this is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. reports from germany say the chancellor, olaf scholz, is expected to confirm it's allowing leopard 2 tanks to be sent to the frontline in ukraine. the families of two british aid workers confirm they were killed while attempting to rescue people in eastern ukraine. hundreds of amazon workers in the uk walk out for the first time. in a dispute over pay. microsoft are investigating after thousands of users worldwide say they are unable to access services including teams and outlook. the bbc finds evidence of a high number of deaths due to covid in china's rural areas.

they won't necessarily be so happy because they may well have lost —— friends or loved ones to the coronavirus. rishi sunak prepares to face mps for prime minister's questions amid the continuing row over conservative party chairman, nadim zahawi. and a new study reveals how human communication may have evolved from the hand and body gestures of chimpanzees. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. germany and the united states are reportedly ready to send tanks to ukraine, in what kyiv hopes will be a game—changer in the war. at least 1a leopard 2 tanks could be

provided by germany, following months of debate. the united states reportedly plans to supply at least 30 tanks. it's claimed german officials privately insisted they would only send tanks if the us did too. the uk has already committed to providing 1a of its tanks. poland wants to send 1a of its german—made tanks, but needs permission from berlin. ukrainian officials say they urgently need heavier weapons, but need 300 tanks to make a difference. elsewhere in ukraine, it's been confirmed two british aid workers, who went missing earlier this month, have been killed. chris parry and andrew bagshaw died while attempting to evacuate people from the eastern city of soledar. we'll have more on that shortly, but first this report on weapon supplies from sofia bettiza.

he has been hesitant for days, but now, after mounting pressure, german chancellor 0laf scholz appears to have finally given the green light. according to german media, he will send at least 1a leopard 2 tanks to kyiv. these are world—class weapons, produced in germany and widely seen as the best fit for ukraine. at least 16 european and nato countries have them but until now, they were not allowed to export them because germany had to give permission, something that caused some frustration. the polish prime minister accused germany of acting in a way that was difficult to understand. in particular, germany, they have 350 leopard tanks operational and 200 leopard tanks in stores. why to keep them in stores? poland and the free world cannot

afford not to send leopard tanks and not to send modern weapons to ukraine. in his evening address, ukrainian president zelensky thanked his european allies but said that more needed to be done. translation: there is a lot of talk about the tanks that we need, - a lot of effort, words and promises. but it is important to see the reality. it is not about five or ten or 15 tanks. the need is greater. discussions need to end with decisions. decisions to really strengthen our defence against the terrorist. our allies have the necessary number of tanks. zelensky sees leopard 2 tanks as a vital weapon. he says he needs 300. he is unlikely to get them but if he were to receive even 100, that could be a turning point and could help ukrainian soldiers break through russian lines and recapture territory this year. sofia bettiza, bbc news.

we will turn to that story in a moment. now story from the uk. these are pictures from city hall. matt is the metropolitan police commissioner. the no trust in the police is a global issue but here in the uk london assembly will question the uk london assembly will question the metropolitan police commissioner, who you can see in your picture, on a case regarding a former police officer. police officer is david carrick. he carried out various sexual assaults while

serving member of the metropolitan police. he was sacked after admitting to dozens of rapes and sexual offences to 12 women numbers over the past 20 years. the metropolitan police commissioner, the head of the police in london is facing questions. let's listen in to some of what he is saying. listen in to some of what he is sa inc. ., listen in to some of what he is sa inc. . ., ., listen in to some of what he is sa in. . ., ., ., ., ., saying. he had had an allegation which has any — saying. he had had an allegation which has any hint _ saying. he had had an allegation which has any hint of— saying. he had had an allegation which has any hint of sexual - which has any hint of sexual misconduct or domestic abuse. —— who has had. these range from less serious allegations, largely verbal, for example, all the way through to serious sexual assault allegations. everyone them has been seriously investigated on dealt with and come to a position where those people remained in the organisation. what we had to work out with is, did we get those decisions right? some reports in the paper is, this is

1000 new cases. it is not new cases, it is revealing all cases. given what we know so far with these cases which have come to light, whilst i am confident we got many cases right we had to accept many cases we got wrong and there were people who we need to have a fresh look at it might be about vetting or investigations. the first thing is to systematically review that. it is a massive piece of work to do that thoroughly. the second piece to review and redress work we are doing is around vetting. lenders might sort of rememberfrom is around vetting. lenders might sort of remember from different conversations you have had, was the police national computer has criminal records and criminal convictions on it and we are confident we know all the officers who have had criminal convictions and people should not be too

troubled necessarily about that in itself. when someone has a caution as a 13—year—old for possession of cannabis that will not we'll them out from being a police officer. the police national database has a much wider intelligence set of arrests and other incidents going beyond convictions. we have washed their data, technical people understand what this means better than i do. we have washed all our data, personnel data, against the police national database to look at other officers or staff who have had contact with the police that may be troubling that we do not know about? we do that we do not know about? we do that wash and you get a big pile of potential positives, which will include positives and false positives. that creates a big manual process to sift through those hits and that is what we are working on at the moment. that is the fresh

betting approach we are talking about. i wanted to explain more detail. that is the tactic, we are the first people to do it at scale. the home secretary has asked for all forces to do that tactic as well. we are auoin forces to do that tactic as well. we are going to lead the metropolitan police commissioner, head of the uk's largest police forces in london, answering questions from the london, answering questions from the london assembly�*s a sent crime committee in the wake of the former metropolitan police officer david carrick, who was sacked after admitting to dozens of rain and sexual offences over a period of 20 years. forviewers sexual offences over a period of 20 years. for viewers in the uk we will be bringing you more of what he says joined a day on bbc news. i want to return to the new sarah reports from

germany saying chancellor olaf scholz is expected to confirm he will be sending leopard tanks to the front line in ukraine. why have the germans made this decision now? what germans made this decision now? what it seems is that — germans made this decision now? lie'isgt it seems is that chancellor germans made this decision now? lie"isgt it seems is that chancellor olaf scholz is very keen to get the americans on side. until very recently, really until last night, the chancellor was under fire from all sides, the chancellor was under fire from allsides, outside the chancellor was under fire from all sides, outside of germany and also within germany and within his own government for being very unclear about what was going on, being in many words of critics, has a tent. it seems his plan was to build an alliance of countries within europe and also with washington to send battle tanks to ukraine. his mantra has always been not do anything alone. it has been very clear until now what you meant by it. what it seems to have meant, when it comes to battle tanks, and

controversial issue in germany given their history, what he meant was europe and germany should not be really vulnerable without us backing. what report show is that it seems washington has agreed to send some of their battle tanks and germany, we should get confirmation eminently really within the next few hours at the latest, that the government here will send some of their battle tanks and also allow their battle tanks and also allow the re—export of german made tanks that are now in other western countries. that would mean a substantial scaling up really of the weaponry that is going to ukraine still a controversial issue within germany. certainly olaf scholz has managed to get his party on side and his government, which was not the case until yesterday. that his government, which was not the case until yesterday.— case until yesterday. that is interesting. _ case until yesterday. that is interesting. if _ case until yesterday. that is interesting. if we _ case until yesterday. that is interesting. if we do - case until yesterday. that is interesting. if we do get - interesting. if we do get confirmation that what is the wider political reaction in germany? i

think in mainstream politics, very positive. the conservative opposition welcomed the decision. they say it is too late and has ruined the reputation of germany. they say it is the right thing to do. the centre—left by the centre—right, all three governing party say it is correct that germany should send its own battle tanks and it should allow the re—export from other countries. the criticism comes from the far right in parliament. it says germany should hang onto its own weapons and look after itself. the radical left is sceptical of any weapons delivery. they say this escalate the war. they criticise this decision and say this is dangerous. even though mainstream politics supports the chancellor, has to be said that voters are still split. but we'll see now is chancellor schultz will have ——

chancellor schultz will have —— chancellor olaf scholz will have a job on his hands to win over voters. just under half support sending battle tanks to ukraine and just under half i'm against it. against extremely worried it means escalation. a lot of people will say where will it stop? there is nervousness. particularly because the eventual war aims for a lot of people are still very unclear. even though olaf scholz has managed to do really dealing behind—the—scenes, managing to get his party and government on side, he's still really needs to get a lot of german voters on side and is probably his next challenge really.— voters on side and is probably his next challenge really. good to talk to ou. next challenge really. good to talk to yom thank— next challenge really. good to talk to you. thank you. _ joining me now is bartosz wielinski, deputy editor—in—chief of the polish daily newspaper gazeta wyborcza and formerforeign

correspondent in berlin. really good to happy with us. thank you forjoining us. poland has been pushing to send tanks to ukraine. why is this so important for poland? inaudible. iam going i am going to have to interact here, i am going to have to interact here, i am going to have to interact here, i am so sorry. we are having terrible difficulty hearing you. i wonder if it is worth trying one more time. just carry on, sorry. maybe this is better.— more time. just carry on, sorry. maybe this is better.- i - more time. just carry on, sorry. maybe this is better. tess. i wanted maybe this is better. yess. i wanted to sa that maybe this is better. yess. i wanted to say that poland _ maybe this is better. yess. i wanted to say that poland is _ maybe this is better. yess. i wanted to say that poland is a _ maybe this is better. yess. i wanted to say that poland is a neighbouring country to ukraine. we would be the next victim, their target of the attack. it is in our personal interest to protect the country in

this way. we have sent already are old tanks, which were built in soviet times. we are out of stock. the only tanks now are the german leopards. we were not to send them until yesterday. leopards. we were not to send them untilyesterday. it leopards. we were not to send them until yesterday. it is a major breakthrough in our relations. it is extremely good news for nato. i had the impression that there was a split. there was a rupture in the alliance caused by germany. now it is over under the leadership ofjoe biden, which has avoided the damage. we are together. it will be a serious breakthrough for defending ukraine. i read reports that more

than 100 tanks will be sent to ukraine. the british tanks as well and the abrams from the united states, it will break through russian lines to allow the ukrainians to conduct successful offences sometime in the spring against the russians. i am very optimistic about that. i against the russians. i am very optimistic about that.— optimistic about that. i am interested _ optimistic about that. i am interested you _ optimistic about that. i am interested you think- optimistic about that. i am interested you think it - optimistic about that. i am | interested you think it could optimistic about that. i am interested you think it could mean a serious breakthrough. it is about 120 tanks if everything goes as expected in the german parliament today. pm had had asked for 300 tanks. i am wondering why you think it will lead to a serious breakthrough, why you think this number of tanks will be enough. the ukrainians number of tanks will be enough. t"i;e: ukrainians proved they are extremely fierce warriors and capable,

ingenious fighters. they have been given only 30 missile launchers. look what use say made of that last september and october during the counter offences in kharkiv and donbas. they regained half the territory that was occupied. very little western equipment. to be given all these tanks is a lot. it matters. the ukrainians say they need this. they always say they need more than they really need. they will not get less than they need. 100 should be a significant number for them. they have already proven they know how to use them. some voices had — they know how to use them. some voices had been _

they know how to use them. some voices had been raised _ they know how to use them. some voices had been raised about - they know how to use them. some voices had been raised about the fears of escalation and the way that russia might react to this news. what is your view on that? ii russia might react to this news. what is your view on that? if russia were to escalate, _ what is your view on that? if russia were to escalate, it _ what is your view on that? if russia were to escalate, it would - what is your view on that? if russia were to escalate, it would have - were to escalate, it would have escalated months ago, last year in early spring. they did not react almost anything. it was a case that the deputy prime minister of russia was injured by a shell fired from a howitzer delivered by friends. there was no escalation. nothing happened. a letter was written to the french ambassador. up till now there has been no escalation and russia has more than a weaponry problem. there was huge damage to russia. russia

did not react. why should they change their behaviour now? why should they escalate it now? i am not buying it. it is overcautious for western europe.— not buying it. it is overcautious for western europe. deputy editor in chief of the polish _ for western europe. deputy editor in chief of the polish daily _ for western europe. deputy editor in chief of the polish daily newspaper. l chief of the polish daily newspaper. very good to have you with us on bbc news. thank you for your time. the families of two british men, who went missing in ukraine earlier this month, have confirmed they have been killed. chris parry, who was 28, and 47—year—old andrew bagshaw died while attempting to evacuate people from the frontline town of soledar in the east of the country. jon donnison reports. almost three weeks since they were last seen alive, there's now confirmation from the families of chris parry and andrew bagshaw that the two men have been killed in eastern ukraine. in a statement, andrew bagshaw�*s parents, who live in new zealand, said the humanitarian volunteer�*s car was hit by an artillery shell

as they tried to rescue an elderly woman from soledar. they said their son selflessly took many personal risks and saved many lives, adding that they loved him and were very proud of what he did. soledar has been the focus of intense fighting. earlier this month, russia's military claimed to have captured the ukrainian salt mine town after a long battle. chris parry and andrew bagshaw had been trying to get civilians out, often posting videos of their efforts on social media. now we've gone back to pretty much the front. 200 metres from the russians, picked up two people a woman, 40, and her mother, who was 60 or so, who actually i met a week or so ago when i was picking up the two elderly people who got lost. in a statement released through the foreign office, chris parry�*s family said he had found himself drawn to ukraine in its darkest hour. they said he had saved over 400 lives and added his selfless determination in helping the old, young and disadvantaged had made

them extremely proud. the foreign office has said it's supporting the families of both men. john donnison, bbc news. staff at amazon will hold their first legally—mandated strike in the uk today in a dispute about pay. the gmb union, which is organising the walkout at the firm's distribution centre in coventry, says it expects at least 300 employees to take part. amazon, which doesn't recognise unions in the uk, insists the action will have "zero" impact on customers and that it has a system "that recognises great performance." i'm nowjoined by rachel fagan. she is the gmb union's regional organiser for the midlands. good too happy with us. thank you forjoining us. why are amazon workers on strike? it

forjoining us. why are amazon workers on strike?— forjoining us. why are amazon workers on strike? it goes back to the summer. _ workers on strike? it goes back to the summer, in _ workers on strike? it goes back to the summer, in the _ workers on strike? it goes back to the summer, in the august. - workers on strike? it goes back to i the summer, in the august. amazon workers were offered a pay rise of 50p which was brought forward by amazon. these workers have gone above and beyond for the company, all the way through the pandemic and then they were offered a pay increase of 50p, when they expected a lot more. members are struggling and having to use food banks in order to feed families. they cannot afford to put heating on and are having to make very difficult decisions. all they want is for their employer to pay them a wage they can live on and look after theirfamily son. they can live on and look after their family son.— they can live on and look after their family son. amazon says its -a is their family son. amazon says its pay is competitive _ their family son. amazon says its pay is competitive and _ their family son. amazon says its pay is competitive and they - their family son. amazon says its pay is competitive and they have| pay is competitive and they have already offered a 29% increase in the minimum hourly wage since 2019. they also offer sign—on bonuses for temporary staff and there are

insurance benefits as well, for example health insurance. where are the caettin example health insurance. where are they getting it — example health insurance. where are they getting it so _ example health insurance. where are they getting it so wrong? _ example health insurance. where are they getting it so wrong? i _ example health insurance. where are they getting it so wrong? i think - they getting it so wrong? i think they getting it so wrong? i think they have not listened to their workforce. their workforce had been asking this is predominantly about paper also about working conditions how they are treated within the centre is, how they are schooled on production and how they are monitored and disciplined as a result of it. how they are worked as human beings and treated almost like robots. our members are wanting to use this platform to be able to have their opinions heard, to be able to protest and stand up against amazon and have their voices heard. your union is not _ and have their voices heard. your union is not recognised _ and have their voices heard. your union is not recognised by amazon, is it? you cannot negotiate on behalf of anybody, can you? we cannot behalf of anybody, can you? - cannot negotiate currently because we are not recognised but we know the members want recognition within the members want recognition within the site and that is why they are

taking their strike action to be able to protest against amazon or recognition also because they want the gmb union inside their workplace, negotiating for them and making their workplace a safer environment for them to work in. ii environment for them to work in. if amazon refuses to recognise the union, how can you negotiate? we can take them through _ union, how can you negotiate? we can take them through a _ union, how can you negotiate? we can take them through a legal _ union, how can you negotiate? we can take them through a legal process - union, how can you negotiate? we can take them through a legal process to l take them through a legal process to full spec on then. there comes a point where there is a legal threshold we can meet to take amazon through a legal process and full spam to have recognition at that site. if that is what the membership once and the membership will show that byjoining the union and the union growing on site which is happening on a daily basis and it is continuing through this industrial action period. i continuing through this industrial action period-— continuing through this industrial action period. i want to talk about numbers. action period. i want to talk about numbers- the _ action period. i want to talk about numbers. the distribution - action period. i want to talk about numbers. the distribution centre | action period. i want to talk about. numbers. the distribution centre in coventry has a workforce of 1500 people. how many people have joined

the strike action today? we people. how many people have “oined the strike action today?�* the strike action today? we have had over 300 people _ the strike action today? we have had over 300 people joining _ the strike action today? we have had over 300 people joining the - the strike action today? we have had over 300 people joining the strike i over 300 people joining the strike action. we have more members and nonmembers coming along to lend support. we have supporters from groups across the movement as well coming out and supporting them later on this evening at 6pm outside the workplace. the membership is growing. as we have gone on today, we are on the picket line today, people are coming along and joining the gmb union because they want the union in their workplace to make it safe and a better environment for everybody. safe and a better environment for eve bod . . . safe and a better environment for everybody-— everybody. that is only a fifth of the workforce, _ everybody. that is only a fifth of the workforce, isn't _ everybody. that is only a fifth of the workforce, isn't it? - everybody. that is only a fifth of the workforce, isn't it? how - everybody. that is only a fifth of. the workforce, isn't it? how much the workforce, isn't it? how much the difference is that really to make? it the difference is that really to make? . .. the difference is that really to make? . ,, ., the difference is that really to make? . .. . ' . the difference is that really to make? . «e ., , . ., make? it will make a difference and it will continue _ make? it will make a difference and it will continue to _ make? it will make a difference and it will continue to because _ make? it will make a difference and it will continue to because we - make? it will make a difference and it will continue to because we will. it will continue to because we will continue to grow. a good example is, before this started, there was one in 50 workers were members of the

union. now it is more like one in five. more people having those conversations. and the send does not want their workforce to be talking about unions, they do not want to know their rights, raise grievances or to know what acceptable work and safety conditions are. the more we build the union the more those conversations happen in the more it will organically grow. all of this has been led by the membership within sight. this has been organised by then. all of the mandate has come from them. we have listened to what they wanted, supported them and enable them to get this point. supported them and enable them to get this point-— get this point. thank you for “oininu get this point. thank you for joining us- _ get this point. thank you for joining us. thank _ get this point. thank you for joining us. thank you. - rishi sunak is likely to face further criticism this afternoon at prime minister's questions about the conduct of the conservative party chairman, nadhim zahawi. mr sunak has ordered his ethics

advisor, sir laurie magnus, to investigate how mr zahawi resolved a tax dispute when he was chancellor. mr zahawi says he's confident he acted properly. our chief political correspondent nick eardley looks ahead to rishi sunak�*s appearance at prime minister's questions. by starting this investigation, ministers would have a bit of a fire shield against the questions they would face. but i think as the story has just kept going, more questions have emerged. a big problem for the prime minister is what he told mps last week. if you cast your mind back a week to prime minister's questions, he said that nadhim zahawi had addressed the matter in full. since then, more has emerged. we are told by number 10, their account is, when mr sunak said that, he did not know the conservative party chairman had paid a penalty as part of a tax dispute with hmrc.

