hello, i'm maryam moshiri. this is outside source. next president biden confirms that he will supply 31 abrams tanks to ukraine. he has recommended to step because it will enhance ukraine's capacity to defend their territory and achieve strategic objectives. the most capable tanks in the world. it comes as germany's chancellor agrees to send leopard two tanks to kyiv — after weeks of wrangling europe's top human rights courts says russia can be traded over the flight of inmates 17 over ukraine in

2014. more pressure over the tax affairs of his conservative party and the labour opposition goes on the attack stability is the prime minister agree that any politician who seeks to avoid the taxes they owe in this country is who seeks to avoid the taxes they owe in this count_ owe in this country is not fit to be in charue owe in this country is not fit to be in charge of— owe in this country is not fit to be in charge of taxpayer _ owe in this country is not fit to be in charge of taxpayer money - owe in this country is not fit to be in charge of taxpayer money was | owe in this country is not fit to be in charge of taxpayer money? breaking news from washington and his significant decision in the war in ukraine. 31 of its advanced m1 abrams tanks to the front line. earlier today, we had a similar announcement from german chancellor after days of deliberation. it's different prison biting first.

recommending this step because it will enhance ukraine's capacity to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objectives. abrams tanks and is capable tanks in the world there are also extremely complex to operate and maintain. so, we're also giving ukraine the parts and equipment necessary effectively to sustain these tanks on the battlefield. it will begin to train ukrainian troops on these issues of sustainment with just as soon as possible. sustainment with 'ust as soon as ossible. .,, , possible. crossing life drug correspondent _ possible. crossing life drug correspondent gary - possible. crossing life drug - correspondent gary o'donoghue was possible. crossing life drug _ correspondent gary o'donoghue was in correspondent gary 0'donoghue was in washington for us in a significant move from the united states in conjunction with what germany is doing too. hat conjunction with what germany is doinu too. ., , ., conjunction with what germany is doinu too. ., , . ., ,, , ., doing too. not 'ust what happens on the battlefield — doing too. notjust what happens on the battlefield and _ doing too. notjust what happens on the battlefield and this _ doing too. notjust what happens on the battlefield and this is _ doing too. notjust what happens on the battlefield and this is a - the battlefield and this is a massive injection of notjust the tanks but other vehicles as well and the injunctions of hardware but also something of a political mount bing crosby to this level of cooperation

deciding to up the entity of the kinds of material that the americans are prepared to supply. they were uncertain about this and uncertain about the maintenance requirements in the training requirements of these tanks but also the messages sentin these tanks but also the messages sent in terms of escalation and clearly, the price of having to take that chance to preserve the unity of the europeans and the americans and they decided it is worth paying. what are they going to be sending? battalions worth of abrams in one tanks and some the best tanks in the world, their 60 tonnes and can travel at 45 miles an hour on the road and have huge firepower and maneuverability and they will allow ukrainians to move around and open territory much easier than they can now and they're going to be supplying ukrainians notjust with

the tanks but with the wherewithal to use them, the training in the back up in the maintenance and there's a bunch of vehicles that go along with these tanks to support them. tanks of their own support vehicles, if you like. the certificate period of time and this coming from a funding stream in the us which is not connected to the current stocks are things sitting around waiting to be used. it will take longer for this to reach the battlefield and so, in terms of the impact in any kind of spring offensive in march or april, they probably will not be there by then but the german tanks, the leopard two tanks, those will be able to get there in time for that. let’s there in time for that. let's turn to the german _ there in time for that. let's turn to the german announcement. i there in time for that. let's turn i to the german announcement. will rovide

to the german announcement. will provide ukraine with leopard two battle _ provide ukraine with leopard two battle tanks. consultations once again _ battle tanks. consultations once again with our allies in international partners. again with our allies in international artners. �* , . ~' . international partners. let's take a close look at _ international partners. let's take a close look at german's _ international partners. let's take a close look at german's take - international partners. let's take a close look at german's take you i international partners. let's take a i close look at german's take you role in this. 0ther other countries and operate the tanks, they have to ask germany for permission to donate them through german export restrictions. a member of the free democratic party, that is part of the governments coalition and spoke to him earlier. i was is part of the governments coalition and spoke to him earlier. i was very ha - and spoke to him earlier. i was very happy yesterday _ and spoke to him earlier. i was very happy yesterday that _ and spoke to him earlier. i was very happy yesterday that we _ and spoke to him earlier. i was very happy yesterday that we finally - and spoke to him earlier. i was veryl happy yesterday that we finally came to the decision and it took quite to convince them. the social democrats yesterday was a day of happiness yesterday. hat yesterday was a day of happiness esterda . ., ., ._ yesterday was a day of happiness esterda . ., ., ., , yesterday. not that way of seeing these tanks _ yesterday. not that way of seeing these tanks be _ yesterday. not that way of seeing these tanks be approved, - yesterday. not that way of seeing these tanks be approved, the -

these tanks be approved, the question and many are asking is how many, what number do you think we'll have a decisive impact on this war? the question is notjust the number but the total number of more is better. and if we get to the three digit area, i think all the countries should think about doing more in germany said they would deliver 14 and now this can be the beginning and we have the first step. beginning and we have the first ste -. ~ . beginning and we have the first ste . _ . . , beginning and we have the first ste_ . . , beginning and we have the first ste, . . , 4' beginning and we have the first ste.~ . , ~ ., , step. which is the you think that is creatin: step. which is the you think that is creating the _ step. which is the you think that is creating the hesitancy _ step. which is the you think that is creating the hesitancy within - creating the hesitancy within germany about this?- creating the hesitancy within germany about this? that's a very aood germany about this? that's a very good question. — germany about this? that's a very good question, we _ germany about this? that's a very good question, we have _ germany about this? that's a very good question, we have a - germany about this? that's a very good question, we have a very - good question, we have a very pessimistic perspective when it comes to politics and so, especially the older generation and it's so very personal around chancellor 0laf

scholz and distant perspective that it may not be adopted so quickly to the new situation and convincing some sinking to take place in booths until we came to the place where we are. ., . ., ., are. the level of commitment that will be required _ are. the level of commitment that will be required is _ are. the level of commitment that will be required is needed - are. the level of commitment that will be required is needed not - are. the level of commitment that will be required is needed notjust| will be required is needed notjust in terms of hardware but also in terms of training, maintenance and also parts as well, isn't it? yes. also parts as well, isn't it? yes, we 'ust also parts as well, isn't it? yes, we just spoke — also parts as well, isn't it? yes, we just spoke to _ also parts as well, isn't it? yes, we just spoke to them - also parts as well, isn't it? yes, we just spoke to them and - also parts as well, isn't it? yes, we just spoke to them and we i also parts as well, isn't it? yes we just spoke to them and we have quite a few training facilities in germany and quite an experience within ukraine and other weapon systems editing this can work quite fast and soldiers arriving here and it is hopeful that we can finish the first training.

it is hopeful that we can finish the first training-— first training. americans also approved _ first training. americans also approved sopply _ first training. americans also approved supply of— first training. americans also approved supply of abrams l first training. americans also - approved supply of abrams tanks. questions about their suitability due to running on kerosene which is harder to obtain. what impact do you think the decision will have questionable i think one of unity in the in the deal that when it comes when it comes to the impact on the battlefield, it is about germany and all the countries that are in europe and from finland to greeks, portugal to poland and to stick together and they will do this. by the neck they are the worlds leading battle tank with the near—perfect and

are the worlds leading battle tank with the near-perfect— are the worlds leading battle tank with the near-perfect and with fire, mobility and _ with the near-perfect and with fire, mobility and protection. _ with the near-perfect and with fire, mobility and protection. also - with the near-perfect and with fire, j mobility and protection. also easier to repair it some western alternatives and require less fuel. so, germany's delay on this has been criticised. ~ . ., so, germany's delay on this has been criticised. ~ ., ,, ., , ., criticised. with a think as a cautious — criticised. with a think as a cautious approach - criticised. with a think as a cautious approach is - criticised. with a think as a . cautious approach is perceived criticised. with a think as a - cautious approach is perceived by others is very reluctant and that's the first reputational damage that the first reputational damage that the partners think that we're not really into supporting crane and we are hesitating so much in the second reputational damage for me is what germany is doing is not valued. if you look at the military delivery, germany and uk are number two and number three after the us in terms of military support for ukraine. germany is delivered rocket launchers and they've been doing a lot but the public impression is that germany is delivering late and reluctantly. that germany is delivering late and reluctantl . , ., ., ., reluctantly. plenty of reaction from world leaders _ reluctantly. plenty of reaction from world leaders and _ reluctantly. plenty of reaction from world leaders and this _ reluctantly. plenty of reaction from world leaders and this is _ reluctantly. plenty of reaction from world leaders and this is the - reluctantly. plenty of reaction from world leaders and this is the prime | world leaders and this is the prime minister. the decision to send

