know, i'm trying to work out... the divide is difficult to understand, but people have been raising the question is, how far does a man who is close to government, as he was talking about having dinner in chequers with boris

johnson, how much say does he have over what happens? what johnson, how much say does he have over what happens?— over what happens? what we need is the graphics — over what happens? what we need is the graphics department _ over what happens? what we need is the graphics department to _ over what happens? what we need is the graphics department to run - over what happens? what we need is the graphics department to run one | the graphics department to run one of those brilliant pictures. thank you very much. in the uk, opposition parties say the conservative party chair, nadhim zahawi, should be sacked now rather than wait for the result of an investigation. the government's ethics advisor is looking into mr zahawi's financial affairs — after it emerged he had to pay a penalty to the taxman while he was chancellor. he says he acted properly. i'm joined now byjonathan portes, a professor of economics at kings college london and former chief economist at the cabinet office between 2008 and 2011. welcome. what is the point in having an investigation if there's a suggestion you'll suck somebody

before we got the outcome? frankly, i don't see before we got the outcome? frankly, i don't see the _ before we got the outcome? frankly, i don't see the point. _ before we got the outcome? frankly, i don't see the point. it _ before we got the outcome? frankly, i don't see the point. it seems - before we got the outcome? frankly, i don't see the point. it seems to - i don't see the point. it seems to be undisputed at this point that this investigation by hmrc and mr zahawi, which she admitted he had got it wrong and paid a very large penalty, took place while he was chancellor of the exchequer and hands directly responsible as a minister for hands directly responsible as a ministerfor hmrc and its operations. and moreover, that he has been at best economical with the truth and on the face of it, directly misleading about that, or whether he was asked about it over the summer. it is undisputed his lawyers threatened various people who made investigations and said things about theirs, despite the fact what those people were saying was correct. given all of that, it

seems to me you do not need an ethics adviser to know this was wholly inappropriate behaviour by a politician, and frankly, it's not just about him, this is not something we should tolerate or expect from our politicians, the people in charge. watch margaret mr zahawi has said it was a deliberate one. if the tax has been paid, tax matters are a private issue. um? matters are a private issue. why does it matter? _ matters are a private issue. why does it matter? it _ matters are a private issue. why does it matter? it has _ matters are a private issue. why does it matter? it has all been resolved. he has paid what he owed to the taxman. he resolved. he has paid what he owed to the taxman.— resolved. he has paid what he owed to the taxman. he has, and as far as hmrc are concerned, _ to the taxman. he has, and as far as hmrc are concerned, aunties - hmrc are concerned, aunties relationship with them, that is the end of the matter, and that is fine. none of it changes that it took place while he was chancellor of the exchequer, in charge of hmrc, and

that he clearly did not tell the full truth, or possibly directly lied about it at the time, and threaten people who made a perfectly reasonable, and it turns out correct, allegations about his conduct with libel lawyers at the time. not that is remotely acceptable behaviour by a politician. the fact he's resolved theissue politician. the fact he's resolved the issue with hmrc is fine, that is good, but it does not mean he has acted appropriately. i cannot imagine that prior to the last few years of this government that under any party this would have even been considered to be anywhere near the boundaries of acceptable. we haven't not the boundaries of acceptable. we haven't got the outcome _ boundaries of acceptable. we haven't got the outcome yet, _ boundaries of acceptable. we haven't got the outcome yet, it _ boundaries of acceptable. we haven't got the outcome yet, it is _ boundaries of acceptable. we haven't got the outcome yet, it is only - got the outcome yet, it is only beginning. rishi sunak has said he wants accountability to be one of

the main planks of his leadership. what would you expect him to be doing either now or after the investigation? i doing either now or after the investigation?— doing either now or after the investiuation? ~ , , i, ~ i, i, , investigation? i think, speak and as a former civil _ investigation? i think, speak and as a former civil servant, _ investigation? i think, speak and as a former civil servant, i _ investigation? i think, speak and as a former civil servant, i just - investigation? i think, speak and as a former civil servant, i just don't . a former civil servant, ijust don't see how politicians in my experience prior to the last years simply did not behave like this. politicians who were caught behaving like this resigned or were sacked immediately. and the fact mr zahawi hasn't resigned reflect badly on him. the fact he hasn't been sacked reflects extremely badly on our prime minister, frankly. he clearly, there's no reason to he behaved inappropriately, as far as we know, but he has taken over a government which is full of this sort of, clearly, where it has become acceptable, and you just reported on the sort of thing that happened

between the bbc chairman and the person he was bbc chairman and the former prime minister. this sort of behaviour was not acceptable in the uk up until a few years ago. rishi sunak claims he would deal with it, he could have shown a signal he was prepared to by sacking mr zahawi, not reflect badly on him. i think this is not a political or ideological matter, it would be nice to restore some of the standards in public like we used to help.- public like we used to help. thank ou ve public like we used to help. thank you very much _ public like we used to help. thank you very much for _ public like we used to help. thank you very much forjoining - public like we used to help. thank you very much forjoining us. - public like we used to help. thank| you very much forjoining us. what do mrs a harley's colleagues say. —— mr zahawi. our political correspondent david wallace lockhartjoins me now from westminster. i would say there's a climber to see nadhim zahawi step down, this

inquiry is taken place. i think that has capped the issue in the long grass for the party, depending what the independent adviser comes back with. any decisions that rishi sunak may have to make at some point about mr zahawi's future won't have to take place until then, and nadhim zahawi is common and he will be vindicated in that process. opposition mps don't think there is a need for any investigation to take place, they think the fact he paid the penalty while he was chancellor means he should no longer be sitting around the cabinet table, and someone who probably agrees with them from the conservative party is caroline noakes, a senior backbencher. she was talking about this issue and said at least while mr zahawi is being investigated, he

should not be in his role of chairman of the party. this is what she said. i chairman of the party. this is what she said. ~ , i, , i, she said. i think he should stand aside until— she said. i think he should stand aside until the _ she said. i think he should stand aside untilthe matter— she said. i think he should stand aside untilthe matter is - she said. i think he should stand aside until the matter is cleared| aside until the matter is cleared up. aside until the matter is cleared uu the — aside until the matter is cleared up. the longer it drags on, the worse — up. the longer it drags on, the worse it— up. the longer it drags on, the worse it is— up. the longer it drags on, the worse it is for him. i hope the investigation is swift, but for his own sake, — investigation is swift, but for his own sake, he should allow space between — own sake, he should allow space between being a given mint minister and this— between being a given mint minister and this investigation. it between being a given mint minister and this investigation.— and this investigation. it does feel that she is a _ and this investigation. it does feel that she is a lone _ and this investigation. it does feel that she is a lone voice _ and this investigation. it does feel that she is a lone voice -- - that she is a lone voice —— government minister. time, most people seem to be saying, should be allowed to run its course and then and only then should any decisions you made over whether he can stay in post. that is that you would end government, the prime minister's spokesperson saying they would like the investigation undertaken quickly but they won't put any timelines on the adviser. until that reporters

back, it is impossible to start speculating about mr zahawi's speculating about mr za hawi's future. speculating about mr zahawi's future. we heard from the government minister, the policing minister, this is what he said. i minister, the policing minister, this is what he said.— this is what he said. i think it is reasonable _ this is what he said. i think it is reasonable that _ this is what he said. i think it is reasonable that the _ this is what he said. i think it is reasonable that the person - this is what he said. i think it is - reasonable that the person concerned is allowed _ reasonable that the person concerned is allowed to continue serving while the investigation continues. we have a principle _ the investigation continues. we have a principle in this country of innocent _ a principle in this country of innocent until proven guilty, that applies— innocent until proven guilty, that applies in— innocent until proven guilty, that applies in a whole range of circumstances. the investigation has been launched by the prime minister, that is— been launched by the prime minister, that is right — been launched by the prime minister, that is rirht. , i, that is right. there will be a decision made _ that is right. there will be a decision made at _ that is right. there will be a decision made at some - that is right. there will be a | decision made at some point that is right. there will be a - decision made at some point from that is right. there will be a _ decision made at some point from the prime minister, and i am sure the big factor in all of that will be what exactly this independent investigation into whether or not the ministerial code has been broken at any point has to say. nadhim zahawi confident he will be vindicated throughout this process, but it isn't a question of rishi

sunak not making a decision, it looks like it is a decision he has managed to slightly kick into the long grass with this investigation taking place. long grass with this investigation taking place-— long grass with this investigation takin: lace. i, ~ taking place. david wallace, thank ou. the prime minister of poland has told the bbc he will give germany one to two weeks to make a decision on whether poland can export their leopard 2 tanks to ukraine. it comes as the nato secretary general met germany's new defence minister, boris pistorius, in berlin — with germany under continued pressure over the supply of more tanks kyiv. after the meeting, the two men said they'd discussed the issue of battle tanks, but a decision on whether to send them still hadn't been made. according to its rules, germany has to give permission for any german—made tanks to be exported, even if they're owned by other countries. poland has now sent an official request, and germany has acknowledged it. poland's prime minister, mateusz morawiecki, spoke to the bbc. he said they won't wait long for

germany to make a decision. urgent move is so important, _ germany to make a decision. urgent move is so important, this _ germany to make a decision. urgent move is so important, this is - germany to make a decision. urgent move is so important, this is why . germany to make a decision. urgentj move is so important, this is why we talk to our german partners not to procrastinate or delay, but to take brave decisions and join the countries who want to send modern tanks to ukraine. we will do this no matter what the decision will be, but we want to go along the procedures which are requested arbours, and this is why we will be waiting for the next couple of days, one or two weeks, for the official reply. having said that, i am in contact with prime ministers and presidents of other eu countries and nato countries to help ukraine immediately, because ukraine cannot afford to be left alone by the european union. the

afford to be left alone by the european union.— afford to be left alone by the european union. the polish prime minister. european union. the polish prime minister- we _ european union. the polish prime minister. we are _ european union. the polish prime minister. we are joined _ european union. the polish prime minister. we are joined now- european union. the polish prime minister. we are joined now by i european union. the polish prime| minister. we are joined now by the german green party mp and member of the german foreign affairs committee. what is your position on whether germany should allow polling to send tanks to kyiv? == whether germany should allow polling to send tanks to kyiv?— my my friend has said we won't block the delivery from the greenside, aduu the delivery from the greenside, adult because our party and other party groups is in favour of delivering the battle tanks. we have always said we will deliver everything necessary for ukraine to win this war and defend itself and its territory. and of course, that also includes battle tanks because

