time for a look at the weather forecast with nick miller. this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world: in the uk, hundreds of thousands of workers including school teachers are going on strike for what will be the biggest day of industrial action in more than a decade. the uk government says most schools in england and wales will be open but the national education union says 85% of schools will be affected, and calls for ministers to engage in talks. rather than messing about and doing nothing, which is what they've done since lastjuly, the government should get around the table now seriously and start to negotiate. we are having those wide ranging discussions. what is not realistic is for us to be looking at inflation or inflation busting pay rises.

let me know your thoughts on today's strikes whether you're affected by them, or taking part in the industrial action. get in touch with me on twitter @annitabbc and use the #bbcyourquestions. in myanmar, pro democracy activists are urging people to stay at home and businesses to close, to mark the second anniversary of the military coup in the country. in the uk, a four—year—old girl has died in a dog attack in milton keynes. us vice president kamala harris will attend the funeral of tyre nichols today. the 29—year—old died after being beaten by several memphis police officers during a traffic stop. more than a million catholics in the democratic republic of congo have gathered for a mass celebrated by pope francis who is on a tour of africa this is the live scene.

in australia the tiny radioactive capsule which fell off a truck on a desert highway is found! hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. hundreds of thousands of workers in the uk are going on strike in what's expected to be the biggest day of industrial action in more than a decade. around 20,000 schools will be affected as teachers in england and wales walk out for the first time since 2016. teachers in some parts of scotland are also taking action in a separate dispute. workers from a number of other sectors are taking industrial action too. train drivers represented by aslef and the rmt unions are on strike in a dispute about pay, job security and working conditions.

rail industry bosses say change is needed to afford pay increases and modernise the railway. around 100,000 civil servants in 124 government departments, along with several other bodies, including border force are also on strike. staff at 150 universities across the uk are striking over pay, conditions and pension changes. university employers say any increase in pay "puts jobs at risk". and bus drivers employed by abellio in london are also taking industrial action. the unite union is calling for a pay rise to reflect the increasing cost of living. the disputes are largely about pay, but the government say they don't want to fuel inflation with big wage rises. in our first report, let's take a more detailed look at the teachers strike in england and wales with our education reporter vanessa clarke.

it's been a familiar sight in scotland for months before the first time in seven years teachers in england and the teachers and support staff in wales are joining the action. they want a pay rise that is above inflation and is funded by the government, not school budgets. every day in schools we are seeing special needs support assistants to leave the job to go and work in supermarkets, we are seeing chemistry classes not taught by people with qualifications in chemistry, we are seeing turnover of teachers, so we are trying to reduce that. that disruption is happening every day. for the dedicated teachers here at hillcrest academy in leeds, making a decision on whether to join the strikes has been a very difficult one, especially for those at the beginning of their careers. it's been a controversial one me deciding whether to strike or not and thinking about the impact on our pupils, parents and the community at the moment but also comparing that to the wider perspective of teachers who have been teaching a long time and the impact on pay they have had over the last decade or so. sarah will bejuggling

homework alongside her own work today. one of her children has been told to stay at home. although she understands why teachers are striking, she says more disruption is the last thing they need. i feel like it should have not got to this stage. our children have been out, this generation of children have been out so much in the last two years with the pandemic having to be home—schooled and i think it will be much harder for the teachers to get them up to the level they need to be at if they keep having strikes. the government says the unions' pay demands are unrealistic and today's strike action is disappointing. inflation is the problem here, that's why we need to halve inflation. it makes no sense for us as a government to bake in inflation for much longer for everybody listening because we give inflation busting pay rises to some parts of the workforce. it makes no sense to do that. we have to get inflation down. some schools are closed today, others are open or have opened to

exam classes and vulnerable children only. university staff are also continuing their strike action and there are more teacher strikes planned. so unless an agreement is reached soon, there could be more empty classrooms in the coming months. vanessa clark, bbc news, leeds. 0ur chief political correspondent nick eardley has the latest. including the chances of talks with the government and the unions. pretty slim. we also have the education secretary say the government can't afford big pay rises because it is worried it would make inflation worse. that is a contested argument but it is one that ministers continue to make. they keep saying they're prepared to talk about like conditions and workload, and there has been part of the concern has been raised by education unions, but unless there is some movement on pay, at the moment it all still looks like a bit of a stalemate to me. you might

remember that at the start of the year about a month ago there was a bit of a sign that the government might be looking at ways to climb down its ladder and say maybe we will give a one—off payment to public sector workers, or backdate next year's pay deal a bit to try to mitigate some of the cost of living pressures. we have not had any progress on that front at all really, some of that optimism that was there a month ago hasn't really amounted to much at all. so in terms of ending the strikes in general i think the prospects imminently are quite low. in terms of teachers specifically, it doesn't look like the education secretary is minded to come back with a higher pay offer for the 2022-2023 come back with a higher pay offer for the 2022—2023 financial year. because of all of that there is a bit of a sense of deja vu this morning talking about the strikes. it all looks like the negotiations are a bit stuck. the

it all looks like the negotiations are a bit stuck.— it all looks like the negotiations are a bit stuck. the hashtag walk out wednesday _ are a bit stuck. the hashtag walk out wednesday is _ are a bit stuck. the hashtag walk out wednesday is trending - are a bit stuck. the hashtag walk out wednesday is trending on . are a bit stuck. the hashtag walk. out wednesday is trending on social media this morning. what do you think the cumulative impact of all of this industrial action across various sectors is having on the government and its reputation and its strategy? i government and its reputation and its strategy?— its strategy? i don't think there is an doubt its strategy? i don't think there is any doubt at _ its strategy? i don't think there is any doubt at all _ its strategy? i don't think there is any doubt at all that _ its strategy? i don't think there is any doubt at all that this - its strategy? i don't think there is any doubt at all that this is - its strategy? i don't think there is any doubt at all that this is both l any doubt at all that this is both distracting and damaging for ministers, distracting because a lot of time is being spent by very important government departments trying to figure out how to mitigate the impact of strikes. but it is damaging too because there is a bit of a sense at the moment that industrial relations are at a pretty low ebb and that a lot of stuff that the public would expect to workjust isn't working, be it buses, railways, schools, hospitals. there are a lot of important services that people use every day that are seeing massive disruption. so rishi sunak is under pressure to come up with

some answers on this to try and find a way of ending the strikes. but i can't emphasise enough, every time i speak to someone in downing street or the treasury or senior ministers, the thing they all talk about is inflation. rishi sunak has been getting inflation —— made getting inflation down the biggest test for his government, his number one priority, and he does believe that if you have high pay deals in the public sector that will make bringing inflation down harder. so at the moment i don't think he is minded to move, even though there is that damage to the governmentjust letting stuff be normal and letting public services run as you'd expect them to. ~ ~ public services run as you'd expect them to. w' . , public services run as you'd expect them to. w . , ., public services run as you'd expect them to. ., , ., them to. nick eardley, a political correspondent. _ them to. nick eardley, a political correspondent. let's _ them to. nick eardley, a political correspondent. let's speak- them to. nick eardley, a political correspondent. let's speak to . correspondent. let's speak to someone who is taking a day off today because of the strikes. i know that little ezra has been popping up occasionally making an appearance so

we may see him. he occasionally making an appearance so we may see him-— occasionally making an appearance so we may see him. he may appear, yes. have ou we may see him. he may appear, yes. have you had — we may see him. he may appear, yes. have you had to _ we may see him. he may appear, yes. have you had to take _ we may see him. he may appear, yes. have you had to take leave, _ we may see him. he may appear, yes. have you had to take leave, or- we may see him. he may appear, yes. have you had to take leave, or are - have you had to take leave, or are you going to make of the hours elsewhere? what is the situation with you? elsewhere? what is the situation with ou? �* ~ elsewhere? what is the situation with ou? �* . ., .,~ with you? i've decided to take annual leave. _ with you? i've decided to take annual leave. my _ with you? i've decided to take annual leave. my employer i with you? i've decided to take i annual leave. my employer was with you? i've decided to take - annual leave. my employer was quite flexible _ annual leave. my employer was quite flexible and said that i could work flexibly— flexible and said that i could work flexibly or— flexible and said that i could work flexibly or take leave but i decided to lake _ flexibly or take leave but i decided to take annual leave because it's easier_ to take annual leave because it's easier than — to take annual leave because it's easier than trying to do both and not doing — easier than trying to do both and not doing either of them very well. i not doing either of them very well. lam sure _ not doing either of them very well. i am sure that's a sentiment that lots of people can sympathise with, that idea of trying to do some work and looking after children at home at the same time. the slightly tricky situation for you today. but what is your overall opinion of the strike action being taken? do you support the teachers or not? yeah, i absolutely support _ support the teachers or not? yeah, i absolutely support the _ support the teachers or not? yeah, i absolutely support the teacher - absolutely support the teacher strikes — absolutely support the teacher slrikee i— absolutely support the teacher strikes. i think that they are definitely overworked and underpaid. i definitely overworked and underpaid. i don't _ definitely overworked and underpaid. i don't know if anyone has spent time _ i don't know if anyone has spent time trying _ i don't know if anyone has spent time trying to get a four—year—old

to read. _ time trying to get a four—year—old to read. but— time trying to get a four—year—old to read, but i can't even manage it for 30 _ to read, but i can't even manage it for 30 seconds, i don't know how they— for 30 seconds, i don't know how they do— for 30 seconds, i don't know how they do it — for 30 seconds, i don't know how they do it. and also they are caring for our— they do it. and also they are caring for our children five days a week for our children five days a week for lots — for our children five days a week for lots of— for our children five days a week for lots of hours. so i think it's really— for lots of hours. so i think it's really important that they are paid i’ilht really important that they are paid right and _ really important that they are paid right and not overworked. but obviously _ right and not overworked. but obviously for me i'm a single parent so i'm _ obviously for me i'm a single parent so i'm taking annual leave and it kind _ so i'm taking annual leave and it kind of— so i'm taking annual leave and it kind of feeds into this big a situation _ kind of feeds into this big a situation where i've only got a certain— situation where i've only got a certain amount of leave, it isjust me and _ certain amount of leave, it isjust me and i've — certain amount of leave, it isjust me and i've got school holidays to navigate, — me and i've got school holidays to navigate, so when i do take time off for strikes _ navigate, so when i do take time off for strikes and that's a day i can't take _ for strikes and that's a day i can't take annual— for strikes and that's a day i can't take annual leave in the long school holidays _ take annual leave in the long school holidays that i've also got to manage _ holidays that i've also got to manaue. , ., _ ., ,., holidays that i've also got to manaue. , ., _ ., . manage. obviously that is a concern and i'm manage. obviously that is a concern and m sure — manage. obviously that is a concern and i'm sure like _ manage. obviously that is a concern and i'm sure like everyone - manage. obviously that is a concern and i'm sure like everyone else - manage. obviously that is a concern and i'm sure like everyone else you| and i'm sure like everyone else you would like a resolution to be found. do you have a thought on how that's going to happen? i do you have a thought on how that's going to happen?— going to happen? i don't really understand _ going to happen? i don't really understand the _ going to happen? i don't really understand the economics - going to happen? i don't really understand the economics of. going to happen? i don't reallyi understand the economics of it going to happen? i don't really - understand the economics of it all, but it's— understand the economics of it all, but it's not— understand the economics of it all, but it's notjust teachers understand the economics of it all, but it's not just teachers that are striking. — but it's not just teachers that are striking, there are many people striking. — striking, there are many people striking, so there is a big problem.