inevitably, i think, there will be questions for mr sunak today about what he found out and when, about what advice he got when nadhim zahawi was appointed to hisjob, when mr sunak became prime minister. also i think about the relationship between the two. we were told last week by the pm's spokesman that he takes mr zahawi at his word. given we now know he did not have the full account at pmqs last week, does he still take mr zahawi at his word? this is a story that has got different elements to it that keep emerging. there has been cricicism this morning from a former conservative minister, david gawk, about the fact that it appears that there were legal threats made against a newspaper and a tax expert, who were asking questions about mr zahawi's tax affairs. we have asked his team to respond to that and not had a response

as things stand at the moment. but i do think this is just a story that keeps going keeps going and going and going. the question is whether the prime minister can answer all those issues that are outstanding. we know nick that rishi sunak has ordered his ethics adviser to investigate. do we have any sense how long that investigation might take? not a definitive one is the honest answer. there have been some suggestions that perhaps it could be done within the week. one source told the bbc that last night. having covered quite a few of these investigations in the last few years, they can often drag on. because there is a new ethics adviser, ijust don't think we can be certain about how long it will take. let's see. the european court of human rights is due to rule on whether russia can be put in the dock for the downing of flight mh17. close to 300 people were killed

when the malaysia airlines passenger plane was brought down by a surface to air missile injuly 2014. this is a major step towards establishing the truth and achieving justice and accountability for all the victims and their loved ones. the decision will be read out at a hearing in strasbourg. anna holligan has more from the hague. the netherlands is taking russia to the european court of human rights because it blamed the russian government for playing a key role in the shooting down of flight mh17. it also accuses russia of failing to investigate the atrocity and of compounding the relatives' grief by pumping out this disinformation campaign. some of the relatives will be in court in strasbourg today. they have been sending photographs of them en route. this case really hinges on whether russia had effective control over the area in eastern ukraine where the alleged atrocities were committed. russia, interestingly, has taken part in these legal proceedings. so russia has claimed

the netherlands did not go to the european court of human rights in time and therefore, the case should not go ahead and also that the relatives have not explored all of the legal options within russia, so therefore, it shouldn't be heard at the european court of human rights. the netherlands has responded by saying well, actually, these are exceptional circumstances, so what the european court of human rights will be ruling on today is whether the criteria has been met for them to actually hear this case at all rather than the merits of the case. let's get more now on those reports about tanks from germany and us being sent to ukraine. earlier i spoke to dr patrick bury — a senior lecturer in security at the university of bath and a former captain in the british army. i began by asking him what foreign tanks are in the ukraine at the moment. so in terms of the actual number of

tanks that ukraine has at the moment, and this would be a mixture, rebecca, of the soviet era tanks they have kept over and then as far as we know, different, other countries have given them soviet era tanks so far, if you know what i mean, so czechoslovakia, the czech republic, slovakia, have given them but in terms of foreign—made tanks, i think the numbers are very low, i am not aware of any instances of wear proper, up—to—date am not aware of any instances of wear pi’opef, up—to—date foreign tanks have gone into ukraine so far. the total number they have a rethink at the moment is about 1200, about. they started the war with about 900 and probably lost about 250 but they have captured a number of russian tanks and they have also been given soviet era, soviet—made tanks from europe so that brings it up to around 1200, we think. interesting so what is the _ around 1200, we think. interesting so what is the military _ around 1200, we think. interesting so what is the military significance | so what is the military significance of sending these tanks? we are hearing in the region of about 120

tanks from several nations. what difference will they make? thea;c tanks from several nations. what difference will they make? they will make a really _ difference will they make? they will make a really big _ difference will they make? they will make a really big difference - difference will they make? they will make a really big difference if - difference will they make? they will make a really big difference if it - make a really big difference if it does end up to be that number. essentially, we have already seen over 100 armoured infantry fighting vehicles being pledged and when you put those together with about 100 tanks, you have got an armoured brigade essentially, maybe even two smaller ones if you need to make it and that is a formation which can be used in the summer to try to punch through russian lines and take back ukrainian territory, especially if they have got the artillery support and the other heavy weapons and intelligence support needed to make it into a fully functioning combined arms manoeuvre brigade, essentially. that is what the view is about it. secondly, these tanks, the differences essentially, the western tanks, the leopards, challengers and abrams, they are more capable than anything russia is the moment. what is happening anecdotally is the russians are using one of their more modern tanks, 1390 which is very difficult for the ukrainians with

their t 64s, t 72s and ti 80s, that is the era they entered service, so they are older and not as capable. it is taking them up to three tanks to take out one russian team 90. the challenger 2, the leopard and the abrams wood over match the tea 90 so you are looking at a kill ratio, instead of three to one, it would be zero to one that you can take them out before they can take you out so thatis out before they can take you out so that is the significance on a tank to tank. ., . , . that is the significance on a tank to tank. ., ., , ., , ., , to tank. you raise are several very interesting — to tank. you raise are several very interesting points, _ to tank. you raise are several very interesting points, if— to tank. you raise are several very interesting points, if it _ to tank. you raise are several very interesting points, if it is - to tank. you raise are several very interesting points, if it is 120 - interesting points, if it is 120 tanks, we know that kyiv was asking for 300 but from what i am inferring from what you are saying, you think this will be enough to make a difference in terms of an offensive difference in terms of an offensive difference of moving forward rather than just a defensive difference of moving forward rather thanjust a defensive position difference of moving forward rather than just a defensive position of maintaining where they are at the moment? . . maintaining where they are at the moment? , . ., , ., moment? yes, and that is a good cuestion, moment? yes, and that is a good question. too _ moment? yes, and that is a good question, too because _ moment? yes, and that is a good question, too because tanks - moment? yes, and that is a good question, too because tanks are l question, too because tanks are generally seen as offensive. at the moment, ukraine has not been

advancing and they have been using their tanks in advancing and they have been using theirtanks in a advancing and they have been using their tanks in a sort of artillery role, may be, and as pillboxes. but come the summer, when they will have to do probably weather attack somewhere so they will be handy that way, if they are already in country ljy way, if they are already in country by then, we don't know when that will come but come but come the summer, when they tried to counterattack, if they are kept together, especially, this is very significant. an armoured brigade of 100 tanks supported by 100 infantry fighting vehicles and artillery support is incredibly significant. what it does is it basically allows the ukrainians, if you imagine it as a spearhead in one place of attack, if that is going to be in donetsk for example or may be around zaporizhzhia, that is the spearhead unit that will punch through. that is what it is giving them if it all comes to bear.— is what it is giving them if it all comes to bear. ., ., , ., , comes to bear. how do you get these tanks to the — comes to bear. how do you get these tanks to the front _ comes to bear. how do you get these tanks to the front line? _ comes to bear. how do you get these tanks to the front line? usually, - tanks to the front line? usually, tanks to the front line? usually, tanks are transported _ tanks to the front line? usually, tanks are transported away - tanks to the front line? usually, j tanks are transported away from tanks to the front line? usually, - tanks are transported away from the front lines on trains or low loader trucks. trains obviously, you can

move many more of them in a single move. we know that the allies have been getting stuff into poland and then into western ukraine. that is essentially how you do it. as you get closer to the front line, you dismount them from the trucks and then they drive on road or off—road until they are at the front. aha, then they drive on road or off-road until they are at the front.- until they are at the front. a final cuestion, until they are at the front. a final question. is _ until they are at the front. a final question, is there _ until they are at the front. a final question, is there any _ until they are at the front. a final question, is there any concern i until they are at the front. a final. question, is there any concern about how many tanks left in reserve, i suppose, should germany or other parts of europe need them? hat parts of europe need them? not reall . if parts of europe need them? not really- if you _ parts of europe need them? iirrt really. if you look at the way it seems the allies are doing this in terms of each country giving 12 or 15 or in the us case, their t— 50, we will see, the stocks for example of the leopard 2, there are thousands of them, literally over 1000 anyway in europe at the moment. giving 100 is not going to be a problem. yeah, i don't think there is that worry at the moment. of course, these are designed to defeat the russian tanks. that is what they were made for. you have got a very

credible ally like ukraine fighting the russians on ukrainian territory. that is what they are made for and thatis that is what they are made for and that is what they should be doing. dr patrick ferry—macro talking to me earlier. tens of thousands of users around the world have reported being unable to access microsoft services, including teams and outlook. microsoft says it is investigating the outage. with me now to discuss this is our technology editor, zoe kleinman. what is the problem? it seems to be a roblem what is the problem? it seems to be a problem at — what is the problem? it seems to be a problem at microsoft's _ what is the problem? it seems to be a problem at microsoft's end - what is the problem? it seems to be a problem at microsoft's end which l a problem at microsoft's end which is kind of a relief because it rules out any kind of cyber attack. microsoft says it had rolled out a routine network change that either has gone awry or has had some kind of unintended consequences. anyway, things have not gone to plan. it says it has rolled it back and people are starting to report that they are seeing services come back online. it appears to have fixed the problem. it was obviously a very wide ranging problem because it has affected a number of services, including microsoft teams but also

xbox live and really importantly, microsoft's's cloud service, azure. you may not know that at a consumer sitting at home but lots of businesses rely on it for storage if they are storing a lot of data or indeed if they need a lot of competing power so we have seen a number of large brands this morning tweeting they are having problems with services as a knock—on effect. i sawjust before i came to talk to you that eurotunnel and eurostar are saying that it has definitely been affected this morning by the outage. it is a lesson in how much we rely on these single big tech companies to give us a product that we use all the time to run our businesses and daily lives but when they go down, we are kind of stuck because we have got no control over how to get them back again. got no control over how to get them back aaain. ., , ., , got no control over how to get them back aain. ., , ., , , ,, back again. how unusual is this kind of outaae? back again. how unusual is this kind of outage? i — back again. how unusual is this kind of outage? i mean, _ back again. how unusual is this kind of outage? i mean, it _ back again. how unusual is this kind of outage? i mean, it does - back again. how unusual is this kind of outage? i mean, it does not - of outage? i mean, it does not ha en of outage? i mean, it does not happen every _ of outage? i mean, it does not happen every day _ of outage? i mean, it does not happen every day but - of outage? i mean, it does not happen every day but you - of outage? i mean, it does not happen every day but you hearj of outage? i mean, it does not - happen every day but you hear about outages from big firms. they are running these enormous networks. apparently, teams alone has 280 million users which is absolutely massive. microsoft has deep pockets

so it has clearly built a robust network but there are always going to be points of weakness, maintenance tends to knock things over if something is having to be transferred from one place to another. anything can kind of... anything can happen in those fragile and vulnerable moments. that can cause a big problem, as we have seen here, lots of people waking up to start work all around the world. i think most countries apart from china have reported issues. government services have been protected, obviously, they run on a separate system but it has certainly caused a lot of problems for a lot of people. caused a lot of problems for a lot of --eole. . .. caused a lot of problems for a lot of people-— caused a lot of problems for a lot of --eole. ., ,, ., ., , some breaking news just some breaking newsjust into some breaking news just into us some breaking newsjust into us here at the bbc. germany has confirmed that it will send leopard 2 tanks to ukraine and will improve their re—export from partner countries. those will be countries for example

like poland that have bought german—made tanks needed to seek german—made tanks needed to seek german approval in order to send the tanks to ukraine and germany has confirmed that it will now approve that. this is a spokesman, a government spokesman for the german government, issuing a statement and he said that the goal was to quickly establish two battalions with leopard 2 tanks for ukraine, adding that germany in the first stage would provide 1a leopard 2 tanks from military stocks. training of ukrainian troops in germany would begin soon and germany will also provide logistics and ammunition. if you have been with us during the course of the last few hours on the bbc, you will know that we have been reporting on the fact that germany was set to agree to send tanks to

ukraine. confirmation now via a german government spokesperson that germany will send leopard 2 tanks to ukraine and approve their re—export from partner countries, such as poland for instance, who have purchased german—made tanks, needed permission from germany to send those tanks to ukraine and they will now be permitted to do so. after china abandoned its zero—covid policy in december, the virus has spread through the country at an alarming rate, leaving many city hospitals struggling to cope. our china correspondent stephen mcdonell has been to visit villages in the shanxi province, where many have returned to celebrate the lunar new year. the coffin makers in northern shanxi

province have been busy. there's been great debate about the number of covid deaths in china's cities. but there's still no official death toll for rural areas. yet what you see if you visit local crematoriums is that a lot of people have died. in fact, all those we meet who are working in the funeral industry speak about an explosion in demand. orders for these paper funeral ornaments are being placed at two or three times the normal rate because of coronavirus deaths, according to this man. translation: some sick people were already very weak. - then they catch covid and their elderly bodies can't handle it. the government has announced more than 70,000 covid—related deaths in china's hospitals, but these rural areas have only sparse facilities and many pass away at home. so they're mostly not being counted. translation: she had severe diabetes. - after she got covid, she had a high fever and her organs began to fail.

her immune system wasn't strong enough to make it. this man has just lost his sister—in—law. the mother of two was in her early 50s. he says the cost of buddhist funeral images like these has skyrocketed because of the speed of the deaths. translation: she was a great person. we must hold a grand event to send her off, the best we can afford. for the spring festival, hundreds of millions of younger people have already returned to their home towns. places mostly populated by the elderly, who are more at risk from covid. these are the fireworks, the pictures, the lanterns and the snacks that chinese people buy to help them ring in the new year here. it's normally a veryjoyous time. in fact, the most important festival in this country. but this year, people won't necessarily be so happy because they may well have lost friends or loved ones to the coronavirus.

everyone seems to know somebody who's died. i ask this farmer about what appeared to be new graves nearby. translation: families have been i burying their elderly relatives. i there are just so many. he points to the fresh mounds of earth. they are marked with red flags. in his village of a few thousand, he says more than a0 people have passed away during the outbreak. but they are hoping covid's worst work has been done and that the fields where they toil won't be filled with more of their loved ones in the nearfuture. stephen mcdonell, bbc news, shanxi province. chris hipkins has been sworn in as new zealand's new prime minister. it follows the shock resignation of jacinda ardern last week. she said she didn't have enough "in the tank" to continue in the job.

our correspondent phil mercer says the the new leaderfaces several challenges. this is a man known to his friends and family as chippy, an amalgam of his first and last names. he has a huge challenge on his hands. opinion polls are indicating that the labour government he now leads is behind the conservative opposition, with an election due later this year. so big shoes to fill for chris hipkins. he replaces jacinda ardern, who became a global icon for many women and girls around the world, for her empathetic and kind style of leadership. so the new government under mr hipkins is making the economy its priority. the new man in charge said there was a global inflation pandemic, so inflation in new zealand is stubbornly high around 7%.

mr hipkins is promising to address those cost of living pressures on kiwi families and is promising a ministerial reshuffle as well. so we are looking at a reset of the labour government in new zealand to try to win that election in october of this year. the rapper ye, otherwise known as kanye west, may be denied entry to australia. media there reported he's planning to meet the family of his partner bianca censori who grew up in melbourne, but a government minister condemned the 45—year—old for anti—semitic comments involving hitler and the holocaust. i don't know if he has applied for a visa yet, but google it and you will see that he seems like he is a pretty big fan of a person who killed 6 millionjewish people last century. people like that who have applied for visas to get into australia in the past have been rejected. i expect that if he does apply, he would have to go through the same process and answer the same questions that they did.

the first phase of preparation work to rebuild the glasgow school of art's fire—damaged mackintosh building has been completed. a fire in 2018 destroyed the iconic grade a—listed building as it neared the end of a £35 million restoration project, after a previous blaze in 2014. the second phase of the project will now get underway. over 5,500 tonnesjust of fire—damaged debris, never mind all the salvage materials — stone, bricks, other metal elements that we have kept. so it was three metres high in places. so that had to be painstakingly, by hand, with archaeologists and the scottish fire and rescue service people looking at that. humans can understand gestures used by chimpanzees to communicate with each other in the wild —

according to new research. scientists from the university of st andrews asked volunteers to watch videos and translate the animals' sign language. the results indicate that this form communication, may be the origin of our own language. here's our science correspondent victoria gill. a silent demand for food from one bonobo to another. and a big scratch? that is chimpanzee language for "groom me". there are now dozens of known gestures in the great ape lexicon, each with a particular meaning. by showing videos of these gestures to volunteers, scientists discovered that, more than half the time, people are able to understand the message that a wild chimp or bonobo is trying to convey with a signal or a movement. we can be fairly confident that this is a communication system shared by all great ape species, including humans, and that our last common ancestors,

with bonobos and chimpanzees, probably used quite similar gestures. and that these gestures may have then gone on to scaffold the evolution of human gesture and human language as we know it now. some gestures are easier for us to understand than others. shaking an object like this is apparently flirtation. but people's ability to understand the message is that our closest primate cousins are trying to convey has provided researchers with a clear scientific message about how our own language might have evolved. victoria gill, bbc news. earlier we spoke with one of the study�*s researchers dr kirsty graham, who told us what they have discovered. so normally, i work with bonobos in the wild. i spend a lot of time following them around the forest and filming them and then i come back and take the video and analyse it and i try to unpick what the gestures mean. we flipped this and got people who have no experience looking

at bonobos or chimpanzees and asked them whether they can understand the meanings of these gestures without any information before or after. people are really good at it. if people were guessing at chance, we would expect about 25% but people are over 50% successful at assigning meanings to the gestures. overall, we found a really good understanding for nonhuman great ape gesture. how surprised were you? um, you know, we were and we were not surprised. we sort of expected it because these are rich sets of gesture that are shared across gorillas, orangutans, bonobos, chimpanzees. we kind of suspected that humans might also have some sort of understanding of them. we know that human infants, one or two years old, use quite a few of these gestures but it was quite surprising how little information that people got. they really just saw

the gesture action itself, nothing before or after, but that was enough for people to understand what the gestures meant. i don't want to be a damp squib but if it was about 50%, that means half of people did not recognise the gestures, doesn't it? yeah, it does and i think what is important here is that we know that context is really important for our own communication. it is also really important for the other great apes. so bonobos, some of their gestures have multiple meanings, so a raised arm might mean, climb on my back, or groom me, or it might mean move closer. there are gestures that have many meanings but they mean specific things in specific contexts. so one of our follow—up questions is whether, given more context, knowing what happens before, if people become better at interpreting the gestures. understood, but what does it tell us about the origins of human gestures, do you think? it gives us more confidence that this is a gestural communication system that our last common ancestor probably would have used.

this is kind of a starting point if we are thinking about how human gesture and language evolved. we know we are starting with this set of gestures or this gesture ability which is shared with living great apes. we are looking at some pictures as you are talking and the stroking of the mouth, for example, means, give me food, and then tearing strips from a leaf with teeth is a sign of flirtation. i am just wondering how that works in the human world instead of the chimpanzee or bonobo world! yes, that is an interesting one. they take leaves like this and they will just tear them off. there is some community differences so there is a nice new bit of research that there are community differences in how the chimps do this, and bonobos will pick off leaves and drop them. i don't know, i am not sure whether to recommend people try

picking leaves and clipping them with their teeth. probably only if you know what plant it is! but that was not one of the gestures we tested, but as you said, the stroking of the mouth, this was one that was really well understood. they also do a big, loud scratch which is like a loud, exaggerated scratching movement. people were really good at understanding that that was a request to be groomed, like, come and pick these bugs and bits of fur off me. how common is it for animals to gesture to one another? there is more and more evidence that it is common across other primates. there is some nice research on baboons and on bonnet macaques and other macaque species, showing sets of around 30—40 gestures, about half of what we found in the great apes but maybe they will find more. there is also some evidence of gesture in birds, so in corvids and in babblers, they do some displays and some gestures with their wings and beaks.