we see they need to free the territory. to we see they need to free the territory-— we see they need to free the territo . i, i, i i, , i, territory. to what extent can you understand _ territory. to what extent can you understand the _ territory. to what extent can you understand the reluctance - territory. to what extent can you understand the reluctance of- territory. to what extent can you l understand the reluctance of some people inside the german government about sending the tanks, the fears of an escalation or widening of the conflict? i, i, i i, , i, conflict? i mean, of course i would also say it— conflict? i mean, of course i would also say it is— conflict? i mean, of course i would also say it is important _ conflict? i mean, of course i would also say it is important to - conflict? i mean, of course i would also say it is important to really i also say it is important to really think every step and to consider everything together with our partners. but i think what we are seeing now is that we have a huge wheel in the european union, also the partners, to deliver better tanks, including the leopard tanks, i think there is no reason we deliver them. there is not a real red line that is logical, that our

chancellor is drawing, sorry think it is necessary to continue the discussions.— it is necessary to continue the discussions. i i, i, , i, , discussions. what would your view be of poland in — discussions. what would your view be of poland in a — discussions. what would your view be of poland in a week _ discussions. what would your view be of poland in a week or— discussions. what would your view be of poland in a week or two _ discussions. what would your view be of poland in a week or two weeks, i of poland in a week or two weeks, they decided to export these tanks without germany's agreement? i think we will have a — without germany's agreement? i think we will have a decision _ without germany's agreement? i think we will have a decision soon. - without germany's agreement? i think we will have a decision soon. we i we will have a decision soon. we have seen our minister of defence boris pistorius said he is going in the direction, he asked them to check which tanks are ready to be sent, and i think that's a good sign. i hope we will get a decision soon because ukraine is kneading the decision right now and is not able to wait any more time. loath? decision right now and is not able to wait any more time.— decision right now and is not able to wait any more time. why do you think the pressure _ to wait any more time. why do you think the pressure is _ to wait any more time. why do you think the pressure is going - to wait any more time. why do you think the pressure is going to i

to wait any more time. why do you | think the pressure is going to come from that would most convince the german government they need to agree to this export —— where? there german government they need to agree to this export -- where?— to this export -- where? there is a lot of pressure _ to this export -- where? there is a lot of pressure by _ to this export -- where? there is a lot of pressure by the _ to this export -- where? there is a lot of pressure by the partners, i lot of pressure by the partners, from the european side, but also from the european side, but also from the european side, but also from the united states. and of course, there is also a need in ukraine because we see soldiers are dying and they need more materials to protect their bodies from the russian artillery. and of course, i think that should be reason enough to send tanks now, but i can promise you we are continuing this debate until we have that decision taken. thank you very much forjoining us from berlin. and talking now about cinema and the oscar awards. everything everywhere all at once leads the race with 11 nominations.

all quiet on the western front and the banshees of inisherin follows with nine nominations, and paul mescal has his first nomination for after son. let's talk to our entertainment correspondent, colin paterson. everything everywhere all at once, jamie lee curtis, a huge name. she has never had _ jamie lee curtis, a huge name. she has never had an _ jamie lee curtis, a huge name. s5i;5: has never had an oscar nomination, this is herfirst, best supporting actress at the age of 6a for playing actress at the age of 6a for playing a tax inspector. not what you would think. michelle yeoh, herfirst oscar nomination at the age of 60.

crouching tiger hidden dragon was herfilm. it is crouching tiger hidden dragon was her film. it is about migrants who run laundrette, but it all kicks off. it run laundrette, but it all kicks off. ~' run laundrette, but it all kicks off. ~ off. it looks like it crosses a number _ off. it looks like it crosses a number of _ off. it looks like it crosses a number of genre. _ it has the child star in temple of doom. he retired after a child, he couldn't get a job. it was watching crazy rich asians that got him back. he was contacted and was asked if he still acted. he was contacted and was asked if he stillacted. came he was contacted and was asked if he still acted. came back, he was contacted and was asked if he stillacted. came back, oscar nomination. aha, still acted. came back, oscar nomination.— still acted. came back, oscar nomination. a great day for the irish? a quarter—

nomination. a great day for the irish? a quarter of— nomination. a great day for the irish? a quarter of all— nomination. a great day for the irish? a quarter of all acting i irish? a quarter of all acting nominations _ irish? a quarter of all acting nominations are _ irish? a quarter of all acting nominations are irish, i irish? a quarter of all acting i nominations are irish, because of the film the banshees of inisherin, about feuding friend in the 19205. all of the four leads have been nominated. colin farrell, his first oscar nomination, brendan gleeson. you mentioned it, paul mescal, who so many people will know from normal people, he has been nominated for aftersun. i, i, �* , i, aftersun. how have the british done? not too well- — aftersun. how have the british done? not too well. bill— aftersun. how have the british done? not too well. bill nighy _ aftersun. how have the british done? not too well. bill nighy has _ aftersun. how have the british done? not too well. bill nighy has got i aftersun. how have the british done? not too well. bill nighy has got his i not too well. bill nighy has got his first oscar nomination. it is for the film living. he is told he is going to die and get a new lease of life. the other nomination is andrea

riseborough, where she plays an alcoholic mum. she wins a lottery and blows it. it came out last year, it flopped, it took £20,000 at the box office. �* i, it flopped, it took £20,000 at the box office. 5 i, i, box office. around the world? charlize theron _ box office. around the world? charlize theron decided i box office. around the world? charlize theron decided it i box office. around the world? i charlize theron decided it should be reappraised, gwyneth paltrow is wealth. kate winslet posted a viewing for the film, and amy adams. now, andrea riseborough, the english actress, has an oscar nomination. i think it might get more in the box office now. i think it might get more in the box office now. , i, , i, think it might get more in the box office now-— think it might get more in the box office now. , i, , i, i, 5 office now. i must also mention all quiet on the _ office now. i must also mention all quiet on the western _ office now. i must also mention all quiet on the western front, i office now. i must also mention all

quiet on the western front, best | quiet on the western front, best picture and best international feature. i, i, , picture and best international feature. i, i, 5 , ,i feature. parasite one best picture, but this is a — feature. parasite one best picture, but this is a film _ feature. parasite one best picture, but this is a film on _ feature. parasite one best picture, but this is a film on netflix, - feature. parasite one best picture, but this is a film on netflix, it's i but this is a film on netflix, it's in the german language. it won best picture in the 19305 oscars. the person who made this as a scottish triathlete called lesley paterson, who got the rights to the books and has got an oscar nomination for adapted screenplay. spells at the same way, but no relation. i would claim that! — same way, but no relation. i would claim that! i've _ same way, but no relation. i would claim that! i've not _ same way, but no relation. i would claim that! i've not got _ same way, but no relation. i would claim that! i've not got the - claim that! i've not got the triathlete _ claim that! i've not got the triathlete vibes. _ claim that! i've not got the triathlete vibes. it - claim that! i've not got the triathlete vibes. it is i claim that! i've not got the triathlete vibes. it is neverj claim that! i've not got the i triathlete vibes. it is never too late. triathlete vibes. it is never too late- that _ triathlete vibes. it is never too late- that is — triathlete vibes. it is never too late. that is what _ triathlete vibes. it is never too late. that is what we - triathlete vibes. it is never too late. that is what we have i triathlete vibes. it is never too i late. that is what we have learned from his oscars. quite a few new films. time for the weather. hello. it was another start to the day with big temperature contrasts across the uk and the day panned out

to be somewhat on the cooler than average side for england and wales and milder than average across scotland and northern ireland. but in the days ahead we will start to rectify this imbalance. we're going to see this very cold arctic air getting pushed away from the south of the uk and the unseasonably mild atlantic air being replaced by something slightly fresher. behind this weather front that's coming in from the northwest, it will bring some rain into scotland and northern ireland overnight. another mild night to come here, somewhat milder for northern england and wales too, but cold further south with a frost across the midlands, east anglia and the west country, and the risk of some dense patches of freezing fog here for first thing on wednesday, a little march to the far south, a bit more cloud around here. then as this front slides south across the uk, it becomes a little fresher for scotland and northern ireland, but actually it will bring milder air into england and wales through wednesday.

hello this is bbc news with martine croxall. the headlines... bbc chairman richard sharp says he will not stand down over the borisjohnson loan row. in an interview, mr sharp says he welcomes a review into his appointment. i'm comfortable that i was appointed on merit. and i'm also comfortable that as a result of my discussion with simon case that i avoided a conflict, or a potential conflict, because i wasn't party to any transaction. calls for conservative chair nadhim zahawi to stand aside or be sacked — after questions over a multi—million pound tax settlement. nato's head calls for the swift deployment of more advanced weapons to ukraine, saying the war is at a pivotal moment. a scandal of abuse and neglect at three children's homes in doncaster. the regulator rated the homes as good even though there had been many warnings about ill—treatment. and — this year's oscar nominees have been announced. those up for best picture include: avatar, elvis, and everything everywhere all at

once. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon. stefanos tsitsipas is through to the semi—finals of the australian open for the fourth time. the third seed maintained his unbeaten record in grand slam quarterfinals claiming a 6—3 7—6 6—a victory over 21—year—oldjiri lehecka. the czech had defeated britain's cameron norrie to make the last eight but was broken in his first service game and failed to take a set from tsitsipas. he's now made the last eight in a major, six times on the bounce. well, tsitsipas will play karen khachanov in the semi—finals. the russian moves through to the final four after his opponent sebastian korda retired in the third set of their match through injury earlier today. at the end of the second set when i pushed through and took it, it is

extra pressure to the guy, if especially he has some issues physically and with his health. i think at the beginning of the third when you take this lead, from the opponent the attitude changed, so it is way tougher to come back. i think all those things together. i was quite focused. i knew what i had to do and how i had to push. a decade after winning her last australian open title, two—time winner victoria azerenka remains in the chase for a third. she'll play wimbledon champion elena rybakina in the semis. earlier, rybakina swept past jelena ostapenko in straight sets. she says she's feeling confident. i had a tough period before wimbledon in the sense i was very tired mentally. i played a lot of tournaments so i was not at my best and i took a break. it was not really an expected win at wimbledon, but here is different because first of all, i already did it once and i got confident that i can do it again.