i striking, so there is a big problem. idon't _ striking, so there is a big problem. i don't understand how it is sustainable. but i think it's really worrying — sustainable. but i think it's really worrying that the government are happy— worrying that the government are happy to— worrying that the government are happy to have people in these essential roles who are going to become, — essential roles who are going to become, either leaving these roles or staying — become, either leaving these roles or staying in these roles, discontented, burnt out, it concerns me that _ discontented, burnt out, it concerns me that it's— discontented, burnt out, it concerns me that it's ok for teachers to be really— me that it's ok for teachers to be really overworked and burnt out and discontented and be in the care of our children. i don't know how it is going _ our children. i don't know how it is going to _ our children. i don't know how it is going to be — our children. i don't know how it is going to be sustainable. but i do think— going to be sustainable. but i do think that — going to be sustainable. but i do think that it is for the government to sort— think that it is for the government to sort out— think that it is for the government to sort out and i don't blame the teachers — to sort out and i don't blame the teachers for striking. how to sort out and i don't blame the teachers for striking.— to sort out and i don't blame the teachers for striking. how are you auoin to teachers for striking. how are you going to spend — teachers for striking. how are you going to spend your _ teachers for striking. how are you going to spend your day _ teachers for striking. how are you going to spend your day with - teachers for striking. how are you | going to spend your day with ezra? are you going to be trying to do some of his school work with him, whatever he's got to do on a normal day? whatever he's got to do on a normal da ?, , whatever he's got to do on a normal da ? g , . . , whatever he's got to do on a normal da 7,, ._ whatever he's got to do on a normal da 7,, ., i. whatever he's got to do on a normal da7_ ., , day? just in case any of his teachers — day? just in case any of his teachers are _ day? just in case any of his teachers are listening, - day? just in case any of his| teachers are listening, yes, day? just in case any of his i teachers are listening, yes, i day? just in case any of his - teachers are listening, yes, i will try and _ teachers are listening, yes, i will try and read with him like we do every— try and read with him like we do every day — try and read with him like we do every day. but it's really, really

hard _ every day. but it's really, really hard to — every day. but it's really, really hard to try _ every day. but it's really, really hard to try and do any of that. i'm going _ hard to try and do any of that. i'm going to _ hard to try and do any of that. i'm going to take him to a soft play and take him _ going to take him to a soft play and take him out to make the most of our annual— take him out to make the most of our annual leave — take him out to make the most of our annual leave, or my annual leave, and just— annual leave, or my annual leave, and just make a day of it and maybe try and _ and just make a day of it and maybe try and do— and just make a day of it and maybe try and do some reading work with him this— try and do some reading work with him this evening.— him this evening. carly, thank you very much. _ him this evening. carly, thank you very much. carly _ him this evening. carly, thank you very much, carly newman - him this evening. carly, thank you very much, carly newman with - him this evening. carly, thank you | very much, carly newman with her little boy. she is taking annual leave to look after him because his school is closed due to the industrial action. school is closed due to the industrialaction. mary school is closed due to the industrial action. mary bousted is the general secretary of the national education union. she says teachers want to get back to the classroom and is urging ministers to negotiate. there is a real deep and lasting anger in the profession at the neglect of children, the fact that education is so badly underfunded by the fact that so many teachers feel forced to leave, and parents understand this too, indeed, in mum's net poll yesterday showed that 67% of parents blame the government for this action. i say to the

government, now this is the 1st of february, this is the last day we want to have to take the strike action, there are 27 more days until the next strike action is scheduled for england. so rather than messing about and doing nothing, which is what they have done since lastjuly, the government should get round the table now seriously and start to negotiate. table now seriously and start to neuotiate. a , table now seriously and start to neuotiate. , a, , table now seriously and start to negotiate-— table now seriously and start to neuotiate. , , ., , negotiate. mary bousted. earlyi soke to negotiate. mary bousted. earlyi spoke to the _ negotiate. mary bousted. earlyi spoke to the former _ negotiate. mary bousted. early i| spoke to the former conservative education secretaryjustine greening education secretary justine greening about education secretaryjustine greening about the impact of the strikes and next steps for the government. i next steps for the government. i think the reality is it has been difficult — think the reality is it has been difficult to see school funding keep up difficult to see school funding keep up with— difficult to see school funding keep up with the pace of inflation, and that's— up with the pace of inflation, and that's also— up with the pace of inflation, and that's also impacted teacher pay. in recent— that's also impacted teacher pay. in recent years you have seen the government respond to that by trying to help _ government respond to that by trying to help the pay of new starter teachers _ to help the pay of new starter teachers rise faster. but actually, in the _ teachers rise faster. but actually, in the round you have seen teachers further _ in the round you have seen teachers further up _ in the round you have seen teachers further up the career ladder in middle — further up the career ladder in middle and leadership positions falling _ middle and leadership positions falling back relatively. and so i think— falling back relatively. and so i think there is a genuine issue here

about— think there is a genuine issue here about the — think there is a genuine issue here about the market and how teaching can stay _ about the market and how teaching can stay competitive as a profession. behind that is an issue that some — profession. behind that is an issue that some of your viewers arrays which _ that some of your viewers arrays which is — that some of your viewers arrays which is the impact on children's education — which is the impact on children's education after all of the disruption from covid. i think for a country— disruption from covid. i think for a country that — disruption from covid. i think for a country that wants to level up we know _ country that wants to level up we know that — country that wants to level up we know that this will have an impact on those — know that this will have an impact on those most disadvantaged children who are _ on those most disadvantaged children who are already behind the worst. so there _ who are already behind the worst. so there is— who are already behind the worst. so there is a _ who are already behind the worst. so there is a need for both sides to -et there is a need for both sides to get together. i think it is a failure _ get together. i think it is a failure that it has got to the stage _ failure that it has got to the stage. i'm encouraged by the fact the education secretary gillian keegan — the education secretary gillian keeganis the education secretary gillian keegan is prepared to talk to the teacher— keegan is prepared to talk to the teacher unions. i don't think any teacher— teacher unions. i don't think any teacher wants to be on strike today. ithink— teacher wants to be on strike today. i think both — teacher wants to be on strike today. i think both sides also recognise that this — i think both sides also recognise that this is — i think both sides also recognise that this is more than aboutjust pay, _ that this is more than aboutjust pay, but — that this is more than aboutjust pay. but in — that this is more than aboutjust pay, but in the end we are going to have _ pay, but in the end we are going to have to _ pay, but in the end we are going to have to get — pay, but in the end we are going to have to get this sorted out. children— have to get this sorted out. children can't afford any more days out of— children can't afford any more days out of school. the sooner we resolve it the _ out of school. the sooner we resolve it the better — out of school. the sooner we resolve it the better-— it the better. justine greening s-ueakin it the better. justine greening speaking to — it the better. justine greening speaking to me _ it the better. justine greening speaking to me earlier. - it the better. justine greening speaking to me earlier. a - it the better. justine greening i speaking to me earlier. a couple

it the better. justine greening - speaking to me earlier. a couple of your tweets on the story. this one says, "after coming out of covid, seen teachers laughing on the picket lines and my daughters at home fills me with anger. they are mortgaging our children's future, the time lost will never be regained." this one says "teachers don't want to be on strike, people forget we are not paid if we are on strike. the fact teachers are going on strike during a cost of living crisis should show people just how desperate we are. we are losing quality teachers and can't recruit enough already." two different views. and a number of people tweeting, querying whether actually giving inflation busting, also called inflation busting pay rises, does in itself a fuel inflation. that was what the education secretary was talking about earlier today. do keep in touch with me on this story, or indeed any of the stories we are covering. you can do that on twitter and use the hashtag bbc your questions. it has been two years since the military seized power in

ma. —— myanmar. myanmar�*s top generals staged a coup in february 2021 overthrowing the elected government of nobel laureate aung san suu kyi. the turmoil upended years of democratic progress and economic growth. it's estimated that around 70,000 people have left the country with more than one million people having been displaced. the united nations has accused the military leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity. civil war has affected all aspects of daily life with health care among the worst hit sectors. many medical professionals took part in protests against the military leadership leading to repression. 0ne nurse who went into hiding so she could continue to provide vital services to people in a rural area of central myanmar shared her story with our reporter ko ko aung. a warning that you may find some parts of this report disturbing. a medical emergency in a rebel camp. deep in thejungle

in central myanmar. translation: he can't move himself. his nerves and the veins in his brain are not working. this young fighter has just had a stroke. the nurse is the only health care person around. she is keeping him alive for the hours it takes to smuggle in critical medicines. she used to practise in a major hospital but like many other health care workers, refused to work for the military after the coup. translation: they filed a case at the police - station and i needed to sort it out. they didn't give me any details. theyjust told me to a report by 4pm at the latest to the hospital or i would be in trouble. instead, she discarded her phone and fled. leaving her home, her

job and herfamily. now, she is fighting back in her own way, treating people in rebel—held areas. translation: health - workers have arrived here. please come here to see them. these medicines are donated by the public. for the villagers here, she is the only lifeline. she now works as a nurse for a rebel crew supported by the government, fighting to restore democracy since the military coup. she is a bigger target now than she has ever been. the army can attack any time so the nurse has to hide her medicines. not a perfect storage

but at least it is safe here. translation: we have to clean these. because of the military blockade, they have to smuggle in life—saving materials like they're contraband. look at this. these have been damaged by rats and termites. back in the camp, the young fighter is recovering from the stroke. any headaches? yes, sometimes i feel dizzy all of a sudden. she says, every patient she can save is a small victory over the military. translation: you need to keep yourself warm. l it's another day, another trip and another fight. ko ko aung, bbc news.

0ur correspondentjonathan head is on the border between thailand and myanmar. he explains the situation in myanmar and how things have changed inside myanmarjust over that river which marks the border here with thailand, people in cities are showing their defiance of the military two years after the coup by mounting the silent strike, largely because it is the only thing they can do. remember, when they mounted peaceful demonstrations in the weeks that followed the coup, they were crushed with the army opening fire on them and hundreds of people being killed. that is the only kind of opposition they can show in the cities but it is certainly being observed from what we are hearing, the city centres are very quiet today, people staying off the streets, away from cafes and shops. in other parts of myanmar the situation is far more serious. in the countryside, in areas like that over there, that is karen state which is one of the many areas where there are ethnic insurgents and where the ethnic armies have been very supportive of the opposition. there has been a regularfighting, there was bombing just over the in there was bombing just over there in the mountains behind mejust four

weeks ago and the myanmar military is increasingly using air power, helicopter gunships and jet bombers to attack areas where resistance has been particularly strong. some of the statistics we are seeing, two years after the coup, are very worrying indeed. we've got ia,000 homes that have been burned. these are homes in villages where people have so few resources they can't really rebuild. and in some of those villages they have been attacked three or four times by the military and had to flee into the bush for safety. we've got 8 million children no longer going to school because the education sector has been so badly disrupted. the health sector is in dire straits. much of it to shut down. the only health care available are those incredibly brave volunteers who have gone to join the resistance and try to give whatever health care they can. all of that is alarming international humanitarian agencies who have got very little capacity in the situation in military—run myanmar right now to go and deliver the aid that is needed. yet, for all of that, we are not seen any signs that the generals who

seized power are willing to discuss softening their grip on power or negotiate with the opposition. something they promised their neighbours they would do just after the coup. that is not happening. instead, they are talking about organising an election, one which almost everyone views as illegitimate and impractical because with so much of the country in a state of civil war and so many myanmar people determined to resist the military, it is unlikely the election would get very much popular participation. jonathan head reporting. us vice president kamala harris, civil rights campaigner reverend al sharpton, and members of george floyd's family will be among those attending tyre nichols' funeral in memphis today. the 29—year—old died after being beaten by several memphis police officers during a traffic stop on january 7th. five policemen have been sacked and charged with murder, and two others have been suspended. 0ur north america editor sarah smith reports. large crowds are expected to brave freezing temperatures in memphis

to attend the funeral of 29—year—old tyre nichols. a eulogy will be delivered by the veteran civil rights campaigner, the reverend al sharpton. what happened to tyre is a disgrace to this country. there's no other way to describe what has happened in this situation. the service will also feature demands for significant police reform to try to avoid a similar tragedies happening in future. the first black us vice president, kamala harris, will be attending, a sign ofjust how big an impact this incident has had across america. the killing of tyre nichols has shocked the nation. but people in memphis say it is not surprising. they have frequently witnessed violent attacks, often against black people, in their city. the five police officers seen brutally attacking tyre nichols in the videos released by the memphis police department, are also black.

campaigners say that shows how deeply racism is embedded in police culture, when even black policemen are more likely to assault black victims, and think they can get away with it. those officers have already been sacked and charged with second—degree murder. his parents say justice his parents sayjustice will not be done to everyone involved has faced justice and been through a criminal trial. let's go live to cbs correspondent bradley blackburn in new york. what can you tell us about the funeral service for tyre nichols related today? we the funeral service for tyre nichols related today?— the funeral service for tyre nichols related today? we expect thousands of --eole at related today? we expect thousands of people at the _ related today? we expect thousands of people at the church _ related today? we expect thousands of people at the church in _ related today? we expect thousands of people at the church in memphis. | of people at the church in memphis. the pastoral said this would be a celebration of tyre nichols' life. he was a father, photographer and avid skateboarder but there will be avid skateboarder but there will be a focus on the fight forjustice following his death. just last night

his family was at another historic memphis church where martin luther kingjr memphis church where martin luther king jr delivered memphis church where martin luther kingjr delivered his memphis church where martin luther king jr delivered his final address. and there they delivered dummett repeated their call for police reform and changes to the laws, today we know that some high profile people will echo those calls.- people will echo those calls. kamala harris, the civil— people will echo those calls. kamala harris, the civil rights _ people will echo those calls. kamala harris, the civil rights campaigner i harris, the civil rights campaigner al sharpton and members of george floyd's family will be among those attending, because this death, another death at the hands of police, has become a lightning rod for so many questions aboutjustice. so what is next in the legal process, bradley? it so what is next in the legal process, bradley?- process, bradley? it is still unfolding- _ process, bradley? it is still unfolding. the _ process, bradley? it is still| unfolding. the investigation process, bradley? it is still- unfolding. the investigation into what happened in this incident is ongoing as well but the police department in memphis says it will release even more audio and video of the tyre nichols rest once it has completed its investigation. that should be some time in the coming weeks. the department has also

requested that the five ex officers charged with second—degree murder be de—certified and two more officers in the department believed to be pending an investigation, and also three fire department employees were fired for not following protocol. bradley blackburn in new york for us, thank you very much. in the uk, a four year old girl has died after being attacked by a dog in milton keynes. emergency services were called to the back garden of a house yesterday afternoon in the netherfield area of the city. thames valley police described it a "tragic incident". howard johnson reports. a police officer stands guard outside the home where the dog attack happened. thames valley police have described it as a tragic incident. floral tributes are being laid here in memory of the four—year—old girl who was tragically attacked by the dog at this property. at the moment, we can see police in forensic suits walking around. there is a tent in the back garden where they are currently doing

some forensics work. the thames valley police, though, have urged the public to show their respect to the family, by allowing them the privacy to grieve during this difficult time. officers were called to the property in netherfield, a suburb of milton keynes, by the ambulance service just after 5pm on tuesday. it was reported the incident took place in the back garden. shortly afterwards, it was confirmed a child had died at the property. no arrests have been made, and police say the dog has been humanely destroyed. the child's family are being supported by specialist officers. superintendent matt bullivant of thames valley police said...