it might be quite widespread across the animal kingdom, that there is some ability to use these body actions as ways of communicating. but nothing quite as rich as what we see in other great apes, so far. that is interesting because i suspect there may be people watching this who think, well, i am sure my dog or cat has gestures. is that possible? yes, and that is a question we get a lot. i had somebody else say, well, my dog understands my gestures, does that mean i'm closely related to my dog? no! quite distantly related. but it tells us something about how dogs and cats were domesticated because they have gone through a selection process where we have chosen traits. we have chosen to continue breeding dogs that are attentive to our commands and gestures. so dogs, for instance, are quite good at following pointing and understanding it and using some pointing themselves, whereas that is really uncommon across other species. studying dogs and maybe other

domesticated species can also inform us on human gesture. it is fascinating and great to talk to you about it. i suppose i wonder what further application and use this research could have in the future? i think there is probably welfare applications, so when we are considering a lot of great... well, all great ape species are endangered and there are a lot of them in captivity. captive breeding programmes can be very important for conservation. but equipping people with more knowledge about recognising what the chimps and other great apes are communicating about could have important welfare implications for the apes as well. asa as a quick update on the news that germany has said it will supply leopard 2 tanks to ukraine for the

uk prime minister has said they will strengthen ukraine's defensive firepower and said, together we are accelerating our efforts to ensure ukraine wins the war. that is it from us on bbc news. hello again. this morning, the temperatures in the north of the country were a little bit lower than they were yesterday, but in the south, they were a little bit higher. where it has been so cold by day, over the next few days, it is going to turn less cold and it will be mostly dry. i say mostly dry because today we do have a weather front sinking south, taking its rain with it. behind it, it is going to be breezy and we will see a mix of sunshine and showers. most of the showers in the north and west of scotland. this morning's fog continuing to lift, some of it just into low cloud. ahead of this band of rain sinking south across england and wales, there will be some drizzle. behind it, for northern england, scotland and northern ireland, there will be some sunshine. the showers in the north and west being driven in on strong winds. this evening and overnight, you will find the cloud and the rain clears the south and there will be

a lot of clear skies following on behind and one or two showers. some of those wintry on the mountain tops in scotland and away from the coasts, locally we could see a touch of frost. generally, temperatures in the south not as low as they have been but it will be colder in the north than it has been. on thursday, the ridge of high pressure builds across us, settling things down. note the direction of the wind coming around it, coming in from the north sea. that is going to drag in a bit more cloud, particularly across eastern parts of england, with some showers. with the strength of the breeze, it will blow some more into some central areas. they will be the exception rather than the rule. for many of us, it will be dry with a lot of sunshine around. temperatures more or less where we would expect them to be at this stage injanuary. as we head into friday, high pressure is firmly in charge. locally, there will be some frost and fog to start with but a lot of dry weather around. it is going to be windy across the far north of scotland. these are the temperatures, about 5—9 degrees.

into the weekend, it is going to be fairly changeable. to start with, high pressure no longer takes charge of the weather. low pressure comes in, and look at the weather fronts and the spacing of the isobars. wet and windy conditions in the north. but at the start of next week, high pressure reasserts its influence. the forecast for the weekend, on saturday first, a chilly start with some fog patches in southern england. then we are looking at a mixture of sunshine and showers in the north and west but wet and windy with gales and even severe gales in northern scotland on sunday.

this is bbc news. the headlines at 11... after weeks of building international pressure, germany has confirmed it will send leopard 2 battle tanks to ukraine... the families of two british aid workers confirm they were killed while attempting to rescue people in eastern ukraine. rishi sunak prepares to face mps for prime minister's questions amid the continuing row over conservative party chairman, nadim zahawi. metropolitan police commissioner sir mark rowley faces questions from the london assembly's police and crime committee on former officer david carrick who admits to being a serial rapist. we haven't applied the same sense of ruthlessness to guarding our own integrity that we routinely apply to confronting criminals, and i am deeply sorry for that.

and a new study reveals how human communication may have evolved from the hand and body gestures of chimpanzees. the german government has just confirmed proposals to send tanks to ukraine, following weeks of international pressure from kyiv and allies. following months of debate, at least 1a leopard 2 tanks will be provided initially, with a goal of establishing two battalions for ukraine. chancellor olaf scholz told a cabinet meeting this morning that

germany will provide training for ukrainian troops, logisitics and ammunition and will allow other nations to export leopard 2 tanks. the united states also reportedly plans to supply at least 30 tanks. it is claimed german officials privately insisted they would only send tanks if the us did too. the uk has already committed to providing 1a of its tanks. poland wants to send 1a of its german—made tanks, but needs permission from berlin. ukrainian officials say they urgently need heavier weapons, but need 300 tanks to make a difference. danny ayberhard is from bbc world service. it felt inevitable but germany was really holding out. it it felt inevitable but germany was really holding out.— really holding out. it was indeed. basically at _ really holding out. it was indeed. basically at the _ really holding out. it was indeed. basically at the end _ really holding out. it was indeed. basically at the end of— really holding out. it was indeed. basically at the end of last - really holding out. it was indeed. basically at the end of last weekl basically at the end of last week germany came under considerable pressure at the ramstein, us airbase in western germany where there was a meeting of more than 50 countries to discuss how to supply heavy weapons to ukraine and the new german defence minister did not make a decision and neither did the us.

germany isn't the only country that is in the focus. it has been the one that the media reports have concentrated on most but the us is considering sending it m1 abrams advanced battle tanks to ukraine. those are more difficult to operate. they run onjet those are more difficult to operate. they run on jet fuel and need much higher maintenance so the us up to now has been resisting pressure on that front. there are also questions about whether france will supply battle tanks to ukraine. so it is part of the bigger picture and in the statement that came out within the statement that came out within the last half an hour from that german chancellor olaf scholz, he said it was a decision that had been taken in close coordination with international allies which was always germany's position. it didn't want to make this decision on its own. ., .. �* want to make this decision on its own. ., �* , ., ., own. you can't underestimate what has been going _ own. you can't underestimate what has been going on _ own. you can't underestimate what has been going on within _ own. you can't underestimate what has been going on within germanyl own. you can't underestimate what. has been going on within germany in terms of taking the steps forward on military support for ukraine that we have seen unfolding over the last

year but i guess that is now behind us and now we are looking forward to what is being delivered and whether it will be enough for ukraine. what it will be enough for ukraine. what is the answer? _ it will be enough for ukraine. what is the answer? ukraine _ it will be enough for ukraine. lie"isgt is the answer? ukraine has been pushing for 300 battle tanks. there is no indication at this stage that western allies are going to supply that number but the figure mentioned by he won in the statement, two battalions, my understanding, but i haven't been able to check this, the battalion has about 56 tanks, considerably more than just one company of considerably more than just one company 01:14 considerably more than just one company of 1a tanks that it says it will be readying as we speak and germany is providing training and logistics and ammunition for these things as well. it comes on top of the challenger tanks that britain is providing and also poland has mentioned it will supply at least 1a leopard tanks but it has considerably more than that in eight

stocks. other countries, finland, spain. so it will be interesting over probably today, a lot of announcements may come today, as to how many in total are being committed to ukraine. the theory behind this is at tanks i needed both to defend against a potential russian offensive, a renewed russian offensive over the months ahead into the spring, but also to give ukraine more capacity to mount its own counter offensives, both in the east and the south where it is under considerable pressure from russian forces and russian forces have also been begging in over the last few months, having mobilised about three and 3000 people since september. the 24th of february is the date discussed as the key moment for things to start moving forward again on the ground. the things to start moving forward again on the ground-— on the ground. the 24th of february is the ear

on the ground. the 24th of february is the year anniversary _ on the ground. the 24th of february is the year anniversary and - on the ground. the 24th of february is the year anniversary and data - on the ground. the 24th of february is the year anniversary and data can | is the year anniversary and data can be significant in terms of when russia makes its move but i wouldn't necessarily say they would be tied themselves to that date. there is a military interest in trying to keep the date of any counter offensive under wraps. we saw a surprise counter offensive by ukraine in the north—east region that had great success. so i don't think we should timing exactly when these things happen but there is a potential of both russian offensive and ukrainian counter offensives and tanks will play an important part in that. counter offensives and tanks will play an important part in that. joining me now is dr mike martin, senior visiting research fellow in the department of war studies at king's college london and author of �*how to fight a war�*. he's also the liberal democrat parliamentary candidate for tunbridge wells. is this then how to fight a war at this stage? it

is this then how to fight a war at this stage?— is this then how to fight a war at this stare? , . . , this stage? it is. what we will see in the spring _ this stage? it is. what we will see in the spring is — this stage? it is. what we will see in the spring is both _ this stage? it is. what we will see in the spring is both sides - this stage? it is. what we will see in the spring is both sides are - in the spring is both sides are going to go on the offensive. i think the russians in the east and ukrainians in the south and for that ukraine needs tanks and so that is why this announcement is so welcome because it also unlocks tanks from other countries as well like poland and the us. other countries as well like poland and the us-_ other countries as well like poland andthe us. ., ., , , and the us. volodymyr zelensky says the numbers — and the us. volodymyr zelensky says the numbers he _ and the us. volodymyr zelensky says the numbers he is _ and the us. volodymyr zelensky says the numbers he is talking _ and the us. volodymyr zelensky says the numbers he is talking is - and the us. volodymyr zelensky says the numbers he is talking is a - the numbers he is talking is a minimum of 300, and some say it should be around 500 of these tanks and the expectation is of an imminent offensive. how much of a gap is there? i imminent offensive. how much of a gap is there?— gap is there? i think zelensky is doinu gap is there? i think zelensky is doing what _ gap is there? i think zelensky is doing what we _ gap is there? i think zelensky is doing what we would _ gap is there? i think zelensky is doing what we would all- gap is there? i think zelensky is doing what we would all do, - gap is there? i think zelensky is| doing what we would all do, and gap is there? i think zelensky is . doing what we would all do, and he would ask for as many tanks as he can. 300 is a lot of tanks and most importantly the logistics to run 300 tanks would put a huge strain on the ukrainians ability to supply those tanks in the field and if they run

out of fuel and ammunition they are just expensive targets. if ukraine could get up to 100 or 150 tanks, that's not to look like a tank brigade or if you mix it in with armoured infantry, and we have seen the number of vehicles also given to ukraine, that starts to look like an armoured division. but that is sufficient to punch through the russian lines, depending on the exact position that they choose to attack in. g . exact position that they choose to attack in. g , , ., .. , exact position that they choose to attack in. , , ., , , attack in. just explain exactly why it is at the leopard _ attack in. just explain exactly why it is at the leopard two _ attack in. just explain exactly why it is at the leopard two has - attack in. just explain exactly why i it is at the leopard two has become the focus of all of this? what is so special about it? fine the focus of all of this? what is so special about it?— special about it? one aspect is olitical special about it? one aspect is political and — special about it? one aspect is political and that _ special about it? one aspect is political and that is _ special about it? one aspect is political and that is that - special about it? one aspect is political and that is that all - special about it? one aspect is political and that is that all the countries want to move to donate particular types of equipment at the same time, but the leopard and the challenger and the abrahams, a western tanks, all are fairly similar so a technical specification there is a much an advantage but the leopard has the advantage of being

the most popular tank in europe so if germany both gives its tanks and gives permission for poland and other countries to give leopard tanks, that comes back to logistics, it makes it much easier for the ukrainians to field that forth because it will be the same type of tank and therefore the logistics to keep him in the field, in fuel and ammunition, it will be much simpler. it looks like the number of 100 to 150 leopard tanks is the sort of figured that would enable ukraine to punch through. it looks like that is an achievable number relatively quickly. if it is, how would you anticipate things on the ground moving and where the balance will lie in the months ahead? the moving and where the balance will lie in the months ahead?— lie in the months ahead? the next bi thin lie in the months ahead? the next big thing to _ lie in the months ahead? the next big thing to look _ lie in the months ahead? the next big thing to look for _ lie in the months ahead? the next big thing to look for is _ lie in the months ahead? the next big thing to look for is the - lie in the months ahead? the next big thing to look for is the spring l big thing to look for is the spring offensives from both sides and the invasion was launched on the 24th of

february so from that date onwards i would guess is when both sides are thinking about making advances. this is why there is been such a hullabaloo over these tanks because really we are at the last moment for that political decision to be made because now those tanks have to be physically got into ukraine and the tank crews need to be trained and practised on them and the logistics pipeline needs to be set up. so i think the race is on to, now the decision has been made, to get those tanks in the field, get ukrainians trained on them and we are looking at end of february, beginning of march for the offensives from both sides, the russians and the ukrainians.— sides, the russians and the ukrainians. ., «e ., ., ukrainians. thank you for “oining us. let's ukrainians. thank you for “oining let-s gofi ukrainians. thank you for “oining let-s go to i ukrainians. thank you for “oining us. let's go to berlin. _ ukrainians. thank you forjoining us. let's go to berlin. damien, l ukrainians. thank you forjoining. us. let's go to berlin. damien, he was saying this was a last safe moment for this decision to be taken. it has taken a while, hasn't it? , ., , ., , , .,

it? yes, it has, it has been an onauoin it? yes, it has, it has been an ongoing ferocious _ it? yes, it has, it has been an ongoing ferocious debate - it? yes, it has, it has been an | ongoing ferocious debate since it? yes, it has, it has been an - ongoing ferocious debate since the invasion by russia of ukraine 11 months ago. particularly for the past few months the pressure has been building on german chancellor olaf scholz. behind me in the bundestag olaf scholz will in two hours to a question and answer session with parliamentarians and the subject will be the tanks. the german government has now confirmed the reports that germany would send will send 1a leopard two tanks to ukraine and would also allow the re—export of those tanks in the hands of the country. and this is a major move in germany. it has been so controversial, it has split the country down the middle, split parliament and even split olaf scholz�*s of a man. the conservatives were calling on governing parties to leave the government and join them instead. there was talk of bringing

down the government. that didn't happen in the end and olaf scholz managed to reunite his government behind this idea and i think the mainstream political opinion is now welcoming the fact that germany and other western countries will send german made to ukraine. it other western countries will send german made to ukraine.- other western countries will send german made to ukraine. it has been a “ourne german made to ukraine. it has been a journey from _ german made to ukraine. it has been a journey from the _ german made to ukraine. it has been a journey from the start _ german made to ukraine. it has been a journey from the start of— german made to ukraine. it has been a journey from the start of the - a journey from the start of the ukraine four to this point in german sentiment and in assimilating the history and obviously what needs to happen going forward. does that mean now that their argument has effectively been won and there will be no more of this, that germany will now stand full square behind supply whatever is required for ukraine? i supply whatever is required for ukraine? .. . supply whatever is required for ukraine? ,, . , ., , ukraine? i think in general germany does stand full— ukraine? i think in general germany does stand full square _ ukraine? i think in general germany does stand full square behind - does stand full square behind supporting ukraine in whatever it takes but what that means in individual kit terms is controversial here. i don't think we have seen the end of the debate because the general electric is

still split. the political opinion in parliament, all of the parties accept the far right—hand radical left agree with sending german tanks. experts are online, the media is pretty much online. what we are not getting is that reflected in the polling numbers. you got half of german is very nervous about this move and that is because of german history. one of the founding ideas of the german state is the id of the responsibility to its historical war guilt and for many germans the idea of german tanks rolling into areas where that is committed atrocities is more than uncomfortable, it is just impossible to imagine and i think that is why it is such a ferocious debate here. it doesn't undermine the support that germany does have for ukraine. if you look at the figures in the numbers on the money, germany is the second biggest contributor when it comes to military aid, almost on a par with the uk and us. the support is there but the political row will continue

because they have to win over the electorate now. we because they have to win over the electorate now.— because they have to win over the electorate now. we will continue to talk about this _ electorate now. we will continue to talk about this here _ electorate now. we will continue to talk about this here but _ electorate now. we will continue to talk about this here but if _ electorate now. we will continue to talk about this here but if you - electorate now. we will continue to talk about this here but if you are l talk about this here but if you are watching us on bbc two, thank you for your company it is time to say goodbye. we are going to pick up with more on ukraine. we are going to pick up with more on ukraine. the prime minister rishi sunak has released this statment after germany's decision to allow deployment of their leopard 2 tanks to ukraine. he says "together, we are accelerating our efforts to ensure ukraine wins this war and secures a lasting peace" he is going to be at prime minister but my question is a bit later and he is likely to face further criticism this afternoon when he is questioned in the commons, facing questions about the conservative, the conduct of the conservative party chairman nadim sally. he ordered his ethics adviser to

investigate. nadim is says he is confident he acted properly. damien, it is going to be a difficult prime minister's questions.— it is going to be a difficult prime minister's questions. yes, you can imaaine minister's questions. yes, you can imagine their _ minister's questions. yes, you can imagine their race _ minister's questions. yes, you can imagine their race is _ minister's questions. yes, you can imagine their race is very - minister's questions. yes, you can imagine their race is very clear- imagine their race is very clear issue that he is likely to be put on the spot about by the labour leader sir keir starmer and all of this revolves around nadim as our way. it came up last week and the difficulty for mr sue nack is last week in prime minister's questions asked about this, because all of this issue had started to be raised and was being talked about, rishi sunak said nadim sally i'd already addressed the matter in full. nadim is our way. his problem was that it then emerged that he had to pay a penalty as part of his settlement

with hmrc over tax affairs and rishi sunak did not know that. he has ordered an investigation by his ethics adviser into what mr zahawi said and whether he has breached code but there are important questions about rishi sunak here in terms of what he knew, what he was told, what he asked and the labour party is saying, does this need an ethics adviser if mr sue nack was not told, given the full story —— rishi sunak. or even back when he appointed mr zahawi to be chairman of the conservative party, does that mean rishi's own standards which is set for integrity and honesty in government. set for integrity and honesty in government-— set for integrity and honesty in government. set for integrity and honesty in covernment. m . , ., , ., government. difficult questions for him. what government. difficult questions for him- what are _ government. difficult questions for him. what are you _ government. difficult questions for him. what are you hearing - government. difficult questions for him. what are you hearing from i government. difficult questions for i him. what are you hearing from mps on both sides on this. from

conservative _ on both sides on this. from conservative mps _ on both sides on this. from conservative mps there i on both sides on this. from conservative mps there is l on both sides on this. from conservative mps there is a on both sides on this. from - conservative mps there is a distinct sense of uncomfortable nervous about this. this has raised a difficult issue that many feel doesn't look too good and they are concerned. some are concerned about whether action should have been taken sooner, whether mr zahawi should sooner, whether mr za hawi should have sooner, whether mr zahawi should have sorted things out sooner, why he left it so long, whether rishi sunak should have acted decisively as soon as this came out. others are saying, there is an ethics adviser that rishi sunak appointed, there had been a gap after the last one resigned under borisjohnson. he should be allowed to look into this. the labour party saying that this is more of the same of what we have seen before and the deputy leader angela rayner saying yesterday that this should be a clear case, rishi sunak shouldn't need an ethics

adviser to advise him on this. in the last hour, the metropolitan police commissioner has apologised for the �*appalling criminality�* of former officer david carrick. speaking to the london assembly's police and crime committee, sir mark rowley said carrick�*s crimes are a �*ghastly�* case from the met�*s history. the former metropolitan police officer was sacked after admitting to dozens of rape and sexual offences against 12 women over the past 20 years. he will be sentenced in february. here's what mr rowley said in his opening statement. we are all equally horrified that we have hundreds in policing who shouldn't be here and david carrick is an example, an awful example of that. i must reiterate here my sincere apologies to his victims for our failings. he should not have been a police officer, that is very obvious. a range of poor policy and poor decision—making. he shouldn't have been a police officer and we failed. and we haven't applied that same sense of ruthlessness to guarding our own integrity that we

routinely apply to confronting criminals and i'm deeply sorry for that. i think we have failed as investigators where we should have been more intrusive and joined the dots over his repeated misogyny over decades. and as leaders our mindset should have been more determined to spot and root out such a misogynist. as i say, i apologise to his victims and i want to say sorry to all the women across london who feel let down by this and whose trust in policing is shaken by this. let's go back to nadim zaha way, those questions about his tax affairs settling a payment when he was chancellor. as we have seen, the details have come out slowly but the picture now seems pretty clear. do you think he can survive? ida.