two—time olympic gold medallist mikaela shiffrin is now the most successful woman in world cup alpine skiing history. she claimed her 83rd victory in the giant slalom in kronplatz. the win takes her clear of the record previously held by fellow american lindsey vonn. it leaves herjust three wins behind legendary swedish skier ingemar stenmark who has won the most world cup events ever. having two americans one and two on the world cup wins list is very historic, especially for a nation thatis historic, especially for a nation that is not a skiing nation. i hope it inspires the next generation of skiers. i think we really need that, we need more skiers to come up and i think the killer is doing that. i risk everything all the time but thatis risk everything all the time but that is my nature. that is why i

love downhill so much, but michaela has been very precise and that has allowed her to have a healthy career so far. glasgow warriors have terminated the contract of full—back rufus mclean with immediate effect after he pleaded guilty to domestic abuse charges. the club suspended the 22—year—old winger last week after he appeared in court in edinburgh but following an internal disciplinary hearing with scottish rugby the club confirmed they'd sacked the player. he has the right to appeal. meanwhile — there's another blow for new england head coach steve borthwick as saracens stars elliot daly and jamie george have withdrawn from the england squad for the upcoming six nations daly is out with a hamstring injury while george is suffering from concussion. the duo have been replaced byjamie blamyre and ollie lawrence. they are the latest withdrawals after forward courtney lawes and hooker george mcguigan pulled out of the squad on monday. that's all the sport for now.

the nato secretary general has met germany's new defence minister boris pistorius in berlin, as germany remains under pressure over the supply of tanks to ukraine. after the meeting they said they'd discussed the issue of battle tanks, but a decision still hasn't been made. according to export rules, germany has to give permission for any german—made tanks to be exported, even if they're owned by other countries. poland has now sent an official request, and germany has acknowledged it. this is what the nato secretary general had to say. consultations among others will continue and i am confident we will have the solution soon. germany plays a key role in our alliance. it is historic. with a special hundred billion euros defence fund for fifth generation aircraft, new

helicopters, ships, tanks and ammunition. our correspondent in kyiv — james waterhouse — says there's some despair among ukrainians over germany dragging its feet. for as much as a year, i remember january 2022, there was frustration at germany's insistence at only sending aid that was not seen as offensive, so sending eight military hospital or helmets. it has long been seen by kyiv to be slow in relation to offensive measures. it is worth stressing that germany is one of the biggest military providers to ukraine, certainly since the outbreak of this full—scale invasion. it is the issue of tanks which is proving to be such a sticking point and a sore point for president zelenskyy�*s government, but i think there is a hope and belief that the political pressure will eventually be enough to change germany's position. you just need to look at the comments

from germany's foreign minister who said they were not stand in other countries' way if they wanted to supply the leopard two tank. if you look at the queen's on foreign minister, he said it is not a question of if but when the leopard two tanks finally arrive. but then we moved to the question of how many. president zelenskyy says he needs as many as 300 to beat russian forces in the east. he says he is facing up to 1000 russian tanks, his forces currently. they are seen as a game changer and a possible way ukraine could break through an incredibly static front line and prevail in this war. there is a lot of emotion tied up around the question of tanks, and the hope is the wind will change. for more on this i'm joined in the studio byjohn luff, assosiate fellow with the russia and eurasia programme at chatham house. thank you for coming in. how tenable

is this a german position given that poland has said they are going to wait a week or two to try and get approvalfrom them. it is wait a week or two to try and get approval from them.— wait a week or two to try and get approval from them. it is simply not tenable and — approval from them. it is simply not tenable and it _ approval from them. it is simply not tenable and it is _ approval from them. it is simply not tenable and it is becoming - approval from them. it is simply not tenable and it is becoming clear i approval from them. it is simply not tenable and it is becoming clear of l tenable and it is becoming clear of the germans are going to give ground. the expectation is maybe even tomorrow they will agree to allow poland to send some of its leopard two tanks to ukraine. as far as germany itself is concerned, i think it will take longer. they do not know how many they might have technically available. the new defence minister announced an audit last week in a major conference of ukraine's allies, looking at the stock in what condition they might be in. , , i, , i, stock in what condition they might bein., , i, ii, be in. given some german politicians are sa in: be in. given some german politicians are saying they _ be in. given some german politicians are saying they are — be in. given some german politicians are saying they are worried _ be in. given some german politicians are saying they are worried it - be in. given some german politicians are saying they are worried it might l are saying they are worried it might lead to an escalation of the conflict, a widening of the conflict and that is troubling to some members of the public. how wicked does the german government look if it gives in? —— week.

does the german government look if it gives in? -- week.— it gives in? -- week. there is su ort it gives in? -- week. there is support in — it gives in? -- week. there is support in germany _ it gives in? -- week. there is support in germany for i it gives in? -- week. there is l support in germany for sending it gives in? -- week. there is - support in germany for sending heavy tanks to ukraine. even in the four major parties, there is support for this. it is around the 52, maybe 51% level, but it is higher than it was. what germany will be able to do, and chancellor schultz said we will never go it alone, they do not want to be the first people to send heavy tanks and artillery to ukraine. but now it is on its own. it is tanks and artillery to ukraine. but now it is on its own.— now it is on its own. it is on its own and _ now it is on its own. it is on its own and it _ now it is on its own. it is on its own and it is — now it is on its own. it is on its own and it is holding _ now it is on its own. it is on its own and it is holding back. - now it is on its own. it is on its i own and it is holding back. what must be going through the mind of president putin when he sees those to the west and those within nato cannot agree on this. he to the west and those within nato cannot agree on this.— to the west and those within nato cannot agree on this. he is going to robabl cannot agree on this. he is going to probably conclude _ cannot agree on this. he is going to probably conclude from _ cannot agree on this. he is going to probably conclude from that - cannot agree on this. he is going to probably conclude from that that i cannot agree on this. he is going to| probably conclude from that that the west lacks the will to prosecute this war for a long

west lacks the will to prosecute this warfor a long period. and as the going gets tougher, they are going to find it harder to supply ukraine with what it needs. there are still big questions around the range of artillery, could the long range of artillery, could the long range systems straight into russia itself, could it provoked some wider conflict as some people fear. but at the same time, he knows he does not have time on his side because these economic sanctions that the west have put in place are starting to bite and they are going to make life very difficult for him with the oil price falling, budget revenues falling and budget deficits starting to grow. he has to get this sorted out quickly. to grow. he has to get this sorted out quickly-— out quickly. where does belarus fiuure, in out quickly. where does belarus figure, in particular— out quickly. where does belarus figure, in particular in _ out quickly. where does belarus figure, in particular in the - out quickly. where does belarusj figure, in particular in the minds of the polish government, given that belarus is an ally of russia and a neighbour of poland? find belarus is an ally of russia and a neighbour of poland?— neighbour of poland? and also borders on _ neighbour of poland? and also borders on ukraine, _ neighbour of poland? and also borders on ukraine, so - neighbour of poland? and also i borders on ukraine, so ukrainians have been worried for some time about a possible offensive from the north that would include belarusian

forces, but everything indicates that the reader of belarus is very reluctant to go down this road because there is not the support within the armed forces or within society generally for entering into a war with a neighbouring people, with whom generally speaking they have had good relations and they would find it difficult to regard as a hostile force.— a hostile force. how clear is that what the russian _ a hostile force. how clear is that what the russian public - a hostile force. how clear is that what the russian public think? l a hostile force. how clear is that i what the russian public think? the russian public is an enormous body of people, of course, but there have been deaths of soldiers that the kremlin has been forced to admit to, italy on a smaller scale than the ukrainians claim. how is russian public opinion holding up in support of putin? he public opinion holding up in support of putin? ., , ., , , public opinion holding up in support ofputin? ., , _,_ public opinion holding up in support ofputin? ., , y of putin? he would probably say it is holdin: of putin? he would probably say it is holding up _ of putin? he would probably say it is holding uo pretty _ of putin? he would probably say it is holding up pretty well, - of putin? he would probably say it is holding up pretty well, given . is holding up pretty well, given that he has had to immobilise a large number of people of fighting age. that has made it seep into the public consciousness now, that there is a war happening and people are

dying, and the authorities not telling the whole truth. but russia, as a society, has been bombarded by such a level of propaganda over at least the last ten years that it is very difficult for people to form an alternative view. they live in this alternative view. they live in this alternative reality, is somewhat orwellian, that putin and his people have created. the rational behaviour one would expect to see it on the part of russian citizens, is not there in force. but on the other hand, you probably covered the story of the attack last week on a missile hitting a residential block and people dying. there are pictures of people dying. there are pictures of people in russia spontaneously leaving flowers at memorials that suddenly appeared, who are shocked by what had happened. there is still something waiting to happen in russian society. possibly turn against this war, but it is not there yet. against this war, but it is not there yet-— against this war, but it is not there et. ~ , , there yet. when president zelenskyy a- ealed there yet. when president zelenskyy appealed recently — there yet. when president zelenskyy appealed recently to _ there yet. when president zelenskyy appealed recently to the _ there yet. when president zelenskyy appealed recently to the meeting - there yet. when president zelenskyy appealed recently to the meeting of| appealed recently to the meeting of defence ministers in europe by video

link, he said that time is not on his site. how much of that is to do with the fact that the winter will give way to spring and at that point, in some respects, the nature of the conflict will change it again. it of the conflict will change it a . ain. . ., of the conflict will change it aaain. . . ., ., ., again. it will change again and i think we will— again. it will change again and i think we will get _ again. it will change again and i think we will get into _ again. it will change again and i think we will get into another . again. it will change again and i - think we will get into another phase where both sides are trying to move forward at speed, so the water can intensify. what is the lenski is worried about is if putin is given time, he can get the military system to work again. there is a president for this in world war ii. the red army did not chart the war well, the winter war in army did not chart the war well, the winterwar in finland, army did not chart the war well, the winter war in finland, but ended up beating the mightiest army in europe. it took them seven years but they did it with immense sacrifice and enormous skill because they got their military system adapted to the needs of the campaign. that is what he is worried about. the

needs of the campaign. that is what he is worried about.— he is worried about. the support for ukraine from _ he is worried about. the support for ukraine from the _ he is worried about. the support for ukraine from the west _ he is worried about. the support for ukraine from the west is _ he is worried about. the support for ukraine from the west is essential. | ukraine from the west is essential. he could not have continued in the way he has without it. but what is the longevity of that support, that relies on multiple countries having the political will to keep giving him what he wants? this the political will to keep giving him what he wants?— the political will to keep giving him what he wants? this is the big unknown. him what he wants? this is the big unknown- we _ him what he wants? this is the big unknown. we could _ him what he wants? this is the big unknown. we could argue - him what he wants? this is the big unknown. we could argue that - him what he wants? this is the big unknown. we could argue that it . him what he wants? this is the big unknown. we could argue that it is almost unimaginable that western countries would accept the sacrifices they would have to make, you'll look energy prices, subsidies, the germans giving up on russian gas, now supplying weapons, giving ukraine economic support it needs to keep going. this is clearly something that cannot be done indefinitely. at the same time, question leaders are starting to realise it is not a crisis that can be managed by what that can be fought. so much is at stake if putin could achieve his objectives in

ukraine. it would have long—term consequences for the security of the european continent.— european continent. ukraine is the buffer between _ european continent. ukraine is the buffer between nato _ european continent. ukraine is the buffer between nato countries - european continent. ukraine is the buffer between nato countries andj buffer between nato countries and russia? , , , buffer between nato countries and russia? y, y y , , russia? physically, yes, but if we were to see _ russia? physically, yes, but if we were to see the _ russia? physically, yes, but if we were to see the principles - russia? physically, yes, but if we were to see the principles of - were to see the principles of european security completely overturned by an aggressive state, that was notjust going to stop at breaking apart ukraine and destroying ukraine as an independent country, what would it mean for those other countries in the region? the baltic states, poland, others that have the strong historical memory of how russia can behave. that is what is at stake.— that is what is at stake. really aood to that is what is at stake. really good to have _ that is what is at stake. really good to have you _ that is what is at stake. really good to have you here, - that is what is at stake. really good to have you here, thankl that is what is at stake. really i good to have you here, thank you very much. police forces in england and wales are adopting a new strategy for tackling serious and organised crime — that was first developed in warzones. the tactic — called �*clear, hold, build' — aims to draw out gangs from criminal hotspots and ensure they can't return. our home affairs correspondent, daniel sandford, has been finding out more.