leopards to we've also had reaction from the kremlin. �* . ., ., ., , kremlin. i'm certain that many artists tactical _ kremlin. i'm certain that many artists tactical of _ kremlin. i'm certain that many artists tactical of this, - kremlin. i'm certain that many artists tactical of this, it's - kremlin. i'm certain that many artists tactical of this, it's a i artists tactical of this, it's a losing scheme. and it is a clear overestimation of what this will have to the ukrainian armed forces. these tanks will burn like all the others. they are expensive and all of this will fall on the shoulders of this will fall on the shoulders of the european taxpayer. deputy of the think tank, _ of the european taxpayer. deputy of the think tank, godiva _ of the european taxpayer. deputy of the think tank, godiva on _ of the european taxpayer. deputy of the think tank, godiva on the - the think tank, godiva on the programme and thank you forjoining us. how important are these going to be for ukraine? 300 tanks would help

defeat russia, is that realistic, do you think? defeat russia, is that realistic, do ou think? , ., ,, ., you think? they have the mission statement and _ you think? they have the mission statement and try _ you think? they have the mission statement and try to _ you think? they have the mission statement and try to get - you think? they have the mission statement and try to get around i you think? they have the mission - statement and try to get around 300. we do understand we have theory intense operations we are losing equipment and we need to restore it and the biggest parts of the operation and they are required and it's important because we have tenants so they can easily be the effort and they can complete the mission and that is what it is pushed by the government, by the public because we do really need this type now. public because we do really need this type nova— public because we do really need this type now. news coming out of the white house _ this type now. news coming out of the white house and _ this type now. news coming out of the white house and they - this type now. news coming out of the white house and they say - this type now. news coming out of the white house and they say it's. the white house and they say it's been many months before us tanks for

ukraine arrive in ukraine. do you think that's going to be a big issue or do you think these tanks are worth waiting for in the end? i think with the specialists and what was said is that actually what was said was for this situation, they need to have some kind of inclusion including a service which will be provided. i believe this decision was made to motivate european partners and the data promise of more than a hundred and providing this and ability to train them. ianthem

this and ability to train them. when ou think this and ability to train them. when you think persuaded _ this and ability to train them. when you think persuaded them - this and ability to train them. when you think persuaded them to - this and ability to train them. when you think persuaded them to move forward and convince them to change their decision with shalom i think it was public pressure. that is my feeling. 1 it was public pressure. that is my feelina. ., it was public pressure. that is my feelina. ~ , , . it was public pressure. that is my feelina. , . , ,, feeling. i think public pressure -la ed a feeling. i think public pressure played a great _ feeling. i think public pressure played a great role _ feeling. i think public pressure played a great role in - feeling. i think public pressure played a great role in not - feeling. i think public pressure played a great role in not only| feeling. i think public pressure - played a great role in not only test that but the public —— notjust that but from. germany wants to keep the leadership position in europe and this is not playing well for that role. and after the negotiations and public appearances.— public appearances. between the german leopards _ public appearances. between the german leopards in _ public appearances. between the german leopards in the - public appearances. between the

german leopards in the abrams. | public appearances. between the i german leopards in the abrams. it yes, and we know with german leopards in the abrams. it yes. and we know— german leopards in the abrams. it yes, and we know with the transfer, and to skating _ yes, and we know with the transfer, and to skating the _ yes, and we know with the transfer, and to skating the permission - yes, and we know with the transfer, and to skating the permission from | and to skating the permission from germany and statements made by the producing companies that are rated to deliver this and theyjust need a decision on the, and that is why i think this is why they supplied it. thank you very much forjoining us. the european court of human rights as russia can be tried over the downing of the flight it seems like a step towards justice for the 298 people killed when malaysian airlines flight was hit by an a missile in 2014. the dutch

government argues that they failed to investigate the incident and the subsequent disinformation about russia's rule, violates the relative human rights. they spent the day in the headache. the court has decided this case is admissible despite the fact that russia argues that the netherlands has missed the time frame to apply to the court of human rights and is not fully exploit the legal options inside russia. this is a huge blow to russia because now, this court will be exploring state responsibility and this is the first time an international court will look at state responsibility in the case of mh 17. let's recap what happened to the flight mh17. the boeing 77 was on the way to amsterdam to quadruple into it was hit in the plane went down in the

region of ukraine during a conflict between pro—russian revels in ukrainian forces. the netherlands case against russia was whether or not moscow at effective control over the area of ukraine where the missile was fired from. that's already been a trial against individuals involved in the dutch court found three men, to russians and ukrainian, guilty of murderfor their part in downing the plane. the court ruled that it had been fired deliberately to bring down a plane evenif deliberately to bring down a plane even if the target had been military rather than civilian. the three men were sentenced to life in jail but there are thought to be in russia. they condemned the verdict is scandalous and politically motivated and so, it's unlikely they will face justice in the kremlin it always denied involvement. he is president putin's response to a criminal inquiry in 2019 which from the missile used had been transported

from russia. what we have seen what is been presented — russia. what we have seen what is been presented presented - russia. what we have seen what is been presented presented as - been presented presented as evidence, we disagree with. there is no proof whatsoever. legal evidence, we disagree with. there is no proof whatsoever.— no proof whatsoever. legal experts that it could — no proof whatsoever. legal experts that it could be _ no proof whatsoever. legal experts that it could be years _ no proof whatsoever. legal experts that it could be years before - no proof whatsoever. legal experts that it could be years before a - that it could be years before a ruling is issued however, if found guilty, russia could be obliged to plate damages to the victims. last september, russia stopping a party to the european commission on human rights of the court can still deal with claims against russia up until that date. this is a hugely importantjudgment and so many of whom were in strassburg for the ruling today to hear this decision but also, it's notjust about ruling today to hear this decision but also, it's not just about the individuals were involved in firing that missile but the state responsibility about russia's role

in crucially, ultimately, vladimir putin's rule. this would be a chance forjudges putin's rule. this would be a chance for judges to putin's rule. this would be a chance forjudges to explore exactly that and russia's already denied any responsibility. a former spokesperson for the monitoring mission to ukraine and he witnessed h 17 crash and investigation process, just tell us over the main difficulties of that investigation at that time.— at that time. and facilitating access for — at that time. and facilitating access for investigators - at that time. and facilitating access for investigators and | at that time. and facilitating i access for investigators and we arrived at the crash scene less than 24 hours after it happened and it was still smoldering and there were bodies and debris all over the place and in the lead up to being deployed to the area, there was a meeting at

the area with russian investors and this was really an important point because that instructed where the crash happened and allowed access. i don't think it be easy having that taken place for russia to deny responsibility of having control over the rebels look. this was a horrible crashed the spread of 15 km2 of agricultural land and these are mostly passengers on their way for holidays to conferences and business trips in their lives were suddenly ended 298 which is part of the 14,000 or so that have died in the 14,000 or so that have died in the first phase the conflict. it is something that once you have seen the disaster like that, you can understand, you can understand the pain in the relatives are fearing because it was a horrible way for their lives to be taken so abruptly.

and you wanted to report to the world you saw to facilitate the next step for investigators, how easy was that job? step for investigators, how easy was thatjob? it step for investigators, how easy was that “ob? . , step for investigators, how easy was that “ob? ., , ., ., _ step for investigators, how easy was that “ob? .,, ., ., _ . that job? it was not easy. when we arrive come — that job? it was not easy. when we arrive come as _ that job? it was not easy. when we arrive come as a _ that job? it was not easy. when we arrive come as a ragtag _ that job? it was not easy. when we arrive come as a ragtag of - that job? it was not easy. when we arrive come as a ragtag of rebels i arrive come as a ragtag of rebels armed and dangerous, i would say, some of them intoxicated but after a few days, and we were given more access and hitting the big turning point for everything was when the bodies are finally collected and loaded onto the refrigerated every ability of the month of the netherlands, that is what we saw finally these parties of deceased people treated with some sort of dignity and look, we were a group of former military people and diplomats acceptance of the toughest place on the planet. i don't think any of what we suck it prepare us for this.