you think he can survive? no, absolutely — you think he can survive? no, absolutely not. _ you think he can survive? no, absolutely not. you _ you think he can survive? iirr, absolutely not. you have got a government that is raising taxes on everyone else, where the party chairman can't appear in public because he has paid, we don't know how large are fine but i think we probably think it is at least £1 million in fines for something to do with this tax is that he also can't explain. with this tax is that he also can't exlain. , . , explain. the independent ethics adviser sir _ explain. the independent ethics adviser sir laurie _ explain. the independent ethics adviser sir laurie magnus i explain. the independent ethics adviser sir laurie magnus has . explain. the independent ethics i adviser sir laurie magnus has been asked by rishi sunak to look into this. do you think it is right that process has gone through, he should have a fair hearing? the process has gone through, he should have a fair hearing?— have a fair hearing? the thing is, i don't understand _ have a fair hearing? the thing is, i don't understand what _ have a fair hearing? the thing is, i don't understand what the - have a fair hearing? the thing is, i don't understand what the ethicall don't understand what the ethical question is. it seems to me to be a political question which is, should the people who make the rest of us pay taxes also pay their taxes and should they do that in a straightforward and timely fashion,

or should they do it reluctantly when forced and after threatening people who ask questions about the tax affairs with lawyers? whatever the ethics adviser says about, by the ethics adviser says about, by the way whether it is the right thing for the chancellor of the exchequer to be negotiating about a charity about his own back taxes, what is he going to say? unless this ends with someone from hr mc appearing on television with a very large cheque and an apology to mr zahawi forever suggesting he owed za hawi forever suggesting he owed any zahawi forever suggesting he owed any money, i can't see how this ends happily for him. any money, i can't see how this ends happily for him-— happily for him. what impact do you think it is having _ happily for him. what impact do you think it is having as _ happily for him. what impact do you think it is having as it _ happily for him. what impact do you think it is having as it goes - happily for him. what impact do you think it is having as it goes on? i i think it is having as it goes on? i think it is having as it goes on? i think it is great for labour. if i were labour, last year i said if i were labour, last year i said if i were labour, last year i said if i were labour i would want boris johnson to stay forever and if i were labour i would want zahawi to carry on as party chairman because

it is stopping the government about talking about anything else. under borisjohnson there was an attitude that lockdown is where fault little people, not for the rest of us —— for the rest of us. now there is a sense that under a rishi sunak taxes are for the little people. he continues — are for the little people. he continues to _ are for the little people. he continues to say he has done nothing wrong. he continues to say he has done nothing wronu. ., , �* ., ., wrong. he doesn't say that to me. i don't think— wrong. he doesn't say that to me. i don't think it _ wrong. he doesn't say that to me. i don't think it is — wrong. he doesn't say that to me. i don't think it is actually _ wrong. he doesn't say that to me. i don't think it is actually civic - wrong. he doesn't say that to me. i don't think it is actually civic to i don't think it is actually civic to you. none of us can get him to talk to any of us. he you. none of us can get him to talk to any of us— to any of us. he is not giving interviews — to any of us. he is not giving interviews but _ to any of us. he is not giving interviews but this _ to any of us. he is not giving interviews but this is - to any of us. he is not giving interviews but this is a i to any of us. he is not giving i interviews but this is a message to any of us. he is not giving - interviews but this is a message we hear. . .,. interviews but this is a message we hear. , .. ., , hear. yes, the fact that he is unable to — hear. yes, the fact that he is unable to appear _ hear. yes, the fact that he is unable to appear on - hear. yes, the fact that he is unable to appear on camera | hear. yes, the fact that he is i unable to appear on camera and explain how... this is a really large settlement. i may not pay £5 million in my life. i probably won't. i don't know how many people do. to be that far behind, i think

it is reasonable to say, come and explain it. the fact that his response to this has always been to put lawyers on anyone who went me the question, and that is being investigated by the solicitors regulatory authority, this isjust not how you want... the party chairman is supposed to be the face of the party, the person you defence when things are difficult. i was going do that? how is he going to do that? h0 going do that? how is he going to do that? ., ., , , that? no doubt there will be questions — that? no doubt there will be questions to _ that? no doubt there will be questions to rishi _ that? no doubt there will be questions to rishi sunak i that? no doubt there will be questions to rishi sunak at i that? no doubt there will be i questions to rishi sunak at prime minister's questions. staff at amazon will hold their first legally—mandated strike in the uk today, in a dispute about pay. the gmb union, which is organising the walkout at the firm's distribution centre in coventry, says it expects at least 300 employees to take part. amazon, which doesn't recognise unions in the uk, insists the action will have "zero"

impact on customers and that it has a system "that recognises great performance". zoe conway has spoken to two workers who are striking today. darren and garfield have never organised a picket line before. the picket line is going to be set up here. they have only been members of the gmb union for a few months. if they want to join the union, there will be marquees set up over there. yet here they are, leading the first ever strike by amazon employees in the uk. we work for one of the richest men in the world, for one of the richest companies in one of the richest countries. and we shouldn't all be having to do 60 hoursjust to make ends meet. amazon says it ensures its wages are in line with or higher than similarjobs locally and that employees are also offered private medical insurance, life assurance, subsidised meals and an employee discount. it was in august last year that the political awakening at the coventry centre began. a spontaneous walk—out, say workers here, in anger at being offered a 50p pay rise

which took the minimum starting salary to £10.50 an hour. the company's profits had boomed during the pandemic and so, too, the bank account of billionaire amazon founderjeff bezos. we don't want his boat or his rockets. we just want to be able to live. ijust want to be able to pay my bills at the end of the week. that is all we are asking for. it is not greed. people might think we are being greedy because we are saying £15 an hour. that's a negotiating start. we just want a decent wage. we are on our feet for ten hours a day. we get told off if we are caught leaning or sitting. amazon's warehouse in coventry is similar to this one in essex. it is a distribution centre where employees sort through products as they arrive from the company's suppliers. darren and garfield say their work is constantly monitored. they are expected to meet targets and the pressure is intense. so as soon as you come in the building, you are tracked. you then go onto your station where, as soon as you log on,

they know exactly where you are in the building. they know how often you are scanning, because, obviously, that is tracked, as well. if you haven't scanned in at a certain time, they will come and speak to you. they both say they have been questioned by managers for taking too long to go to the toilet. sometimes, it may take two, three minutes to get to the toilet. heaven forbid you get there, all the cubicles are full. you suddenly find you've got 10—12 minutes of doing nothing when you look for a toilet, and then, of course, you have got to use the toilet and come back. that could be 16, 18 minutes in that process. they will then question you, "what were you doing?" it sounds to me like you feel like you are being treated like robots. i wish we were treated like robots, because robots are treated better than us. they get a team of technicians when they break down. if a robot breaks down, they are fixed like that. if we are struggling... in a statement, amazon said.

amazon doesn't recognise trade unions in the uk, so there is no sign of any negotiation happening between the union and the company about pay. but darren is undeterred. he feels it is his duty to stand up for the workforce. these people need someone who is not frightened, and i'm not frightened. i'm not frightened. why aren't you frightened? because i have been bullied before. and i will be bullied again. and i am still standing. i am old enough and stupid enough to know that if you get hit, you get back up again. even incy wincy spider got back up. so, yeah, i'm in this for the long run. zoe conway, bbc news.

breaking news from ukraine. welcoming that decision by germany to enable the export of the leopard two tanks to ukraine, ukraine is saying it is a first step. we already knew that flooded me zelensky was welcoming the prospect of the tanks going but saying even in anticipation of the decision it wouldn't be enough because the numbers that are currently being talked about for deployment to ukraine a relatively small because he will be going from individual countries and we know that poland has already said it wants to export tanks but the number that ukraine says it needs is around 300, so some way to go for ukraine to get the sort of numbers it is talking about but that is very significant decision by saying it will agree to

export leopard two tanks itself and will provide logistics training for that and endorse export licences from other countries that have the leopard two tanks. ukraine saying it is good news, it is a first step. to catch up with the weather. hello again. a bit of a change in our temperatures today. in the north they are going to come down compared to yesterday, and in the south they are going to be up a touch compared to yesterday. we have got this band of rain which is moving out of scotland and northern ireland and crossing england and wales. quite a lot of cloud ahead of it with some spots of drizzle as well. but behind it we see a return to sunshine and a few showers across the north and the west of scotland being blown in on the strong wind. temperatures today, eight to about 10 degrees. tonight we lose the cloud and the rain. it pushes onto the near continent. we will have clear skies. it is going to be breezy.

there will be some frost away from the coast away from the coast and showers as well. some of the showers on the mountain tops in scotland above 700 metres could well prove to be wintry. into tomorrow, a lot of dry weather, a cold start. there will be some sunshine, some showers coming in on the breeze across eastern parts of england and through that because of the day some of those will drift a bit further inland. it is also going to be breezy in the south and the english channel, with highs of nine. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... after weeks of building international pressure, germany has confirmed it will send 1a leopard 2 battle tanks to ukraine. the families of two british aid workers confirm they were killed while attempting to rescue people in eastern ukraine. rishi sunak prepares to face mps for prime minister's questions, amid the continuing row over conservative party chairman nadim zahawi. metropolitan police commissioner sir mark rowley faces questions from the london assembly's police and crime committee on former officer david carrick, who admits to being a serial rapist. we haven't applied the same sense

of ruthlessness to guarding our own integrity that we routinely apply to confronting criminals, and i am deeply sorry for that. and a new study reveals how human communication may have evolved from the hand and body gestures of chimpanzees. sport and a full round—up from the bbc sport centre. good morning. nine—time champion novak djokovic is into the australian open semifinals, after sweeping aside fifth seed andrey rublev in a ruthless display. fourth seed djokovic won in straight sets, and wrapped up the win with three match points, despite looking frustrated at times, but he channelled his emotions into a ruthless win over russia's rublev in melbourne. he will play american tommy paul in the last four on friday. magda linette is a name that keeps hitting the headlines in melbourne.

the world number 45 has never been beyond the third round of any grand slam in 29 attempts, but her fairy tale run continues she's into the semifinals. she beat karolina pliskova 6—3 7—5 in a fearless display to see off the two—time major finalist. alfie hewett reached the semifinals of the australian open men's wheelchair singles by beating gordon reid, before the british pair made a winning start to the defence of their doubles title. world number one hewett, 25, beat 31—year—old reid 6—2 6—4 to set up a semifinal with takuya miki ofjapan. newcastle united are on the brink of reaching a first cup final in almost a quarter of a century after beating southampton 1—0 in the first leg of their league cup semifinal. joelinton's goal gave them the advantage ahead of the retrun leg back in the north east next week. some were calling this the alan shearer derby last night, having featured for both clubs in his playing days. there last cup final came back in 1999, that was the fa cup final, when newcastle lost 2—0 to manchester united.

celtic have completed the signing of striker oh hyeon—gyu from south korean club suwon samsung bluewings. the 21—year—old has moved to the scottish premiership leaders for an undisclosed fee, after agreeing a five—year contract. celtic manager ange postecoglou says that oh, who has one senior cap for south korea, was "the striker i really wanted and will be a great fit". saudi arabia's women's football team are hoping for a fifa ranking after they won their first ever competition. they hosted a women's international friendly tournament with pakistan, mauritius and comoro. it has been described as a momentous day in saudi arabian football, and a big step forward for a country whose women's rights are a topic of concern and controversy internationally. i think it's a huge inspiration forfor girls all over saudi, for girls all over saudi, even especially the young girls that are currently all over saudi training. they even came to visit us after the tournament. and you can see in their faces

they were so excited to meet us and theyjust, in the future, they want to be in our place and to see us win the tournament. it means a lot. just two weeks after retiring from football, gareth bale has played in his first pro—am golf tournament in the us. the former wales, real madrid and tottenham star took part in the event on tuesday ahead of the farmer's insurance open at torrey pines playing in a group with world number threejon rahm. i told gareth, "you can't be so good at professional football and golf at the same time. that's just doesn't seem fair." you can't be dedicated to one thing and have this much talent for golf. it's not fair in the slightest. but, you know, he's looking to retire soon. and you can tell he, you know, he loves this sport and he loves golf and he really wants to to get to play a little bit more. so hopefully in the future, i'll see him more times in the pro—am. that's all the sport for now.

bbc correspondents are used to grilling politicians and business leaders, but now they're the ones in the hot seat in the new bbc three show, flip the script. the programme sees social media stars, tv personalities and drag queens discuss trending topics with experts to make the news more accessible to different audiences. let's have a look. what we've got here is a buzzer, so that when you get a bit business—y, a bit bit too much news jargon going on... no idea what that means. all right, george. it's a polite shut up. let's get down to business, shall we? so, question number one, what is affordable housing? it basically means either home to rent or to buy. that's cheaper than. the market generally. so, for rent, it's a seti number of houses that have to be built often _ in new build housing development. so they'll say a certain percent have to be affordable housing. and that means that they have to be

rented for about 80% of the averagej rental price in that area. so that's going to lookl totally different, right? i'm nowjoined by our cost of living correspondent coletta smith, who you saw there. coletta was joined by gogglebox brothersjoe and george baggs, speaking all things rent, the property ladder and tricky landlords. how did you think that? it is a deliuht how did you think that? it is a delight to _ how did you think that? it is a delight to be _ how did you think that? it is a delight to be here _ how did you think that? it is a delight to be here in - how did you think that? it is a delight to be here in a - how did you think that? it is a delight to be here in a much l how did you think that? it is a i delight to be here in a much more relaxed setting than being drilled for the show. it was found a couple of weeks ago and it was a really interesting process because the whole premise of the show is that i was meeting someone who i did not know, i did not know which celebrity was going to be doing the grilling and they did not know the topic they were going to be talking about. we play quite a few games through programme and guess the area we need to cover and they grill me and a couple of questions and then we also played a game because the topic we were talking about in the end was

rent. something that is really relevant, particularly to younger people at the moment. anyone between 20 and a0 trying to get into the housing market, may be trying to buy their first home, housing market, may be trying to buy theirfirst home, maybe housing market, may be trying to buy their first home, maybe that is way down the line but it's a really relevant topic for them. and really difficult for them. wright is increasing dramatically and lots of people don't know why. as you saw there i met george and joe, for people who have not come across them before, you are not a goggle box van, they were on the show with their parents for a couple of years, as regulars, the essex family, the lads sitting there with her family most weeks. i was delighted when they walk through the door because i'm a big fan of gogglebox. the oint of i'm a big fan of gogglebox. the point of it _ i'm a big fan of gogglebox. the point of it is — i'm a big fan of gogglebox. the point of it is to _ i'm a big fan of gogglebox. the point of it is to have conversations around a subject where you assume no knowledge and people have to ask you exactly what they need to know. where their questions they were

asking that gave you a different perspective on how you reports that? definitely, sometimes it is taking things back to basics. often we report the interest rates, what's happening with the bank of england and assume people understand what that will mean for them or we actually don't spell it out further down the line. often we talk about interest rates as being important for people who have a mortgage with actually at the moment, interest rates are having a really direct impact on people who are renting their houses too. just explain to them when the interest rate goes up that means mortgage rates often increase as well at the same time, that means their landlords are more like it to increase, have their mortgage rate rise, that means they will pass it on to renters so spelling out the step—by—step process was interesting and getting questions i was not expecting.

things about the european rental market, thinks about whether it is cheaper to live at home, for how long, with a people should chip in and pay rent to parents. we had interesting discussions about it all. ~ . . ., all. will it change the way you do the 'ob all. will it change the way you do the job going _ all. will it change the way you do the job going forward? _ all. will it change the way you do the job going forward? there i all. will it change the way you do the job going forward? there is l thejob going forward? there is always a balancing act between not wanting to patronise, not wanting to assume knowledge, it is about communicating what is going on and how it will affect people? yes. how it will affect people? yes, definitely. _ how it will affect people? yes, definitely. it — how it will affect people? yes, definitely, it is _ how it will affect people? yes, definitely, it is all— how it will affect people? yes, definitely, it is all is _ how it will affect people? yes, definitely, it is all is a - how it will affect people? is: definitely, it is all is a balancing act and i think we have to keep remembering people are really turned off by news, not to offend you joanna, i'm sure people are not turning off for the news channel but we have to be aware people in my line of work talking about the cost of living, people are sort of zoning out because they know that life is expensive, they know bills are increasing and it gets a bit depressing if that is all we're talking about. so to have taken part in this which was certainly a more

fun and engaging way of talking about a important topic, hope giving people a bit more information alongside as many laughs in the process was a nice way of doing it. good stuff, i look forward to seeing the programme and i i'm glad you got to meet people you are excited to meet in the process. let's go back to the news about the german—made letter to tanks. it is notjust about tanks german—made letter to tanks. it is not just about tanks going directly to ukraine. germany has given the all clearfor to ukraine. germany has given the all clear for the to ukraine. germany has given the all clearfor the tanks to to ukraine. germany has given the all clear for the tanks to go to ukraine which ukraine has called for. let me bring you some reaction

from the russian embassy in berlin. the german decision to approve delivery of the leopard thanks to ukraine is dangerous and takes conflict to a new level. one of the issues germany was concerned about was about escalating conflict. it is a historic german matter of not getting involved militarily in other nations. it does not mean germany has not been fully supporting and we have seen a huge shift in germany's position to be the second largest military provider of support to ukraine after the uk. and buying the united states. it has been doing a huge amount to support the war effort. but the letter were

effectively a it was an ongoing conversation. german chancellor olaf scholz says his country will send tanks to ukraine. we have had reaction from the russian embassy. we will keep a cross reaction to this and keep you updated. if the north of england were a country, it would be second only to greece for the lowest levels of investment in the oecd, that's according to a new report by the institute for public policy research north. northern leaders are meeting today at the conference of the north in manchester, where they're calling on the government to move away from competitive bidding systems such as the levelling up fund. i'm joined now by north of the tyne mayor, jamie driscoll who's at the convention of in manchester. what message would you like to

convey? what message would you like to conve ? . what message would you like to conve ? , ., , ., , convey? the number one thing is as we have seen _ convey? the number one thing is as we have seen from _ convey? the number one thing is as we have seen from the _ convey? the number one thing is as we have seen from the report i convey? the number one thing is as we have seen from the report the i we have seen from the report the investment in the north is shockingly poor and has been for a long time. if we are going to be a successful country that means getting people skills levels up, better transport can generate the wealth we need in our country and the north can be a huge part of that. for hundreds of years the north powered the industrial revolution, we are a global leader, we should be back again.— we should be back again. there is investment _ we should be back again. there is investment coming _ we should be back again. there is investment coming through i we should be back again. there is investment coming through we i we should be back again. there is i investment coming through we saw the levelling up fund announced its second tranche of investment. what are your concerns about where things are your concerns about where things are falling short? louie are your concerns about where things are falling short?— are falling short? we 'ust got the north-east * are falling short? we just got the north-east demolition _ are falling short? we just got the north-east demolition deal- are falling short? we just got the i north-east demolition deal announced north—east demolition deal announced which is the largest in england. —— devolution. if you compare that to the shortfall in rail investment, the shortfall in rail investment, the fact our public services across—the—board are on their knees, everybody, nurses, civilservants,

everybody, nurses, civil servants, firefighters, everybody, nurses, civilservants, firefighters, education, is struggling with recruitment and retention. unless we invest we have got to see this as a down payment on a successful future and notjust write it off as government spending. unless we level up people rather than the beauty pageant of opening a leisure centre here, a project there, we need to think about on a strategic basis. if you think of britain as a corporation, nobody would decide on an ad hoc basis what products they would bring forward. you would have research and development, workforce planning. and this deciding where things will go so many second cut a ribbon is not a strategic plan for levelling up britain. ., ., ., , ., ,, britain. how long do you think it would take _ britain. how long do you think it would take to _ britain. how long do you think it would take to achieve _ britain. how long do you think it would take to achieve what i britain. how long do you think it would take to achieve what you | britain. how long do you think it - would take to achieve what you would like to see? b, would take to achieve what you would like to see? �* , ., , , like to see? a lifetime probably. i'll uuite like to see? a lifetime probably. i'll quite ambitious. _ like to see? a lifetime probably. i'll quite ambitious. i _ like to see? a lifetime probably. i'll quite ambitious. i would - like to see? a lifetime probably. i'll quite ambitious. i would love| i'll quite ambitious. i would love to see a fully integrated transport