grinding their way into a shop selling fake designer goods, greater manchester police are in the middle of an intensive drive against organised crime. the fake goods shops in the cheetham hill area have drawn in drug dealing, violence and prostitution. to fight that, police are adopting a new tactic developed against the taliban in afghanistan called clear, hold, build. what is it you're trying to do? make people safe to come here. you know, we see mothers walking their children to school, the primary school at the top of this road, stepping over rubbish, needles, passing anti—social behaviour daily, running battles in the middle of the street. no longer. we're giving it back to the community. this machete attack in broad daylight was just one example of the recent violence and left the victim with a punctured lung. so do you actually own this whole block here? ali parsaer, who runs a lighting shop, told me he lost 95% of his customers when the violence

began in cheetham hill, and he's had to move much of his business online. sometimes you tell yourself, it's not a film, it's not a movie, because in the street you see people are fighting each other with a machete, big sword, something. fighting or destroying the cars. so it is not something you used to see here in manchester. he welcomes plans to bulldoze some of the shops being used by the organised crime groups. since we heard there is a plan to completely destroy those buildings, to build a new area, it is good things for us. honestly, we are looking forward to it. so far, what's called operation vulcan has already shut down dozens of shops and with a permanent police presence the drug dealing and violence has started to reduce. clear hold build means clearing out organised crime, holding the area to prevent its return and building a new future working

alongside the local council. over the last nine weeks, police have driven criminals out of all these premises — the idea is to take back the area for the community who live here and the hope is that legitimate businesses will eventually return. the home secretary told me she wants all forces in england and wales to adopt the clear hold build tactic against organised crime. the reason why organised crime is so important is it the root cause of so much crime that we see blighting communities. it's the cause of young people taking up drugs, it's the cause of violent crime. the residents of cheetham hill have seen police crackdowns many times before, and the men on the street corners have always returned. the test for the clear hold build strategy is whether it can make a difference to what has been an unsolvable problem. daniel sandford, bbc

news, manchester. i was speaking to the liverpool echo's crime reporterjonathan echo's crime reporter jonathan humphreys. echo's crime reporterjonathan humphreys. he told me how the scheme played out during the trial period in merseyside. the played out during the trial period in merseyside-— in merseyside. the whole theory behind clear _ in merseyside. the whole theory behind clear hold _ in merseyside. the whole theory behind clear hold build - in merseyside. the whole theory behind clear hold build is - in merseyside. the whole theory behind clear hold build is to i behind clear hold build is to prevent other organised criminals filling the void, stepping up when a large gang is taken up by a police operation. birkenhead has seen quite a lot of proactive policing over the past year and a half. unfortunately, there have been some high—profile firearms incident and your viewers will be aware of the murder of elliot woods on christmas eve. but apart from several high—profile incidents, there have been a of gun seizures. in the trial period, there were 11 firearms seized in a large number of arrests and it has been trialled in other areas in merseyside as well. one success story, this was before it was known as clear hold build, it was a

similar strategy, a large communal organisation were taken down by a police operation. —— criminal. it was similar to the seams described in cheetham hill. there were people scared to watch on certain streets, mothers turning a different way while walking their kids to school, evenif while walking their kids to school, even if it was longer, to avoid crossing gangs and drug dealers in the street stop since then, there's not been a firearms incident in merseyside and they use it as a success story. it is a medium to long—term prevention approach rather than simply arresting your way out of organised criminal gangs causing harm in an area. it does seem to have some early successes. of course, how it works going forward will rely a lot on funding. merseyside police have had 400 officers reduced from the force of role since 2010, so whether there is any kind of strain on resources will

be seen in time. but the home office have some funding today —— have released some funding today. whether thatis released some funding today. whether that is enough, time will tell. hagar that is enough, time will tell. how does the build _ that is enough, time will tell. how does the build element of the strategy work? what will change any community? {line strategy work? what will change any communi ? ,., . strategy work? what will change any communi ? . ., community? one thing the police to use in the face _ community? one thing the police to use in the face is _ community? one thing the police to use in the face is money _ community? one thing the police to use in the face is money is - community? one thing the police to use in the face is money is taken i use in the face is money is taken off criminals through the proceeds off criminals through the proceeds of crime act. for example, if a high—profile drug dealer or gang arrested and convicted, the courts can take illegal assets of these criminals. one thing the police and partners have been doing as part of the phase, is putting money back into the communities and building community centres, giving grants to local charities and youth initiatives. things like boxing clubs, they are quite heavily used in merseyside to keep kids out of trouble and off the streets,

football clubs, charities that target domestic violence. it is about making a community less tolerant of criminal activity in their midst. it is about educating people in communities about how organised crime groups exploit vulnerable people and vulnerable areas. there is a lot of different ways, it is quite a varied strategy. but one of the key points is making sure that people are aware of how organised crime groups infiltrate communities, prey on people, use deprivation as a way of leveraged over vulnerable people. haifa deprivation as a way of leveraged over vulnerable people.— deprivation as a way of leveraged over vulnerable people. how did they make sure that _ over vulnerable people. how did they make sure that you _ over vulnerable people. how did they make sure that you are _ over vulnerable people. how did they make sure that you are not _ over vulnerable people. how did they make sure that you are not pushing l over vulnerable people. how did they make sure that you are not pushing a gang into another area or concentrating more gangs into a smaller space?— smaller space? that is a good question- _ smaller space? that is a good question. gangs _ smaller space? that is a good question. gangs work - smaller space? that is a good question. gangs work in i smaller space? that is a good i question. gangs work in different ways, as we know. there is a high level of traffickers, we are seeing

lots of high—level traffickers being put behind bars. clear hold build is more about street level gangs. it is more about street level gangs. it is more of a medium to long term solution, it is about changing the culture in communities and alongside clear hold build, i know in merseyside and i'm sure in other forces as well, they are working on prevention as a key part of the strategy of tackling organised crime. you need to work with communities to change the tolerance of crime, the way that kids may be seen gang culture as glamorous, or people turn to gangs when there is no opportunity or they feel excluded from mainstream education. it is complicated, and that is a risk, if you just throw a lot of neighbourhood police officers into one area to clear out a plan, that is obviously good for that area, but you need to do more than that to change the culture. it is a

long—term thing and something that is not a quick fix. you need to make sure that people in that community are not willing to put up with criminals and that should prevent young people from being drawn into that type of lifestyle and becoming criminals in the future. a taliban official has told the bbc freezing temperatures across afghanistan have killed more than a hundred—and—twenty people. he said about seventy—thousand livestock had also perished in what is the coldest winter in a decade. several regions are cut off by snow and rescue teams are struggling to reach remote mountainous areas. relief operations have been hampered by a taliban edict banning women from working with aid agencies. afghanistan's acting minister of disaster management, mullah mohammad abbas akhund, has told the bbc the edict would not be changed. our chief international correspondent lyse doucet has been to the salang in the hindu kush mountains to see how people are doing.

a winter wonderland of aching beauty, but brutal. we are travelling through the hindu kush through the world's second—highest road tunnel, the salang tunnel. a place of legend. it is an engineering wonder of but a death trap. especially in winter, in avalanches and accidents. the only highway rescue at this spot is this man. selling chains for tyres on the coldest winter in a decade. tough stuff, in threadbare clothes. translation: ll

stuff, in threadbare clothes. translation:— stuff, in threadbare clothes. translation: , translation: it gets so cold you cannot see _ translation: it gets so cold you cannot see the _ translation: it gets so cold you cannot see the road, _ translation: it gets so cold you cannot see the road, you - translation: it gets so cold you cannot see the road, you cannot l translation: it gets so cold you i cannot see the road, you cannot walk and the heaters in cars do not work. these are the lives people live here. it is so cold, but he said it is going to get colder still. i have been out forjust minutes and eyebrows are frozen and my face feels like it is going to fall off. imagine if you lived day in and day out in conditions like this. this is the only way to reach saiki mohammed's home. there is no road. nothing is easy in this life. this is what life is like here. literally lived on the edge. even for the littlest, with little coverfrom this biting cold. a home made of mud with the warmth of a large family.

translation: i have heard people died of cold. - my kids recently got sick, some of my animals died. until now, i had not heard that people had died in salang. even this five—year—old helps keep them alive. he tells me how they have to carry water from the river, freezing in the wind and storms. they survive with a traditional stove and twigs. under this red and gold blanket, charcoal burns. you can taste the fumes in this room. this year their heating costs soared, just like the rest of the world. translation: no aid agencies have come to help us, - not under the last government or the taliban government. an aid agency did

come by this month. this family was not seen as needy. imagine the others. their oldest daughters did not go to school, they could not afford it. 14—year—old zeinab was the luckiest, she got to go but then the taliban shut girls�* high schools. such hard lives in such harsh terrain. afghan rulers come and go, nature's power ever present. now it's time for a look at the weather with susan powell. hello. it was another start the day with big temperature contrasts across the uk.