a large police presence is expected in the area as investigations continue. howard johnson, bbc news. the white house has expressed frustration at record profits posted by the us oil giant exxon mobil. they reached more than $55 billion last year — largely attributed to the war in ukraine. a government statement said the figures were particularly galling when americans were paying high fuel prices. 0ur north america correspondent david willis reports. this has antagonised the white house beyond belief, as you can probably imagine. they have called these record profits recorded by exxon mobil outrageous. this is $56 billion in the last year alone, in terms of net profit, and that is not only a company record, in the sense that exxon mobil has never seen profits quite as large as that, it's also a record for any of the big oil companies in the western oil industry.

the biden administration is saying that a lot of this comes down to the decision by company executives to instead of investing in more areas to drill for oil and thereby increasing the supply of it, they have chosen, as they put it, as the white house puts it, to pad the salaries of shareholders and executives basically at the expense of ordinary motorists here in the united states. david willis. the hollywood star alec baldwin has been formally charged with involuntary manslaughter, over the fatal shooting of cinematographer halyna hutchins. she was killed on a film set when mr baldwin fired a prop gun in 2021. hannah gutierrez reed, the film's armourer, has also been charged. 0ur west coast correspondent sophie long sent this update from los angeles.

it went through and through on her, through the chest, and then you got one in the arm over there. the frantic efforts to save the cinematographer, in the moments after, a rehearsal became a real life horror story. halyna hutchins left behind a husband and young son and an industry asking why live ammunition was ever on a film set. alec baldwin was the actor on set that pulled the trigger. alec baldwin was holding the gun, but he denies pulling the trigger. he says it was a freak discharge from a weapon he had been told was safe. i pulled it out slow, turned, cocked the pistol, bang. it goes off and she hits the ground. but now he's been formally charged with involuntary manslaughter, which alleges a criminal degree of negligence. i'm the armourer. yes, i was. hannah gutierrez—reed, who was in charge of weapons on set, faces the same charges. prosecutors claim alec baldwin didn't have sufficient firearms training, that he failed to deal with safety complaints on set,

that he put his finger on the trigger of a real gun when a replica should have been used and pointed it at halyna hutchins. they state this reckless deviation from known standards and protocol directly caused the fatal shooting. joel souza, who was also wounded in the incident, will return as director. and halyna's husband, matthew hutchins, will be an executive producer to oversee the legacy of her work. sophie long, bbc news, los angeles. hundreds of thousands have gathered in the democratic congo. they are expected to attend an open air mass by pope francis today. it's the first full day of a six day visit to africa which will also see him visit south sudan. tens of thousands of people flocked to the airport in the capital

kinshasa on tuesday night for a vigil ahead of the mass. we got this update a little earlier. it is a huge crowd that has turned out here for this papal mass at kinch as airport to see the pope. you can see the schoolgirls in a row here, they have been dancing for may be the last couple of hours to welcome the pope and throughout this mass. let me give you a sense of the sheer numbers. if you take a look back there, it is estimated that about 1.5 million people have come out here, in what is the sixth most populous catholic nation in the world. the sixth highest number of catholics in anywhere in the world. the pope has said that democratic republic of the congo and africa has a very special place in his heart and even though he has mobility problem that led to him cancelling this visit a year ago, it was clear it was on his priority list to come back. he has already given one speech since he's been here, when he

condemned the outside world for the plunder of this nation over centuries. he has also condemned the violence that continues here that has led to nearly 7 million people being killed in conflict over resources overjust being killed in conflict over resources over just the being killed in conflict over resources overjust the last being killed in conflict over resources over just the last 30 years. nearly a0 million people in the united states are under a winter weather alert, from tennessee to texas. the winter thunderstorm in texas is producing sleet, snow, and lightening. more than 100,000 homes in texas have lost power, and nearly 1500 flights have been cancelled in the region. new york's republican congressman, george santos, says he won't serve on congressional commitees for the time being. he's come under increased pressure after admitting to fabricating parts of his resume, and is facing multiple investigations into his background and his campaign finances. the organisers of the oscars have decided not to revoke a best actress nomination for andrea riseborough. concerns had been raised

about campaigning to promote her performance in to leslie — a film which drew small audiences, but was championed by stars like gwyneth paltrow and jennifer aniston. the 0scars academy has concluded that the issues did "not rise to the level that the film's nomination should be rescinded". the way electricity prices are set has pushed uk household bills up by £7.2 billion over two years, according to analysis from the not for profit climate think tank carbon tracker initiative. gas—fired power stations are the most expensive way to generate electricity, but only make about 40% of all electricity used by uk homes. that means consumers are paying over the odds for power that is generated any other way. 0ur economics correspondent andy verity has more. if you look at the price we pay for electricity, it depends on what our suppliers charge us. so those are the energy retailers, but they don't have a free hand.

the prices that the energy retailers pay for their wholesale electricity depends what the price is on the market. but the way the market is structured, it is the most expensive form of electricity generation which sets the price for the entire market, for all the wholesale electricity generation done, whether gas—fired or whether it comes from wind farms or nuclear. that means that if nuclear and wind farms are much cheaper than gas, well, we end up paying well over the cost of production for that generation. in some cases, three times as much. whereas gas—fired generation, because the gas price has been spiking in the last couple of years, has been far more expensive. according to carbon tracker, they have done an analysis which shows we paid £7.2 billion. according to them, that is money we have over paid for our electricityjust because of the way the market is structured. the government would say they are consulting on this,

they know the market structure needs updated but nevertheless it is a painful thought for consumers that not only are we paying huge amounts for our electricity because the gas price is high but we're also paying more, way more than the average cost of generating that electricity. so is there a way to reform the market? presumably there are lots of vested interests who don't want to see that happen. is there any serious discussion going on on market reform? there is and this is part of a submission to a government consultation on this. there is an interesting question here: would it be better if instead the cost of electricity to us more closely reflected the average cost of generating it? that would mean you split the market. so you pay, say, the cost per 40% of your electricity for the gas—fired power and then for whatever is fired by wind farms, you pay the average price. but if you did it like that, the disadvantage would be that wind farms, for example, would become less profitable and less of an appealing investment.

when we have a target of net zero, carbon tracker is saying, even though we are overpaying, that could help the target for net zero. but at least now households are a little better informed about what exactly they are paying. when you look at the wholesale price of gas, it used to be gas—fired generation, it used to be £50 per megawatt hour. for years and years. then 2021, demand surges when lockdown ended and rockets up to about £500 per megawatt hour. then it kind of wobbles around and then get worse as the war in ukraine comes along. now it's back down to about £147 per megawatt hour. so that's obviously a much bigger price than we have been used to paying, but nevertheless, it's come down, but nevertheless, we are still overpaying, according to carbon tracker we are overpaying by £7.2 billion and that works out at more than £250 per household.

0ur economics correspondent andy verity. a potential "key witness" has come forward in the search for a british woman who went missing while walking her dog last friday. lancashire police say 45—year—old nicola bulley, who has two children, was last seen walking along a riverside path in the village of st michael's on wyre. juliet phillips reports. police, rescue teams and volunteers have continued their search for missing mum of two, nicola bulley. she was last seen on friday morning, walking her dog next to the river wyre. the spaniel was later found off the lead, nicola's phone still connected to a work call on a bench nearby. amongst those joining the search was nicola's close friend, emma. nicci's got two beautiful children at home who want to know where their mummy is. and as anybody would, we've had so many, many offers of support and help, which is amazing. and we thank you, and i know the family thank you very much. and i think it is that community and that offer of support,

that offer of help, that is helping everyone be so strong. but then equally, you go home and think what reality could be and then the emotions kick in. lancashire police say that a witness who was walking a white dog in the area around the time nicola went missing, is currently being spoken to. people from the local area and further afield have been searching with a base set up at the tennis club to coordinate volunteers. just t in: to club to coordinate volunteers. just trying to do _ club to coordinate volunteers. jut trying to do anything i can to help, really. it isjust trying to do anything i can to help, really. it is just shocking news that someone in the village has gone missing. someone who i used to see very regularly when my son came to this school. i very regularly when my son came to this school-— this school. i think it has really tl’la ed this school. i think it has really gripped everybody. _ this school. i think it has really gripped everybody, everybody| this school. i think it has really i gripped everybody, everybody wants to help _ gripped everybody, everybody wants to help. putting normal life to one side and _ to help. putting normal life to one side and just trying to bring her home — side and “ust trying to bring her home. ., . ., _, ., home. police are continuing to a- eal home. police are continuing to appeal for— home. police are continuing to appeal for dash _ home. police are continuing to appeal for dash cam _ home. police are continuing to appeal for dash cam footage . home. police are continuing to i appeal for dash cam footage from anyone driving here friday morning. anyone with information is being urged to come forward. juliet phillips, bbc news, st michael's on wyre.

a tiny, potentially deadly, radioactive capsule that was lost in the australian outback more than two weeks ago has been found. this is what the capsule looks like next to an australian ten cent coin. as you can see — it's tiny — just six millimetres in diameter. a massive search operation which was launched after it fell off a truck somewhere along a 1,400 kilometre stretch of highway towards perth. the capsule was found two metres from the side of the road, after specialist equipment detected radiation being emitted from it. james carmody is a reporter in perth and has been covering the search and has more now on how the device was found. the authorities in australia are incredibly pleased to have found this radioactive capsule today. the emergency services minister said that it was quite literally like finding a needle in a haystack. here in the newsroom we've 3d printed a replica of it just to see how tiny

that object was. so that's the replica we printed. so they were searching for that somewhere between perth and the pilbara, which is 1,400 kilometre stretch that they were checking. the public first learned about this on friday in an extra ordinary press conference which felt almost like something from a superhero movie, where the public were warned to look out for this tiny capsule and not to pick it up because of the risk of radiation poisoning and the dangers that would come with that. and people were told if they had driven along that massive stretch of highway to check their tire tread because it may have been somewhere in there. and then of course they launched a massive search with people walking up—and—down the highway. they even had a militaryjet looking. and it was found earlier today, when a car driving along the highway with some radiation detection equipment pinged some radiation coming from it, so they set up an exclusion zone around it and it will be placed back safely into a lead container and will be transported to perth

to be checked tomorrow. james carmody there. 23 people have been arrested in spain on suspicion of fixing football matches. they're accused of making more than half a million dollars by betting on games in spain, andorra and gibraltar. 0ur reporter sofia bettiza has been following the story. it's known as 0peration conifera and there is an investigation that has been carried out over a few years, in 2021 and 2022, in cooperation with europol and interpol, which are international police forces. it's interesting because they were able to uncover how this criminal organisation operated a top—down business model. so at the top, you had two leaders, who had close connections with football players. then below them were people who were coordinating match fixing schemes. then of course you had the athletes that were sharing lots of confidential information

and they also relied on mules, who would place sports bets and collect the prize money. you know, match fixing has become a real problem in sport, football specifically. this criminal organisation made about 500,000 eurosjust by placing small bets. so spanish police say that they are taking it extremely seriously. ozzy osbourne has announced his retirement from touring — saying he's too weak to perform. the rock singer has cancelled all the shows on his farewell tour of the uk and europe. joining me now is our music correspondent, mark savage. hello. 0zzy hello. ozzy osbourne tweeting in the last few hours saying this is probably one of the hardest things he has ever had to share with his loyal fans. tell he has ever had to share with his loyalfans. tell us more about he has ever had to share with his loyal fans. tell us more about his reasons. ., y . , loyal fans. tell us more about his reasons. ., , ., , , reasons. for years, ozzy osbourne seems like — reasons. for years, ozzy osbourne seems like he — reasons. for years, ozzy osbourne seems like he was _ reasons. for years, ozzy osbourne seems like he was indestructible, l seems like he was indestructible, but for the last couple of years, he