—— and it obese we saw could have prepared us for this. —— any of what. prepared us for this. -- any of what. . , . prepared us for this. -- any of what. ., , ., , ., what. relatives and the peace that the miaht what. relatives and the peace that they might gain — what. relatives and the peace that they might gain out _ what. relatives and the peace that they might gain out of— what. relatives and the peace that they might gain out of all- what. relatives and the peace that they might gain out of all this? i they might gain out of all this? more cooperation and did not share primary radar data but i think i got to know many of the relatives and have been at the memorial services and i think whatjustice means for them is actually seeing people locked up for good in these three suspects, they were charged i believe to be in russia, i don't think they'll ever see a day behind prison bars must become careless, travel internationally and then get caught, pertaining to the relatives, i think what they want to see as the people in training command to also

be held accountable but we have to admit the way russia has been behaving in the face of the work, firing on humanitarian convoys, the way they have been firing on civilian infrastructures, there is no more desire to subscribe to international rules. as much is what i like to see justice served with these groups of bandits, it could take quite some time.— these groups of bandits, it could take quite some time. thank you for “oinint us take quite some time. thank you for joining us on — take quite some time. thank you for joining us on the _ take quite some time. thank you for joining us on the programme. i here in the uk, the opposition labour leader has here in the uk, the opposition labour leader, sir keir starmer, has accused the prime minister rishi sunak of being "hopelessly weak," for failing to sack his party chairman, nadim zahawi.

it emerged this week that mr zahawi had paid a penalty to resolve a tax dispute, when he was chancellor of the exchequer. at prime minister's questions, mr sunak insisted "no issues" had been raised about mr zahawi's conduct during the appointment process for conservative party chairman. 0ur political editor, chris mason, has more from westminster. is the conservative party chairman done for? wednesday means prime minister's question time. are you going to have to sack your party chairman, prime minister? last week, rishi sunak said nadhim zahawi's tax affairs had been addressed in full, but we now know he'd paid a massive tax bill and a penalty to the tax authority. questions to the prime minister. and so, the labour leader asked... does the prime minister agree that i any politician who seeks to avoid i the taxes they owe in this country is not fit to be in charge - of taxpayer money? 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.

the prime minister suggested that while it would've been tempting to sack nadhim zahawi this morning, that would've been wrong. the politically expedient thing to do would be for me... ..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. and so an inquiry is under way. nadhim zahawi is a multimillionaire. while he was chancellor last summer, and so in charge of the country's finances, he was also sorting out his own with revenue and customs. back in the commons, it was the prime minister's family's vast wealth that featured next. it emerged last year his wife had legally avoided millions of pounds of uk tax before saying she would pay it from then on. we all know why the prime minister was reluctant to ask his party chairi questions about family finances and tax avoidance. _

laughter but his failure to sack him - when the whole country could see what's going on shows how hopelessly weak he is _ when i disagreed fundamentally with the previous prime minister, i resigned from the government, but forfour long years, he sat next to the member for islington north! a reference to former leaderjeremy corbyn, who mr starmer, as leader, later kicked out of the parliamentary party. that's what's weak, mr speaker! he has no principles and just petty politics! a midwinter tussle over political strength or its absence. the backdrop — the loitering mist hanging over the tax affairs of a former chancellor. more is coming up injust a moment

and stay with us on bbc news. good evening. some places have been a lot brighter than others today across the south and east of england. it was a real struggle to brighten the skies. it stayed grey, murky and damp, and as a consequence, it stayed very chilly, just 2—3 degrees in places. contrast that with the situation further north. a little bit of sunshine overhead for a weather watcher in argyll and bute. we can pick out all those different types of weather on the satellite picture. this haze of cloud here, that's all the low cloud that stuck around in the south—east. this bright white cloud, a band of rain behind that. that's why we had the clearer skies.

and through tonight, that band of rain clears southwards, and with it all the low cloud, mist and murk. so, clear skies overhead for most as we get into the start of tomorrow morning, some showers across eastern parts of scotland, eastern england and temperatures generally hovering around freezing, perhaps dropping below freezing in one or two spots. so, patchy frost tomorrow morning, but it should be a bright start, certainly brighter than today across southern parts of england and a good part of wales. some showers through the day across eastern scotland to eastern england, but they will be few and far between. most places will be dry, certainly for northern ireland, south—west scotland, north—west england, wales and the south—west are dry. sunny day temperatures between 7—9 degrees now into friday. could be a few fog patches across england and wales. they will tend to clear. then for england and wales, it's patchy cloud and sunny spells. northern ireland, southern and eastern scotland staying mainly fine, but some cloud into the north—west later ahead of this frontal system. now that weather front will push its way a little further southwards as we get into saturday. not much rain left on it by this stage. just a band of cloud for parts of northern england, wales,

getting down into the midlands. maybe the odd spot of rain further north, extensive cloud for much of northern ireland and western scotland, some brightness for eastern scotland and also some sunshine across parts of southern england. now, for the south on sunday, this area of high pressure will keep things largely dry. but further north, this frontal system pushing in will bring some outbreaks of rain, some quite heavy rain for a time in the north—west of scotland, tending to ease as it pushes further south and east. but the winds will really be strengthening as well. gales for exposed spots in the north and the west of scotland. further south, mainly dry with lighter winds and a mild day, highs of 10—11 degrees.

hello, i'm maryam moshiri. this is 0utside source. president biden confirms the us will supply 31 abram battle tanks to ukraine. . ., , , ukraine. recommended the step because it will _ ukraine. recommended the step because it will enhance _ ukraine. recommended the step because it will enhance ukraine's i because it will enhance ukraine's capacity to achieve its strategic objectives. abram tanks are the most capable tanks in the world. it objectives. abram tanks are the most capable tanks in the world.— capable tanks in the world. it comes as germany's _ capable tanks in the world. it comes as germany's chancellor _ capable tanks in the world. it comes as germany's chancellor agrees i capable tanks in the world. it comes as germany's chancellor agrees to l as germany's chancellor agrees to send 14 leopard two tanks to keep after weeks of wrangling. also in the programme, staff at the amazon go on strike in the uk for the first time over pay. and could humans have

learned verbal communication from the actions of chimpanzees? a new study gives intriguing answers. more now on our top story: the us has decided to send 31 of its advanced m1 abrams tanks to the front line in ukraine. mr biden has been consulting a number of european leaders on the latest military aid and says the us and europe are "fully united" on ukraine. let's get more for oui’ our europe editor in berlin. agreeing to release those tanks for ukraine was a huge decision for 0la schultz to practice glee. you can feel palpable sighs of relief here —— 0laf scholz. after that announcement came from the us that it would be sending 31 of its own tanks. 0ne it would be sending 31 of its own tanks. one of the big concerns here in the government was that germany

could stand alone and exposed as the main supplier of tanks to the battlefield in ukraine putting it in the ire of russia, possibly the fire of russia as well. but recently that growing frustration amongst its western allies made 0laf scholz realise that if he didn't take this decision he risked standing alone and exposed and isolated from his own circle of western friends. more and how the news has been received in the kremlin. steve rosenberg. mixed signals today from russian officials with the earlier the kremlin spokesman said to be downplaying the significance of western battle tate is going to ukraine. he said there was an over estimation of the potential that these chains could add to the ukrainian army. he said the plan was due to fail. but also comments from the russian ambassador to berlin saying that german tanks going to ukraine was extremely dangerous he spoke of a new level of

confrontation. talking of new levels, the anti—west, into european rhetoric in the state media here has reached a new level. late last night one of state televisions main anchors made an astonishing comment about germany. he basically described german political leaders as cretans and nazis and said that when german tanks appear in ukraine that would make german territory in german bases the target for russia. so what's been the reaction to the news in ukraine? 0ur correspondent, andrew harding, has been gauging the mood in the city of zaporizhzhia, not far from the frontline. explosion. ukrainian tanks, half a century old, battling near the front lines. in this area, close to the donbas town of bakhmut, russian forces are slowly gaining ground. and when we visited this tank unit last week, the mood seemed close to despair.

both sides have heavy losses. but we need more equipment. we need more weapons. we appreciate the support of our partners, britain, usa and european. no surprise, then, today, to find many ukrainians celebrating the news that modern western tanks will soon be on their way here. at the bus stop in the front line city of zaporizhzhia, vasily tells me, "russia has better weapons than we do, so this is good news." a pensioner called viktoria isn't so sure. "you start with tanks," she says, "but then it escalates. i'm afraid this will end in a nuclear war." but when another woman, elena, overhears that, she comes over to disagree. "we need any weapons from any countries to help us kick the russians out

of here and protect our borders." moscow's forces are not far away from here. on the road towards the front line, we pass tank traps, ready to help block any new russian advance. both the ukrainians and the russians have made it pretty clear that they are planning to launch a major new offensives, perhaps within a matter of weeks. the question now is whether these new, western tanks are going to arrive soon enough and in large enough numbers to make a real difference in this next phase of the conflict. for now, ukraine continues to fight with what it has. and a senior officer, who agreed to meet as close to the front, said victory was certain, with or without foreign help. translation: the russians keep attacking as in human waves, i and suffer enormous casualties. i believe we can withstand this.