system, leading the way on the green industrial revolution. we are doing a lot, there is great work, i have been majorfor coming up to a lot, there is great work, i have been major for coming up to four years, we were number one region for inward investment in britain. creating thousands ofjobs. we have a flourishing green offshore wind sector that we are also still suffering from long—term health inequality. our life expectancy is the lowest in england and turning things like long—term health inequality around does take decades. and it's notjust about investment in clinical treatment, it is about people growing up in houses that are warm, people believing they have a job, the dream of every parent that children will be better off than them and a lot of people growing up don't believe that. what them and a lot of people growing up don't believe that.— don't believe that. what has impelled — don't believe that. what has impelled you _ don't believe that. what has propelled you into _ don't believe that. what has propelled you into this - don't believe that. what hasj propelled you into this role? don't believe that. what has - propelled you into this role? what drives you? i propelled you into this role? what drives you?— drives you? i have only ever lived

in the north-east, _ drives you? i have only ever lived in the north-east, and _ drives you? i have only ever lived in the north-east, and over- drives you? i have only ever lived in the north-east, and over the i drives you? i have only ever lived i in the north-east, and over the past in the north—east, and over the past decades, in the 80s my dad lost his job in teesside. we saw shipyards closed, mines, steelworks close, and often our brightest and best which point in their career where they have to leave the region and often want to come back and it is about creating a place where nobody feels i have to leave and it is sustainable economically. it's about generating the wealth here and getting to the situation where we do not need transfers of money. we need it did get education and the transport system up to a standard when it becomes self—sustaining in terms of wealth generation. the belief the north can be massively successful. my part of the world is massively going to help that but there are so many, there is so much still in the hands of central

government and if the government make it easierfor government and if the government make it easier for pension funds to invest then we are always going to be struggling and that's something we should resign to history. thank ou. chancellor scholz is said to have been insistent that america jointly iii leopard tanks will be provided to kyiv, and berlin will also give permission for other countries to send theirs too. it follows weeks of international pressure, and divided public opinion in germany. chancellor scholz is said to have been insistent that america jointly sends its mi abrams tanks to ukraine, with an announcement expected soon from the us. german mep and chair of the european parliament's foreign affairs committee, david mcallister, says the move is very welcome but it has taken a long time. the german government led by olaf scholz has since february last year taken many decisions only very late and only under immense external pressure and this was the case also with the first iii leopard tanks

which will be sent to ukraine. the western allies have shown such determination and coherence in supporting ukraine against this war of aggression starting by the russian federation and our approach is to support ukraine financially, economically, humanitarian wise and also militarily and on the other hand, but maximum pressure on the russian federation through sanctions. this was not only the russian federation against ukraine, it's a fundamental attack on the ukrainian peace and security architecture and we need to give the ukrainians what they need to defend themselves against the russian invasion. that means artillery, air defence, and modern battle tanks and thatis defence, and modern battle tanks and that is why germany is acting in accommodation with other allies, the british will send tanks probably the americans and other european allies

are already also ready to send leopard tanks. the dutch, norwegian, danish, the finns. it's important germany would not stand in the way of finding a european solution to this challenge. humans can understand gestures used by chimpanzees to communicate with each other in the wild, according to new research. scientists from the university of st andrews asked volunteers to watch videos and translate the animal's sign language. the results indicate that this form communication, may be the origin of our own language. here's our science correspondent victoria gill. a silent demand for food from one bonobo to another. and a big scratch? that is chimpanzee language for "groom me". there are now dozens of known gestures in the great ape lexicon, each with a particular meaning. by showing videos of these gestures to volunteers, scientists discovered that, more than half the time, people are able to understand the message that a wild chimp or bonobo is trying to convey with a signal or a movement.

we can be fairly confident that this is a communication system shared by all great ape species, including humans, and that our last common ancestors, with bonobos and chimpanzees, probably used quite similar gestures. and that these gestures may have then gone on to scaffold the evolution of human gesture and human language as we know it now. some gestures are easier for us to understand than others. shaking an object like this is apparently flirtation. but people's ability to understand the message is that our closest the messages that our closest primate cousins are trying to convey has provided researchers with a clear scientific message about how our own language might have evolved. victoria gill, bbc news. we are going to bejoining politics live forfull coverage of we are going to bejoining politics live for full coverage of pmqs coming up at midday. let me remind

you of the main use we have been covering today. german chancellor olaf scholz says his country will send tanks to ukraine. iii leopard tanks will be provided to kyiv, and berlin will also give permission for other countries to send theirs too. it follows weeks of international pressure, and divided public opinion in germany. notjust providing not just providing tanks notjust providing tanks but logistic support and training to enable ukrainian troops to operate them. volodymyr zelensky has welcomed that move and said it is a start because his position is that ukraine actually needs 300 of these tanks and currently the number on offerfrom tanks and currently the number on offer from other countries who have been talking about sending them albeit having to wait for the go—ahead from germany, is much lower than that. the numbers will start to increase with countries being told

germany will agree to the exports. pmqs coming up. let'sjoin politics live. government decision to use section 35, in other words blocking a bill passed by the scottish government on the gender recognition reform bill. you said that lloyd russell—moyle did the strange thing where he seemed to cross the floor, go to the other side, seemed to cross the floor, go to the otherside, he seemed to cross the floor, go to the other side, he said that, actually, that was because kirsty blackman of the snp was speaking, he said it is convention that you don't cross a speaker on the floor of the house, so he stood briefly and then sat on the side bar seats, it all sounds very technical, but this is his

explanation, for the final speaker while waiting for the vote and looking at my phone. he said it wasn't an uncommon thing to do. but what happened at that point when you were sitting there? {line what happened at that point when you were sitting there?— were sitting there? one of my colleagues — were sitting there? one of my colleagues came _ were sitting there? one of my colleagues came to _ were sitting there? one of my colleagues came to sit - were sitting there? one of my colleagues came to sit next i were sitting there? one of my colleagues came to sit next to were sitting there? one of my - colleagues came to sit next to me to make sure that i felt safe, paul bristow, which was very good having, and he has received an awful lot of support for doing that. we can focus on the actions of one mp in the chamber, but we need to draw it into the wider point, and the problem with this debate is that, as politicians, as the media, people in public life, we are not speaking the truth about this issue and being honest about the facts and the evidence, and we are not speaking about the extreme danger that women and children will be in if it becomes socially acceptable for men to be able to use women's facilities without challenge.— without challenge. there are two thin . s, without challenge. there are two thins, as without challenge. there are two things. as i _ without challenge. there are two things, as i have _ without challenge. there are two things, as i have a _ without challenge. there are two things, as i have a doubt, - without challenge. there are two things, as i have a doubt, lloydl things, as i have a doubt, lloyd russell—moyle explained he should have used a more appropriate term, has apologised to me? he have used a more appropriate term, has apologised to me?— has apologised to me? he has apologised — has apologised to me? he has apologised but _ has apologised to me? he has apologised but made - has apologised to me? he has apologised but made clear- has apologised to me? he has| apologised but made clear that has apologised to me? he has - apologised but made clear that he stands by his words. can apologised but made clear that he stands by his words.— apologised but made clear that he stands by his words. can you see his oint of

stands by his words. can you see his point of view? _ stands by his words. can you see his point of view? you _ stands by his words. can you see his point of view? you talk _ stands by his words. can you see his point of view? you talk about - stands by his words. can you see his point of view? you talk about a - point of view? you talk about a debate that needs to be civilised and reasonable, he has a point of view, he expressed it, he said incorrectly, but do understand that he has a point of view, a legitimate point of view? i he has a point of view, a legitimate point of view?— point of view? i would question the le . itima point of view? i would question the legitimacy of _ point of view? i would question the legitimacy of hearing _ point of view? i would question the legitimacy of hearing a _ point of view? i would question the legitimacy of hearing a woman - point of view? i would question the i legitimacy of hearing a woman speak about feeling frightened in a particular situation and rising very clear evidence to points about how, if you allow men to use women's facilities, women's prisons et cetera, then people will abuse those safeguards and to follow that up with that transphobic bigotry. i don't want to particularly draw attention to that incident, because this is happening to women every day in theirjobs, workplaces, and i am written to by old women who are frightened of going to hospital because they can no longer expect a single sex award. we have got to be honest in this debate, you cannot change site, that is a biological fact, and the social consensus, the social covenant that keeps women safe only works if everyone buys into it, and that there is the

threat we are facing.- into it, and that there is the threat we are facing. david, you see it differently- _ threat we are facing. david, you see it differently. what _ threat we are facing. david, you see it differently. what i _ threat we are facing. david, you see it differently. what i see _ threat we are facing. david, you see it differently. what i see is - it differently. what i see is democracy. _ it differently. what i see is democracy, all— it differently. what i see is democracy, all five - it differently. what i see is democracy, all five parties j it differently. what i see is i democracy, all five parties in it differently. what i see is - democracy, all five parties in the scottish— democracy, all five parties in the scottish parliament, _ democracy, all five parties in the scottish parliament, including i democracy, all five parties in the i scottish parliament, including many in the _ scottish parliament, including many in the conservatives, _ scottish parliament, including many in the conservatives, voted - scottish parliament, including many in the conservatives, voted for- in the conservatives, voted for legislation— in the conservatives, voted for legislation within _ in the conservatives, voted for legislation within the - in the conservatives, voted for. legislation within the competence in the conservatives, voted for- legislation within the competence of the scottish— legislation within the competence of the scottish parliament, _ legislation within the competence of the scottish parliament, a _ legislation within the competence of| the scottish parliament, a manifesto commitment. — the scottish parliament, a manifesto commitment, and _ the scottish parliament, a manifesto commitment, and the _ the scottish parliament, a manifesto commitment, and the secretary. i commitment, and the secretary. scotland — commitment, and the secretary. scotland has _ commitment, and the secretary. scotland has used _ commitment, and the secretary. scotland has used section- commitment, and the secretary. scotland has used section 35 i commitment, and the secretary. scotland has used section 35 of| commitment, and the secretary. i scotland has used section 35 of the scotland _ scotland has used section 35 of the scotland act — scotland has used section 35 of the scotland act for— scotland has used section 35 of the scotland act for the _ scotland has used section 35 of the scotland act for the first _ scotland has used section 35 of the scotland act for the first time i scotland act for the first time ever to block— scotland act for the first time ever to block that, _ scotland act for the first time ever to block that, and _ scotland act for the first time ever to block that, and i— scotland act for the first time ever to block that, and i consider- scotland act for the first time ever to block that, and i consider that. to block that, and i consider that to block that, and i consider that to he _ to block that, and i consider that to be anti—democratic, - to block that, and i consider that to be anti—democratic, a - to block that, and i consider that to be anti—democratic, a full- to be anti—democratic, a full frontal— to be anti—democratic, a full frontal assault _ to be anti—democratic, a full frontal assault on _ to be anti—democratic, a full frontal assault on scottish i frontal assault on scottish democracv _ frontal assault on scottish democracy-— frontal assault on scottish democracy. frontal assault on scottish democra .~ ., ., ., democracy. what about the tone of the debate? _ democracy. what about the tone of the debate? we _ democracy. what about the tone of the debate? we have _ democracy. what about the tone of the debate? we have talked - democracy. what about the tone of the debate? we have talked about| democracy. what about the tone of. the debate? we have talked about it a lot, but why does it seem to be so difficult to have a civilised debate without the sort of heat and personalisation that we have seen? look, i think the behaviour in the house _ look, i think the behaviour in the house of— look, i think the behaviour in the house of commons _ look, i think the behaviour in the house of commons last - look, i think the behaviour in the house of commons last week i look, i think the behaviour in thel house of commons last week was look, i think the behaviour in the i house of commons last week was out of order~ _ house of commons last week was out of order~ we — house of commons last week was out of order. we need _ house of commons last week was out of order. we need to— house of commons last week was out of order. we need to keep _ house of commons last week was out of order. we need to keep in - house of commons last week was out of order. we need to keep in mind i of order. we need to keep in mind that through — of order. we need to keep in mind that through all— of order. we need to keep in mind that through all this, _ of order. we need to keep in mind that through all this, there - of order. we need to keep in mind that through all this, there are i that through all this, there are people — that through all this, there are people who _ that through all this, there are people who have _ that through all this, there are people who have very - that through all this, there are people who have very stronglyj that through all this, there are i people who have very strongly held views, _ people who have very strongly held views, and — people who have very strongly held views, and i— people who have very strongly held views, and i respect— people who have very strongly held views, and i respect that. - people who have very strongly held views, and i respect that. there i people who have very strongly held | views, and i respect that. there are also people — views, and i respect that. there are also people in— views, and i respect that. there are also people in the _ views, and i respect that. there are also people in the trans _ views, and i respect that. there are also people in the trans communityj also people in the trans community who are _ also people in the trans community who are incredibly— also people in the trans community who are incredibly vulnerable - also people in the trans community who are incredibly vulnerable as i who are incredibly vulnerable as well, _ who are incredibly vulnerable as well, so — who are incredibly vulnerable as well, so we _ who are incredibly vulnerable as well, so we need _ who are incredibly vulnerable as well, so we need to _ who are incredibly vulnerable as well, so we need to take - who are incredibly vulnerable as well, so we need to take the i well, so we need to take the temperature _ well, so we need to take the

temperature down, - well, so we need to take the temperature down, but- well, so we need to take the temperature down, but the i well, so we need to take the i temperature down, but the reality well, so we need to take the - temperature down, but the reality is that the _ temperature down, but the reality is that the scottish _ temperature down, but the reality is that the scottish parliament - temperature down, but the reality is that the scottish parliament has- temperature down, but the reality is that the scottish parliament has hadj that the scottish parliament has had this debate, — that the scottish parliament has had this debate, over— that the scottish parliament has had this debate, over 32,000 _ this debate, over 32,000 consultation— this debate, over 32,000 consultation responses, i this debate, over 32,000 i consultation responses, over this debate, over 32,000 - consultation responses, over six years _ consultation responses, over six years two — consultation responses, over six years. two thirds _ consultation responses, over six years. two thirds of _ consultation responses, over six years. two thirds of the - consultation responses, over six i years. two thirds of the parliament voted _ years. two thirds of the parliament voted for— years. two thirds of the parliament voted for this — years. two thirds of the parliament voted for this legislation. _ years. two thirds of the parliament voted for this legislation. so - years. two thirds of the parliament voted for this legislation.— voted for this legislation. so what are ou voted for this legislation. so what are you going _ voted for this legislation. so what are you going to _ voted for this legislation. so what are you going to do _ voted for this legislation. so what are you going to do now? - voted for this legislation. so what are you going to do now? i - voted for this legislation. so what are you going to do now? i think. are you going to do now? i think stephen flynn — are you going to do now? i think stephen flynn was _ are you going to do now? i think stephen flynn was meeting i are you going to do now? i think stephen flynn was meeting the | stephen flynn was meeting the secretary— stephen flynn was meeting the secretary of _ stephen flynn was meeting the secretary of state _ stephen flynn was meeting the secretary of state this - stephen flynn was meeting the| secretary of state this morning. stephen flynn was meeting the i secretary of state this morning. fire secretary of state this morning. are ou auoin secretary of state this morning. you going to amend it? secretary of state this morning. are you going to amend it? we - secretary of state this morning. are you going to amend it? we cannot i you going to amend it? we cannot necessarily — you going to amend it? we cannot necessarily amend _ you going to amend it? we cannot necessarily amend it, _ you going to amend it? we cannot necessarily amend it, because i necessarily amend it, because stephen — necessarily amend it, because stephen flynn— necessarily amend it, because stephen flynn lady— necessarily amend it, because stephen flynn lady motion i necessarily amend it, becausel stephen flynn lady motion this morning — stephen flynn lady motion this morning to _ stephen flynn lady motion this morning to try— stephen flynn lady motion this morning to try and _ stephen flynn lady motion this morning to try and stop - stephen flynn lady motion this morning to try and stop the i stephen flynn lady motion this i morning to try and stop the section 35 intervention, _ morning to try and stop the section 35 intervention, because _ morning to try and stop the section 35 intervention, because we - morning to try and stop the section 35 intervention, because we have l 35 intervention, because we have been _ 35 intervention, because we have been told — 35 intervention, because we have been told that _ 35 intervention, because we have been told that scotland _ 35 intervention, because we have been told that scotland is - 35 intervention, because we have been told that scotland is the i 35 intervention, because we have i been told that scotland is the most powerful _ been told that scotland is the most powerful devolved _ been told that scotland is the most powerful devolved parliament i been told that scotland is the most powerful devolved parliament in. been told that scotland is the mostl powerful devolved parliament in the world, _ powerful devolved parliament in the world, vet _ powerful devolved parliament in the world, vet it — powerful devolved parliament in the world, yet it passes— powerful devolved parliament in the world, yet it passes legislation i world, yet it passes legislation within— world, yet it passes legislation within its— world, yet it passes legislation within its competence, - world, yet it passes legislation within its competence, and i within its competence, and westminster— within its competence, and westminster comes - within its competence, and westminster comes in i within its competence, and westminster comes in like | within its competence, and i westminster comes in like some within its competence, and - westminster comes in like some sort of vicerov_ westminster comes in like some sort of vicerov and — westminster comes in like some sort of viceroy and says. _ westminster comes in like some sort of viceroy and says, it _ westminster comes in like some sort of viceroy and says, it cannot - of viceroy and says, it cannot happen _ of viceroy and says, it cannot happen. lt— of viceroy and says, it cannot ha en. , of viceroy and says, it cannot ha en. . , of viceroy and says, it cannot ha en. , , . happen. it is the first time, and it may have been — happen. it is the first time, and it may have been the _ happen. it is the first time, and it may have been the wrong - happen. it is the first time, and it may have been the wrong time i happen. it is the first time, and it may have been the wrong time to j happen. it is the first time, and it i may have been the wrong time to use it. i am going to ask both ann and david on that point. let me just show viewers inside the chamber of the house of commons, i think we can see carolyn harris standing up and contributing to the debate, we will be going to prime minister's questions in a few moments' time.

david, first of all, should labour be supporting this use of the section 35, this ability for the uk government to block they spell on the basis, as alisterjack, secretary of state for scotland, said, it would undermine equalities legislation? haste said, it would undermine equalities leaislation? ~ , ,, . ., said, it would undermine equalities leaislation? , ,, . ., g; legislation? we put section 35 in the scotland _ legislation? we put section 35 in the scotland act, _ legislation? we put section 35 in the scotland act, and _ legislation? we put section 35 in the scotland act, and there i legislation? we put section 35 in the scotland act, and there no i legislation? we put section 35 in i the scotland act, and there no point putting _ the scotland act, and there no point putting in— the scotland act, and there no point putting in it — the scotland act, and there no point putting in it the act if you do not expect— putting in it the act if you do not expect to — putting in it the act if you do not expect to use it.— putting in it the act if you do not expect to use it. was this the right oint to expect to use it. was this the right point to use _ expect to use it. was this the right point to use it? _ expect to use it. was this the right point to use it? i— expect to use it. was this the right point to use it? i happen _ expect to use it. was this the right point to use it? i happen to - expect to use it. was this the right point to use it? i happen to think, | point to use it? i happen to think, on this very _ point to use it? i happen to think, on this very complex _ point to use it? i happen to think, on this very complex issue, i point to use it? i happen to think, on this very complex issue, that l point to use it? i happen to think, i on this very complex issue, that it was on this very complex issue, that it wa , on this very complex issue, that it wa a, , on this very complex issue, that it wa r, , r, on this very complex issue, that it wa a, , a, ,': on this very complex issue, that it wa a, , a, j: a, was right to use section 35. i am sick and tired _ was right to use section 35. i am sick and tired of _ was right to use section 35. i am sick and tired of identity - was right to use section 35. i am i sick and tired of identity politics, i am _ sick and tired of identity politics, i am sick— sick and tired of identity politics, i am sick of— sick and tired of identity politics, i am sick of having to debate it over_ i am sick of having to debate it over and — i am sick of having to debate it over and over i am sick of having to debate it overand overagain. we need respect, — overand overagain. we need respect, we need genuine equality, and we _ respect, we need genuine equality, and we need people to apologise, like lloyd — and we need people to apologise, like lloyd russell—moyle did, for the outburst against you, miriam, because _ the outburst against you, miriam, because you are expressing a perfectly— because you are expressing a perfectly reasonable point of view. there _ perfectly reasonable point of view. there is _ perfectly reasonable point of view. there is a — perfectly reasonable point of view.