has really suffered with ill—health. he had a parkinson's diagnosis in 2020 in the year before that, he suffered a fall in his bathroom where he aggravated a spinal injury that he had received in 2003 when he had a quad biking accident. since then, he has had multiple surgeries. he has been using a kind of innovative japanese exoskeleton to build up the strength in his back and neck but unfortunately, he says he is still too physically weak to tour from city to city and complete these dates that people have been waiting for since before the pandemic. waiting for since before the pandemic-— waiting for since before the andemic. , ., , ., , pandemic. the desire to perform is still there though, _ pandemic. the desire to perform is still there though, isn't _ pandemic. the desire to perform is still there though, isn't it? - pandemic. the desire to perform is still there though, isn't it? he i still there though, isn't it? he said he would never have imagined his touring days would end this way but goes on to say, my team is currently coming up with ideas for where i will be able to perform without having travelled from city to city, country to country. so he does want to get out there and perform? j does want to get out there and erform? ~' ,., does want to get out there and erform? ,, ,., ., perform? i think so. he said in an interview last _ perform? i think so. he said in an interview last year _ perform? i think so. he said in an interview last year that _ perform? i think so. he said in an interview last year that just i perform? i think so. he said in an interview last year that just two i interview last year that just two years ago when the spinal injuries were particularly serious and he was

having trouble moving at all, he thought he would never perform again. but actually, last summer he came out at the closing ceremony of the commonwealth games and performed two classic black sabbath songs. then he performed standing on a back brace which gave him support on stage. i think he hopes if he did a residency in las vegas or in the 02 in london, he could come out night after night without exacerbating those injuries too much. {lilla after night without exacerbating those injuries too much. those in'uries too much. ok, mark, thank those injuries too much. ok, mark, thank you- — those injuries too much. ok, mark, thank you- our _ those injuries too much. ok, mark, thank you. our music— those injuries too much. ok, mark, i thank you. our music correspondent. the consumer group which? has measured the quantity of caffeine that espressos, cappuccinos and filter coffees contain in high street coffee chains across britain. and the results are in: costa topped the list for the strongest medium cappuccino. meanwhile, pret had the strongest single espresso and filter coffee. starbucks contained the least caffeine for these three drinks. earlier, i spoke with dr anna sulan masing, who told me more about her coffee routine. i think less about the brand

and more about the kind of routine and where i go and the staff and all that kind of stuff, and then the type of coffee i like a drink, i think, is very much a part of what coffee drinking is about. you know, the routine of how you like your milk, or how much milk you like, or no milk, that side of things. so what is your favourite type? the first coffee is always a black coffee and then i have a flat white. 0k, and can you tell whether, and this story today is about the amount of caffeine in respective types of coffee, can you tell the difference, do you think, if you've gone to one particular store and their coffees are stronger than somewhere else, for example? i think you can but i think most of us probably don't know the specifics, or don't really notice the specifics. unless you're drinking a lot of coffee, or you're particularly sensitive to caffeine, i don't know if we're as in tune, the everyday person,

is as in tune to those levels. although if you really want to have caffeine, you should be drinking the filter because that's the highest way of processing coffee to get the most caffeine out of it. but i don't think that getting caffeine is the primary example, primary reason, rather, for people to have coffee. exactly, i was just about to say, it sounds as though you're talking much more about the overall experience. absolutely. i think it's part of people's ritual and routine, and it makes people feel, you know, like their little moment of luxury and they're feeling a little bit fancy when someone takes the time to steam the milk, or to filter the coffee, all that kind of thing, and i think that feels special — and it should. ok, so you've had your black coffee? mm—hm. and have you had your second one? i have, yes! you've already had your second one. and will you have any more today, or is that it? that's probably it, i wouldn't have any coffee after midday, so, you know, caffeine does affect me, and maybe i'd

have a third if i'm particularly — i've been up very early this morning, so i might have a third in about an hour but it might be a little bit weaker. dr anna sulan masing there, waxing lyrical about cups of coffee. a 99—year—old great—grandmother, who survived the holocaust and has been sharing videos on tiktok to educate others, has been presented with an mbe by king charles. hungarian—born lily ebert was sent to auschwitz—birkenau when she was just 20—years—old. she went on to become a founding member of the uk's holocaust survivor centre. jon donnison reports. lily, mrs ebert, for services to holocaust education. turning 100 later this year, lily ebert will soon be receiving a special letter from the king. this week, though, at windsor castle, he gave her an mbe. lily was just a young woman when she was taken by the nazis from her home in hungary to the auschwitz concentration camp. this photo shows her aged 21,

just after she was liberated. many of herfamily, though, did not survive. last week, she spoke to breakfast on holocaust memorial day. do you want to tell me about your younger sister? she was the most beautiful little girl. now living in north london, lily has made it her life's work to teach people the lessons that should be learnt from the holocaust. they gave us black water to drink. along with the help of dov, one of her 36 great grandchildren, she's recently become something of a tiktok sensation, telling her story and answering questions for her more than two million followers. dov was able to accompany his great grandmother to pick up her mbe. the number of survivors is dwindling, and it's increasingly becoming my generation's role to share these stories and to become witnesses. when you listen to a witness, you become a witness. he says lily told the king she never expected to survive the holocaust, let alone receive an

honour from the king. jon donnison, bbc news. the official keys of the eurovision song contest have been handed from the previous host city turin to liverpool in a grand ceremony which celebrated ukraine. the mayor of turin stefano lo russo and the mayor of liverpooljoanne anderson sealed the handover, known as the insignia, with a handshake during the event held at st george's hall in liverpool last night. 0ur media and arts correspondent david sillito was there. live from liverpool, it's the handover ceremony and official allocation draw of the 67th eurovision song contest. it may have been a chilly january evening, but liverpool was glowing. this is the official beginning of its eurovision moment. with a ceremonial handshake from last year's host city turin. i'm really proud to be able to host

eurovision for liverpool, but especially proud as it is, too, on behalf of ukraine. and one thing can be guaranteed. it is going to be lively. you'll never... all: never, never, never... you'll never walk alone. there are around 10,000 hotel rooms in liverpool, but if you want one on the eurovision weekend, well, good luck. of course, you could rent a flat. but some of the prices — you really have to love eurovision. how many will actually fork out this sort of money is farfrom certain but, what is clear, is it is notjust fans with tickets who will be descending on the city. i think people willjust want to be here, they will just want to be in the city that is hosting eurovision whether they get a ticket or not. so that's kind of what we are playing with at the moment.

playing with how many people we think will come and creating a programme of brilliant stuff so that when they come will enjoy it whether they they actually get into one of the shows or not. meanwhile, the flag flying above the eurovision banner is a reminder that while eurovision is being held in the uk, it is being held for... ukraine! this is a partnership. there will be ukrainian artists who will, by themselves, bring the culture, the music, the spirit. and i hope they will convey it to the whole world on stage in liverpool. and so for liverpool, the eurovision countdown begins. we will be out here. giving it loads for eurovision. however, not everyone has caught the fever just yet. the eurovision song contest is coming here. yeah. is it? i didn't know, sorry.

so this is news to you? this is news. breaking news. well, prepare yourself. you are going to have a party here. it's probably because i have had too much botox! david sillito, bbc news, liverpool. word on strikes in the uk today, the british museum in london has announced it is closed. this is a strike by the pcs union. the general secretary of that union told the striking workers that they are faring the worst of all the public sector workers. moving on to other stories down. —— stories now. women have been allowed to take part in a traditional scottish procession for the first time in its 142—year history. the up helly aa festival

in shetland marks the end of the christmas season, with around a thousand people in viking dress coming together to celebrate the island's norse heritage. the plane maker boeing has delivered its last ever 747jumbojet — more than half a century after the first one made a passengerflight. number 1,574 and seventy will be put in service by atlas air. the originaljumbos entered service in 1970 — increasing passenger capacity on commercial flights. but demand tailed off as the industry developed more fuel efficient aircraft. boeing estimates that the fleet of 747s has flown more than 12 billion miles since coming into service — that's the equivalent of more than 137,000 trips to the moon and back. thank you forjoining us today here at bbc news. stay with us. you can get in touch with me about any of the stories we have been covering today, you can do that on twitter.

right now, from me, have a good day. hello. mild if rather cloudy weather to see out the rest of the week into the start of the weekend. it does mean with cloud at various levels in the sky, some nice sunrise and sunset views to be had. here is the big picture today. we have low pressure just moving outward scandinavia. this is what brought the strong wind is across northern scotland overnight and into this morning to stop those wins gradually easing. a weather front in scotland, northern ireland and northern england giving more cloudy skies and a chance of seeing some rain. elsewhere, mainly dry. this zone is where you will see some further rain at times today the northern ireland tending to turn a bit drier and brighter later. a few showers in northern scotland, eastern scotland seeing some sunshine. elsewhere in

england and wales, more cloud around, more this afternoon and this morning. blustery in the northern half of the uk but the strongest winds in northern scotland easing. continuing with outbreaks of rain for a time tonight in northern ireland, northern england but more especially across scotland, as it lifts northwards they will be some heavy bursts across the north. parts of north—east scotland for a time may end up close to freezing but for many places, a mild night and mild start to thursday, with a lot of cloud around. patchy light rain and drizzle from the thickest cloud, persistent and at times heavy rain to come and still quite breezy as well. though widely not as windy as it has been the last couple of days. away from the northern isles, temperatures into double figures. it will turn quite windy again overnight and into friday morning across northern scotland. we still have a weather front through parts of scotland and northern england, giving cloudy skies and the chance of seeing some rain at times. most of seeing some rain at times. most of it looks to be light. elsewhere,

a good deal of cloud around on friday, tending to brighten up towards the west, especially northern ireland in the afternoon, and another mild day. into the start of the weekend, pretty quiet start on saturday morning with high pressure. this weather front will take some rain through scotland and northern ireland, weakening as it moves through england and wales into saturday night. then high—pressure right across as far part two of the weekend. it does mean for saturday, weekend. it does mean for saturday, we will continue with a mild, cloudy theme. scotland and northern ireland seeing some rain moving on through but for most places, on sunday, it will be sunny and feel a touch cooler.

this is bbc news. the headlines at 11. hundreds of thousands of workers, including school teachers, are going on strike for what will be the biggest day of industrial action in more than a decade. the government says most schools in england and wales will be open but the national education union says 85% of schools will be affected, and calls for ministers to engage in talks. rather than messing about and doing nothing, which is what we have done since lastjuly, the government to get around the table now seriously and start to negotiate. taste get around the table now seriously and start to negotiate.— and start to negotiate. we are havin: is and start to negotiate. we are having is wide-ranging - and start to negotiate. we are i having is wide-ranging discussions having is wide—ranging discussions but what _ having is wide—ranging discussions but what is — having is wide—ranging discussions but what is not realistic is for us to be _ but what is not realistic is for us to be looking at inflation or inflation _ to be looking at inflation or inflation busting pay rises. in other news , a four—year—old girl has died in a dog attack in milton keynes. influencer andrew tate files

an appeal against his continued detention in romania. there is a pending criminal investigation against him for alleged human trafficking and rape. how much caffeine is there in your morning cappucino? a study finds a wide variation in the strength of coffee in uk high street chains. welcome to the bbc news channel. hundreds of thousands of workers are going on strike in what's expected to be the biggest day of industrial action in more than a decade. around 20,000 schools are being affected as teachers in england and wales walk out for the first time since 2016. teachers in some parts of scotland are also taking action in a separate dispute. workers from a number

of other sectors are taking industrial action too. train drivers, represented by aslef and the rmt unions, are on strike in a dispute about pay, job security and working conditions. rail industry bosses say change is needed to afford pay increases and modernise the railway. around 100,000 civil servants in 124 government departments, along with several other bodies, including border force, are also on strike. staff at 150 universities across the uk are striking over pay, conditions and pension changes. university employers say any increase in pay "puts jobs at risk". and bus drivers employed by abellio in london are also taking industrial action. the unite union is calling for a pay rise to reflect the increasing cost of living. the disputes are largely about pay, but the government say they don't want to fuel inflation with big wage rises. in ourfirst report, lets take a more detailed look at the teachers strike in england and wales with our education reporter vanessa clarke.