it's just a matter of time before we win. ukrainian tanks charge forwards. but it may still be a while before modern western machines are fighting alongside them. andrew harding, bbc news, ukraine. here in the uk, hundreds of staff at amazon have been staging their first—ever official strike in a dispute about pay. members of the gmb union have walked out at the company's warehouse in coventry, central england. this was the scene outside the fulfilment centre this morning, where amazon workers arriving for their shifts were asked tojoin the action. it's over what the gmb union calls a "derisory" 50 pence an hour pay rise last august, taking the minimum pay rate to between £10.50 — that's almost $13 and £11.45 an hour. but the union says the rate should be £15 an hour, arguing that the company's profits boomed

during the pandemic, along with the wealth of amazon founderjeff bezos. a reminder that amazon last year announced it would cut 18,000 jobs globally. three uk warehouses are to be closed, putting 1,200 roles at risk. some amazon workers say robots at the warehouse are treated better than they are. here's one, who's been on strike today. we just want a decent wage. we're on our feet for ten hours a day, we get told off if we're caught leaning or setting for the you get warnings. as soon as you come in the building you attract. you then go out to your station where as soon as you logon they know exactly where you are in building. they know how often your scanning. if you haven't scanned within a certain time they will come and speak to you. rachel fagan is the gmb union's regional organiser for the midlands. these amazon workers have gone above and beyond for their company.

all the way through covid, all the way through the pandemic have worked really hard and then were offered a 50p pay increase. when they were expecting a lot more considering the increase in the cost—of—living that was affecting them and is affecting them still now. our members are struggling and having to use food banks in order to feed theirfamilies. they can't afford to put the heating on or having to make very difficult decisions. amazon — which doesn't recognise unions in the uk — says it offers "competitive" pay. and it's issued a statement saying... amazon also says "a tiny proportion of our workforce are involved". well let's take a look at the numbers. amazon employs some 70,000 workers in the uk. of around two—thousand staff

at the coventry site 178 voted in favour of strike action. some 300 workers there are gmb members. here's the union's rachel fagan again on why she's confident membership will rise. before this started there was, like, one in 50 workers were a member of the union, where it now we're more like one in five. so there's more people having those conversations. because what amazon want is, they don't want the work force to be talking about unions. they don't want to empower their workers to know their rights, to know that they can raise grievances or to know what their acceptable health and safety conditions are. so how likely is amazon to respond in the longer term to this latest industrial action? here's the view of callum cant, postdoctoral researcher at the oxford internet institute. postdoctoral researcher at postdoctoral researcher the moment amazons exa you at the moment amazons example of how you can suppress union activity, whether that will be effective long term is difficult to say. even when there is an official union in the uk

you do see the emergence of action. workers can only be pushed to a certain point. i think this is the start of a potential trend. and really because of amazon significance they will be a lot of people both in the distribution centre, the gig economy looking at what happens here with keen interest. what happens here with keen interest. joining me is our employment correspondent zoe conway. before we talk about the significance of this you were there this morning. significance of this you were there this morning-— this morning. what were people tellin: this morning. what were people telling you? _ this morning. what were people telling you? i — this morning. what were people telling you? i was _ this morning. what were people telling you? i was in _ this morning. what were people telling you? i was in coventry i this morning. what were people i telling you? i was in coventry this week but not this morning. there were certainly a lot of nervousness ljy were certainly a lot of nervousness by workers that i spoke to about joining that picket line. a lot of them did not want to appear on camera. what the gmb hopes that they would achieve today was that they would achieve today was that they would recruit more people to the union in coventry and certainly i just spoke into one of the gmb representatives there and they said that they have recruited another 50

people there today. that takes it up to 350 out of a workforce that is normally around 1500. they think this is a significant increase in membership given the fact that this is a sector where trade unions for years have been capped out. i think thatis years have been capped out. i think that is what is significant about today. it's notjust that it is the first strike at in amazon facility, it's the first strike within the logistics sector where there are often very challenging working environments, people working in warehouses. in trade union representation just hasn't really existed. so as far as the trade union movement is concerned, this could be a turning point. what they want to see liz amazon workers at other sites to sign up to the gmb

and tojoin the other sites to sign up to the gmb and to join the picket line and really start a movement. hour and to join the picket line and really start a movement. how much ho -e is really start a movement. how much hope is there _ really start a movement. how much hope is there of— really start a movement. how much hope is there of some _ really start a movement. how much hope is there of some sort - really start a movement. how much hope is there of some sort of i hope is there of some sort of negotiation between amazon and the union? hat negotiation between amazon and the union? ., . ., , negotiation between amazon and the union? ., . .,, ., negotiation between amazon and the union? ., . ., union? not much hope of anything ha ”enin union? not much hope of anything happening anytime _ union? not much hope of anything happening anytime soon _ union? not much hope of anything happening anytime soon because i happening anytime soon because amazon does not recognise the gmb, it does not recognise any trade unions. what that means is that they will not enter into paid negotiations with the union. you might well ask well, what is the point of the strike was that i think what the gmb would say is it is about raising the profile of that workforce. what you heard in those interviews with gmb workers was that yes, they are very frustrated about their pay but they also are frustrated about their working conditions. they spoke to me earlier this week about feeling constantly monitored, tracked and under intense pressure. forthem monitored, tracked and under intense

pressure. for them it's about giving them a voice that they can speak out and raise a profile for working conditions that they are facing. thank you. stay with us on outside source — still to come... can you believe that? pop star justin bieber sells his catalogue for $200 million at the age of 28. there's growing concern among bus and train operators across the uk, overfunding for local services outside london. mps have been hearing today that two thirds of towns in the north east and south west of england have no train station, and across the country, rural bus routes are in decline. danjohnson has more from gloucestershire. they've had a long wait in woodmancote. there hasn't been a bus since november. the cheltenham service was one

of more than 1,000 rural routes that were cut in the last year. i can'tjustjump in the car and drive into town, can i? i got a bus pass i can't use because i can't get on a bus. they've now reduced fares to two quid, to encourage everyone to get on the bus. so what do they do? they stop the services. where's the sense in that? rural doesn't always mean small. 3,000 people live here. subsidies are being cut and more services face the chop from april. today, bus industry bosses were in front of mps. we've seen some reductions in rural bus mileage. there is no doubt about it, the pandemic has sort of given is a really tough time. the government should set out now a clear path forward for sustainable funding for the bus industry, along with the bus operators. that should take place now, because services will be cancelled very shortly if they don't. in cirencester, we found the remains of the rural railway network. there hasn't been a train through here for 60 years.

and the committee says two thirds of towns in the south—west and the north—east of england are without a railway station. there is a campaign to reopen this line, but then where would everyone park? devon's dartmoor line reopened just over a year ago. and more links are due to be restored. the department for transport says it's considering how to support bus services, too. dan johnson, bbc news. this is outside source live from the bbc newsroom. our lead story... president biden has confirmed the us will supply 31 abram battle tanks to ukraine after germany announced it would send its leopard to tanks to the front line. some music news.

music superstarjustin bieber has sold his share of the rights of the song catalogue for over 200 million us dollars. hypnosis on capital now owns the pop stars steak and some of the biggest hits in recent years. it includes sorry and baby, you know the wind. # baby, baby oh. thought you would always be mine. # whilejustin bieber is one of the top—selling hours upper such early 80s produce 28 problems with up along the singles and collaborations with artists including nikki manaj. he is reportedly worth an estimated 300 million us dollars. here's our entertainment reporter. in million us dollars. here's our entertainment reporter. in the past we've seen — entertainment reporter. in the past we've seen tina _ entertainment reporter. in the past we've seen tina turner, _ entertainment reporter. in the past we've seen tina turner, bob - entertainment reporter. in the pastj we've seen tina turner, bob dylan, neil young also threats to their

music to the same thing in 2021. with really interesting and surprising aboutjustin bieber making this move is that despite having a career spanning 15 years he's only 28 years old. it's considered relatively young young in the industry. considered relatively young young in the industry-— the industry. what does this all mean? it means _ the industry. what does this all mean? it means hypnosis i the industry. what does this all mean? it means hypnosis willi the industry. what does this all i mean? it means hypnosis will receive a payment every time a song it owns or is is streamed for use our radio, television or in the movies. the company acquired justin bieber is copyright two is 290 song back catalog. and to share in the original master recording of his songs. that includes all of his music released before the 31st of december why 2021. would justin bieber do that? the december why 2021. would justin bieber do that?— december why 2021. would justin bieber do that? the most obvious answer for — bieber do that? the most obvious answer for most _ bieber do that? the most obvious answer for most art _ bieber do that? the most obvious answer for most art is _ bieber do that? the most obvious answer for most art is his - bieber do that? the most obvious| answer for most art is his financial security. they are is no guarantee that in 20 years' time your music is going to be as popular as it is in the present. even if you arejustin bieber. if your popularity drops right now, so do your royalties.