there is a guy called adam graham, or was— there is a guy called adam graham, or was adam — there is a guy called adam graham, orwas adam graham, there is a guy called adam graham, or was adam graham, a two time rapist— or was adam graham, a two time rapist who — or was adam graham, a two time rapist who decided to trans and could _ rapist who decided to trans and could end — rapist who decided to trans and could end up in a women's prison in scotlehd~ _ could end up in a women's prison in scotland. thisjust not acceptable. it is scotland. thisjust not acceptable. it is simply— scotland. thisjust not acceptable. it is simply not acceptable. gur it is simply not acceptable. our labour in _ it is simply not acceptable. our labour in the _ it is simply not acceptable. or“ labour in the right place? it is simply not acceptable. our labour in the right place? we l it is simply not acceptable. our. labour in the right place? we are it is simply not acceptable. our- labour in the right place? we are a bit all labour in the right place? we are a hit all over— labour in the right place? we are a bit all over the _ labour in the right place? we are a bit all over the place _ labour in the right place? we are a bit all over the place on _ labour in the right place? we are a bit all over the place on it, - labour in the right place? we are a bit all over the place on it, if - labour in the right place? we are a bit all over the place on it, if i - bit all over the place on it, if i am honest. _ bit all over the place on it, if i am honest, and i do try to be. we have _ am honest, and i do try to be. we have just — am honest, and i do try to be. we have just got to be clear — respect, equality. _ have just got to be clear — respect, equality, ensuring people are treated — equality, ensuring people are treated properly, that we don't alienate, — treated properly, that we don't alienate, that we care about how people _ alienate, that we care about how pepple are — alienate, that we care about how people are feeling, their development, the emotions they are going _ development, the emotions they are going through. but not pandering to situations— going through. but not pandering to situations which, putting aside 50 years— situations which, putting aside 50 years of— situations which, putting aside 50 years of equality campaigning for women, — years of equality campaigning for women, that is...— years of equality campaigning for women, that is... what would you like to women, that is. .. what would you like to hear— women, that is... what would you like to hear from _ women, that is. .. what would you like to hear from keir— women, that is... what would you like to hear from keir starmer? i like to hearfrom keir starmer? look, sex and gender are entirely separate — look, sex and gender are entirely separate things, you can have someone _ separate things, you can have someone who feels that they are of a differehl_ someone who feels that they are of a different gender, you can help and support—

different gender, you can help and support them, but in the end women's equality— support them, but in the end women's equality trumps it all.— support them, but in the end women's equality trumps it all. ann? yes, it is absolutely _ equality trumps it all. ann? yes, it is absolutely right _ equality trumps it all. ann? yes, it is absolutely right to _ equality trumps it all. ann? yes, it is absolutely right to use _ equality trumps it all. fifu�*u?’ yes, it is absolutely right to use it, as david senior correctly says, if you put something in an act, it is there for a purpose, just as i would say is article 16. for a purpose, 'ust as i would say is article rs.— for a purpose, 'ust as i would say is article is.— for a purpose, 'ust as i would say is article 16. you are shaking your head. is article 16. you are shaking your head- this — is article 16. you are shaking your head. this issue, _ is article 16. you are shaking your head. this issue, do _ is article 16. you are shaking your head. this issue, do the - is article 16. you are shaking your head. this issue, do the labour . head. this issue, do the labour party still— head. this issue, do the labour party still believe _ head. this issue, do the labour party still believe in _ head. this issue, do the labour| party still believe in devolution? it is compatible _ party still believe in devolution? it is compatible with _ party still believe in devolution? it is compatible with the - party still believe in devolution? | it is compatible with the equality act, and — it is compatible with the equality act, and we _ it is compatible with the equality act, and we are _ it is compatible with the equality act, and we are now— it is compatible with the equality act, and we are now in— it is compatible with the equality act, and we are now in a - it is compatible with the equalityl act, and we are now in a situation where _ act, and we are now in a situation where labour— act, and we are now in a situation where labour has _ act, and we are now in a situation where labour has not _ act, and we are now in a situation where labour has not decided - act, and we are now in a situation- where labour has not decided whether it supports— where labour has not decided whether it supports this, — where labour has not decided whether it supports this, and _ where labour has not decided whether it supports this, and is _ where labour has not decided whether it supports this, and is it— where labour has not decided whether it supports this, and is it really- it supports this, and is it really going — it supports this, and is it really going to — it supports this, and is it really going to side _ it supports this, and is it really going to side with _ it supports this, and is it really going to side with the - it supports this, and is it really- going to side with the westminster government— going to side with the westminster government and _ going to side with the westminster government and have _ going to side with the westminster government and have his _ going to side with the westminster government and have his full- going to side with the westminster. government and have his full frontal assault— government and have his full frontal assault on— government and have his full frontal assault on scottish _ government and have his full frontal assault on scottish democracy? - assault on scottish democracy? listening — assault on scottish democracy? listening to _ assault on scottish democracy? listening to david _ assault on scottish democracy? listening to david blunkett, - assault on scottish democracy? | listening to david blunkett, that assault on scottish democracy? i listening to david blunkett, that is what it _ listening to david blunkett, that is what it sounds _ listening to david blunkett, that is what it sounds like _ listening to david blunkett, that is what it sounds like to _ listening to david blunkett, that is what it sounds like to me. - listening to david blunkett, that is what it sounds like to me.- listening to david blunkett, that is what it sounds like to me. under the e t uali what it sounds like to me. under the equality act — what it sounds like to me. under the equality act of _ what it sounds like to me. under the equality act of 2010, _ what it sounds like to me. under the equality act of 2010, uk _ what it sounds like to me. under the equality act of 2010, uk wide, - what it sounds like to me. under the equality act of 2010, uk wide, we i equality act of 2010, uk wide, we support— equality act of 2010, uk wide, we support the uk equality act, and therefore — support the uk equality act, and therefore we should be in favour of protecting — therefore we should be in favour of protecting people from things that might— protecting people from things that might arise... we protecting people from things that

might arise- - -_ might arise... we have only got a moment. — might arise... we have only got a moment. i _ might arise... we have only got a moment, i have _ might arise... we have only got a moment, i have just _ might arise... we have only got a moment, i have just seen - might arise... we have only got a moment, i havejust seen rishi . might arise... we have only got a - moment, i havejust seen rishi sunak take his seat in the chamber. miriam, should nadhim zahawi, the conservative party chairman, keep his job? conservative party chairman, keep his 'ob? r conservative party chairman, keep his 'ob? ~ ~ , his job? well, the prime minister has instituted _ his job? well, the prime minister has instituted this _ his job? well, the prime minister has instituted this investigation l his job? well, the prime minister| has instituted this investigation by his ethics adviser, i think we should wait for the outcome of that investigation. should wait for the outcome of that investigation-— investigation. should he step aside investigation. should he step aside in the meantime? _ investigation. should he step aside in the meantime? no, _ investigation. should he step aside in the meantime? no, it— investigation. should he step aside in the meantime? no, it may - investigation. should he step aside in the meantime? no, it may be i investigation. should he step aside - in the meantime? no, it may be found that he has not — in the meantime? no, it may be found that he has not done _ in the meantime? no, it may be found that he has not done anything - in the meantime? no, it may be found that he has not done anything wrong, l that he has not done anything wrong, in which case why not cause that destruction? i don't think the investigation will take very long. what should keir starmer ask about this? he what should keir starmer ask about this? , ., . ,~' . what should keir starmer ask about this? , ., . . ., what should keir starmer ask about this? , ., . . . . this? he should ask what has changed in a week, because _ this? he should ask what has changed in a week, because what _ this? he should ask what has changed in a week, because what rishi - this? he should ask what has changed in a week, because what rishi sunak i in a week, because what rishi sunak said last week has changed dramatically.— said last week has changed dramatically. said last week has changed dramaticall . . , dramatically. he said it had been addressed in _ dramatically. he said it had been addressed in full. _ dramatically. he said it had been addressed in full. i _ dramatically. he said it had been addressed in full. i quite - dramatically. he said it had been addressed in full. i quite like - addressed in full. i quite like nadhim, addressed in full. i quite like nadhim. but _ addressed in full. i quite like nadhim, but he _ addressed in full. i quite like nadhim, but he is _ addressed in full. i quite like nadhim, but he is a - addressed in full. i quite like nadhim, but he is a dead - addressed in full. i quite like l nadhim, but he is a dead man walking. by all means keep us your party chair, because he will not be able to raise money or do anything while this is going on and afterwards. 50 while this is going on and afterwards.— while this is going on and afterwards. , . afterwards. so good luck. is he a dead man _ afterwards. so good luck. is he a dead man walking? _ afterwards. so good luck. is he a dead man walking? i'm - afterwards. so good luck. is he a dead man walking? i'm not- afterwards. so good luck. is he a|

dead man walking? i'm not sure, afterwards. so good luck. is he a i dead man walking? i'm not sure, i alwa s dead man walking? i'm not sure, i always stand _ dead man walking? i'm not sure, i always stand by — dead man walking? i'm not sure, i always stand by innocent - dead man walking? i'm not sure, i always stand by innocent until- always stand by innocent until proven — always stand by innocent until proven guilty, there is an investigation. 0n the other hand, were _ investigation. 0n the other hand, were him — investigation. 0n the other hand, were him at the moment, i will be saying _ were him at the moment, i will be saying this — were him at the moment, i will be saying this is a big distraction, i will step— saying this is a big distraction, i will step aside but come back if i am cleared. it will step aside but come back if i am cleared-— am cleared. it is a distraction for rishi sunak, _ am cleared. it is a distraction for rishi sunak, is _ am cleared. it is a distraction for rishi sunak, is a _ am cleared. it is a distraction for rishi sunak, is a just _ am cleared. it is a distraction for rishi sunak, is a just a _ am cleared. it is a distraction for rishi sunak, is a just a matter i am cleared. it is a distraction for rishi sunak, is a just a matter of time? i rishi sunak, is a 'ust a matter of time? ., , rishi sunak, is a 'ust a matter of time? ~' , . , . time? i think there is a difference, is the investigation _ time? i think there is a difference, is the investigation going - time? i think there is a difference, is the investigation going to i time? i think there is a difference, is the investigation going to take l time? i think there is a difference, is the investigation going to take a j is the investigation going to take a week or a year, and if it is a week, what would be the point of stepping down now? i think it is about timing. my understanding is that it will be concluded quickly, and on that basis i think can i start by wishing everyone a happy burns night, especially those celebrating in scotland? and as we prepare to mark holocaust memorial day, i'm sure the whole house will join me in paying tribute to the extraordinary courage of britten's holocaust survivors, including 94—year—old —— the 94—year—old who is with us today. this government will legislate to build a holocaust memorial centre next to parliament

so the testimonies of survivors will be heard at the heart of our democracy by every generation to come. this morning i had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others and in addition to my duties in this house i will have further such meetings later today. shockingly, one in six women in the uk have experienced economic abuse. this is notjust about money, but the restricting of access to other resources like food, housing or work. it's a lesser—known aspect of coercive control that affects my constituents, the prime minister's constituents, the prime minister's constituents, and every member across the house. what plans does the prime minister have to review in detail government departments and policies, the way that government departments and policies can be exploited by abusers to ensure that these loopholes can be closed? the honourable lady raises an important point, and let me assure her that

this government is committed to tackling violence against women and girls. which is why we passed a landmark domestic abuse bill, introduced new offensive, for example, coercive control, stalking and others and will continue to do everything we can to ensure women and girls feel as safe as they deserve and rightly should be. ialluliliiie deserve and rightly should be. while i was disappointed _ deserve and rightly should be. while i was disappointed that _ deserve and rightly should be. ilfzi'i is: i was disappointed that dudley did not make the final cut in the latest levelling up funding round, i am of course pleased that we received the £25 million town steel —— towns deal, the brand—new duncan edwards leisure facility, and a transport interchange project secured since my election in 2019. but our high street is on its knees. so will the prime minister meet with me and dudley council to discuss our

levelling up bed and how we can ensure success in the next round? mi; ensure success in the next round? my honourable friend is a great advocate for his constituents, and i'm delighted that thanks to his efforts dudley has received £25 million from the towns fun. i know there will be disappointment about there will be disappointment about the levelling up fun, but all bids can receive feedback to strengthen their bid for future rounds of funding and i would be very happy to meet him further to discuss. thank ou, mr meet him further to discuss. thank you. mr speaker- _ meet him further to discuss. thank you, mr speaker. this _ meet him further to discuss. thank you, mr speaker. this week - meet him further to discuss. thank you, mr speaker. this week we i meet him further to discuss. thanki you, mr speaker. this week we will remember the 6 millionjews murdered in the holocaust and although scarred since as we remember holocaust memorial day. we must all work together in this house to defeat hatred and prejudice where we find it, to work for a betterfuture we must find light in the darkness.

could i alsojoin we must find light in the darkness. could i also join the we must find light in the darkness. could i alsojoin the prime minister in wishing everyone a happy burns night. mister speaker, zara aleena was walking home from a night with herfriends when she was walking home from a night with her friends when she was savagely assaulted and beaten to death. she was a brilliant young woman, a trainee lawyer with a bright future. her killer is a violent, racist, woman hating thug, not fit to walk the same streets. but that is precisely the problem. he was free to walk the same streets. the inspectorate report into her case says that opportunities were missed by the probation service that could have prevented this attack and saved her life. does the prime minister accept those findings? this her life. does the prime minister accept those findings?— her life. does the prime minister accept those findings? this was a truly terrible _ accept those findings? this was a truly terrible crime. _ accept those findings? this was a truly terrible crime. and - accept those findings? this was a truly terrible crime. and as i accept those findings? this was a truly terrible crime. and as the i truly terrible crime. and as the

chief inspector has found the failings in this case and indeed others were serious and indeed unacceptable. in both of the cases in the public domain, these failures can be traced to failings in the initial risk assessment and that is why immediate steps are being taken to address the serious issues raised. �* ., to address the serious issues raised. �* . , , raised. i'm glad he accepts those findints. raised. i'm glad he accepts those findings- the _ raised. i'm glad he accepts those findings. the report _ raised. i'm glad he accepts those findings. the report also - raised. i'm glad he accepts those findings. the report also says i raised. i'm glad he accepts those| findings. the report also says that staffing vacancies and excessive workloads contributed to those fatal failures, and it makes absolutely clear that this was not a one—off. as the report says, these are systemic issues in the probation service. they are clearly ministerial responsibilities. does the prime minister accept those findings as well? let the prime minister accept those findings as well?— the prime minister accept those findings as well? let me outline for the honourable _ findings as well? let me outline for the honourable gentleman what i findings as well? let me outline for. the honourable gentleman what steps we are taking, and that is to

include and ensure that mandatory training to improve risk assessment is put in place and is mandating checks with the police and children services before a probation officer can recommend to a court that a convicted offender be given electronically monitored offence and in preventing new processes to employ meant the swift recall of offenders. and the action we are taking is already making a difference, as we see in the reduction of number of electronically monitored curfews electronically monitored cu rfews being electronically monitored curfews being given by the courts. it was barkint , being given by the courts. it was barking, dagenham _ being given by the courts. it was barking, dagenham and - being given by the courts. it was. barking, dagenham and favouring being given by the courts. it "ii—3 barking, dagenham and favouring that tragically and fatally let zara aleena down, but across the country probation services are failing after a botched then reverse to privatisation. after a decade of underinvestment, it is yet another vital public service on its knees after 13 years of tory government. i

spoke to zara aleena's family this morning. it's hard to convey to this house the agony they have been through. they say that the government has blood on their hands over these failings. he has accepted the findings of the report. does he also accept what her family say? mi; also accept what her family say? my heart, of course, goes out to zara's family. he mentioned the accountability and the probation service has taken action where failings have been found and that has been appropriate and with regard to the overall service because of the extra investment we are putting in, there are now £155 million a year being put into the probation service so we can supervision of offenders. there's also been an increase in the number of senior probation officers, but one of the other things we must remember if we do want to increase the safety of women and girls on our streets that we need tougher

sentencing and that is why the government passed the police, crime and sentencing act which the honourable gentleman and the party opposite opposed. in honourable gentleman and the party opposite opposed-— opposite opposed. in light of the case of zara _ opposite opposed. in light of the case of zara l — opposite opposed. in light of the case of zara i really _ opposite opposed. in light of the case of zara i really don't - opposite opposed. in light of the case of zara i really don't think l case of zara i really don't think the prime minister should be boasting about the protection he is putting in place for women. and i will not take lectures from him about that. does the prime minister agree that any politician who seeks to avoid the taxes they owe in this country is not fit to be in charge of taxpayer money?— country is not fit to be in charge of taxpayer money? well, i'm pleased to make my — of taxpayer money? well, i'm pleased to make my position _ of taxpayer money? well, i'm pleased to make my position on _ of taxpayer money? well, i'm pleased to make my position on this _ of taxpayer money? well, i'm pleased to make my position on this matter i to make my position on this matter completely clear to the house. the issues in question occurred before i was prime minister. with regard to the appointment of the minister

without portfolio, the usual appointments process was followed. no issues were raised with me when he was appointed to his current role. and since i commented on this matter last week, more information has come forward. and that is why i have asked of the independent adviser to look into the matter. now, i obviously cannot prejudge the outcome of that. but it is right that we fully investigate this matter and establish all the facts. mr speaker, he avoided the question. i think anybody watching would think it's fairly obvious that someone who seeks to avoid tax can't also be in charge of tax. yet, for some reason, the prime minister can't bring himself to say that or even acknowledge the question. last week, the prime minister told this house

that the chair of the tory party had addressed his tax affairs in full and there was nothing to add. this week, after days of public pressure, the prime minister now says there are serious questions to answer. what changed? i are serious questions to answer. what changed?— are serious questions to answer. what chanted? ., ., . , ., what changed? i know he reads from these prepared _ what changed? i know he reads from these prepared sheets, _ what changed? i know he reads from these prepared sheets, but - what changed? i know he reads from these prepared sheets, but he i what changed? i know he reads from | these prepared sheets, but he should listen to what i actually say. since i commented on this matter last week, more information, including a statement by the minister without portfolio has entered the public domain, which is why it is right that we do establish the facts. and let me take a step back. let me take a step back. of course, the politically expedient thing to do would be for me to have said that

this matter must have been resolved by wednesday at noon. but i believe in proper due process. that's why i appointed an independent adviser, and that's why the independent adviser is doing hisjob. but the opposition can't have it both ways. the shadow leader, also his party chair, both urged me on the government to appoint an independent adviser, and now he objects to that independent adviser doing theirjob. it is simple political opportunities and everyone can see through it. taste and everyone can see through it. we all and everyone can see through it. e all know why the prime minister was reluctant to ask his party chair questions about family finances and tax avoidance.