cooler on average for england and wales and milderfor cooler on average for england and wales and milder for scotland and northern ireland. in the days ahead, we will rectify this imbalance and see this very cold arctic air getting pushed away from the south of the uk and this mild atlantic air been replaced with something fresher. behind this weather front thatis fresher. behind this weather front that is coming in from the north—west. it will bring some rain into scotland and northern ireland overnight, another mild night to come here, somewhat milderfor northern england and wales but cold for the south with a frost across the midlands, east anglia and the west country and the risk of some dense patches of freezing fog first thing on wednesday. a bit more cloud around here. as the cloud slides south across uk, it will become fresher for scotland and northern ireland but bring milder air into england and wales through wednesday. this is bbc news. i'm martine croxall. the headlines: bbc chairman richard sharp says

he will not stand down over the borisjohnson loan row. in an interview, mr sharp says he welcomes a review into his appointment. i'm comfortable that i was appointed on merit. and i'm also comfortable that as a result of my discussion with simon case that i avoided a conflict, or a potential conflict, because i wasn't party to any transaction. calls for conservative chair nadhim zahawi to stand aside or be sacked — after questions over a multi—million pound tax settlement. nato's head calls for the swift deployment of more advanced weapons to ukraine, saying the war is at a pivotal moment. a scandal of abuse and neglect at three children's homes in doncaster. the regulator rated the homes as good, even though there had been many warnings about ill—treatment. and this year's oscar nominees have been announced. those up for best picture include: avatar, elvis, and everything everywhere all at once.

the chairman of the bbc says he has no plans to step aside or resign over the borisjohnson loan row and believes he has done nothing wrong. richard sharp is accused of helping to facilitate a loan to the then prime minister, when he was applying to be bbc chairman. his appointment is now under review by the commissioner of public appointments. our media editor, katie razzall, has been speaking to him. the role of chairman of the bbc is appointed by the government and goes through a scrutiny process by the department for digital, culture, media and sport. but that chairman is under pressure after reports at the weekend suggested that during the recruitment process, he helped introduce a businessman friend who wanted to help the then prime minister, borisjohnson, with a loan to a senior contracting government.

the cabinet secretary today in his first interview since the story broke. the bbc�*s chairman, richard sharp, told me he did nothing wrong and there was no conflict of interest to declare. having had a discussion with the cabinet secretary about avoiding conflict and the perception of conflict, i felt comfortable and i still feel there was no there was no conflict because at that stage, what i was seeking to do was ensure that the process was followed exactly by the book and that they had the process hadn't started of any kind in terms of any support that sam was going to provide to the prime minister. do you think you misled the select committee and the advisory panel? i don't. why not? because i had clarified and agreed with the cabinet secretary. both of us had the judgment that i'd avoid a conflict. i'd avoided a conflict or a perception of conflict. but do you understand, particularly at a time when the bbc is making great efforts to be impartial, to highlight transparency, that this looks the opposite? well, look, i see attacks

on the bbc all the time from the media and for example, that and social media. and they attack our impartiality. and i think the governance that we put in place is extremely strong on impartiality. william shawcross is now examining your appointment. shouldn't you resign or at least step aside while the review is imposed? confident that i'm confident that he will determine that i was appointed on merit. that's obviously for him to conduct that investigation and process. it was a highly rigorous process. i can tell you being part of it. very tough interview, a very tough process to be part of. and so i'm comfortable. and there was an independent committee of people doing the interview, and they were asking very searching and challenging questions of me and the other candidates. and i'm sure that process was fully and carefully recorded so it can be minuted and seen whether my appointment was done on merit. and i'm confident it will be seen that that was the case. that's for the commissioner of public appointments to decide in his review. katie razzell, bbc news.

our arts and media correspondent david silito explained the key allegations laid against richard sharp. two sides to this. the first one is, how did richard sharp get the job in the first place? and if, based on the sunday times story, it looked as though there was some involvement with an £800,000 loan to borisjohnson to help him out of a sticky situation with his personal finances. that was the central allegation. did he get thejob because he essentially had helped the prime minister out? what richard sharp is saying today and he was saying in his email yesterday, was that he did have a communication with an old friend, sam blyth, who wanted to help out the prime minister because he had seen in the press that there were some problems with his finances. that was only a matter of passing on some information to simon case, the cabinet secretary, and then it was no more after that because of course at that time he was applying for the job of the bbc and he says there is no

conflict of interest because all he did was pass on the name of sam blyth onwards and he was not involved in the loan. but there's the second element of it, which is that once it becomes front page news, lots of people raised eyebrows about it. it all looks as though we want to know much more about it. there were many people involved in the process of appointing richard sharp. for instance, you've got the appraisal panel, and then you've also got the commons media select committee, which has an official role in essentially saying whether or not richard sharp should be approving him. and none of them knew about any of this. should he have told them? essentially, should he have overreported to avoid a perception of a conflict of interest? there is one other element to this that has come to light on a podcast called the newsagents, where there was a discussion about what involvement the chairman might have had in the appointment of the head of news. how much attention is that getting?

so this goes to the very heart of it. what does the chairman actually do at the bbc? and the job of the chairman has almost always been political. they've been political operatives right back to the 1920s rather than people who know anything about broadcasting. however, there has always been a distance of one form or another. i mean, if you're going to have the history of bbc governance, it is complicated. it has changed a great deal. but the essence was, was that they would maybe they would take they would essentially mark the homework of the bbc. they were a regulator in the past. at the moment, he is the head of the board of... that runs the strategy of the bbc. so if there was a complaint about something that we said, it might eventually make it towards him. but he has to have no input before a programme goes out, no editorial interest.

so this is why there was some questions being asked about how much of a role did he say appointing the head of bbc news? and the bbc said, well, because the head of bbc news is on the board, it was legitimate that he would be on a panel that would decide whether or not deborah turness, who is the chief executive, will be on the board, but they said was not on the actual executive panel. if you're following me here, that actually made the decision she would get the job as the chief executive of news. so it is a fairly sort of you know, i'm trying to work out the divide there is quite difficult to actually understand. but people have been raising those questions. how far does a man who is essentially very close to governments, you know, as he was talking about having dinner in chequers with sam blyth and borisjohnson, how much say does he have over what

actually happens within the bbc? opposition parties believe nadhim zahawi should be sacked after he had to pay a penalty when he was chancellor. he said he acted properly. what do his colleagues say? david wallace has been finding out. an inquiry is taken place, i think it has kicked the issue into the long grass depending on what the independent adviser on ministerial interests comes back with. any decisions rishi sunak may have to

make about his future won't have to take place until then, and we should stress nadhim zahawi is confident he will be vindicated throughout the process. opposition mps don't think there is a need for any investigation to take place, they think the fact that him zahawi paid the penalty while he was chancellor means he should no longer be setting around the cabinet table, and someone who probably agrees with them from the conservative party is caroline noakes, the senior backbencher. she was talking about this issue this morning and said at least while mr zahawi is being investigated, he should not be in his role as chairman of the conservative party. i his role as chairman of the conservative party.- his role as chairman of the conservative party. i think he should stand _ conservative party. i think he should stand aside _ conservative party. i think he should stand aside until- conservative party. i think he should stand aside until this| conservative party. i think he i should stand aside until this matter is cleared _ should stand aside until this matter is cleared up. the longer it drags on, is cleared up. the longer it drags on. the _ is cleared up. the longer it drags on, the worst it gets for him. i hope _ on, the worst it gets for him. i hope the — on, the worst it gets for him. i hope the investigation is spared, but hope the investigation is spared, bul for— hope the investigation is spared, but for his— hope the investigation is spared, but for his own sake, he should now some _ but for his own sake, he should now

some space — but for his own sake, he should now some space between a government minister— some space between a government minister and this investigation. it minister and this investigation. doesn't minister and this investigation. it doesn't feel caroline noakes is a lone voice in the conservative party, at least going publicly on not a view at this point of time. most people seem to be saying this independent process should be allowed to run its course and then, and only then, any decisions made over whether nadhim zahawi can stay in post. that is the view in government, the prime minister's spokesperson saying they would like the investigation taken quickly, but they won't put any timelines on place on the independent adviser on ethics. untilthe place on the independent adviser on ethics. until the report is back, it is impossible to start speculating on mr zahawi's future. we heard from the government minister, and this is what he said. it is the government minister, and this is what he said-— what he said. it is reasonable where there is an — what he said. it is reasonable where there is an investigation, _ what he said. it is reasonable where there is an investigation, the - there is an investigation, the person— there is an investigation, the person concerned is allowed to keep

serving _ person concerned is allowed to keep serving we — person concerned is allowed to keep serving. we have a principle in this country. _ serving. we have a principle in this country, innocent until proven guilty — country, innocent until proven guilty. this applies in a lot of circumstances. the investigation has been launched by the prime minister, that is— been launched by the prime minister, that is right — been launched by the prime minister, that is riuht. , ., that is right. there will be a decision made _ that is right. there will be a decision made at _ that is right. there will be a decision made at some i that is right. there will be a | decision made at some point that is right. there will be a i decision made at some point from that is right. there will be a _ decision made at some point from the prime minister, and i'm sure the big factor in all the bed will be what exactly this independent investigation into whether the ministerial code has been broken has to say. nadhim zahawi confident he will be vindicated in this process, but it isn't a question over rishi sunak having no decision to make, it is a decision he has kicked into the long grass with this decision taken place.

earlier i spoke tojonathan portes, a professor of economics at kings college london and former chief economist at the cabinet office between 2008 and 2011 about mr zahawi's situation. this settlement with hmrc, he had admitted he had got it wrong, it took place while he was chancellor of the exchequer and hence directly responsible as a minister. and moreover, that he has been at best economical with the truth and on the face of it, directly misleading about that. when he was asked about it over the summer. it is undisputed his lawyers threatened various people who made investigations and said things about it, despite the fact what those people were saying was substantively correct. given all of that, it seems to me you do not

need an ethics adviser to know this was wholly inappropriate behaviour by a politician, and frankly, it is notjust by a politician, and frankly, it is not just about by a politician, and frankly, it is notjust about him, this is not something we should tolerate or expect from our politicians or the people in charge. mr expect from our politicians or the people in charge.— expect from our politicians or the people in charge. mr zahawi has said it is a careless _ people in charge. mr zahawi has said it is a careless mistake _ people in charge. mr zahawi has said it is a careless mistake but _ people in charge. mr zahawi has said it is a careless mistake but not i it is a careless mistake but not deliberate. if a penalty has been paid and the tax has been paid, tax matters are private, are they? why does it matter? it has all been resolved. he has paid what he owed to the taxman. he resolved. he has paid what he owed to the taxman.— resolved. he has paid what he owed to the taxman. he has, and as far as hmrc are concerned _ to the taxman. he has, and as far as hmrc are concerned and _ to the taxman. he has, and as far as hmrc are concerned and his - hmrc are concerned and his relationship with them, that is the end of the matter, and that is fine. none of it changes the fact this investigation at this settlement took place while he was chancellor of the exchequer in charge of hmrc,