striking a deal like this has secured a financial future for himself. he doesn't have to worry about the sort of things. unless you are careless with your money it means you don't have to go touring for the rest of your life indefinitely. aha, for the rest of your life indefinitely.— for the rest of your life indefinitely. for the rest of your life indefinitel . �* ., ., for the rest of your life indefinitel. �* ., , indefinitely. a few weeks ago justin bieber postponed _ indefinitely. a few weeks ago justin bieber postponed the _ indefinitely. a few weeks ago justin bieber postponed the remaining i indefinitely. a few weeks ago justin i bieber postponed the remaining dates of his tour to an unspecified time next year for of his tour to an unspecified time next yearfor top of his tour to an unspecified time next year for top the tour was originally scheduled for 2020 but it's been delayed several times. initially due to the pandemic. but most recently because of this, have a look. , ., , , most recently because of this, have alook. ,., _ a look. obviously, as you can probably _ a look. obviously, as you can probably see _ a look. obviously, as you can probably see from _ a look. obviously, as you can probably see from my - a look. obviously, as you can probably see from my face i i a look. obviously, as you can i probably see from my face i have this syndrome called... ramsay hunt syndrome. this syndrome called... ramsay hunt s ndrome., , this syndrome called... ramsay hunt s ndrome. , �* , ., ., syndrome. justin bieber had a choice, continue _ syndrome. justin bieber had a choice, continue to _ syndrome. justin bieber had a choice, continue to reap i syndrome. justin bieber had a choice, continue to reap the i syndrome. justin bieber had a i choice, continue to reap the rewards every single time one of his hits gets played or catching now and sell the rights and a lump sum. his bet is he's better off with the latter. it's move often made by singers much

older than him. it's move often made by singers much olderthan him. for example, last year bob dylan and bruce springsteen both sold back catalogue rights to sony. the company buying justin bieber songs is a $1 billion venture between financial giant blackstone and british hypnosis song management the man behind it, music legend niall roger and many other stars including sir eltonjohn and guns and roses. he's claimed hit song can be more valuable than gold or oil instead justin bieber is music was a definitive soundtrack of the streaming revolution. hejoins me now from los angeles with a pleasure to have you on the program. let me ask you, first of all, how do you feel? , ., ., ., ., , feel? first of all wonderful to be with ou. feel? first of all wonderful to be with you- i— feel? first of all wonderful to be with you. i feel— feel? first of all wonderful to be with you. i feel terrific. - feel? first of all wonderful to be with you. i feel terrific. as i feel? first of all wonderful to be with you. i feel terrific. as you l with you. i feel terrific. as you pointed out, i've mentioned that justin is arguably the definitive soundtrack of the streaming revolution. i suppose if you go back

as little as six or seven years it would be very difficult to look someone in the eye and tell them that the best years of the music industry were in front of them because we had illegal downloading for16 because we had illegal downloading for 16 years. the business was really adversely impacted. and then streaming has changed all of that. and justin has been not definitive soundtrack of the streaming revolution as we have gone from 30 million paying subscribers when we first started in 2018 to over 600 million subscribers today. depending on who's researcher looking at as many as 2 billion subscribers in the next ten years. is many as 2 billion subscribers in the next ten years-— next ten years. is there a feeling because of— next ten years. is there a feeling because of what _ next ten years. is there a feeling because of what you _ next ten years. is there a feeling because of what you done - next ten years. is there a feeling because of what you done that i because of what you done that potentiallyjustin bieber is best is behind him and not ahead of him? know. i think is best is absolutely ahead of him. at 28 years old he is still a very young man. and he's gone from being the teen heart—throb to being a culturally important artist. i think if you go back and

look at the evolution of people like george michael having a better way him as a team heart—throb or even justin timberlake coming out of insyncin justin timberlake coming out of insync in a very similar position, they grew into an incredibly important cultural artist and that is exactly where justin is important cultural artist and that is exactly wherejustin is at important cultural artist and that is exactly where justin is at this point in his life. which is why you are seeing this enormous success in him driving that streaming revolution.— him driving that streaming revolution. ._ ._ revolution. some may say then given that, there is — revolution. some may say then given that. there is a _ revolution. some may say then given that, there is a risk _ revolution. some may say then given that, there is a risk that _ revolution. some may say then given that, there is a risk that perhaps i that, there is a risk that perhaps you overpaid for this. do you feel you've got this at the ripe price? clearly he feels he's been paid handsomely. clearly he feels he's been paid handsomely-— clearly he feels he's been paid handsomely. clearly he feels he's been paid handsomel . , , handsomely. our underwriting is very stront. as handsomely. our underwriting is very strong- as i — handsomely. our underwriting is very strong- as i say. _ handsomely. our underwriting is very strong. as i say, we're _ handsomely. our underwriting is very strong. as i say, we're at _ handsomely. our underwriting is very strong. as i say, we're at 600 - strong. as i say, we're at 600 million paid subscribers today and we're looking at 200 million sorry, 200 billion paintings for that that ping streaming revolution is right on time. and it's going very well and justin's catalogue is going to be one of the great beneficiaries of that. i be one of the great beneficiaries of that. ., ., ., a be one of the great beneficiaries of that. ., ., ., ,~' i. , that. i have to ask you this, what is our that. i have to ask you this, what is your favourite _ that. i have to ask you this, what is your favourite justin _ that. i have to ask you this, what is your favourite justin bieber i is your favouritejustin bieber song? . is your favourite justin bieber sont ? .

is your favourite justin bieber son. ? ., ., ., is your favourite justin bieber sont ? ., ., ., ., is your favourite justin bieber son. ? ., ., ., ., ., is your favourite justin bieber sont ? ., ., ., ., song? , a good line. i would have to sa love song? , a good line. i would have to say love yourself _ song? , a good line. i would have to say love yourself a _ song? , a good line. i would have to say love yourself a fantastic - say love yourself a fantastic message. it is an incredible performance by him. i think they did up performance by him. i think they did up a tremendousjob performance by him. i think they did up a tremendous job of writing that photo is one of the great, great pop songs. photo is one of the great, great pop son a s. , ., ., photo is one of the great, great pop sonas_ , ., photo is one of the great, great pop sonts. ., ,, .,~ ., photo is one of the great, great pop sonts. ., ,, ., �* songs. good to speak to you. i'm very grateful _ songs. good to speak to you. i'm very grateful for— songs. good to speak to you. i'm very grateful for you _ songs. good to speak to you. i'm very grateful for you to _ songs. good to speak to you. i'm very grateful for you to take i songs. good to speak to you. i'm very grateful for you to take the i very grateful for you to take the time to speak with us. have a good day. time to speak with us. have a good da . �* , ., new research suggests that humans can understand gestures used by chimpanzees to communicate with each other in the wild. scientists at st. andrews as volunteers to watch videos and translate the animal sign language. the results indicate this form of communication might be the origin of our own language. communication might be the origin of our own language-— our own language. grooming build bonds of friendship. . .. _

researchers who spent years observing great apes closely in the wild have recorded a whole gesture dictionary. dozens of signals, expressions and movements that gyms and ovals used to communicate. by by showing videos of these gestures to volunteer scientist discovered that more than half the time people are able to understand the message that a wild chimp is trying to convey. here is how a chimpanzee says grooming, please. and this is silently demanding food from a companion. some gestures are easier for us to understand than others. this display is apparently flirtation. but the fact that we can derive meaning from these gestures suggests that they provided a foundation for our own language. fiur foundation for our own language. our last foundation for our own language. oi" last comment ancestors probably used quite similar gestures and these gestures may have been gone on to