it's been a familiar sight in scotland for months. but for the first time in seven years, teachers in england, and teachers and support staff in wales, are joining the action. they want a pay rise that is above inflation and is funded by the government, not school budgets. every day in schools we're seeing special needs support assistants leave the job to go and work in supermarkets. we're seeing classes taught, chemistry classes, not taught by people with qualifications in chemistry. we're seeing turnover of teachers. so we're trying to reduce that. that disruption is happening every day. you should have all written down... for the dedicated teachers here at hillcrest academy in leeds, making a decision on whether tojoin the strikes has been a very difficult one, especially for those at the beginning of their careers. so it's been a controversial one, me deciding whether i should or shouldn't strike. i think about mainly about the impact it's going to have on our pupils, our parents, our community that we're in at the moment. but then also, comparing that to the wider perspective of teachers, nationally, who have

been teaching in the profession for a longer amount of time and the impact on pay that they have had over the last decade or so. sarah will be juggling homework alongside her own work today. one of her children has been told to stay at home. although she understands why teachers are striking, she says more disruption is the last thing they need. ifeel like it should have not got to this stage. our children have been out — this generation of children have been out so much in the last two years, with the pandemic, having to be home schooled. and it's going to make it so much harderfor the teachers to get them all up to the level they need to be at if we keep having strikes. the government says the union's pay demands are unrealistic, and today's strike action is disappointing. inflation is the problem here and that's why we need to have inflation and it makes no sense for us as a government to bake inflation for much longer because we give inflation busting pay rises to some

parts of the workforce. it makes no sense to do that. we have to get inflation down. some schools are closed today. others are open, or have opened to exam classes and vulnerable children only. university staff are also continuing their strike action, and there are more teacher strikes planned. so unless an agreement is reached soon, there could be more empty classrooms in the coming months. vanessa clarke, bbc news, leeds. our correspondent tomos morgan is outside a secondary school in cardiff. what is the impact there? yes, similar to _ what is the impact there? yes, similar to what _ what is the impact there? yes, similar to what is _ what is the impact there? yes, similar to what is happening i what is the impact there? ya: similar to what is happening in the rest of the uk. we have calculated that almost one third of schools in wales are having to shut today due to the strikes here in wales, but the disruptions in most schools in wales in some capacity. this school behind me in the north of cardiff, there are no pupils today, but some staff who are not striking have to

come in. there are other schools across the country in wales were a few classes have been disrupted so those peoples are not coming in and other schools as well which are completely closed. there is a real postcode lottery as well so for example, in the east of wales and the local authority there all schools are shut by one but if you go to west wales, they are all open there with only eight schools affected. there is a real difference across the country and education, as we know, is devolved in wales and it does come under the welsh government, the funding and curriculum here. the education minister has tabled a similar offer as did the health minister here to teaching staff and they often a one—off pay deal but that was flatly rejected by the union and they wanted to consolidate a pay rise. the other issue here is having spoken to the teachers, is this new curriculum that is being rolled out in wales. many of the teachers i

spoke to said they had an issue with this new curriculum and without going into two minute detail, one of theissues going into two minute detail, one of the issues these teachers say is the fact that too much onus is being put on the staff they say to build this new curriculum and it is up to a degree of gcse level where they can really teach whatever they want but when they get to gcse level there is more restrictions so that has not gone down too well with all teachers. having said that, some of the teachers were in favour and had no qualms at all. recruitment is the other issue is whether teachers in wales. when it comes to recruiting high school teachers and primary, a number of targets have been missed in terms of recruiting new teachers and that has meant there is a lack of people coming into the profession and there is also a huge number of people leaving the profession as well. and if, as there was government say, they cannot get any more money from westminster to fund any pay rises or help any pay disputes, it seems very likely that was mentioned in the previous piece

there there will be more strikes and there there will be more strikes and there will be three days of strikes in wales in about two weeks' time. the other thing we have heard head teachers say in other parts of the country is that if you come if they are not funded from government, any pay rises have to come out of the existing pot and that puts a strain elsewhere. ., �* , , existing pot and that puts a strain elsewhere. . �* , , ., elsewhere. that's exactly it and the number of schools _ elsewhere. that's exactly it and the number of schools across _ elsewhere. that's exactly it and the number of schools across the i elsewhere. that's exactly it and the i number of schools across the country here are also suffering with building problems, they can't find the funding from local authority to complete may be roofing works, for example. and if they are now being told that you can have some money towards pay rises but not all of it and they're having to pull the rest of the pot as they say, that is not really a full pay rise. and as you mentioned, that is another part part of this pay dispute here that they are having to pull money from their own budgets to top up the pay salary rises and when they were given this offer from jeremy myles, the education ministry in wales, of a

one—off pay deal, that was simply never going to work as far as the unions were saying. the other industrial actions taking place todayis industrial actions taking place today is the n h t union, and the head teachers union, and they are taking action, short strike action which means they will be fulfilling the duties were not full duties so a short strike action. in those teachers that are on strike and those gaps will not be. hence some schools in wales will have a situation where a brother might not be in the classroom because that teacher are striking but his sister might be in school because that teacher is at work and is not part of that union. a really different picture across the country and difficult to see how the situation is going to get resolved anytime soon. and i think it's fair say it has been a more mixed reaction from parents to this strike from the public, really. many forthe parents to this strike from the public, really. many for the strike and understand why there are strike but some really not quite as happy

that then having to take days off themselves. when it came to the nurses strike and having been on the picket line for the nurses of the past couple of months i think it was fairly fair to say it was more unanimous for the public but i think this one is a little bit more mixed when you speak to people on the ground. when you speak to people on the round. ., w when you speak to people on the round. ., ., ,, i. , . ground. tomos, thank you very much. tomos morgan — ground. tomos, thank you very much. tomos morgan in _ ground. tomos, thank you very much. tomos morgan in cardiff. _ joining me now is our political correspondent, jonathan blake. we have been talking about schools, jonathan, and how the various governments around the country resolve this issue. that as one of that, isn't it? we have seen strikes in many sectors. that, isn't it? we have seen strikes in many sectors-— in many sectors. yes, across huge arts of in many sectors. yes, across huge parts of the _ in many sectors. yes, across huge parts of the economy _ in many sectors. yes, across huge parts of the economy and - in many sectors. yes, across huge parts of the economy and across i in many sectors. yes, across huge i parts of the economy and across the public sector there are strikes happening, as we have seen today and are set to continue happening in the coming weeks and months. unions representing workers on the railways, in schools, in hospitals, in the civil service and elsewhere and they continue their calls for above inflation pay increases, which

they say are needed by their members in order to cope with the rising cost of living and subsequent below inflation pay increases in previous years, which have seen their earnings fall, they argue, in real terms. but in the face of all that action, that escalating industrial action, that escalating industrial action we are seeing, the government public position remains firm. they say it would be wrong to concede to the union's demands and other public sector workers above inflation pay increases because that would make the problem of inflation worse, the government argues. we heard from the prime minister earlier in the week on this to say he would love to wave a magic wand and give everyone they are asking for but that would simply make the problem worse in the long term and the situation would be continuing to worsen with the economy. 0thers argue and say it wouldn't necessarily make inflation worse if you would paid people in the public sector more, but the government believes that and it is sticking to the position. there is

some suggestion that there could be movement or a possible outcome in some of the negotiations are ongoing between unions and the government, but they are still very far apart in most cases. we but they are still very far apart in most cases-— but they are still very far apart in most cases. ~ ~' , ., ., most cases. we keep hearing from the unions and also _ most cases. we keep hearing from the unions and also from _ most cases. we keep hearing from the unions and also from government i unions and also from government officials and ministers that they are all willing to negotiate, but it would appear that what they want to put on the agenda is sometimes so different that those negotiations are a bit meaningless. yes. different that those negotiations are a bit meaningless.— different that those negotiations are a bit meaningless. yes, a lot of talkin: are a bit meaningless. yes, a lot of talking going _ are a bit meaningless. yes, a lot of talking going on — are a bit meaningless. yes, a lot of talking going on but _ are a bit meaningless. yes, a lot of talking going on but not _ are a bit meaningless. yes, a lot of talking going on but not a - are a bit meaningless. yes, a lot of talking going on but not a lot i are a bit meaningless. yes, a lot of talking going on but not a lot of- talking going on but not a lot of agreement at all. we heard from the education secretary this morning, gillian keegan, the dell strikes that are taking place in england and wales and many thousands of schools, saying that there was a meeting on monday between her and the union and had a wide—ranging discussion talking about issues such as workload, recruitment and retention, but she said it wasn't realistic to look at inflation busting pay rises. unless there is any change in the position from the government, it's

really hard to see how the two sides are going to come to some kind of agreement. is it sustainable now to have this scale of industrial action going on continuously? well, not really, so at some point there will have to be compromises, you would think, on both sides, but as far as the government is concerned, in the face of much criticism from opposition parties and discontinued industrial action, opposition parties and discontinued industrialaction, its opposition parties and discontinued industrial action, its holding firm industrial action, its holding firm in its position that it would be wrong and in fact make the problem worse all round to pay public sector workers at the 11th of inflation or more. , ., . . workers at the 11th of inflation or more. , ., ., ., ., ~ i. workers at the 11th of inflation or more. , ., ., ., ., ~ , . more. jonathan, thank you very much. jonathan is more. jonathan, thank you very much. jonathan is at — more. jonathan, thank you very much. jonathan is at westminster _ more. jonathan, thank you very much. jonathan is at westminster and - more. jonathan, thank you very much. jonathan is at westminster and we i jonathan is at westminster and we will be looking at the range of different strike actions being taken today by various different people. this is one of the teachers strikes in a school in liverpool and there is a lot more information about all of the various different industrial

action on the bbc news website, in particular are very helpful summary from the live page if you want to check it out. we'll be getting reaction from all the parties concerned throughout the day here on bbc news. i'm joined now by primary head teacher and member of the national asscoaition of headteachers, graham frost. this thank you very much. we are talking to you in carlisle, what has the impact been in your school? well, we are a school with 15 classes and we have five that are working today. so a third are working today. so a third are working and two thirds have teachers who are today striking. who working and two thirds have teachers who are today striking.— working and two thirds have teachers who are today striking. who have you not in who are today striking. who have you got in school? _ who are today striking. who have you got in school? how _ who are today striking. who have you got in school? how have _ who are today striking. who have you got in school? how have you - who are today striking. who have you j got in school? how have you selected who gets to come in? it is who gets to come in? it is basically. _ who gets to come in? it is basically. a _ who gets to come in? it is basically, a lot _ who gets to come in? it is basically, a lot of- who gets to come in? it is

basically, a lot of schools | who gets to come in? it is i basically, a lot of schools are doing this on the basis of the classes that have a teacher available that day. just simply with the short notice is very difficult to do anything other. bud the short notice is very difficult to do anything other.— the short notice is very difficult to do anything other. and you are a re for to do anything other. and you are a rep for the — to do anything other. and you are a rep for the naht _ to do anything other. and you are a rep for the naht and _ to do anything other. and you are a rep for the naht and one _ to do anything other. and you are a rep for the naht and one of - to do anything other. and you are a rep for the naht and one of the i rep for the naht and one of the other teaching unions, how sympathetic are you to what you are seeing going on around you, whilst also having to steer the ship in the people's absence? you also having to steer the ship in the people's absence?— people's absence? you are right. head teachers _ people's absence? you are right. head teachers are _ people's absence? you are right. head teachers are in _ people's absence? you are right. head teachers are in that - people's absence? you are right. i head teachers are in that situation where we are having to consider how to smoothly run a school that has cut staff out on strike. at the same time as being an association that has recently had its own balance and an association that is currently in dispute with government over the very same thing, things that the ntu are calling for. so, yes, it's a very interesting split position. —— neu. but the conversation with

parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the aims. 0bviously expressing how they have had to make arrangements, but generallyjust getting on with that and saying that they hope that the teachers go somewhere with their campaign. what somewhere with their campaign. what was our somewhere with their campaign. what was your advice _ somewhere with their campaign. what was your advice to _ somewhere with their campaign. what was your advice to parents were affected? ,, ., was your advice to parents were affected? . ., ., was your advice to parents were affected? ,, ., ., ., , ~ affected? so, what i did last week was to advise _ affected? so, what i did last week was to advise them _ affected? so, what i did last week was to advise them to _ affected? so, what i did last week was to advise them to make i was to advise them to make contingency arrangements, to make sure that if their class teacher was not available that they would have an arrangement from looking after the child. yesterday, when the position became clearer, we issued instructions about some home learning activities. of course, we couldn't: the teachers who are striking to organise that, that has been done by myself and my deputy. we have also put in place arrangements for those children that are entitled to statutory free school meals.— are entitled to statutory free school meals. , . ., .,, school meals. graham frost, we appreciate _ school meals. graham frost, we appreciate you _ school meals. graham frost, we appreciate you talking _ school meals. graham frost, we appreciate you talking to - school meals. graham frost, we appreciate you talking to us i school meals. graham frost, we i appreciate you talking to us today.