but his failure to sack him when the whole country can see what is going on shows how hopelessly weak he is. a prime minister overseeing chaos, overwhelmed at every turn. he can't say when ambulances will get to heart victims again. he can't say when the prison system will keep streets safe again. he can't even deal with tax avoiders in his own cabinet. is he starting to wonder if thisjob isjust too big cabinet. is he starting to wonder if this job is just too big for cabinet. is he starting to wonder if thisjob isjust too big for him? mr speaker, the difference between him and me is that i stand on my values and me is that i stand on my values and principles even when it is difficult. when i disagree fundamentally with the previous prime minister i resigned from the

government, but forfour long prime minister i resigned from the government, but for four long years he sat next to the member for islington north. when anti—semitism ran rife, when his predecessor sided with our opponents. that is what is weak, mr speaker. he has no principles arejust weak, mr speaker. he has no principles are just petty politics. thank you, mr speaker. for our most vulnerable children school is often their principal place of safety as well as education, but as reported in my review of school exclusions for the government in 2019, the unacceptable and illegal use of off rolling is still shutting a worrying number of children out of the classroom, out of learning and out of the protection they need from gangs, violence and domestic abuse. whilst there has been some impressive and excellent work done

by the department for education to address this terrible practice, what more can right honourable friend do to ensure we now permanently exclude off rolling from our schools? the government is clear that it is unlawful and unacceptable in any form, and the department for education continues to work with ofsted to tackle it. where ofsted finds it, it will always be addressed in the inspection report and could also lead to a school's leadership being judged inadequate. the leader of the snp. mr leadership being judged inadequate. the leader of the snp.— the leader of the snp. mr speaker, let me start — the leader of the snp. mr speaker, let me start by _ the leader of the snp. mr speaker, let me start by echoing _ the leader of the snp. mr speaker, let me start by echoing the - let me start by echoing the sentiments of the prime minister and the leader of the opposition in relation to holocaust memorial day, truly horrific crimes that we must never forget and endeavour to ensure are never repeated. may i also send my heartfelt thoughts, and indeed i hope those of all across the chamber, to the firefighter who is

in serious condition in edinburgh at this moment in time following the plays in edinburghjust a a few this moment in time following the plays in edinburgh just a a few days ago. mr speaker, mayl plays in edinburgh just a a few days ago. mr speaker, may i ask the prime minister, what advice would he have for individuals seeking to protect their personal finances? for individuals seeking to protect their personalfinances? should for individuals seeking to protect their personal finances? should they seek out a future chair of the bbc to help secure an £800,000 loan? should i set up a trust in gibraltar and hope that hmrc simply don't notice? orshould and hope that hmrc simply don't notice? or should i do as others have done and simply apply for non—dom status? have done and simply apply for non-dom status?— have done and simply apply for non-dom status? mr non-dom status? prime minister! mr s-eaker, non-dom status? prime minister! mr speaker. mr— non-dom status? prime minister! mr speaker, mr speaker, _ non-dom status? prime minister! mr speaker, mr speaker, let _ non-dom status? prime minister! mr speaker, mr speaker, let me - non-dom status? prime minister! mr speaker, mr speaker, let me share l speaker, mr speaker, let me share with the honourable gentleman expressing my sympathies to the families and the firefighter currently in hospital, i'm sorry to hear that and wish him a speedy recovery. mr speaker, i hear that and wish him a speedy recovery. mr speaker, lam proud of the record of this government in supporting the most vulnerable in our society, just this winter

helping all families with £900 for their energy bills, raising the national living wage to record levels, and ensuring that our pensioners get the support they need. that is what this government is doing to ensure financial security in this country. stephen fl nn. security in this country. stephen flynn- l'm _ security in this country. stephen flynn- i'm not— security in this country. stephen flynn. i'm not sure _ security in this country. stephen flynn. i'm not sure what - security in this country. stephen l flynn. i'm not sure what question the prime — flynn. i'm not sure what question the prime minister _ flynn. i'm not sure what question the prime minister thought i i flynn. i'm not sure what question i the prime minister thought i asked, but that certainly was noted, mr speaker. but but that certainly was noted, mr s-eaker. �* �* . but that certainly was noted, mr s-eaker. �* �* , , but that certainly was noted, mr s-eaker. �* �*, , . . speaker. but let's be clear about this, this speaker. but let's be clear about this. this is _ speaker. but let's be clear about this, this is now _ speaker. but let's be clear about this, this is now a _ speaker. but let's be clear about this, this is now a matter - speaker. but let's be clear about this, this is now a matter of i speaker. but let's be clear about this, this is now a matter of the l this, this is now a matter of the prime minister's own integrity and accountability. after all, when there was questions about the home secretary, questions about her role in relation to national security, he chose to back her. now the chair of the tory party, he is choosing to back him, despite a £5 million penalty from hmrc. and of course he is seeking to protect the former prime minister, despite his cosy financial relationship with the chair of the bbc. is it a little wonder that people in scotland may welljust consider the tory party to

be a parcel of rogues?— be a parcel of rogues? prime minister! _ be a parcel of rogues? prime minister! mr _ be a parcel of rogues? prime minister! mr speaker, i i be a parcel of rogues? prime minister! mr speaker, i am l be a parcel of rogues? prime - minister! mr speaker, i am standing u n minister! mr speaker, i am standing u- for minister! mr speaker, i am standing up for preper _ minister! mr speaker, i am standing up for preper due — minister! mr speaker, i am standing up for proper due process, - minister! mr speaker, i am standing up for proper due process, that i minister! mr speaker, i am standing up for proper due process, that is i up for proper due process, that is why we have an independent adviser, it is right that the independent adviser conduct this investigation, thatis adviser conduct this investigation, that is how we will ensure accountability, and that is what i will deliver.— accountability, and that is what i willdeliver. . ~ will deliver. thank you, mr speaker. wales has almost _ will deliver. thank you, mr speaker. wales has almost 40 _ will deliver. thank you, mr speaker. wales has almost 40 times - will deliver. thank you, mr speaker. wales has almost 40 times more i wales has almost 40 times more people in england waiting more than two years for nhs treatment, despite having less than 5% of the population. a case of devolve and forget which does a disservice to my constituents. could the prime minister confirmed that the uk government remains concerned about the health care of the people in wales, and given that the north wales, and given that the north wales health board has had it for ages, can you come up with a way of putting the welsh labour government into special measures? mr putting the welsh labour government into special measures?— into special measures? mr speaker, as the honourable _ into special measures? mr speaker, as the honourable gentleman i as the honourable gentleman highlights, the nhs right across our

union is facing pressure because of some of the challenges of flu and covid in particular causing high bed occupancy this winter. we are focused on delivering on the people's priorities and bringing down the backlog. we have currently already limited rights of over two years, and as the honourable gentleman says, there's more to go, thatis gentleman says, there's more to go, that is why our investment this week into mental health treatment will ensure we can ease the pressure further in a&e. 5ir ensure we can ease the pressure further in a&e._ further in a&e. sirjeffrey donaldson. _ further in a&e. sirjeffrey donaldson. can _ further in a&e. sirjeffrey donaldson. can i- further in a&e. sirjeffrey donaldson. can i echo i further in a&e. sirjeffrey| donaldson. can i echo the further in a&e. sirjeffrey _ donaldson. can i echo the comments ofthe donaldson. can i echo the comments of the prime — donaldson. can i echo the comments of the prime minister _ donaldson. can i echo the comments of the prime minister in _ donaldson. can i echo the comments of the prime minister in relation i donaldson. can i echo the comments of the prime minister in relation to i of the prime minister in relation to holocaust memorial day? and as we think of the situation in ukraine, we also extend our best wishes to president zelensky on his birthday today. freedom of religion or belief is important in this country. isabel von spruce was praying silently outside an abortion clinic in birmingham when she was arrested and questioned by police not about her

written or spoken words, but about her thoughts. we value freedom of religion or belief in this country. will the prime minister committed to examine the laws of the united kingdom to ensure that this country remains a beacon for freedom of religion and belief across the world? mr religion and belief across the world? ~ ,,, . ,, religion and belief across the world? ~ .~i ., religion and belief across the world? ~ ., , ., world? mr speaker, of course, of course, world? mr speaker, of course, of course. we _ world? mr speaker, of course, of course, we believe _ world? mr speaker, of course, of course, we believe in _ world? mr speaker, of course, of course, we believe in freedom i world? mr speaker, of course, of course, we believe in freedom of| course, we believe in freedom of religious expression and belief in this country, but we also are balancing that with the rights of women to seek legal and safe abortions. that is currently being discussed in this parliament, these are matters of a free vote, and i know members will treat them with the sensitivity they deserve. dr liam fox. innocent— the sensitivity they deserve. dr liam fox. innocent civilians i the sensitivity they deserve. dri liam fox. innocent civilians are beint liam fox. innocent civilians are being murdered _ liam fox. innocent civilians are being murdered in _ liam fox. innocent civilians are being murdered in ukraine i liam fox. innocent civilians are being murdered in ukraine on l liam fox. innocent civilians are i being murdered in ukraine on putin's orders as we speak, and as we sit in a warmed house of commons, families are freezing because the electricity

has been cut off by russian forces. putin believes ukraine is more important to him than the free world, so the ukrainians must make gains on the battlefield in the next six months. they need a full range of weapons, mr speaker, air defence, artillery, longer range missiles, and tanks — and enough to make a real difference. the uk has shown great leadership on this issue. can i ask my right honourable friend to use every means at his disposal, domestic and international, to honour the courage of the people of ukraine and to defend the whole world order, because ultimately that is what we are really talking about? prime minister. mr is what we are really talking about? prime minister.— prime minister. mr speaker, i have made clear— prime minister. mr speaker, i have made clear that _ prime minister. mr speaker, i have made clear that the _ prime minister. mr speaker, i have made clear that the uk _ prime minister. mr speaker, i have made clear that the uk and - prime minister. mr speaker, i have made clear that the uk and our i made clear that the uk and our allies must accelerate efforts to ensure ukraine wins this war and secures a lasting peace. last year the united kingdom provided £2.3 billion in military aid to ukraine, the largest package of support of any european nation, and we will at least match that again this year. as

my right honourable friend knows, last week i announced that we would give battle tanks as part of the next major package of support to the ukraine, and i'm pleased that our friends and allies are preparing to follow our lead. dr friends and allies are preparing to follow our lead.— friends and allies are preparing to follow our lead. , ., ., follow our lead. dr rupa huq. london has it all, follow our lead. dr rupa huq. london has it all. prime _ follow our lead. dr rupa huq. london has it all, prime property, _ has it all, prime property, shopping, schools, even the perfect time shopping, schools, even the perfect lime zone— shopping, schools, even the perfect time zone for money—laundering. and time zone for money-laundering. and while there time zone for money—laundering. fific while there has been time zone for money—laundering. skin. while there has been movement with russian oligarchs, it is notjust them, we know there are regimes that we condemn on both sides of the house that are running bogus islamic centres as france to stash their dirty cash, amongst other things. so when will the nca be adequately financed so we can be a world leader in anti—corruption, as we promised in anti—corruption, as we promised in 2016, or is there a lack of political will to upset the apple cart? r political will to upset the apple cart? ~ ~ . ,, cart? well, mr speaker, the honourable _ cart? well, mr speaker, the honourable lady _ cart? well, mr speaker, the honourable lady should i cart? well, mr speaker, the | honourable lady should know cart? well, mr speaker, the i honourable lady should know that cart? well, mr speaker, the - honourable lady should know that we are currently in the process of

legislating the economic crime bill, which puts in place many more measures to allow us to tackle some of the issues that she raised and also introduces the economic crime levy, which would provide considerably more funding to tackle an armour crime in the uk. —— to tackle economic crime in the uk. mr tackle economic crime in the uk. ii speaker, the trans pennine rail upgrade is under way, which is good news, with stations getting improvements. but what is not such good news, mr speaker, is the dozens of daily rail service cancellations by trans pennine express, which is causing absolute misery for my constituents trying to get to work, trying to get to college, visit family and friends. the franchises up family and friends. the franchises up in may, so does the prime minister agree with me, enough is enough, if they do not get to grips with this, we need to strip them of the franchise and get somebody in

who will deliver the reliable royal services for my constituents? weill. services for my constituents? well, mr speaker. _ services for my constituents? well, mr speaker. we _ services for my constituents? well, mr speaker, we have _ services for my constituents? well, mr speaker, we have been - services for my constituents? well, mr speaker, we have been clear- services for my constituents? well, mr speaker, we have been clear that the current service is simply not acceptable. the royal north partnership is working with a company on a service improvement plan, and the rail minister is having weekly meetings with them. as the honourable gentleman points out, transpennine express' contractors tra nspennine express' contractors expire transpennine express' contractors expire in may, and whilst there are currently discussions, if ministers conclude that the operator cannot be turned around, other decisions may be made. ., . . ., . , be made. from rwanda to deaths in the channel. — be made. from rwanda to deaths in the channel, refugees _ be made. from rwanda to deaths in the channel, refugees and _ the channel, refugees and campaigners have today gathered outside parliament to highlight the impact of the hostile environment on people in the migration and asylum system. ratherthan people in the migration and asylum system. rather than cruel gimmicks like rwanda, isn't the best way of deterring child crossings, saving lives and breaking the business

model of criminal gangs to introduce safe and legal roots to claim asylum? safe and legal roots to claim as lum? ~ ~ .~ , safe and legal roots to claim as lum? ~ , , asylum? well, mr speaker, this is about fairness, _ asylum? well, mr speaker, this is about fairness, it _ asylum? well, mr speaker, this is about fairness, it is _ asylum? well, mr speaker, this is about fairness, it is about - asylum? well, mr speaker, this is about fairness, it is about fairness for those who seek to come here legally, for those who are here and our ability to integrate and support those who we want to. what we will do is break the cycle of criminal gangs which are causing untold misery, leading to deaths in the channel, and that is why we will introduce legislation that makes it clear that if you come here illegally, we will be able to detain you and swiftly remove you to a safe third country. that is the reasonable and common sense approach that the vast majority of the british public supports. oliver heald. british public supports. oliver heald- the — british public supports. oliver heald. the prime _ british public supports. oliver heald. the prime minister- british public supports. oliver| heald. the prime minister will british public supports. oliver - heald. the prime minister will be aware of my _ heald. the prime minister will be aware of my concern _ heald. the prime minister will be aware of my concern that - heald. the prime minister will be aware of my concern that mental| aware of my concern that mental health patients should not be forced into a&e departments when what they really need a specialist care. can he say more about the extra money thatis he say more about the extra money that is being made available for urgent mental health care facilities? and also what impact he

thinks it will have first on the treatment of mental health patients, but also on the general situation in a&e departments?— but also on the general situation in a&e departments? but also on the general situation in - a&e departments?_ my a&e departments? prime minister. my riaht a&e departments? prime minister. my right honourable _ a&e departments? prime minister. my right honourable friend _ a&e departments? prime minister. my right honourable friend is _ right honourable friend is absolutely right, people in mental health crisis deserve compassionate care in a safe and appropriate setting, and too often they end up in a&e when they should be receiving specialist treatment elsewhere. this week's announcement is in mental health ambulances, crisis cafes, crisis houses, and mental health urgent treatment centres, making sure that patients get the vital help they need whilst easing pressure is on emergency departments and freeing up staff time. my right honourable friend is right to highlight the issue, the announcement this week will make a major difference.— announcement this week will make a major difference._ as - announcement this week will make a major difference._ as a l major difference. tulip siddiq. as a trustee of the _ major difference. tulip siddiq. as a trustee of the holocaust _ major difference. tulip siddiq. as a trustee of the holocaust memorial| trustee of the holocaust memorial trust, i was pleased to hear from a holocaust survivor who came to this country by herself at the age of eight because her parents believed that the uk was a safe haven for

vulnerable children. this week, i also read the government's on statistics which say that there are 200 asylum seeking unaccompanied children who are missing from hotels in the uk. ministers have admitted that they have no idea about the whereabouts of these children. so could i ask the prime minister, does he still think that the uk is a safe haven for vulnerable children? mr speaker, the united kingdom has opened up its heart and homes to hundreds of thousands of people over the last few years, from syria, from afghanistan, from ukraine, from hong kong, and provided refuge and sanctuary to many children in that process. but the reports that we have read about are concerning, local authorities have a statutory duty to protect all children, regardless of where they go missing from, and in that situation they work closely with local agencies, including the police, to establish their whereabouts, and that is why it is so important that we end the

use of hotels for unaccompanied asylum seekers and reduce pressure on the overall system, that is what our plans will do. mr on the overall system, that is what our plans will do.— our plans will do. mr speaker, constituents _ our plans will do. mr speaker, constituents in _ our plans will do. mr speaker, constituents in southend - our plans will do. mr speaker, constituents in southend of. our plans will do. mr speaker, - constituents in southend of rochford very much welcome the energy bill support scheme that has helped 99% of households around the united kingdom with rising fuel prices, despite putin's barbaric war in ukraine. can the prime minister assure my constituents that he is committed to continue helping with the cost of living not only this winter, but next winter? my honourable _ winter, but next winter? my honourable friend is absolutely right about this government's commitment to support all families with the cost of living. this winter around £900 of support, but as the energy price guarantee evolves, it will support families with around £500 of support, and this comes on top of record increases in the national living wage, with about

£1600, and supporting our pensioners and the most vulnerable by inflating their benefits and pensions with inflation. in their benefits and pensions with inflation. :: ' , ., inflation. in 2021, the government enabled a former _ inflation. in 2021, the government enabled a former chef _ inflation. in 2021, the government enabled a former chef to - inflation. in 2021, the government enabled a former chef to route - inflation. in 2021, the government| enabled a former chef to route and founder of wagner to dodge uk sanctions to pursue a case in london against a british journalist who had exposed his links to wagner. he believes that silencing higgins would get sanctions lifted. the overriding of uk sanctions was approved when the prime minister was chancellor. his lawyers wrote that serving notice on higgins would require treasury approval. so what are values to be prime minister apply when he allowed a putin warlord to use our courts to try to silence a british journalist and undermine uk sanctions? well, mr seaker, i undermine uk sanctions? well, mr speaker. i am _ undermine uk sanctions? well, mr speaker, i am proud _ undermine uk sanctions? well, mr speaker, i am proud of— undermine uk sanctions? well, mr speaker, i am proud of our - undermine uk sanctions? well, mr speaker, i am proud of our recordl undermine uk sanctions? well, mr. speaker, i am proud of our record in

leading when it comes to sanctioning those people connected with the putin regime, i think at last count over 1000 people, freezing tens of billions of assets. i am aware of the case he has raised, we are looking at it, but there is an organisation dealing with licensing situations, but i am happy to get back to him on the specific casey wright. i welcome his renewed commitment to the holocaust memorial centre and learning center. will he encourage me and joining members across the house to sign the book of commitment that will be in parliament today and tomorrow, pledging to remember the holocaust, fight anti—semitism and support the work of the holocaust educational trust? i support the work of the holocaust educational trust?— educational trust? i thank my honourable _ educational trust? i thank my honourable friend, _ educational trust? i thank my honourable friend, and - educational trust? i thank my honourable friend, and as - educational trust? i thank my honourable friend, and as i i educational trust? i thank my i honourable friend, and as i said earlier, we will legislate to help build the holocaust memorial and learning centre next to parliament to serve as a powerful reminder of the holocaust, its victims and where prejudice can lead a fun challenge.

i alsojoin her in thanking the holocaust educational trust for their fantastic work and join my honourable friend and encouraging all members to sign the book of commitment as i will be doing later today. b. commitment as i will be doing later toda . �* ~ . ., , commitment as i will be doing later toda. ., , today. a week ago my constituent was executed by order _ today. a week ago my constituent was executed by order of _ today. a week ago my constituent was executed by order of the _ today. a week ago my constituent was executed by order of the regime - today. a week ago my constituent was executed by order of the regime in - executed by order of the regime in iran. in the three years preceding on the days following his murder, the uk government made little effort to protect the life or protest the death of a british national. tomorrow his family and i will meet the foreign office minister. they want to hear what help the government can offer them at this time of their greater suffering. today, this house wants to hear from the prime minister what sanction he will impose on the regime beyond the trifling steps taken so far? first and foremost, will he show some courage, follow the leader of the us and the european parliament and prescribe the entire revolution regard as a terrorist organisation