scaffold the evolution of human gesture and human language as we know it now. gesture and human language as we know it now-— know it now. gorillas, orangutans and other great _ know it now. gorillas, orangutans and other great apes _ know it now. gorillas, orangutans and other great apes also - know it now. gorillas, orangutans and other great apes also use i know it now. gorillas, orangutans l and other great apes also use some of the same signals. it's something that people who work with these primates tune into every day. gesture is so important to great apes _ gesture is so important to great apes all— gesture is so important to great apes. all of the little ways they need _ apes. all of the little ways they need to — apes. all of the little ways they need to regulate their social interactions in these amazingly complex— interactions in these amazingly complex social words they live in. it's complex social words they live in. it's a _ complex social words they live in. it's a sort — complex social words they live in. it's a sort of— complex social words they live in. it's a sort of commutative kids preset — it's a sort of commutative kids preset gets all of that working. these — preset gets all of that working. these gestures and our ability to sends a scientific message about how our own language evolved. can you recheck it without killing a chicken? looks like we might have an answer now. this piece of meat you're seeing here is chicken in all its senses except that it doesn't come from a slaughterhouse with that yes, it is lab grown meat. the cultivated chicken was deemed safe for human consumption, a landmark decision by the us food and drug in a foot of lab grown meat is grown in

enormous steel vessels. there they are. they are called bioreactors and processed into something that looks and tastes like a real cut of meat. food ceos says the company is aiming to sell cultivated chicken to restaurants this year and plans you haveitin restaurants this year and plans you have it in grocery stores by 2028. cultivated meat is meat. it's not a meat alternative. it's meat that's grown from real animal cells. it's the first time the fda has ever approved cultivated meat. it taste like chicken. it's what we're used to eating for thousands of years. that's the unmistakable pioneering advantage of this field for that because we're offering the choice to continue to eat real meat without giving up or trying to become a vegetarian or vegan.— giving up or trying to become a vegetarian or vegan. don't forget, ou can vegetarian or vegan. don't forget, you can get _ vegetarian or vegan. don't forget, you can get in _ vegetarian or vegan. don't forget, you can get in touch _ vegetarian or vegan. don't forget, you can get in touch with me i vegetarian or vegan. don't forget, you can get in touch with me if. vegetarian or vegan. don't forget, | you can get in touch with me if you want to tell me anything about the

stories you been watching i am on twitter for the plenty more to come at the top of the hour on the bbc. good evening. some places have been a lot brighter than others today across the south and east of england. it was a real struggle to brighten the skies. it stayed grey, murky and damp, and as a consequence, it stayed very chilly, just 2—3 degrees in places. contrast that with the situation further north. a little bit of sunshine overhead for a weather watcher in argyll and bute. we can pick out all those different types of weather on the satellite picture. this haze of cloud here, that's all the low cloud that stuck around in the south—east. this bright white cloud, a band of rain behind that. that's why we had the clearer skies. and through tonight, that band of rain clears southwards, and with it all the low cloud, mist and murk. so, clear skies overhead for most as we get into the start of tomorrow morning,

some showers across eastern parts of scotland, eastern england and temperatures generally hovering around freezing, perhaps dropping below freezing in one or two spots. so, patchy frost tomorrow morning, but it should be a bright start, certainly brighter than today across southern parts of england and a good part of wales. some showers through the day across eastern scotland to eastern england, but they will be few and far between. most places will be dry, certainly for northern ireland, south—west scotland, north—west england, wales and the south—west are dry. sunny day temperatures between 7—9 degrees now into friday. could be a few fog patches across england and wales. they will tend to clear. then for england and wales, it's patchy cloud and sunny spells. northern ireland, southern and eastern scotland staying mainly fine, but some cloud into the north—west later ahead of this frontal system. now that weather front will push its way a little further southwards as we get into saturday. not much rain left on it by this stage. just a band of cloud for parts of northern england, wales, getting down into the midlands. maybe the odd spot of rain further north, extensive cloud for much

of northern ireland and western scotland, some brightness for eastern scotland and also some sunshine across parts of southern england. now, for the south on sunday, this area of high pressure will keep things largely dry. but further north, this frontal system pushing in will bring some outbreaks of rain, some quite heavy rain for a time in the north—west of scotland, tending to ease as it pushes further south and east. but the winds will really be strengthening as well. gales for exposed spots in the north and the west of scotland. further south, mainly dry with lighter winds and a mild day, highs of 10—11 degrees.

hello, i'm maryam moshiri. this is outside source. president biden confirms the us will supply 31 abrams battle tanks to ukraine. recommending this step because it will enhance ukraine's capacity to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objectives. the m1 abrams tanks are the most capable in the world. it comes as — germany's chancellor agrees to send fourteen leopard two tanks to kyiv — after weeks of wrangling. also on the programme. europe's top human rights court rules russia can be tried over the downing of flight mh 17 over ukraine in 2014.

welcome to the programme. we start with breaking news from washington and another significant decision for the war in ukraine. the us has decided to send 31 of its advanced m1 abrams tanks to the front line. earlier today we had a similar announcement from chancellor olaf scholz, confirming that germany will send leopard 2 tanks to kyiv, after days of deliberation. first — let's hear from presidentjoe biden. recommending this step because it will enhance ukraine's capacity to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objectives. the abrams tanks and is capable tanks in the world there are also extremely complex to operate and maintain. so, we're also giving ukraine the parts and equipment necessary effectively to sustain these tanks on the battlefield.

we will begin to train ukrainian troops on these issues of sustainment with just as soon as possible. and in the last hour — we've heard from us national security adviserjohn kirby. we would like to see this war and today— we would like to see this war and today and — we would like to see this war and today and it absolutely could. all putin _ today and it absolutely could. all putin has — today and it absolutely could. all putin has to do is pull his troops out of— putin has to do is pull his troops out of ukraine and call it a day and it is oven — out of ukraine and call it a day and it is over. but he has shown no sign of being _ it is over. but he has shown no sign of being willing to do that. and so we have _ of being willing to do that. and so we have to — of being willing to do that. and so we have to make sure that ukraine can succeed — we have to make sure that ukraine can succeed on the battlefield so they can — can succeed on the battlefield so they can succeed at the negotiating table and _ they can succeed at the negotiating table and it is difficult to be able to predict— table and it is difficult to be able to predict how long this will go on. gary o'donoghue in washington. i think is hugely significant move notjust for what happens on the battlefield, this is a massive injection notjust the tanks but other armoured vehicles as well, of hardware. but also something of a political rubicon being crossed in terms of this level of cooperation in deciding to up the ante in terms

of the kinds of material that the americans are prepared to supply. they were uncertain about this, the maintenance requirements, training requirements, but also the message it sent in terms of escalation. clearly the price of having to take that chance to preserve the unity of the europeans in americans is a price they decided is worth paying. what is it exactly that the us will be sending? aha, what is it exactly that the us will be sending?— what is it exactly that the us will besendint? ., ., ., ., ~' be sending? a battalion worth of m1 abrams tanks- _ be sending? a battalion worth of m1 abrams tanks. top _ be sending? a battalion worth of m1 abrams tanks. top tanks, _ be sending? a battalion worth of m1 abrams tanks. top tanks, one i be sending? a battalion worth of m1 abrams tanks. top tanks, one of. abrams tanks. top tanks, one of the best in the world they are huge something like 60 tonnes and can travel at up to 45 miles an hour and have huge firepower and maneuverability on the battlefield. and will allow the ukrainians to move around in open territory a lot more easily than they can now. and they will be supplying the ukrainians notched with the tanks but with the wherewithal to use

them, training and the back—up and maintenance so it looks like there will be a whole bunch of vehicles to go along with these tanks to support them. now let's turn to the german announcement. here's chancellor olaf scholz. we will provide ukraine with leopard two battle tanks. consultations once again with our allies in international partners. so let's take a closer look at germany's role in all this. the leopard 2 is operated by about 20 countries worldwide — and it's made in germany. but it gets more complicated because other countries that operate the tanks have to ask germany for permission to donate them — due to german export restrictions. marcus faber is a member of the free democratic party — part of the governing coalition — i spoke to him earlier. i was very happy yesterday that we finally came

to the decision and it us some took quite some time to convince them. the social democrats yesterday was a day of happiness yesterday. not that way of seeing these tanks be approved, the question and many are asking is how many, what number do you think we'll have a decisive impact on this war? the question is notjust the numberfrom germany number of more is better. and if we get to the three digit area, i think all the countries should think about doing more in germany said they would deliver 14 and now this can be the beginning and we have the first step. which is the you think that is creating the hesitancy within germany about this? that's a very good question, we have a very

pessimistic perspective when it comes to politics and so, especially the older generation and it's so very personal around chancellor olaf scholz and distant perspective that it may not be adopted so quickly to the new situation and convincing some sinking to take place until we came to the place where we are. the level of commitment that will be required is needed notjust in terms of hardware but also in terms of training, maintenance and also parts as well, isn't it? yes, we just spoke to them and we have quite a few training facilities in germany and quite an experience within ukraine and other weapon systems editing this can work quite fast and soldiers arriving

here and it is hopeful that we can finish the first training by march. americans also approved supply of abrams tanks. questions about their suitability due to running on kerosene which is harder to obtain. what impact do you think the decision will have? i think one of unity in the in the deal that when it comes when it comes to the impact on the battlefield, it is about germany and all the countries that are in europe and from finland to greeks, portugal to poland and to stick together and they will do this. it is helpful that the us also said that they will contribute.