thank you very much. next we are talking to riley coles, who is a parent of a disabled son whose school is affected by the stikes. riley, thank you forjoining us. what is the impact on you and your family today? i what is the impact on you and your family today?— what is the impact on you and your famil toda ? . ., ,, ., family today? i am here working from home, m family today? i am here working from home. my son — family today? i am here working from home. my son is— family today? i am here working from home, my son is in _ family today? i am here working from home, my son is in the _ family today? i am here working from home, my son is in the next - family today? i am here working from home, my son is in the next room, i home, my son is in the next room, hopefully, doing his home learning because his school is closed today. i had to make arrangements. hogs i had to make arrangements. how difficult was _ i had to make arrangements. how difficult was it _ i had to make arrangements. how difficult was it for _ i had to make arrangements. how difficult was it for you _ i had to make arrangements. how difficult was it for you to do that? 0bviously, difficult was it for you to do that? obviously, there is some disruption and is not the ideal situation, but i am more concerned about the wider disruption that i have seen in the sun is at school. he is 12 years old now and every time he has been in primary and a secondary school i have seen the impact of years of pressure on teachers and funding cuts. what are those impacts? just in the last four years, my son had six different class teachers, teachers leaving part leave through the school year, leaving the

teaching profession and and he went from having a teaching assistant in every classroom to know a teaching assistant at the older your groups, which is particularly impactfulfor my son who is disabled, the school try to recruit people and just with the funding and wages they were able to offer that with the funding given to offer that with the funding given to them they can't recruit people. there is a real crisis in teaching education recruitment and retention. which the government says that the last thing we need for a time of high inflation when we are trying to bring that down is increases in above inflation increase in particular in public sector pay. how is it affordable to bring about the changes that you are thinking are necessary? m" changes that you are thinking are necessary?— necessary? our children deserve teachers who — necessary? our children deserve teachers who are _ necessary? our children deserve teachers who are able _ necessary? our children deserve teachers who are able to - necessary? our children deserve teachers who are able to focus i necessary? our children deserve | teachers who are able to focus on educating our kids, rather than worrying about whether they are going to be able to pay their bills and put food on the table. they

deserve classrooms that are well supplied and well stocked. 0ur supplied and well stocked. our children have been through a lot over the last few years and the government really need to be investing in their education in the future of the country. i investing in their education in the future of the country.— investing in their education in the future of the country. i “ust wonder whether the — future of the country. i “ust wonder whether the occasional- future of the country. ijust wonder whether the occasional day - future of the country. ijust wonder whether the occasional day here i future of the country. i just wonder. whether the occasional day here and there is one thing for you to have to cope with, but how might your sympathy change if this became a very protracted set of industrial action days? i very protracted set of industrial action days?— action days? i hope it will be protracted. _ action days? i hope it will be protracted. l _ action days? i hope it will be protracted, i hope _ action days? i hope it will be protracted, i hope the i action days? i hope it will be i protracted, i hope the government will see sense and give teachers the funding that is needed and give schools the funding that is needed to make sure we can have a really top class education. it's not fair top class education. it's not fair to our children to have all disruption of teachers having to leave the profession, of having vacancies built up and teachers covering classes that they have not got expertise in. it is vital for the future. got expertise in. it is vital for the future-— got expertise in. it is vital for the future. , . , , . ., the future. riley, we appreciate you talkinh the future. riley, we appreciate you talkin: to the future. riley, we appreciate you talking to us —

the future. riley, we appreciate you talking to us and _ the future. riley, we appreciate you talking to us and may _ the future. riley, we appreciate you talking to us and may be _ the future. riley, we appreciate you talking to us and may be a - the future. riley, we appreciate you talking to us and may be a need i the future. riley, we appreciate you talking to us and may be a need to l talking to us and may be a need to p0p talking to us and may be a need to pop next door to make sure the homework is getting done. let's speak now to our correspondent tim muffett who's at euston station in central london. the rail services today are being affected by industrial action. tim. that's right, it's a very quiet euston station this morning. it's really focused around the aslef trade union which represents the train drivers. around 12 and a half thousand members of that union are on strike and it's thought 15 rail operators nationally are affected and the majority of those, on their lines, there are no services. so a large amount of disruption. the row delivery group which represents rail operators says the offer on the table which was 4% increase last year and a 4% increase this year, together with some changes to working practices is a fair offer.

aslef says it isn't. it says it is a productivity grab and that the pay rise is, in effect, a pay cut because of the rising cost of living. who are the losers in all this? of course, it's the passengers who are unable to get any trains. there are some services because london 0verground is running but there are no others. i have been talking to a few of them outside the station earlier. j talking to a few of them outside the station earlier.— station earlier. i live in manchester _ station earlier. i live in manchester so - station earlier. i live in manchester so i i station earlier. i live in| manchester so i stayed station earlier. i live in i manchester so i stayed over station earlier. i live in - manchester so i stayed over last night _ manchester so i stayed over last night i _ manchester so i stayed over last night i could be here today. what's our view night i could be here today. what's your view on _ night i could be here today. what's your view on the _ night i could be here today. what's your view on the strike, _ night i could be here today. what's your view on the strike, justified? l your view on the strike, justified? i don't know. i don't really know too much — i don't know. i don't really know too much about it to understand. i don't too much about it to understand. don't think too much about it to understand. i don't think so because it does affect— don't think so because it does affect working _ don't think so because it does affect working class, - don't think so because it does affect working class, it - don't think so because it does affect working class, it does i don't think so because it does i affect working class, it does not affect _ affect working class, it does not affect the — affect working class, it does not affect the rich, _ affect working class, it does not affect the rich, so _ affect working class, it does not affect the rich, so the _ affect working class, it does not affect the rich, so the rich - affect the rich, so the rich stay rich _ affect the rich, so the rich stay rich and — affect the rich, so the rich stay rich and the _ affect the rich, so the rich stay rich and the poor— affect the rich, so the rich stay rich and the poor stay- affect the rich, so the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor, i rich and the poor stay poor, unfortunately. _ rich and the poor stay poor, unfortunately.— rich and the poor stay poor, unfortunately. rich and the poor stay poor, unfortunatel . �* ., ., ., unfortunately. i've had enough of it, reall . unfortunately. i've had enough of it, really. i— unfortunately. i've had enough of it, really. i miss— unfortunately. i've had enough of it, really. i miss my _ unfortunately. i've had enough of it, really. i miss my little - unfortunately. i've had enough of it, really. i miss my little boy's. it, really. i miss my little boy's bird _ it, really. i miss my little boy's bird the — it, really. i miss my little boy's bird the other week because i can catch— bird the other week because i can catch a _ bird the other week because i can catch a train. i have had enough of it. ,

catch a train. i have had enough of it. so there will be another strike takinh it. so there will be another strike taking place _ it. so there will be another strike taking place on — it. so there will be another strike taking place on friday _ it. so there will be another strike taking place on friday and - it. so there will be another strike taking place on friday and on i taking place on friday and on thursday and tomorrow and saturday there will be a knock—on effect likely as well. since last summer, aslef has called fewer strike days in the rmt union, however, there is a view that the aslef situation has been less progress in the so there is a fear that this could be a protracted dispute and if that happens, as we are just now, the passengers will be those suffering. hardly any services running from the station today and friday look set to be the same. station today and friday look set to be the same-— be the same. tim, thank you very much- tim _ be the same. tim, thank you very much. tim moffat _ be the same. tim, thank you very much. tim moffat at _ be the same. tim, thank you very i much. tim moffat at euston station. louise disappeared in july 2021

louise disappeared injuly 2021 and her body was later found dumped in a rubbish bin. thejudge gave the sentencing a little earlier. rubbish bin. the judge gave the sentencing a little earlier. having identified 30 — sentencing a little earlier. having identified 30 years _ sentencing a little earlier. having identified 30 years as _ sentencing a little earlier. having identified 30 years as the - identified 30 years as the appropriate minimum term, there are several aggravating factors to be considered in this case. firstly, this was an attack by you that was extensively planned and premeditated. there was a significant degree of planning over a lengthy period. the messages that were uncovered in the investigation show the way in which he took advantage of her. i also note that the attacks takes place in the home of louise and her vulnerability. there were extensive efforts after the killing to conceal her body. not only did you engage in efforts to physically conceal the body, you also send many, many messages to her family and closest friends,

purporting to be from louise, giving the impression she was alive and well and had disappeared with money which was yours. a four—year—old girl has died after being attacked by a dog in milton keynes. emergency services were called to the back garden of a house yesterday afternoon in the netherfield area of the city. thames valley police described it a "tragic incident". no arrests have been made. lawyers for the controversial influencer andrew tate are filing an appeal against his continued detention in romania. last month, mr tate and his brother tristan had their custody extended

until the end of february, while specialist police investigate allegations of human trafficking and rape. both men deny the charges. a short while ago...(00v)... the pair arrived for the appeal ruling. if their appeal is successful, they will be released from preventative custody. the way electricity prices are set has pushed uk household bills up by £7.2 billion over two years, according to analysis from the not—for—profit climate think tank carbon tracker initiative. gas—fired power stations are the most expensive way to generate electricity, but only make about 40% of all electricity used by uk homes. that means consumers are paying over the odds for power that is generated any other way. if you look at the price we pay for electricity, it depends on what our suppliers charge us. so those are the energy retailers, but they don't have a free hand. the price is that the energy retailers pay for their wholesale electricity depends on what the price is on the market. but the way the market is structured, it's the most expensive form of electricity generation that sets the price for the entire market. for all of the wholesale electricity generation that's done, whether it's gas fired or whether it comes from wind farms or from nuclear, for example. and that means that if nuclear

and wind farms are much cheaper than gas, well, we end up paying way over the cost of production for that generation, in some cases three times as much. whereas gas fired generation, because the gas price has been spiking in the last couple of years, has been far more expensive. let's speak to catherine shuttleworth, founder of retail analyst firm, savvy marketing. of all the concerns people talk to you, high up the list is energy? number one by a long way. we talk to a thousand shoppers every month and i think they're most concerned about is their energy bills and their ability to pay them.- is their energy bills and their ability to pay them. how can you sho- ability to pay them. how can you shop around _ ability to pay them. how can you shop around at _ ability to pay them. how can you shop around at the _ ability to pay them. how can you shop around at the moment? i ability to pay them. how can you | shop around at the moment? it's ability to pay them. how can you i shop around at the moment? it's very difficult. when _ shop around at the moment? it's very difficult. when you _ shop around at the moment? it's very difficult. when you do _ shop around at the moment? it's very difficult. when you do your— difficult. when you do your supermarket shopping, you can chain supermarket shopping, you can chain supermarket every week, you can go to a different retailer and by into their offers and deals but is that their offers and deals but is that the same when it comes to your energy. first of all, there aren't

many deals about any more and secondly, it's quite difficult to swap energy provider and we know that quite a few energy providers have disappeared so we know consumer tend to swap less than these two and people are concerned about supply and energy provider they have and so they stick with it. it's not an easy market as a consumer to make changes in. ., ., , ., , market as a consumer to make changes in. ., ._ ., , ., market as a consumer to make changes in. how many deals are there really out there at — in. how many deals are there really out there at the _ in. how many deals are there really out there at the moment? - in. how many deals are there really out there at the moment? not - in. how many deals are there really out there at the moment? not very| out there at the moment? not very man at out there at the moment? not very many at all- — out there at the moment? not very many at all. those _ out there at the moment? not very many at all. those deals _ out there at the moment? not very many at all. those deals that - out there at the moment? not very many at all. those deals that used | many at all. those deals that used to be able to find a fixed deal and you will be able to go online and do that very easily. they have all disappeared and if you're going to do a fixed deal, you are probably going to pay a higher price than at a standard rate. people are just not doing that any more. i think it's really interesting because it's a very different market as has been explained there in that piece in the way that electricity and fuel as bought which is very different by the energy retailer than in any

other retail model. as we shoppers are quite used now to paying variable prices that if we order a taxi, we might pay more when it's busy, unless one is quiet, but we don't do the same with our energy, although there is a start to that were energy providers are going to pay us, the consumer, for not using energy at all and i think that model is quite interesting as we move forward. we is quite interesting as we move forward. ~ . . is quite interesting as we move forward. ~ ., ., ., forward. we had at the other day, didn't we. — forward. we had at the other day, didn't we, were _ forward. we had at the other day, didn't we, were certain _ forward. we had at the other day, didn't we, were certain people - forward. we had at the other day, | didn't we, were certain people who signed up with smart meters could say that they wouldn't use energy at the peak point, which was between sort of four and six in the afternoon and five and seven, how appealing is that to people you talk to? to appealing is that to people you talk to? ., ,., appealing is that to people you talk to? ., , appealing is that to people you talk to? , , to? to some people it is. it certainly — to? to some people it is. it certainly isn't _ to? to some people it is. it certainly isn't to _ to? to some people it is. it certainly isn't to people - to? to some people it is. it| certainly isn't to people who to? to some people it is. it - certainly isn't to people who have gone family and kids in particular who are coming home from school and want to eat. but for some people who work on shiftwork, it is very appealing and for people who can make changes to their daily routines. if you can do that, that

is a very interesting kind of look ahead to how we might come as consumers, be able to change the market a little bit and so that's the way we want to do it around our lifestyle. and of life has become more varied, that's an easy thing to do. but it doesn't suit the majority of busy working families who are the people that use an awful of energy. catherine, good to talk to you. time for look at the forecast now. severe gales in northern scotland bringing travel disruption will ease through the day but it remains windy out there. we have a weather front with rain in south—west scotland, part of northern ireland, northern and especially north west england. on and off air and northern ireland turning a bit brighter into the afternoon. northern and eastern scotland have sunny spells and the chance of a shower and wintry hills. in england and wales, and cloud this afternoon compared with this morning. but it stays mainly dry. continued mainly across northern areas with a chance of further outbreaks of rain or for the night.