—— revolutionary guard. the regard as a terrorist organisation -- revolutionary guard. the regime is prolonging _ -- revolutionary guard. the regime is prolonging the — -- revolutionary guard. the regime is prolonging the suffering - -- revolutionary guard. the regime is prolonging the suffering of - -- revolutionary guard. the regime is prolonging the suffering of the i is prolonging the suffering of the family and it is sadly typical of their disregard for basic human dignity. i've spoken before about my views in iran when i was in the liaison committee and iran must provide answers about the circumstances of his death and burial. we have pressed the iranian regime formally in london and through the foreign ministry in tehran and will continue to do so until the family get the answers they deserve, and have sanctioned several members connected with the case. . . ~' several members connected with the case, ., ., " �* , case. can i thank the prime minister and chancellor _ case. can i thank the prime minister and chancellor for _ case. can i thank the prime minister and chancellor for visiting _ case. can i thank the prime minister and chancellor for visiting us - case. can i thank the prime minister and chancellor for visiting us last. and chancellor for visiting us last week to hear about the transformative difference that the levelling up funding will make. this is an historic investment with over £40 million secured. does he agree with me that we are delivering on exactly what was promised in 2019 to the areas that were forgotten, and will he visit once the works are

completed to see the difference himself? mr; completed to see the difference himself? g ., ., . , , . himself? my honourable friend is a fantastic champion _ himself? my honourable friend is a fantastic champion for _ himself? my honourable friend is a fantastic champion for her - himself? my honourable friend is a fantastic champion for her local - fantastic champion for her local community and the results showed when the chancellor and i were lucky enough to visit her last week and as she pointed out, and as did many of the people we spoke to, this is an area that had been forgotten and neglected for decades but it is this government that is putting on the investment, spreading opportunity, making jobs and making sure that people can feel enormously proud of the place they call home. does people can feel enormously proud of the place they call home.— the place they call home. does the prime minister _ the place they call home. does the prime minister realise _ the place they call home. does the prime minister realise that - prime minister realise that most people in my constituency think it is his role to keep our country safe? is he aware that in all those years i have been in parliament i have never heard a situation where the army and armed forces are so rundown that the chairman of the defence select committee and the secretary of state for defence both say our armed forces are being hollowed out and are unfit to put a

division into active service. what is he going to do about that? the honourable _ is he going to do about that? the honourable gentleman seems to forget the fact that we have invested an extra £24 billion in our armed forces services and is a record uplift in defence spending and ensures we are one of the leading spenders on defence in nato and we will continue to ensure we have one of the best equipped fighting forces anywhere in the world. and as we can see by the recent announcement on tanks, we continue to lead the world when it comes to standing up not just for our safety but the safety of our allies around the world. $5 a of our allies around the world. as a former firefighter, _ of our allies around the world. as a former firefighter, i _ of our allies around the world. is —. former firefighter, i hope the whole house will pray for the firefighter fighting for his life in scotland today. the emergency services go one way into that danger while week on the other way and our thoughts and prayers should be with them. on a separate note, prime minister, the conservative lead counsel in my constituency have done a fantastic job in building new houses, social

housing and council housing. can the prime minister assure me we will not be pushed into green belt any more than have already and we can protect the children in my constituency? the honourable gentleman, and ijoin him in praising his local councilfor ensuring that we build homes on the right places and make sure that our young people can fulfil the dream of homeownership but he's also right to say that this government will also protect the precious green spaces and the recent changes to our planning reform means we can protect the green belt, everywhere and his local community and others will benefit from the protections as we keep our local area is beautiful. the uk and a changing europe have reported that at the end of 2020 to 66% of voters said the cost of living had increased and 38% that their personal finances had living had increased and 38% that their personalfinances had been negatively affected from not being a member of the european union. the 0b are forecast a 4% reduction in gdp and only two fifths of which has

already happened. i'm surely the prime minister will agree with me, the electorate and the experts that brexit has only served to exacerbate the cost of living and economic challenges facing these islands. russia's illegal war in ukraine on the impact it has had on energy supplies has nothing to do with brexit, but what we are doing is ensuring that we can support families with those cost of living pressures. that's why we provided £900 of support this winter with energy bills, that's why we are increasing the national living wage to record levels and we will continue to stand behind britain's families until we can bring inflation back down to where it belongs. i inflation back down to where it belonas. ~' ., inflation back down to where it belonas. ~ ., ~ , belongs. i know the prime minister will share my _ belongs. i know the prime minister will share my concerns _ belongs. i know the prime minister will share my concerns at _ belongs. i know the prime minister will share my concerns at the - belongs. i know the prime minister will share my concerns at the news| will share my concerns at the news this morning that 730 people may lose theirjobs at the chicken factory incline gag me, one of the largest employers. what support can he offer to my constituents affected

by the devastating news to the wider community at this difficult time? i'm very sorry to hear about the job losses that the honourable lady raises are my thoughts are with those affected and their families. i know how distressing that will be for them. know how distressing that will be forthem. i'm know how distressing that will be for them. i'm pleased to say that the dwp has procedures in place to support communities when situations like this arise and we will work very closely with her to do what we are doing everywhere across the country and that is provide good, well—paid jobs for everyone, because thatis well—paid jobs for everyone, because that is the best way to build a happy and secure life. exercise is essential for _ happy and secure life. exercise is essential for both _ happy and secure life. exercise is essential for both physical - happy and secure life. exercise is essential for both physical and i essential for both physical and mental well—being but with spiralling energy costs many venues like the freedom leisure centres in my constituency are covered —— struggling to cope. while some sectors will receive extra support, the sport and leisure industry will not. if the prime minister agrees with me that this sector is vital to the long—term health of our

communities, why is his government not providing them with the financial support they need to thrive? {lii financial support they need to thrive? . ., , financial support they need to thrive? , . thrive? of course i agree with the honourable _ thrive? of course i agree with the honourable regular _ thrive? of course i agree with the honourable regular exercise - thrive? of course i agree with the honourable regular exercise and l honourable regular exercise and leisure centres are important which is why we provided significant support to them during covid and beyond and with regard to energy prices now, the chancellor has set out the new relief scheme that will run after the current one expires and provides considerable support of all sorts of organisations up and down the country and i'm sure it would benefit many businesses and organisations in her constituency. i understand that the case referred to by the _ understand that the case referred to by the right honourable member is currenlly— by the right honourable member is currently before the courts, and it is therefore covered by the house's subiudice — is therefore covered by the house's subjudice resolution is therefore covered by the house's sub judice resolution and is therefore covered by the house's subjudice resolution and should not be referred — subjudice resolution and should not be referred to in this house. it is, of course, — be referred to in this house. it is, of course, open to any member to ask that i_ of course, open to any member to ask that i wave _ of course, open to any member to ask that i wave the resolution.

the end of prime minister's questions. just to recap quickly, as expected, sir keir starmer asked about nadhim zahawi, notjust that, he asked initially about feelings and the probation service following the report yesterday but on nadhim zahawi he asked whether the prime minister agrees any politician who seeks to avoid the tax in this country is not fit to be in charge of tax money. rishi sunak replied it occurred before i was in my position. more information is come forward so however ask the independent adviser to look into the

matter. nothing new to report on that situation. that is the end of prime minister's questions. following the announcement that germany will provide ukraine with leopard two tanks, chancellor olaf scholz has addressed the german parliament. mr scholz defended his reluctance to green light the delivery of leopard battle tanks to ukraine, saying cooperation between all western partners was crucial. he said it was "right not to let ourselves be pressured." the chancellor also confirmed that other countries who have the leopard tanks can re—export them. he said germany would deliver 14 of the vehicles as a first step. german mep and chair of the european parliament's foreign affairs committee, david mcallister, says the move is very welcome, but it has taken a long time. the german government, led by olaf scholz, has

since february last year, taken many decisions only very late and only under immense external pressure and this was the case also with the first 14 leopard tanks, which will be sent to ukraine. the eu and western allies have shown such determination and coherence in supporting ukraine against this war of aggression started by the russian federation, and our approach is on one hand to support ukraine financially, economically, humanitarian—wise and also militarily and on the other hand, put maximum pressure on the russian federation through sanctions. this was is not only a war of the russian federation against ukraine, it's a fundamental attack on the ukrainian peace and security architecture and we need to give the ukrainians what they need to defend themselves against the russian invasion. that means artillery, air defence,

and modern battle tanks of western style and that is why germany is acting in accommodation with other allies, the british are going to send tanks, probably the americans and other european allies are already also ready to send leopard tanks. the dutch, norwegian, danish, the finns. it was important germany would not stand in the way of finding a european solution to this challenge. danny ayberhard from bbc world servicejoins me in the studio now. olaf scholz has been explaining in parliament while he has taken this decision, why it has taken so long, what has he said? he decision, why it has taken so long, what has he said?— what has he said? he is keen to stress a couple _ what has he said? he is keen to stress a couple of _ what has he said? he is keen to stress a couple of things. - what has he said? he is keen to stress a couple of things. the . what has he said? he is keen to i stress a couple of things. the idea that germany is not going to be drawn into this conflict. he is talking in some ways a chunk of the german electorate who are very worried about the provision of battle tanks. they see it as an

escalation. in recent polls there have been a slight majority in favour of sending the leopard tanks but it's very split and olaf scholz comes from a centre—left party. the left—wing of which is very much against the provision of leopard tanks. he is being cautious, saying that, basically to those people, trust me, it's the right decision. he said it's right not to be swept up he said it's right not to be swept up in this pressure. to provide the tanks. so it is one and the same time a cautious step and a very important one for ukraine. item; important one for ukraine. very cuickl , important one for ukraine. very quickly. the _ important one for ukraine. very quickly, the russian _ important one for ukraine. very quickly, the russian embassy in burlington responded and said there will be a price to pay for this. how would that sort of response be going down in germany? thea;r would that sort of response be going down in germany?— would that sort of response be going down in germany? they said germany was abandoning _ down in germany? they said germany was abandoning its _ down in germany? they said germany was abandoning its historical-

was abandoning its historical responsibility to russia. making reference obviously to the nazi crimes of the second world war and the invasion in the 1940s. it is pulling on a very resonant historical parallels. germany obviously until this conflict was extremely reluctant to provide weapons to anyone. it only provided weapons to anyone. it only provided weapons to anyone. it only provided weapons to allies because it has been a society that over the course of decades wanted to disassociate itself completely from the militaristic past of the hitler regime. this is why these decisions are so sensitive but obviously it is tied into a wider alliance in one of the things olaf scholz was very keen to stress was that he was doing this in close coordination with other allies so we expect poland, one of the countries in the eu that has been pushed hardest —— has been pushing hardest for the right to provide ukraine with leopard two has thanked olaf scholz for this. other

allies have stepped up, the dutch prime minister has said the netherlands are prepared, spain too, canada, portugal, a number of countries we expect will come in on the back of this decision to say they are making moves in that direction. . , u, they are making moves in that direction. . , _, ., direction. that will be welcome to volodymyr _ direction. that will be welcome to volodymyr zelensky. _ direction. that will be welcome to volodymyr zelensky. he - direction. that will be welcome to volodymyr zelensky. he wants i direction. that will be welcome to volodymyr zelensky. he wants to | direction. that will be welcome to - volodymyr zelensky. he wants to see around 300 tanks. his volodymyr zelensky. he wants to see around 300 tanks.— around 300 tanks. his chief of staff has said basically _ around 300 tanks. his chief of staff has said basically what _ around 300 tanks. his chief of staff has said basically what he _ around 300 tanks. his chief of staff has said basically what he is - has said basically what he is calling for is yes it's a first step but we want a tank coalition as he describes it. analysts say they are only part of the picture, there is a wider picture ukraine would like for example air power and allies, the us and germany and britain have not provided nato standard jets for this campaign. it may well be that as the months develop, there will be increasing pressure on that sort of

thing but nato is very worried about trying to provide air support to ukraine. it has always seen that as significantly escalating in its approach. the metropolitan police commissioner has apologised for the "appalling criminality" of former officer david carrick. speaking to the london assembly's police and crime committee, sir mark rowley said carrick�*s crimes are a ghastly case from the met�*s history. the former metropolitan police officer was sacked after admitting to dozens of rape and sexual offences against 12 women over the past 20 years. he will be sentenced in february. here's what mr rowley said in his opening statement. we are all equally horrified that we have hundreds in policing who shouldn't be here and david carrick is an example, an awful example of that. i must reiterate here my sincere apologies to his victims for our failings. he should not have been a police officer, that is very obvious. a range of poor policy and poor decision—making. he shouldn't have been a police

officer and we failed. and we haven't applied that same sense of ruthlessness to guarding our own integrity that we routinely apply to confronting criminals and i'm deeply sorry for that. i think we have failed as investigators where we should have been more intrusive and joined the dots over his repeated misogyny over decades. and as leaders our mindset should have been more determined to spot and root out such a misogynist. as i say, i apologise to his victims and i want to say sorry to all the women across london who feel let down by this and whose trust in policing is shaken by this. the us presidentjoe biden is urging congress to tighten laws on assault weapons, after several mass shootings in the state of california in the last week. on saturday, 11 people were killed by a gunman in the monterey park area. and on monday, seven former colleagues were

killed in half moon bay. our west coast correspondent sophie long reports. shouting. police arresting the farm worker suspected of shooting eight people in california's half moon bay. he is 66—year—old chunli zhao. seven were found dead and an eighth wounded at two agricultural businesses. the only known connection between zhao and his victims is that they may have worked together. this is a devastating tragedy for this community and the families touched by this unspeakable act of violence. it was the fourth mass shooting in california in eight days. another asian—american, 72—year—old huu can tran, is suspected of killing 11 people and wounding at least nine others in monterey park near los angeles, before shooting himself on saturday. the target of his attack, senior citizens, dancing at the star ballroom during a lunar new year celebration. and this in a state with some of the strictest gun laws in the country.

california has led the national debate on gun safety. we've led the nation. we continue to constantly iterate, as we did last year, signed another half dozen bills, including private right of action to get ghost guns and weapons of mass destruction off the streets. we're up against hard—core zealots and right—wing judges, not just politicians, that are trying to roll back progress. the attack has stunned people in this normally quiet, largely asian—american city. it is particularly devastating for those in the tight—knit ballroom dancing community, who are mourning the loss of family and dear friends. while i felt very lucky i was not there, i did feel very bad, - because it happened and it happened in such a sad way that _ so many people die. and did you know any of those who died? yeah. a friend of mine died. i'm sorry.

paul was referring to 65—year—old my nhan. she was among the first of the 11 killed to be identified. while detectives in california try to determine what motivated these men to carry out the attacks, there are once again calls from people and the president for america to ban assault weapons. sophie long, bbc news, los angeles. scientists have found that vulnerable people who've had a third covid vaccine have significantly more protection against the virus than if they'd had just one or two jabs. it's hoped the research will give renewed confidence to those at higher risk of infection, as fiona lamdin reports. during lockdown, sheila had to shield. she has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. for over two years, she hardly left her home. started getting back to normal and you could hear noises outside and people getting on with their lives, and you were still sort of having to keep inside.

it was really difficult. you felt...pushed out and very much alone. her christmas table gathered dust as easter came and went and it still wasn't safe for her to see her family. but now new research shows that even those who are vulnerable are well protected with the booster vaccine. actually, those who are shielding showed a lesser response, a lower response to vaccination, to others who weren't shielding. as you move from one vaccination to two and from two to three, that changed. and, most markedly, with that third vaccination, the booster vaccination, everybody hit a ceiling in response in their antibodies to sars—cov—2. the study found this booster gives a tenfold increase in our antibodies compared to the first two vaccines. at this vaccination clinic, linda, who has diabetes, is finally getting round to having her booster. because you always worry. i mean, i still wear- masks when i go shopping, so i am overprotective anyway.

and i know it's something. we probably got to live with. so it is good news, brilliant news. and after nearly three years... hello, how are you? nice to meet you at last. yeah, please come in. after all this time. yes! today, i've finally met sheila in person. it's quite surreal, the whole thing. to think i was in for nearly two years in one house, but then, you know, got the dogs. they do answer back. don't you? she was reassured to know since the booster, despite being vulnerable, her antibodies are hitting the same score as everyone else's. so it's wonderful. anything that will sort of ease stress and anxiety i think is wonderful. so that is very, very good news. so i can go on holiday then. probably be rather nice to go out for lunch and not have to think about where it is. you know, if there's four walls, how many doors, what the ventilation is like.

so itjust be nice to go sort of on the spur of the moment and just be able to go out for lunch. the booster won't stop sheila getting covid, but it means she and others who shielded can look to living a life with a little more confidence. we go on holiday? humans can understand gestures used by chimpanzees to communicate with each other in the wild, according to new research. scientists from the university of st andrews asked volunteers to watch videos and translate the animal's sign language. the results indicate that this form communication may be the origin of our own language. here's our science correspondent victoria gill. a silent demand for food from one bonobo to another. and a big scratch? that is chimpanzee language for "groom me". there are now dozens of known gestures in the great ape lexicon, each with a particular meaning. by showing videos of these gestures to volunteers,

scientists discovered that, more than half the time, people are able to understand the message that a wild chimp or bonobo is trying to convey with a signal or a movement. we can be fairly confident that this is a communication system shared by all great ape species, including humans, and that our last common ancestors, with bonobos and chimpanzees, probably used quite similar gestures. and that these gestures may have then gone on to scaffold the evolution of human gesture and human language as we know it now. some gestures are easier for us to understand than others. shaking an object like this is apparently flirtation. but people's ability to understand the messages that our closest primate cousins are trying to convey has provided researchers with a clear scientific message about how our own language might have evolved. victoria gill, bbc news.

the first phase of preparation to repair the glasgow school of art has been completed. a fire destroyed the building as it neared the end of reconstruction project. the second phase will get under way. over 5,500 tonnesjust of fire—damaged debris, never mind all the salvage materials, stone, bricks, other metal elements that we have kept. so it was three metres high in places. so that had to be painstakingly, by hand, with archaeologists and the scottish fire and rescue service people looking at that. the co—founder of the popular children's television show sesame street has died at the age of 93. lloyd morrisett pioneered using technology to educate and is said to be the first person to consider using television to teach young children basic skills. the show�*s co—founder said, "he was a trusted

partner and loyal friend and will be sorely missed." now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. over the last few days we have had a real split in our temperature fortunes. northern parts of the uk have been very mild, northern parts of the uk have been very mild, but further south, it has been really cold. another cold and frosty and foggy start for some this morning. but things are now changing. this frontal system pushing southwards is a cold front. as the name suggests, behind it, the area is relatively cold, but ahead of it, we're actually mixing up the air, we are finally pushing away this wedge of very stubborn cold air that has been affecting southern parts for the last few days. so it is actually turning a little milder across some south—eastern part, as this weather front works its way through. a band of rain pushing southwards across england and wales. much of it quite light and patchy. behind it, some clear spells but also some showers, particularly in scotland and temperatures tending to even out.

so less of a split in our fortunes, generally between 7—9c as we end the day. and overnight, that frontal system clears, clear spells behind. some showers running into eastern parts of scotland and eastern england and it is going to be a relatively chilly night. colder than recent nights in the north of the uk, but not as cold as recent nights down towards the south. we are all in the same boat really for thursday, with some good spells of sunshine, but some showers through eastern scotland, the eastern side of england, where there will also be quite a keen north or north—easterly breeze. but temperatures wherever you look between seven and 9 degrees, so we have lost that split in our temperature fortunes. as we look ahead to friday, there could be some areas of fog around, particularly through england and wales first thing. some patchy cloud but some sunny spells. perhaps more cloud rolling into northern ireland and north—west scotland through the day ahead of this next frontal system. again, those temperatures for all of us between five and 9 degrees. as we look towards the weekend,

this first frontal system pushes southwards and weakens. high pressure generally dominates across the south of the uk, whereas further north, this next frontal system for sunday will bring some outbreaks of rain and some really strong and gusty winds. we could see gales, even severe gales across parts of northern scotland, generally windy across the northern half of the country, whereas further south the winds will be much lighter. there will be a lot of dry weather, some spells of sunshine, often it will be quite cloudy, but temperatures cloudy, but temperatures for all of us between seven and 10 degrees.

today at one. after weeks of hesitation, germany finally confirms it will send its leopard two battle tanks to ukraine. 2 battle tanks to ukraine. germany will also allow nato allies with leopard tanks to supply them to ukraine — the german chancellor made the announcement in the last hour. translation: we will also provide ukraine with leopard _ 2 main battle tanks. this is the result of intensive consultation once again with our allies and international partners. the united states is also expected to send m1 abrams battle tanks — ukraine hopes it could turn the tide of the war. also this lunchtime. more questions for the prime minister over the tax affairs of the tory party chairman — and former chancellor — nadim zahawi.