so why are leopard 2 tanks seen as the best for the job? well they are considered the world's leading battle tank — with a near—perfect combination of firepower, mobility and protection. they are also easier to repair than some western alternatives — and require less fuel. so germany's delay on this has been criticised. here's one perspective. with german's think is a cautious approach is perceived by others as a very reluctant and that's the first reputational damage that the partners think that we're not really into supporting ukraine and we are hesitating so much and the second reputational damage for me is what germany is doing is not valued. if you look at the military delivery, germany and uk are number two and number three after the us in terms of military support for ukraine. germany is delivered rocket launchers and they've been doing a lot but the public impression is that germany is delivering late and reluctantly.

there's been plenty of reaction from world leaders. this is poland's prime minister: the decision to send leopards to ukraine is a big step towards stopping russia. together we are stronger. and we've heard from uk prime minister rishi sunak. he said... "the right decision by nato allies... together, we are accelerating our efforts to ensure ukraine wins this war and secures a lasting peace.". we've also had reaction from the kremlin — have a listen. i am certain that many specialists understand the absurdity of this idea. this plan is a losing scheme for technological reasons and more important its clear over overestimation of the potential that it can add to the ukrainian armed forces who repeated that these tanks would burnjust like all of the others. they are very expensive and all of this will fall on the shoulders of the european taxpayer.

earlier they have all of the data they know the mission statement so they know the mission statement so they said _ they know the mission statement so they said it's 300 however we do understand that we have very intense operations _ understand that we have very intense operations and we are losing equipment and we need to restore. therefore _ equipment and we need to restore. therefore one of the biggest parts of the _ therefore one of the biggest parts of the land operations and the leopard — of the land operations and the leopard two is important because europe _ leopard two is important because europe has— leopard two is important because europe has plans around them and they can _ europe has plans around them and they can be — europe has plans around them and they can be easily delivered and can complete _ they can be easily delivered and can complete the mission and that is what _ complete the mission and that is what this— complete the mission and that is what this decision is also pushed by government, public because we do agree _ government, public because we do agree we _ government, public because we do agree we need this type of equipment now. the european court of human rights has ruled that russia can be tried over the downing of flight mh 17. it's seen as a step towards justice for the 298 people killed when the malaysia airlines flight

was hit by a missile in 2014. the dutch government argues moscow failed to investigate the incident, when the malaysia airlines flight was hit by a missile in 2014. the dutch government argues moscow failed to investigate the incident, and the subsequent disinformation about russia's role violated the relatives' human rights. the bbc�*s anna holligan has spent the day in the hague: the court has decided this case is admissible despite the fact that russia had argued that the netherlands has missed the timeframe to apply to the european court of human rights and had not fully explored the legal options inside russia. so this is a huge blow to russia because now this court will be exploring state responsibility. this is the first time an international court will look at state responsibility in the case of mh 17. first let's recap what happened with flight mh17. the boeing 777 was en route from amsterdam to kuala lumpur when it was hit by a russian

surface—to—air missile injuly 2014. the plane went down in the donbas region of ukraine — during a conflict between pro—russian rebels and ukrainian forces. the netherlands�* case against russia hinges on whether or not moscow had "effective control" over the area of ukraine where the missile was fired from. there's already been a trial against individuals involved. in november, a dutch court found three men — two russians and a ukrainian — guilty of murder in absentia for their part in downing the plane. the court ruled the missile had been fired deliberately to bring down a plane, even if the target had been military rather than civilian. the three men were sentenced to life in jail, but are all thought to be in russia. moscow condemned the verdict as �*scandalous and politically motivated' — so it's unlikely they'll face justice. the kremlin has always denied involvement, here's president putin's response to the results of a criminal inquiry in 2019 — which found

the missile used had been transported from russia. translation: what we've seen, what's been presented as evidence, _ we absolutely disagree with. there's no proof whatsoever. let's look at the potential outcome of this case. legal experts say it could be years before a ruling is issued. however, if found guilty, russia could be obliged to pay damages to the victims�* relatives. last september, russia stopped being a party to the european convention on human rights, but the court can still deal with claims against russia up until that date. here�*s anna holligan again. this is a hugely importantjudgment for the relatives too, so many of whom were in strasbourg for the ruling today to hear this decision, but also who believe that it wasn�*t so much about the individuals who were involved in firing

a missile but actually about the state responsibility, about russia�*s role, and crucially, ultimately, about vladimir putin�*s role. this now will be a chance forjudges to explore exactly that. and of course, russia has always denied any responsibility. i spoke to michael bociurkiw — former spokesperson for the special monitoring mission to ukraine of the organization for security and co—operation in europe. he witnessed the mh17 crash aftermath and told me about his role in the investigation process. our role as the osc special monitoring mission was to facilitate access for investigators. we arrived on the crash scene in less than 24 hours, actually, after it happened, and it was still smouldering, there were bodies and debris all over the place. but i have to say, in the lead up to us actually being deployed to the area, there was a meeting at the osc with the russian ambassador, and this

is a really important point, because the russian ambassador actually instructed the rebels on the ground where the crash happened to allow osc access. so i don�*t think it would be easy, having that taken place, for russia to deny having responsibility for having control over the rebels. look, this was a horrible crash as well in the sense it was spread over 15 square kilometres of agricultural land. these were mostly passengers on their way for holidays or to conferences and business trips, and their lives were so suddenly ended, 298, which is part of the 14,000 or so that have died in the first phase of the conflict. it is something that once you have seen a disaster like that, you can understand, you can understand the pain the relatives are experiencing because it was a horrible way for their lives to be taken so abruptly. and your main task, was it not,

to report to the world what you saw, to facilitate the next steps for investigators. how easy was thatjob? it wasn�*t very easy. when we arrived it was a ragtag group of rebels there, armed, very dangerous, i would say, and some of them intoxicated. but then after a few days the situation normalised, if we can even use that word, and we were given more access. i think the big turning point was when the bodies were finally collected and loaded onto the refrigerated cars that would take them to kharkiv and then on to the netherlands, that�*s when we saw finally these bodies, these deceased people, treated with some sort of dignity. but look, we were a group of former military people, former diplomats, who have served in some of the toughest places on the planet. i don�*t think any of this, what we saw, could have prepared us. we couldn�*t be prepared well for this, but what really was gratifying for us again,

was being able to facilitate the removal of those bodies to their loved ones. and what do you want to see now happening in terms of culpability, in terms of the relatives and the kind of peace they might gain out of all of this? there are a couple of things. more cooperation from the russian side. they for example, did not share primary radar data and many otherfacts, but i think, you know, i got to know many of the relatives over the years. i�*ve been to their memorial services and i think whatjustice means for them is actually seeing people locked up for good. these three suspects that were... well, they are not suspects any more, they were charged, are believed to be in russia. i don�*t think they will ever see a day behind prison bars unless they become careless and travel internationally and then are nabbed. but i think talking to the relatives, what they also want to see is the highest people in the chain of command who ordered this missile firing to also

be held accountable. stay with us on outside source — still to come... can you believe it pop startjust to be buried sells his back catalogue for $200 million at the ripe old age of 28. several on board, all of them are believed to have been killed. by the evening, the heart of both the shell of cairo was in the hands of the demonstrators. they were using the word revolution. the earthquake singled out buildings and brought them down in seconds. tonight, the search for any survivors has an increase in desperation about it as the hours pass.

the new government is firmly in control of the entire - republic of uganda. survivors of auschwitz celebrate their liberation. they this is outside source live from the bbc newsroom. our lead story is. president biden has confirmed the us will supply 31 abrams battle tanks to ukraine —— after germany announced it would send a number of its leopard two tanks to kyiv. some music news now — music superstarjustin bieber has sold his share of the rights to his song catalgue for over 200 million us dollars.