and that he clearly did not tell the full truth or possibly directly lied about it at the time, and threatened people who made perfectly reasonable, and attains out correct, allegations about his conduct with libel lawyers. none of it is acceptable behaviour. the parties resolve the issue of hmrc is fine, thatis resolve the issue of hmrc is fine, that is good, but it does not mean he behaved in anyway that is even relatively close for the chancellor of the exchequer, and i can't imagine that prior to the last few years of this government that under any party, this would have been considered to be any way near the boundaries of acceptable. istale considered to be any way near the boundaries of acceptable. we haven't not the boundaries of acceptable. we haven't got the outcome _ boundaries of acceptable. we haven't got the outcome of _ boundaries of acceptable. we haven't got the outcome of the _ got the outcome of the investigation, but rishi sunak has said he wants accountability to be

one of the main planks of his leadership. what would you expect him to be doing either now or after the investigation? i him to be doing either now or after the investigation?— the investigation? i think that. .. s-reakin the investigation? i think that. .. speaking as _ the investigation? i think that. .. speaking as a — the investigation? i think that. .. speaking as a former _ the investigation? i think that. .. speaking as a former civil- the investigation? i think that. .. l speaking as a former civil servant, i don't see how politicians in my experience, priorto i don't see how politicians in my experience, prior to the last few years, didn't behave like this. politicians who were caught behaving like this resigned or were sacked immediately. the fact mr zahawi hasn't resigned badly on him, the fact he hasn't been sacked reflect extremely badly on our prime minister. the prime minister of poland has told the bbc he will give germany one to two weeks to make a decision on whether poland can export their leopard 2 tanks to ukraine. it comes as the nato secretary general met germany's new defence minister, boris pistorius, in berlin —

with germany under continued pressure over the supply of more tanks kyiv. after the meeting, the two men said they'd discussed the issue of battle tanks, but a decision on whether to send them still hadn't been made. according to its rules, germany has to give permission for any german—made tanks to be exported, even if they're owned by other countries. poland has now sent an official request, and germany has acknowledged it. poland's prime minister, mateusz morawiecki, told the bbc they will not wait very long for germany to make a decision. we will do this no matter what the decision will be, but we want to go along the procedures which are requested of us, and this is why we will be waiting for the next couple of days, one or two weeks, for the official reply. having said that, i am in contact with prime ministers and presidents of other eu countries and nato countries to help ukraine immediately, because ukraine cannot afford to be left alone by the european union.

this is a very serious matter. i'm joined now by yoakeem bitterlihk, former german ambassador to nato, and former adviser to what are the principles the german government is abiding by? oh, no. i think we have got a frozen picture. we will see if we can get back to him. he's been waiting patiently.

oh, dear. ithink him. he's been waiting patiently. oh, dear. i think we might have him. ambassador, can you hear us? i oh, dear. i think we might have him. ambassador, can you hear us?- ambassador, can you hear us? i can. you are moving _ ambassador, can you hear us? i can. you are moving and _ ambassador, can you hear us? i can. you are moving and everything. i ambassador, can you hear us? i can. you are moving and everything. what are the principles the german government is adhering to one it is allowing poland to send these tanks to ukraine question allowing poland to send these tanks to ukraine questio— to ukraine question first, please don't forget _ to ukraine question first, please don't forget where _ to ukraine question first, please don't forget where the _ to ukraine question first, please don't forget where the germans | to ukraine question first, please i don't forget where the germans are coming. germany has been the most pacifist, less armed country in the last decade, therefore he needs a minimum of time of reflection and developing a certain criteria. i don't think the polish prime minister... germany has encouraged poland to begin immediately with

training of ukrainians on these leopard tanks. the time needed for solid training is a minimum of three months, so therefore to speak what the prime minister is telling about immediate assistance, tanks are not an immediate assistance, they will come in march, april to ukraine, not before. it is true that tanks will change to some extent warfare and will help enormously ukraine. we need much more defensive weapons for the moment, especially anti—air. i think the germans have a certain reluctance to send the german leopard tanks into ukraine. germany... leopard tanks into ukraine. germany- - -_ leopard tanks into ukraine. german .. . germany... oh, i think we might have lost him again- _ germany... oh, i think we might have lost him again. let's _ germany... oh, i think we might have lost him again. let's see _ germany... oh, i think we might have lost him again. let's see if— germany... oh, i think we might have lost him again. let's see if it - lost him again. let's see if it comes back. can we do anything? it

doesn't look like it. we will try and call him back if we can. i am so sorry. i am so sorry to the ambassador. ukraine's president, volodymyr zelensky, has announced several changes to his government, after recent claims of corruption. the reshuffle is ongoing — several people we are trying to re—establish a link to the former chairman and buster to nato, but it was not working —— ambassador to nato. have we got it? we are going to try. this is called showing your working, folks. ambassador... no, it is still frozen. he is smiling. oh, goodness me! it is 21 minutes past four. i've

got a better news from the select committee for the department for digital, culture and sport. they will question the bbc chairman richard sharp following media reports about his appointment and whether he has done anything wrong. he claims he's done nothing wrong, just made an introduction to someone who could help borisjohnson where they financial issue, but then he says he did nothing more. mr sharp appeared before the committee in january 2021 why appeared before the committee in january 2021why pre—appointment hearing where he faced questions about his political independence and suitability for the role. he did donate £400,000 the conservative party. the committee approved his appointment subsequently. a letter has now invited him to give evidence again, and mr sharp will appear

before the committee on tuesday but with a seventh to answer questions about his involvement with boris johnson —— on tuesday the 7th of february. a bbc investigation into abuse and neglect at three children's homes and schools in doncaster has found that more than 100 reports of concern were made before their closure. leaked documents show that children were reported to have been badly mistreated. the regulator ofsted continued to rate the homes as "good" while receiving 40 separate alerts over three years. the regulator's chief inspector has told the bbc she's "deeply sorry", as has the hesley group, which ran the homes. noel titheridge has this report — you may find some of the details in it distressing. it has been called the worst care scandal since winterbourne view. as well as physical abuse, there was emotional abuse as well. our investigation reveals the scale of abuse reported at children's homes in doncaster. a child was in the kitchen rubbing washing—up liquid all over his arms.

i asked him what he was doing. and he said, "i do this so night staff can't grab me, can't hold me." chloe straw worked for over a year at fullerton house, a children's home and a special school on the same site. you could see the sadness in his eyes when he was saying this. and it is something that you don't forget, i'll neverforget. chloe says the homes were understaffed and she even filmed a support worker asleep. she says the abuse of some children was openly discussed, but when she reported it to senior staff, nothing happened. so that is why i went to the police. and to get to that point where i thought i would get help and the children would get help, and then to be told, no. you reported this in 2018. how did it feel knowing the homes did not close for three more years? disgusted because that is a further three years of abuse. south yorkshire police says there was insufficient evidence to progress with the case but it referred the report to the local authority. i've sort of lost all faith really in the care system. nicola's daughter ruby has autism, epilepsy and significant

learning difficulties. you think, when they get £250,000 a year towards care, they'd be getting the rolls—royce of care, really. ruby was dragged across the floor at one of the homes in doncaster by a staff member who was then sacked. you can't believe that people in care would treat children like this. you just can't get your head around it. it is appalling. our investigation has interviewed a dozen former hesley staff who blew the whistle. we have also been leaked internal company documents that show both the scale of the abuse, and the failure of authorities to act. safeguarding logs show that children were reported to have been kicked and punched in the stomach, locked in a bathroom overnight, forced to sit in cold baths, and even had vinegar poured on a wound as punishment. i am so sorry for the children themselves, and for their families. we took our findings to ofsted. children punched and kicked, dragged across the floor, locked inside bathrooms. have you ever heard of abuse on this scale before? this is a truly appalling case.

really as shocking as i have ever heard. it is clear this really is dreadful and something that we should all be deeply concerned about. we have learned ofsted received 40 separate warnings, over three years, yet still the homes remained rated good. why didn't you act sooner? well, we acted in response to concerns. we worked slower than we should have been to put the whole picture together and recognise the pattern of abuse emerging. but is that good enough with some of the most acutely vulnerable children in care in the country, many of whom were nonverbal? there is a particularly high risk for these children, and we recognise that, which is why we have both changed our risk assessment to improve our ability to spot patterns early, and also, to train our inspectors. hesley said it has now closed the homes and was now focused on running its adult placements. it said it could not comment further because the police investigation was not expected to conclude for another year. for families of children, it means a long wait to find out the full truth. noel titheridge,

bbc news, doncaster. trials for women to get menopausal leave has been rejected. ministers say changing the act could lead to discrimination against men with long—term health conditions. the film everything everywhere all at once is leading the way in the oscar nominations. it is up for 11 nominations. it is up for 11 nominations. all quiet on the western front and the banshees of inisherin follows web nine nominations each. i've been talking to colin patterson, and we began by talking aboutjamie to colin patterson, and we began by talking about jamie lee curtis receiving herfirst talking about jamie lee curtis receiving her first oscar nomination.— receiving her first oscar nomination. ., ~' ., receiving her first oscar

nomination. ., ~ ., ., , nomination. you think of her as hollywood _ nomination. you think of her as hollywood heritage, _ nomination. you think of her as hollywood heritage, but- nomination. you think of her as hollywood heritage, but her- nomination. you think of her as | hollywood heritage, but her first hollywood heritage, but herfirst oscar nomination playing a tax inspector. not what you would think. michelle yeoh's first oscar nomination at the age of 61. for people who haven't seen it, it isn't easy to explain. it's about migrants in the united states who run a launderette but it kicks off, it becomes a sci—fi kung fu movie set in the multi—verse. also, the child start in the 1980s, he was in temple of doom. he retired, he couldn't get parts, but watching crazy rich

asians, he thought, i could do this. somebody got in touch and asked if he still asked. oscar nomination! . a quarter of all the nominations are irish because of the film the banshees of inisherin, about feuding friends in the 1920s. all of the three leads have been nominated. you've got colin farrell, brendan gleeson. you mentioned paul mescal, who so many people will know from normal people, he was in aftersun. how the british doing question what not a vintage year, but bill nighy

has its first oscar nomination for living, which she plays a bureaucrat he was told he will die and get a new lease of life. the other british nominee is a big surprise. andrea riseborough, in which she plays an alcoholic mum who wins the lottery, blows the money. this film was at sundance, came out in cinemas and flopped. it took £20,000 at the box office around the world, but she has a less friends. charlize theron decided it should be appraised, held a party. gwyneth paltrow put on instagram that they should look at the film. kate winslet hosted a viewing party, and so did amy adams. this happened in the last few days,

and now andrea riseborough has an oscar nomination. i think they will get more in the box office. supporting women, and what that can do. i must mention all quiet on the western front, best picture and best international picture. but must be unusual. . . , international picture. but must be unusual. ., ., �* , unusual. parasite one best international, _ unusual. parasite one best international, but - unusual. parasite one best international, but this i unusual. parasite one best international, but this is i unusual. parasite one best| international, but this is on netflix, it is in the german language. it won at the 1930s oscar nominations in the english language. the person who made this possible is a scottish triathlete lesley paterson, who has an oscar nomination for adapted screenplay. any relation?— any relation? spells at the same wa , but any relation? spells at the same way. but no- _ now it's time for a

look at the weather. big temperature contrasts across the uk and the day panned out to be cooler for england and wales on average, and milderfor scotland and northern ireland. the days ahead we will rectify this imbalance and we are going to see this very cold arctic air been pushed away from the south of the uk and is seasonably mild atlantic air been replaced by something slightly fresher. behind this weather front that is coming in the north—west. it will bring some rain into scotland and northern ireland overnight and a mild night to come, milder of northern england and wales but cold with a thrust across the midlands, and the risk of some freezing patches of fog. a bit more cloud around to the far south. as a sponsored south, it becomes fresher for scotland and northern ireland, but it will bring milder airfor england and wales.