and in scotland that rain turns heavier across the north going into tomorrow morning. parts of northern scotland briefly dipping close to freezing but most of us will have a mild night and i'll start to a rather cloudy thursday. we will have pretty wet weather coming through then in the north and north—west of scotland and persistent heavy rain for much of the day here. elsewhere, a lot of cloud around and you may see a bit of light rain or drizzle and maybe also the occasional sunny speu and maybe also the occasional sunny spell as well. hello, this is bbc news with martine croxall. the headlines... hundreds of thousands of workers — including school teachers — are going on strike for what will be the biggest day of industrial action in more than a decade. the government says most schools in england and wales will be open, but the national education union says 85% of schools will be affected, and calls for ministers to engage in talks. rather than messing about and doing nothing, which is what they have done since lastjuly, the government

get around the table now seriously and start to negotiate. we get around the table now seriously and start to negotiate.— and start to negotiate. we are havin: and start to negotiate. we are having wide-ranging _ and start to negotiate. we are i having wide-ranging discussions. having wide—ranging discussions. what _ having wide—ranging discussions. what is _ having wide—ranging discussions. what is not realistic is for us to be looking _ what is not realistic is for us to be looking at inflation, or inflation _ be looking at inflation, or inflation busting pay rises. uk household bills have been pushed up uk household bills have been pushed up by uk household bills have been pushed up by more than £7 billion in two years. how much caffeine is there in your morning cappucino? a study finds a wide variation in the strength of coffee in uk high street chains. now the sport with holly. hello. we have some news from tottenham today. their manager, antonio conte, is going to have to have surgery to remove his gall bladder later. he was diagnosed with an inflammation of the gall bladder after becoming unwell with severe abdominal pain. the club have said he will return

following a period of recuperation. of course, spurs' next game is at home to manchester city in the premier league on sunday. they are fifth in the table, iii points behind league leaders and north london rivals arsenal. transfer deadline day has been and gone. chelsea grabbed the headlines, breaking the british transfer record. they have now confirmed they spent £107 million on enzo fernandez, taking their spending to over half £1 billion since the new owner has taken over. but with strict rules around how much clubs can actually spend, how is it all above board? dan roan has been taking a look. he may bejust 22 but enzo fernandez is already a world cup winner. the argentine midfielder emerging as one of the stars of the tournament. the youngster played just a handful of matches for benfica, who signed him for what now appears

a bargain £8 million. but chelsea have just made him the most expensive signing in the history of british football. the fee a new record of more than £100 million. well, it is an extraordinary amount of money. but, then again, that is not new for chelsea. certainly for 20 years. the current owners, i mean, that is getting towards half a billion pounds spent in a very short period of time. if chelsea fans thought the departure of the club's former owner russian oligarch roman abramovich last year would mean a more frugal approach, they needn't have worried. american todd burley overseeing an unprecedented spending spree over the last two transfer windows. supporters are thrilled. a lot of people were saying roman's millions are gone, you are going to have to be a lot more frugal, all of that. it feels like we are right back in 2003 again. we have treated the winter window like it is a summer window. sitting tenth in the table, it's very hard to stay positive and look towards the future. i think what todd is doing injanuary has restored a lot of faith in us fans. earlier this window, chelsea splashed out another £88 million on ukraine

striker mykhailo mudryk. one of a host of new recruits offered unusually long contracts to spread the cost and help the club comply with financial fair play regulations that limit losses. if you take a player that's worth let's say £100 million over the duration of say a five—year contract, instead of putting that £100 million into yourfinancial reports, what you actually put down is the amortised value, only charging £20 million per year. of course, that enables you to flex your financial muscle a little bit more. premier league clubs have spent more this month than the five other biggest leagues in europe combined. this window only reinforcing the english top flight�*s dominance of the international transfer market. one transfer that has not gone through is high kirmes diacre's proposed move from chelsea to paris saint—germain. it has been blocked, it seems, by france's governing

body. so, the morocco international must stay with chelsea for the remainder of the season. psg have claimed chelsea failed to submit the paperwork on time after an agreement was reached. bbc sport has been told the echo contacted the chelsea owner to sort out the matter, but is —— but was ultimately unsuccessful. the hosts of the world —— women's wolrd cup have confirmed the saudi arabia tourist board is a sponsor for the tournament. the deal has not yet formally announced. new zealand football have said they are shocked and disappointed. they have not been consulted on this decision. they and what will australia have jointly written to fifa to urgently clarify the situation. —— football australia. england

batting first after losing the toss on their third and final one day international against africa in kimberley. the series is already lost for the tourist following defeats in the first two games. ollie stone is sitting out. jofra archer is back for his second match of the series. not a good start for england. they have lost three wickets in the first six overs and are currently 15—3. more on the website. that is you up—to—date with the sport. thank you. hundreds of thousands of workers are taking part in what's thought to be the biggest day of strike action in more than a decade. teachers, train drivers, university staff, civil servants and some bus drivers are among those who are walking out as part of efforts to secure better pay deals. i'm joined now by kevin rowan, head of organisation and services at the trades union congress. thank you very much forjoining us here on bbc news. as far as you are aware, how many people are choosing

various locations across the country to take part in rallies or picket lines, to underline their action? well, there are hundreds of picket lines across the economy today, from schools, civil servants, lines across the economy today, from schools, civilservants, government schools, civil servants, government departments schools, civilservants, government departments as well as the rail strikes and universities, as you describe. so, this is a very major day in terms of industrial action, as you reported. the biggest day in terms of number of people actually taking industrial action for a very longtime. and we hope the government is the message that those people are taking industrial action to try to get a fair pay deal and try to convey to the government and other employers. the try to convey to the government and other employers-_ other employers. the tuc today is appropriately _ other employers. the tuc today is appropriately pertinently - other employers. the tuc today is appropriately pertinently choosing | appropriately pertinently choosing todayis appropriately pertinently choosing today is the right to strike a day. explain briefly why you believe that right is under threat?— right is under threat? well, the

government — right is under threat? well, the government introducing - right is under threat? well, the government introducing a - right is under threat? well, the - government introducing a minimum service level bill, which is effectively a ban on the right to strike. it would mean if workers take the very difficult decision to take the very difficult decision to take industrial action, and they end “p take industrial action, and they end up not going to work, they may face dismissal by their employer. so it is effectively a ban on the right to strike across the economy. i don't think there is any public support for a ban on strikes. it is a fundamental right in this country for people to be able to withdraw their labour will lovely. —— locally. rather than get round the table and negotiated the —— decent settlement, the government choosing to try to ban people from taking action at all. it is a disappointing response from the government. it is one, i think, response from the government. it is one, ithink, the response from the government. it is one, i think, the public don't support, and it's not going to do anything to resolve these difficult disputes we are seeing. but anything to resolve these difficult

disputes we are seeing.— anything to resolve these difficult disputes we are seeing. but as these disutes disputes we are seeing. but as these disputes continue _ disputes we are seeing. but as these disputes continue there _ disputes we are seeing. but as these disputes continue there is _ disputes we are seeing. but as these disputes continue there is a - disputes continue there is a concern, of course, that public support might wane. in some sectors, notably emergency health care, we are seeing a minimum level of service that has to be maintained. that does not mean it is a ban on people taking strike action, surely, itjust means people taking strike action, surely, it just means fewer people taking strike action, surely, itjust means fewer people can at once? .. itjust means fewer people can at once? .,, ., , _. once? those life or limb core arrangements _ once? those life or limb core arrangements and _ once? those life or limb core arrangements and the - once? those life or limb core arrangements and the healthj once? those life or limb core - arrangements and the health sector, and in other sectors such as the nuclear sector, where the government proposing this legislation, they are in place to protect the most vulnerable. those arrangements are put in place by agreement with the trade unions. that is the big difference. it is by agreement rather than a secretary of state imposing, effectively, a strike ban on certain workers in those sectors. no one is pushing back on those life and limb cover arrangements when they are in place, but they are done by agreement. that is the difference.—

by agreement. that is the difference. . . , , difference. the tuc claims this legislation _ difference. the tuc claims this legislation is _ difference. the tuc claims this legislation is short _ difference. the tuc claims this legislation is short cutting - difference. the tuc claims this i legislation is short cutting normal scrutiny procedures. it has been steam—rollered through parliament. they are the two descriptions in your press release out today. what do you mean? surely the normal levels of scrutiny by both houses of parliament will be pertinent to this legislation as it is to old legislation?— legislation as it is to old leaislation? ~ , ., , legislation? well, it should be, exce -t it legislation? well, it should be, except it isn't. _ legislation? well, it should be, except it isn't. this _ legislation? well, it should be, except it isn't. this is - legislation? well, it should be, except it isn't. this is being - except it isn't. this is being rushed through in the same way that emergency legislation for covid was rushed through. we have had the third reading this week, the committee stage. there isn't a level of scrutiny. there isn't a committee set up to scrutinise the details of the bill in the same way that, if you like normal bits of legislation are brought through. this is being rushed through parliament. there is very little debate in either chamber about this bill. so, it is something that the government clearly want to kind of steam—rollered through

without that level of debate, or level of scrutiny. and i think it's because they see it is a bad bill that the public do not support. you touched on — that the public do not support. you touched on at a _ that the public do not support. you touched on at a moment ago. previous government advice was published in the autumn, according to the tuc, and warned that minimum service levels in transport, for example, could poison industrial relations and actually lead to more frequent industrial action. and actually lead to more frequent industrialaction. how and actually lead to more frequent industrial action. how is that so? that does not seem logical, necessarily, can you explain it? well, because industrial action as part of our normal bargaining process. we have not seen the levels of strike action for some time that we are seeing at the moment. unless there is this kind of route for people to express their concerns in a kind of a normal industrial relations process, then the frustration among the workforce will increase. so, rather if you like, shutting off that channel of expression, the government think about better ways in terms of resolving the dispute. effectively what the government trying to do is

silence working people, silently discontent, silence the concern and frustration that workers feel right across the economy. that is only going to make matters more frustrating, more difficult for those public servants. strikes are these symptoms here. the problem across our public services, underfunding, poor pay and conditions for workers, workers been burnt out... there are more than a vacancies in the health service. huge problems with retention and recruitment in education. these are the problems the government should be resolving. instead, theyjust want to silence workers. be resolving. instead, they 'ust want to silence workersfi be resolving. instead, they 'ust want to silence workers. kevin rowan from the tuc. — want to silence workers. kevin rowan from the tuc, thank _ want to silence workers. kevin rowan from the tuc, thank you _ want to silence workers. kevin rowan from the tuc, thank you for- want to silence workers. kevin rowan from the tuc, thank you for talking . from the tuc, thank you for talking to us. a busy day today. thanks. we can speak now to our reporter sean dilley, who's at a children's play centre. iam indeed. i am indeed. we are in ways batch in

cambridge. —— will speck. the teachers are unhappy, as we know, with the unions describing lack of engagement with the government is that they got my defending. they say they have had a number of meetings. one of the lasted six hours. there is a massive gap between roughly 5% of teachers in england and wales on average. they got can't afford inflation busting pay rises. but there is that gap in the middle. i am sure discussions will continue. —— the government. can you tell me what you are doing with this centre today? i what you are doing with this centre toda ? . .. , what you are doing with this centre toda ? , ., , .. today? i brought my two grandchildren _ today? i brought my two grandchildren and - today? i brought my two l grandchildren and because today? i brought my two - grandchildren and because the old one is— grandchildren and because the old one is al— grandchildren and because the old one is at school. she is still learning _ one is at school. she is still learning because she is interacting and socialising with other children and socialising with other children and playing. 50 and socialising with other children and playing-— and socialising with other children and playing. so you think this is in and playing. so you think this is in a of like school? _ and playing. so you think this is in a of like school? yeah, _ and playing. so you think this is in a of like school? yeah, because i and playing. so you think this is in i a of like school? yeah, because they are interacting _ a of like school? yeah, because they are interacting with _ a of like school? yeah, because they are interacting with other— a of like school? yeah, because they