hipgnosis songs capital now owns the pop star�*s stake in some of the biggest hits of recent years. it includes sorry and baby — you know the one. # "baby, baby, baby, oh" # like, "baby, baby, baby, no" # like, "baby, baby, baby, oh" # i thought you�*d always be mine, mine...# bieber is one of the best—selling artists of the 21st century. at 28, he�*s released six studio albums has sold 150 million records worldwide, along with singles and collaborations with artists including david guetta and nicki minaj. he is reportedly worth an estimated 300million us dollars. here�*s our entertainment reporter guy lambert. in the past we�*ve seen tina turner, bob dylan, neil young also sell rights their

music to the same thing in 2021. with really interesting and surprising aboutjustin bieber making this move is that despite having a career spanning 15 years he�*s only 28 years old. it�*s considered relatively young young in the industry. so what does it mean? it means hipgnosis will receive a payment every time a song it owns is streamed or used on radio, tv orfilm. the company acquired bieber�*s publishing copyrights to his 290—song back catalogue. and his share in the original master recordings of his songs. that includes all of his music released before 31 december 2021. why would justin do that? guy lambert again. the most obvious answer is financial security. the most obvious answer is financial securi . , ., ., ., ., security. there is no guarantee that in 20 years' — security. there is no guarantee that in 20 years' time. _ security. there is no guarantee that in 20 years' time. your— security. there is no guarantee that in 20 years' time. your music i security. there is no guarantee that in 20 years' time. your music will i in 20 years�* time. your music will be as popular as it is in the present even if you arejustin bieber. so if your popularity drops are now, so your royalties and striking like a deal like this like justin bieber has secured a financial future for himself he does not have to worry about these things

and unless you are careless with your money and means to have to go touring for the rest of your life indefinitely. a few weeks ago bieber postponed the remaining dates on his �*justice�* tour until an unspecified time �*next year�*. the tour was originally scheduled for 2020 but it has been delayed several times, initially due to the pandemic. but most recently because of this. obviously, as you can probably see from my face, um... ihave, err... this syndrome called... ramsay hunt syndrome. bieber had a choice — continue to reap the rewards every single time one of his hits gets played, or cash in now and sell the rights in a lump sum. his bet is he�*s better off with latter. it�*s a move often made by singers much older than him. last year bob dylan and bruce springsteen both sold back catalogue rights to sony. the company buying justin bieber�*s songs

— hipgnosis song capital — is a $1 billion venture between financial giant blackstone and the british hipgnosis song management. the man behind it is merck mercuriadis — manager of music legend nile rodgers and former manager of many other stars including sir eltonjohn and guns and roses. he has claimed hit songs can be "more valuable than gold or oil". he said bieber�*s music was "arguably the definitive soundtrack of the streaming revolution". i spoke with him and asked how he feels about the deal. i i spoke with him and asked how he feels about the deal.— feels about the deal. i mentioned that he is probably _ feels about the deal. i mentioned that he is probably definitive i that he is probably definitive soundtrack of the streaming revolution and i suppose if you go back as _ revolution and i suppose if you go back as as— revolution and i suppose if you go back as as little as six or seven years— back as as little as six or seven years it — back as as little as six or seven years it would be very difficult to look someone in the eyes to tell them _ look someone in the eyes to tell them their— look someone in the eyes to tell them their best days were in front of them _ them their best days were in front of them because we have had illegal

downloading for years the business wasn't _ downloading for years the business wasn't really adversely impacted and then streaming has changed all of that and _ then streaming has changed all of that and justin bieber has been that definitive _ that and justin bieber has been that definitive soundtrack of the streaming revolution as we have gone from 30 _ streaming revolution as we have gone from 30 minutes to —— 30 million subscribers — from 30 minutes to —— 30 million subscribers to over 600 million subscribers to over 600 million subscribers today and as many as two billions _ subscribers today and as many as two billions of _ subscribers today and as many as two billions of scribes in the next ten years _ billions of scribes in the next ten years |s— billions of scribes in the next ten ears. , ., ., years. is there a feeling then of what ou years. is there a feeling then of what you may _ years. is there a feeling then of what you may have _ years. is there a feeling then of what you may have done - years. is there a feeling then of what you may have done that i years. is there a feeling then of- what you may have done that justin what you may have done thatjustin bieber�*s best is behind him? i what you may have done that justin bieber's best is behind him?- bieber's best is behind him? i think it is absolutely _ bieber's best is behind him? i think it is absolutely in _ bieber's best is behind him? i think it is absolutely in front _ bieber's best is behind him? i think it is absolutely in front of _ bieber's best is behind him? i think it is absolutely in front of him i bieber's best is behind him? i think it is absolutely in front of him as i it is absolutely in front of him as you point— it is absolutely in front of him as you point out at 28 years old still a young man and he is gone for being _ still a young man and he is gone for being the _ still a young man and he is gone for being the teen heart—throb to a culturally— being the teen heart—throb to a culturally important artist. if you io culturally important artist. if you go back— culturally important artist. if you go back and put the evolution of like george michael having come out orinsync or insync they grew into incredibly

cultural _ or insync they grew into incredibly cultural artist that is where justin is at his— cultural artist that is where justin is at his life and that is why you're _ is at his life and that is why you're seeing this enormous success driving _ you're seeing this enormous success driving the _ you're seeing this enormous success driving the streaming revolution. some _ driving the streaming revolution. some may— driving the streaming revolution. some may say given that there is a risk that perhaps you have overpaid for this or do you feel that you have this at the right price is not clearly he feels he has been paid handsomely. fiur clearly he feels he has been paid handsomely-— clearly he feels he has been paid handsomel . , , handsomely. our underwriting is very stront. as handsomely. our underwriting is very strong- as i — handsomely. our underwriting is very strong- as i say. _ handsomely. our underwriting is very strong. as i say, we _ handsomely. our underwriting is very strong. as i say, we are _ handsomely. our underwriting is very strong. as i say, we are at 600 i strong. as i say, we are at 600 million _ strong. as i say, we are at 600 million paid — strong. as i say, we are at 600 million paid subscriber today and we are looking — million paid subscriber today and we are looking at 2 billion paid subscribers within a decade. so that pape streaming revolution is right on time — pape streaming revolution is right on time. and it is growing very well -- paid _ on time. and it is growing very well -- paid in— on time. and it is growing very well —— paid. injustin bieber's catalogue will be a great beneficiary to that. catalogue will be a great beneficia to that. , ., ,, beneficiary to that. some breaking news now from _ beneficiary to that. some breaking news now from the _ beneficiary to that. some breaking news now from the looks - beneficiary to that. some breaking news now from the looks a - beneficiary to that. some breaking news now from the looks a priest i beneficiary to that. some breaking i news now from the looks a priest has been injured, has been killed in the church of in the south of spain and police are telling the news agency

shortly before 8pm a person attacked with a plated weapon in the san lorenzo church. more details as always and later on on bbc. —— bladed weapon. good evening. some places have been a lot brighter than others today. across the south and east of england it was a real struggle to brighten the skies. it stayed grey, murky and damp, and as a consequence, it stayed very chilly, just 2—3 degrees in places. contrast that with the situation further north. a little bit of sunshine overhead for a weather watcher in argyll and bute. we can pick out all those different types of weather on the satellite picture. this haze of cloud here, that�*s all the low cloud that stuck around in the south—east. this bright white cloud, a band of rain behind that. that�*s where we had the clearer skies. and through tonight, that band of rain clears southwards, and with it all the low cloud, mist and murk. so, clear skies overhead for most as we get into the start of tomorrow morning, some showers across eastern parts of scotland, eastern england and temperatures generally hovering

around freezing, perhaps dropping below freezing in one or two spots. so, patchy frost tomorrow morning, but it should be a bright start, certainly brighter than today across southern parts of england and a good part of wales. some showers through the day across eastern scotland to eastern england, but they will be few and far between. most places will be dry, certainly for northern ireland, south—west scotland, north—west england, wales and the south—west are dry. sunny day, temperatures between 7—9 degrees. now into friday, could be a few fog patches across england and wales. they will tend to clear. then for england and wales, it�*s patchy cloud and sunny spells. northern ireland, southern and eastern scotland staying mainly fine, but some cloud into the north—west later ahead of this frontal system. now that weather front will push its way a little further southwards as we get into saturday. not much rain left on it by this stage. just a band of cloud for parts of northern england, wales, getting down into the midlands. maybe the odd spot of rain further north, extensive cloud for much of northern ireland and western

scotland, some brightness for eastern scotland and also some sunshine across parts of southern england. now, for the south on sunday, this area of high pressure will keep things largely dry. but further north, this frontal system pushing in will bring some outbreaks of rain, some quite heavy rain for a time in the north—west of scotland, tending to ease as it pushes further south and east. but the winds will really be strengthening as well. gales for exposed spots in the north and the west of scotland. further south, mainly dry with lighter winds and a mild day, highs of 10—11 degrees.

coming up on this week�*s show. during the pandemic many of us realised just how intense was our passion for travel. and i am so excited about the opportunities to explore economically and responsibly this year. the ukrainian artwork that has now found a safe home on display at a gallery in madrid.

and who discovered the equator?