hello, this is bbc news with martine croxall. the headlines... bbc chairman richard sharp says he will not stand down over he will appear before the digital culture and sport committee following controversy over the result of his appointment and alleged loan to former prime minister borisjohnson. i'm comfortable that i was appointed on merit. and i'm also comfortable that as a result of my discussion with simon case that i avoided a conflict, or a potential conflict, because i wasn't party to any transaction. calls for conservative chair nadhim zahawi to stand aside or be sacked — after questions over a multi—million pound tax settlement. paul and's prime minister has called on germany to be brave and allow his country to export 422 battle tanks to ukraine. a scandal of abuse and neglect at three children's homes in doncaster. the regulator rated the homes

as good even though there had been many warnings about ill—treatment and — this years oscar nominees have been announced. those up for best picture include: avatar, elvis, and everything everywhere all at once. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's rebecca. sympathy has been felt for novak djokovic. he has been accused of dramatising the extent of a hamstring injury in an earlier match in the tournament. a decade after winning her last australian open title, two—time winner victoria azerenka remains in the chase for a third. the legitimacy of her medical timeout sloane stephens was questioned. she will play she'll play wimbledon champion elena rybakina in the semis.

earlier, rybakina swept past jelena ostapenko in straight sets. she says she's feeling confident. i had a tough period before wimbledon in the sense i was very tired mentally. i played a lot of tournaments so i was not at my best and i took a break. it was not really an expected win at wimbledon, but here is different because first of all, i already did it once and i got confident that i can do it again. stefanos tsitsipas is through to the semi—finals of the australian open for the fourth time. he will play a russian player. well, tsitsipas will play karen khachanov in the semi—finals. the russian moves through to the final four after his opponent sebastian korda retired in the third set of their match through injury earlier today. at the end of the second set when i

pushed through and took it, it is extra pressure to the guy, if especially he has some issues physically and with his health. i think at the beginning of the third when you take this lead, from the opponent the attitude changed, so it is way tougher to come back. i think all those things together. i was quite focused. i knew what i had to do and how i had to push. two—time olympic gold medallist mikaela shiffrin is now the most successful woman in world cup alpine skiing history. she claimed her 83rd victory in the giant slalom in kronplatz. the win takes her clear of the record previously held by fellow american lindsey vonn. it leaves herjust three wins behind legendary swedish skier ingemar stenmark who has won the most world cup events ever. having two americans one and two on the world cup wins list is very historic, especially for a nation that is not a skiing nation. i hope it inspires the next generation of skiers. i think we really need that, we need more skiers to come up and i think mikaela is doing that.

i risk everything all the time but that is my nature. that is why i love downhill so much, but mikaela has been very precise and that has allowed her to have a healthy career so far. glasgow warriors have terminated the contract of full—back rufus mclean with immediate effect after he pleaded guilty to domestic abuse charges. the club suspended the 22—year—old winger last week after he appeared in court in edinburgh but following an internal disciplinary hearing with scottish rugby the club confirmed they'd sacked the player. he has the right to appeal. merseyside police have arrested three men for alleged homophobic chanting. one was arrested inside anfield and two outside the grounds. the fa can also charge clubs if the fans use a homophobic chant. this

has been aimed at the chelsea players and supporters. there is one match in the league cup tonight. newcastle travel to southampton for the first leg of the semifinal. eddie howe or�*s site have not won a major trophy since 1955 and the manager says they are desperate for the next step. the manager says they are desperate for the next step-— the next step. the semifinal is not enourh, the next step. the semifinal is not enough. it — the next step. the semifinal is not enough. it is— the next step. the semifinal is not enough, it is not _ the next step. the semifinal is not enough, it is not enough _ the next step. the semifinal is not enough, it is not enough for- enough, it is not enough for anybody. you go into these games and they've got to the semifinal means nothing. ultimately, you want to get one step further. i know the players feel the same way. me and my coaching team feel passionate about it, that we want to make the final but we have to navigate these two games. they are going to be very difficult. . , games. they are going to be very difficult. ., , ., , ., difficult. that is of the sport for now. failings by the probation service left a serial offender free to commit murder, just days after he was released from prison — that's according to a damning report today. the chief inspector of probation has revealed a catalogue of errors that led tojordan mcsweeney killing zara aleena, a law graduate, as she walked home last summer. he'd been wrongly classified as a medium rather than high risk offender.

our home affairs correspondent, june kelly reports. zara aleena's family and friends have said she was just walking home when she was attacked and sexually assaulted. today her aunt gave the family's reaction to the failings exposed in the report. i am absolutely livid, our streets are not safe. probation work has to be tight, has to be high quality, because the risks, the stakes are high, it is lives. zara's life was taken, and probation have blood on their hands. do you think zara could be alive today if people had done theirjobs better? absolutely. you are under arrest for rape and murder. jordan mcsweeney was arrested shortly after he killed zara, had

already served nine prison sentences, and had been released from jailjust nine days before the murder. today's report by the probation watchdog describes how within days of being released he was recalled to jail for failing to attend probation appointments but because he had been wrongly assessed as medium rather than high—risk, he was not arrested as soon as he could have been. this meant he was free to wander around the streets of ilford following other lone women before he targeted zara. the report describes probation officers as having excessive workloads, with the service suffering from high vacancy rates, and injordan mcsweeney�*s case it says there was a lack of communication between prison and probation services. i am not going to blame our members doing their best, trying to hold the service together. i think the blame for this systemic failure lies at the hands of the secretary of state forjustice, i want them to meet

with me and practitioners to get an idea how hard it is on the front line. it is now seven months since zara's life was taken. what are your lives like now? rubbish, absolutely rubbish. we are sad. we are heartbroken. we are still traumatised. it is... it is effort to be alive. the family have asked for a meeting with thejustice secretary dominic raab. the government is promising better training to improve risk assessments and investment to recruit thousands more probation officers. june kelly, bbc news. let's talk to steve reed who is the shadow secretary of state forjustice. thank you very much forjoining us. in your view, what i the causes of

these feelings we have been hearing about? it these feelings we have been hearing about? , ., , y ~ about? it is not 'ust my view. we have not about? it is not 'ust my view. we have got the — about? it is notjust my view. we have got the report _ about? it is notjust my view. we have got the report from - about? it is notjust my view. we have got the report from the i about? it is notjust my view. we | have got the report from the chief inspector andy chief inspector it lays it absolutely clear, that there is deep rooted dysfunction in the probation services that is putting the public at risk because dangerous offenders on release from prison are not being properly supervised or assessed in terms of the risk they represent to the public. as we saw in the case ofjordan mcsweeney and the horrific things that happened to zara aleena, he was recalled back to prison two days before he committed that merger but there was no one there to go out to make sure he was arrested. —— murder. the report lays the blame for the ceilings on the government because the government has known for years there are insufficient staff services in the probation services. some parts of

the service have got a 45% vacancy rate because turn is so high there is a lot of inexperienced staff and the government has never made sure the government has never made sure the appropriate data is passed from presence to probation. they knew all of this month, if not years ago and they had done nothing. the blame for this failure lies squarely with dominic raab and the conservative government. the dominic raab and the conservative government-— dominic raab and the conservative government. y , . ~ , government. the justice minister has said that staffing _ government. the justice minister has said that staffing levels _ government. the justice minister has said that staffing levels and - government. the justice minister has said that staffing levels and high i said that staffing levels and high caseloads are being addressed but he goes on sale later in his response, in any situation, any scenario, these are unacceptable failures that i have outlined but we are recruiting at pace. extra funding is being made available, boosting our staff compliment with a historic high of two and half thousand people coming into post and another 1500 over the course of this planning year. he acknowledges there have been unacceptable failings but they

are trying to move quickly. how do you make the probation service more attractive, to keep those people with experience while you are trying to attract newcomers? the government have been saying — to attract newcomers? the government have been saying this for— to attract newcomers? the government have been saying this for years. - to attract newcomers? the government have been saying this for years. i i have been saying this for years. i was in the chamber to date when the minister was making all of these claims about how they are fixing the problem. they are not fixing the problem. they are not fixing the problem. i was in the house of commons in october of last year, we pointed out they are carrying vacancies, around 1800. they have done nothing to fix it and all that time since then. it is well and good by the minister to stand up in the dispatch box and claim the fixing the problem, they are not. in terms of recruitment, you are not going to be able to get new people to come and work in that service or even keep good staff they have already got if they do not stabilise it. they have to provide the clear leadership from the top and that means from the government as well, to show they have got a grip on the problem that are the service. data seems to be a paramount one. if you are not collecting the information

from the presents that tell you the level of risk that a particular prisoner represents when they are released into the public, how on earth did the probation service know how to categorise them? it is the probation officers who get the blame for problems in the system that ministers have failed to fix. if you look more widely at this issue, it is notjust probation that is letting particularly women at the moment, where you have got a situation where barely one in 100 reported rapes are reported, you have got a crisis of violence against women and girls across the whole system that the government have done nothing to tackle. hagar whole system that the government have done nothing to tackle. how do ou make have done nothing to tackle. how do you make it — have done nothing to tackle. how do you make it more _ have done nothing to tackle. how do you make it more attractive - have done nothing to tackle. how do you make it more attractive as i have done nothing to tackle. how do you make it more attractive as a i you make it more attractive as a career in probation? there are so many options for people these days. there are a lot ofjobs that are not being felt across many sectors. probation is a hard career to choose. ., ., ., choose. you are right. the men and women in the _ choose. you are right. the men and women in the services _ choose. you are right. the men and women in the services are - choose. you are right. the men and women in the services are doing i women in the services are doing their absolute best in really difficult circumstances, but as long as ministers stand up and labour may

be service rather than accepting responsibility themselves for their own mistakes, people are not going to come into that service because they think fundamentally it is their heads on the chopping block if anything goes wrong. it was not probation officers who botched the privatisation of the services, it was not probation officers who did a rushed renationalisation of it, it was government ministers. as soon as government ministers stand up and apologise for what they have got it wrong, then it becomes a much more attractive proposition for people to come into those services that was a vitally needed, to work properly, if we are going to properly supervise dangerous offenders out on the streets to stop what happened to zara aleena ever happening to anyone else again. zara aleena ever happening to anyone else aaain. . .. zara aleena ever happening to anyone else aaain. . ~ y ., zara aleena ever happening to anyone else aain. . ~ y zara aleena ever happening to anyone else aain. . ~' y . zara aleena ever happening to anyone else aain. . ,, y . ., else again. thank you very much for our else again. thank you very much for your time- — else again. thank you very much for your time. some _ else again. thank you very much for your time. some breaking _ else again. thank you very much for your time. some breaking news, i your time. some breaking news, regarding staff at 150 uk universities who were told they were going to be going on strike on 18 dates between the 1st of february and the 22nd of march. a period of

about seven weeks. this is an announcement from the university and couege announcement from the university and college union, the uc new. they have announced strike action on the first of every. now it is confirmed a further 17 days of strikes. university staff held three days of strikes in november. some academic staff and those in other professional roles put out earlier this year and a year before. this year's 2% pay increase is far below the retail prices rate of inflation, which stands at 14%, remains the union. —— 3%. and the dispute concerns condition of service and pensions. 18 days of strike at hundred and 50 universities by members of the ucu by the 1st of february and the 22nd of march.

the committee of standards in public life said leaders must be clear there is a line which when crossed results and consequences. the report goes on to say, focusing on how to ensure ethical values are woven into every aspect of how an organisation operates, is critical to good leadership. the report went on to say disappointingly it often takes a crisis for senior leaders to prioritise action in this area. we arejoined by lord evans, chair of the standards in public life committee, and as we mentioned previously worked for m15 and is a crossbench peer. thank you very much forjoining us. where is that line that when crossed should lead to consequences? i that when crossed should lead to consequences?— consequences? i think it is really im ortant consequences? i think it is really important that _ consequences? i think it is really important that anybody - consequences? i think it is really important that anybody working | consequences? i think it is really. important that anybody working in the public sector or anybody who is coming into a public sector organisation, whether that is central government or in the civil service or in the health service or elsewhere, it should be clear what

the ethical values are that guide that organisation. that is a leadership question which is why abbott reports poses questions to leaders to say, do you staff know what is expected of them in terms of ethical practice? do they know they can speak up safely and make sure, if there are problems, that those are addressed are not overlooked. when did it start to go wrong? can you pinpoint a moment, a period of time when things started to go downhill? i time when things started to go downhill? ., �* ~' time when things started to go downhill? ., �* ~ y ., .., downhill? i don't think you can. i don't think— downhill? i don't think you can. i don't think you _ downhill? i don't think you can. i don't think you can _ downhill? i don't think you can. i don't think you can save - downhill? i don't think you can. i don't think you can save the i don't think you can save the situation has gone into freefall in the last five years or last 20 years. there have always been these issues that have arisen. the committee that i turnout was set up 25 or 27 years ago because of cash for questions. ten years ago, we saw the scandal over mps expenses. these problems are always with us. that is why it is really important to keep

talking about them and keep them in people's mines, notjust in the centre of government, notjust for senior ministers, but everybody else in the public sector because the public rightly expect that people who are working for them should be doing so in a way that is matching the seven principles that lord noland initially laid out. things like integrity, leadership, selflessness, and those we have got to be coming back to and reminding ourselves about. haifa to be coming back to and reminding ourselves about.— to be coming back to and reminding ourselves about. how much more often would ou ourselves about. how much more often would you like — ourselves about. how much more often would you like people _ ourselves about. how much more often would you like people to _ ourselves about. how much more often would you like people to resign - would you like people to resign rather than have to be pushed? i think that is a matter for the individuals and for the people who have the opportunity for pushing them. what i think at the moment as it is critical is that there should be accountability and that there should be openness, so i think you are probably talking about the events we have seen over the last couple of days. i think it is right that where there is a scandal and

public concern, that should be properly investigated by somebody who is independent and can find out the facts without fear, and we can then be confident those are addressed. one of the concerns i have had in this role is that some of the allegations that have been put out in the last four or five years have never been investigated. they hang in the air and that is the worst situation because nobody knows whether there is a problem whether it has been put right. at least if it has been put right. at least if it is being investigated, we have confidence that facts will be uncovered and we will be able to see what is done about that. haifa uncovered and we will be able to see what is done about that.— what is done about that. how much more sensible _ what is done about that. how much more sensible would _ what is done about that. how much more sensible would it _ what is done about that. how much more sensible would it be, - what is done about that. how much more sensible would it be, in i what is done about that. how much more sensible would it be, in your| more sensible would it be, in your view, to have a single body that oversees what goes on in government, rather than all of these various committees? it rather than all of these various committees?— rather than all of these various committees? it is quite a tricky one. i committees? it is quite a tricky one- i know _ committees? it is quite a tricky one. i know the _ committees? it is quite a tricky one. i know the labour- committees? it is quite a tricky one. i know the labour party i committees? it is quite a tricky i one. i know the labour party have said they would like a model in that sort and there are attractions to it. but i think we also need to recognise that what we expect from somebody who is a senior government minister would be different from a

backbench mp and that would be different from a civil servant. there are different expectations depending on the role that people play. especially differences between those appointed to a job where they are an employee and people who are elected by their constituents to represent them. i think it would be quite difficult to have a completely single set of rules for everybody, but i can say, and i do agree there needs to be greater consistency. one of the reasons we have said in our report about 18 months ago, that more of these organisations should be put on a proper statutory basis so they are legally backed, to ensure they have a really robust basis for the work they do. lard basis for the work they do. lord evans, basis for the work they do. lord evans. chair _ basis for the work they do. lord evans, chair of _ basis for the work they do. lord evans, chair of the _ basis for the work they do. lord evans, chair of the committee on standards in public life, thank you very much. a taliban official has told the bbc freezing temperatures across afghanistan have killed more than a hundred—and—twenty people. he said about seventy—thousand

livestock had also perished in what is the coldest winter in a decade. several regions are cut off by snow and rescue teams are struggling to reach remote mountainous areas. relief operations have been hampered by a taliban edict banning women from working with aid agencies. afghanistan's acting minister of disaster management, mullah mohammad abbas akhund, has told the bbc the edict would not be changed. our chief international correspondent lyse doucet has been to the salang in the hindu kush mountains to see how people are doing. a winter wonderland of aching beauty, but brutal. we are travelling through the hindu kush, through the world's second—highest road tunnel the salang tunnel. a place of legend. it is an engineering wonder but a death trap.

especially in winter, in avalanches and accidents. the only highway rescue at this spot is saki mohammed. selling chains for tyres in the coldest winter in a decade. tough stuff, in threadbare clothes. translation: it gets so cold you cannot see the road, i you cannot walk and heaters in cars do not work. these are the lives people live here. it is so cold, but he said it is going to get colder still. i have been out forjust minutes and eyebrows are frozen and my face feels like it is going to fall off. imagine if you lived day in and day out in conditions like this. this is the only way to reach sakhi mohammed's home.

there is no road. nothing is easy in this life. this is what life is like here. literally lived on the edge. even for the littlest, with little coverfrom this biting cold. a home made of mud with the warmth of a large family. translation: i have heard people died of cold. - my kids recently got sick, some of my animals died. until now, i had not heard that people had died in salang. even this five—year—old helps keep them alive. he tells me how they have to carry water from the river, freezing in the wind and storms.

they survive with a traditional stove and twigs. under this red and gold blanket, charcoal burns. you can taste the fumes in this room. this year their heating costs soared, just like the rest of the world. translation: no aid agencies have come to help us, - not under the last government or the taliban government. an aid agency did come by this month. this family was not seen as needy. imagine the others. their oldest daughters did not go to school, they could not afford it. 14—year—old zeinab was the luckiest, she got to go but then the taliban shut girls�* high schools. such hard lives in such harsh terrain.

afghan rulers come and go, nature�*s power ever present. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with susan powell we are going to start to introduce some relatively milder air from the

north. through this evening and overnight, our temperatures will hold up across scotland and northern ireland, plenty of clout here and a weather front comes in to the north—west and there will be some rain for west of scotland and the by the end of the night. further south, clearer skies and haemorrhages will plunge across england and wales. perhaps not so much for northern england and wales. when we are set to see the lowest temperatures across the midlands, east anglia and the west country. in areas with freezing fog around on wednesday. through wednesday daytime this when the front of work its way south across the uk, a cold front is normally with a north—westerly coming in behind and we would expect fall, but this air has worked on originally from the atlantic so is relatively milder than this arctic air to the south. but we will see is sicka cloud and outbreaks of rain, nothing especially heavy but milder

conditions returning. it will start to turn somewhat cooler across scotland and northern ireland, returning to average temperatures here. lots of fine weather to come across the uk, a bit of a northerly wind off the north sea into eastern coastal counties, pulling in a bit more cloud at times, the odd shower and definitely adding a raw feel to proceedings, but for southern england it is much milder than it has been in recent days. in contrast, the temperatures start to come down to scotland and northern ireland. we are going to continue with similar temperature profiles to those on through the weekend, we will lose those very harsh frosts, there is a lot of fine weather to come but some of us may be playing with some rather stubborn cloud.

will appear before the digital, this is bbc news. this is bbc news. the headlines... the headlines...

bbc chairman richard sharp bbc chairman richard sharp will appear before the digital, culture, media and sport committee on the 7th of february, following controversy about his appointment and his alleged involvement with a loan to former prime minister boris johnson. i�*m comfortable that i was appointed on merit. and i�*m also comfortable that as a result of my discussion with simon case that i avoided a conflict, or a potential conflict, because i wasn�*t party to any transaction. a tory mp has called for conservative party chair, nadhim zahawi, to stand aside while an inquiry is carried out, after questions over a multi—million pound tax settlement. poland�*s prime minister has called on germany to be "brave" and allow his country to export 14 leopard ii battle tanks to ukraine.