are interacting with other children. i are interacting with other children. you wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the strike, we heard that. what you think about the strikes themselves? of course, teachers, they say they are forced to go down this line, but ultimately, families like yours are disrupted? i am auareein like yours are disrupted? i am agreeing with _ like yours are disrupted? i am agreeing with it _ like yours are disrupted? i am agreeing with it because, - like yours are disrupted? i am agreeing with it because, obviously mac, _ agreeing with it because, obviously mac. it _ agreeing with it because, obviously mac. it is _ agreeing with it because, obviously mac, it is going to benefit his goal~ — mac, it is going to benefit his ioal. ., , ., , mac, it is going to benefit his aoal. .,, .. , ., ~ mac, it is going to benefit his ioal. .,. ., , ., ~' ,., mac, it is going to benefit his ioal. .,. ., , ., ~' y., .. goal. fabulous. thank you for 'oinin goal. fabulous. thank you for joining us- — goal. fabulous. thank you for joining us. let's _ goal. fabulous. thank you for joining us. let's go _ goal. fabulous. thank you for joining us. let's go over- goal. fabulous. thank you forj joining us. let's go over here. goal. fabulous. thank you for - joining us. let's go over here. we will find, excuse me, no... apologising to a slight object i walked into. ian is the director. how are you doing? good, thank you. busier— how are you doing? good, thank you. busier than— how are you doing? good, thank you. busier than normal. how do you feel about that? obviously mac, in a way it has got to be good for business, but there is a reality behind it? yes, it is good for business. not as much _ yes, it is good for business. not as much as— yes, it is good for business. not as much as people might think. it is good _ much as people might think. it is good for— much as people might think. it is

good for business. some mothers are left with— good for business. some mothers are left with no— good for business. some mothers are left with no way of looking after their _ left with no way of looking after their children. they are bringing them _ their children. they are bringing them here. they are getting a little bit of— them here. they are getting a little bit of socialising with other children. obviously they are not getting — children. obviously they are not getting the lessons. find children. obviously they are not getting the lessons.— getting the lessons. and which bizier are you _ getting the lessons. and which bizier are you today _ getting the lessons. and which bizier are you today than - getting the lessons. and which i bizier are you today than normal? probably twice as busy. daytime work. _ probably twice as busy. daytime work, during school term, it is very quiet _ work, during school term, it is very quiet normally. our normal age ranges — quiet normally. our normal age ranges up — quiet normally. our normal age ranges up to 11 years old. 90, 90 5% of potential— ranges up to 11 years old. 90, 90 5% of potential customers are normally at schoot _ of potential customers are normally at school. .. of potential customers are normally at school. ., ., of potential customers are normally atschool. .. ., ., , at school. you have some trampolines here. we at school. you have some trampolines here- we have — at school. you have some trampolines here. we have had _ at school. you have some trampolines here. we have had glockenspiels - here. we have had glockenspiels playing, and screams ofjoy from children glad they are here and not at maths lessons.— children glad they are here and not at maths lessons. what else do you do here? we _ at maths lessons. what else do you do here? we have _ at maths lessons. what else do you do here? we have a _ at maths lessons. what else do you do here? we have a ten _ at maths lessons. what else do you do here? we have a ten pin - at maths lessons. what else do youj do here? we have a ten pin bowling centre _ do here? we have a ten pin bowling centre and — do here? we have a ten pin bowling centre and laser tag. we are very much _ centre and laser tag. we are very much a _ centre and laser tag. we are very much a multifaceted family entertainment centre. people with families— entertainment centre. people with families can visit. a multitude of activities — families can visit. a multitude of activities that cater to all age groups— activities that cater to all age groups and old school types.

fabulous. thank you for chatting. we will have another quick stroll over here. it is very poignant, isn't it, that we have heard two separate opinions there? a business owner who is actually, in a way, profiting from strikes, but he says that is not his primary motivator. he opposes children being here, taking more, in one sense, because he says they shouldn't be here. we spoke to a mother a moment ago who is telling us before she came on air that she does support for teachers, even load the family is disrupted. it is quite poignant as we are behind us children playing, when really they should be in school. and you are there to work as well, sean, don't forget that. not too much fun —— fun to be had. sean, don't forget that. not too much fun -- fun to be had. we've got kevin producing _ much fun -- fun to be had. we've got kevin producing and _ much fun -- fun to be had. we've got kevin producing and directing - much fun -- fun to be had. we've got kevin producing and directing today. | kevin producing and directing today. he said i'm not allowed to go and play. he said i'm not allowed to go and .la , ., �* , he said i'm not allowed to go and play. that's right. the risk assessment _ play. that's right. the risk assessment form - play. that's right. the risk assessment form would i play. that's right. the risk| assessment form would be play. that's right. the risk - assessment form would be too long play. that's right. the risk _ assessment form would be too long to fill in. lovely to see you. coffee is a regular drink

choice for many of us. now, the consumer group which has measured the quantity of caffeine that espressos, cappuccinos and filter coffees contain on the high street chains. and the results are here. costa topped the list for the strongest medium cappuccino. meanwhile, pret had the strongest single espresso and filter coffee. starbucks contained the least caffeine for these three drinks. let's speak now to shefalee loth, nutritionist and principal food researcher and writer for which?, the consumer group which did the research. fascinating stuff. why did you look into this? basically, we were really surprised by the findings. we looked into it because we wondered whether the caffeine content did very. but actually, we were really, really surprised that the results, to find out how much the caffeine content varied across a similar coffees at different chains. for example, as you mentioned, we looked at single

espressos and medium cappuccinos. at pret a manger the medium cappuccino contains 66 mg of caffeine. the same drink at a cost that contains 325 mil grams. five times as much. as a consumer you just would have no idea how much caffeine you're consuming because you can't taste it in your drink. he because you can't taste it in your drink. .., �* because you can't taste it in your drink. .. �* .,, because you can't taste it in your drink. �* ., drink. he can't taste it? really?! you feel it. _ drink. he can't taste it? really?! you feel it. it _ drink. he can't taste it? really?! you feel it, it makes _ drink. he can't taste it? really?! you feel it, it makes your - drink. he can't taste it? really?! you feel it, it makes your head i you feel it, it makes your head spin. you feel it, it makes your head sin. . �* . you feel it, it makes your head sin. . �* , ., you feel it, it makes your head sin. . �*, ., ., you feel it, it makes your head sin. ., �*, ., ., spin. that's right. you cannot taste the caffeine — spin. that's right. you cannot taste the caffeine but _ spin. that's right. you cannot taste the caffeine but you _ spin. that's right. you cannot taste the caffeine but you do _ spin. that's right. you cannot taste the caffeine but you do feel - spin. that's right. you cannot taste the caffeine but you do feel the - the caffeine but you do feel the effects of it. and actually, different people have different sensitivity to caffeine. so, what affects me may affect you very differently. there are certain groups of people who should limit their caffeine intake, such as pregnant women. they shouldn't have more than 200 mg a day. so, some of these coffees are already exceeding these coffees are already exceeding the upper limit for a day. that is just from wandering. most of us don'tjust have one copy, we were

doing several throughout the day. how do customers then, without looking at your research, find this stuff out? we are used to seeing things like calorie content included on labelling these days. but what about the caffeine content? 50 on labelling these days. but what about the caffeine content? so para -- so, about the caffeine content? so para -- so. it's — about the caffeine content? so para -- so. it's not— about the caffeine content? so para -- so, it's not widely _ about the caffeine content? so para -- so, it's not widely available. - —— so, it's not widely available. when we did the research costa coffee and starbucks to providers on their website. at the other chains, we had to approach them directly. that was cafe nero, greggs and pret a manger. we had to go to their press teams and asked them to provide this information. it is not widely available for everybody to see. however, i think my advice to people would be, have a look at our research. it is available online. also, if you do find you are affected by coffee quite a lot, when you are ordering, just order a single shot of coffee. most coffees on the high street include two shots

of espresso. the medium cappuccino at costa coffee has three shots in it. a large cappuccino as four. that bump up the caffeine content. surely --eole will bump up the caffeine content. surely people willjust _ bump up the caffeine content. surely people willjust choose _ bump up the caffeine content. surely people willjust choose what - bump up the caffeine content. surely people willjust choose what they - people will just choose what they like in the end, won't they, if they like in the end, won't they, if they like that head boys?— like that head boys? yeah, and actuall , like that head boys? yeah, and actually. you — like that head boys? yeah, and actually, you don't _ like that head boys? yeah, and actually, you don't buy - like that head boys? yeah, and actually, you don't buy your- like that head boys? yeah, and i actually, you don't buy your coffee based on how much caffeine is in it. you buy it on toast. however, if you are drinking several cups of coffee from costa coffee each day, you will be exceeding the 600 mg limit. people who exceed that tend to find they do have negative side effects. that will be anxiousness, insomnia, upset stomach. most people can safely consume between 300 and 400 mg a day. but as i mentioned, pregnant women shouldn't be having more than 200. some of these coffees are exceeding that. even reaching

that same window 300 or four in a day. it that same window 300 or four in a da . . . that same window 300 or four in a da . ., , ., that same window 300 or four in a da . . , . ., , that same window 300 or four in a da . ., , ., ., , ~' day. it has made me realise i like caffeine more _ day. it has made me realise i like caffeine more than _ day. it has made me realise i like caffeine more than i _ day. it has made me realise i like caffeine more than i am - day. it has made me realise i like caffeine more than i am preparedj day. it has made me realise i like i caffeine more than i am prepared to admit. . ~' , .. , caffeine more than i am prepared to admit. . ~ ,. , . caffeine more than i am prepared to admit. . ,. , . ., ,. admit. thank you very much. thank ou. you. some breaking news now regarding the rmt union and network rail, in dispute, of course, over pay and conditions, part of the industrial action being taken today. a lot of trains are affected by it. as life also answering. network rail, who employ signalling staff, have put forward a revised offer to the rmt union of this dispute. the pay section is the same, 5% increase for last year and 4% for this year. but the chief executive of network rail has said there is no more money on the table. but the detail in this package has now been changed a bit, so, for example, annual leave is

going to be improved, maintenance workers' contracts are being chased. we are is currently gathering feedback from members on offer is made so far, in addition to those we have reported on already. an rmt spokesperson said, we have received the revised offer, or national executive committee will consider its contents. no decision has been made on the proposals yet. we will consult members. one of the bones of contention in the rmt dispute is changes network rail wants to bring in to how maintenance teams work. it is still pressing ahead with those, according to katie austen, or transport correspondence. a revised offer from transport correspondence. a revised offerfrom network rail, pretty much centring around things like how much annual leave people get and the nature of people's maintenance contracts. we will keep an eye on what you're on team membership say about it.

a tiny, potentially deadly, radioactive capsule that was lost in the australian outback more than two weeks ago, has been found. this is what the capsule looks like next to an australian ten cent coin. as you can see, it's tiny — just six millimetres in diameter. a massive search operation was launched after it fell off a truck somewhere along a 1400 kilometre stretch of highway towards perth. the capsule was found two metres from the side of the road, after specialist equipment detected radiation being emitted from it. james carmody is a reporter in perth and has been covering the search, and has more now on how the device was found. authorities in australia are incredibly pleased to have found this radioactive capsule today. the emergency services minister said it was quite literally like finding a needle in a haystack. here in the newsroom we have 3d printing a replica of it to give you a sense of how tiny that object was. that is the replica we printed. they were searching for that, somewhere

between perth and hillsborough, 14 kilometres —— 1400 kilometres. the public first learnt about this on friday in an extraordinary press conference which felt almost like something from a superhero movie. the public were warned to look out for this tiny capsule and not to pick it up because of the risk of radiation poisoning, and the dangers that would come with that. people were told if they had driven along that massive stretch of highway to check their tire thread because it may have been somewhere in there. then, of course, they launched a massive search, with people walking up massive search, with people walking up and down that highway. they even had a militaryjet walking. —— looking. a car with radio tuned detection equipment ping some radiation coming from you. they have said up an exclusion zone around it

and it will be transported back to perth to be checked tomorrow. james carmody from — perth to be checked tomorrow. james carmody from the _ perth to be checked tomorrow. james carmody from the abc _ perth to be checked tomorrow. james carmody from the abc in _ perth to be checked tomorrow. james carmody from the abc in perth i carmody from the abc in perth finding a needle in a haystack. in a few minutes it is pmqs. what can we expect? let's speak to our political correspondencejonathan blake. quite a busy entry for the prime minister this week? it a busy entry for the prime minister this week? . a busy entry for the prime minister this week? , ., , a busy entry for the prime minister this week? , ., ., ,, , this week? it is, as he approaches his 100th day _ this week? it is, as he approaches his 100th day in _ this week? it is, as he approaches his 100th day in office, _ this week? it is, as he approaches his 100th day in office, a - this week? it is, as he approaches| his 100th day in office, a milestone some are using to highlight what they see as his achievements from they see as his achievements from the government site or is failures from the point of view of his opponents. there are three issues which are certain to come up this lunchtime. firstly, of course, it happens against a backdrop of huge strike action taking place across the private and public sector in parts of the economy brought to something of a standstill by unions arguing that their members deserve above inflation pay increases. and

they have no option other than to walk out on strike. there is that. there is of course the ongoing investigation into the behaviour of dominic raab, the deputy prime minister and justice secretary, facing eight formal complaints about his behaviour while serving as justice complaints about his behaviour while serving asjustice secretary. foreign secretary and brexit secretary. we know that the three permanent secretaries, senior civil servant positions, have now given evidence to that inquiry as it continues. the prime minister is facing calls from labour and others to suspend him while that investigation takes place. then, of course, there is this ongoing discussion about the level of taxis —— taxes. it will be interesting to see if there are any interventions from the conservative benches about the pressure on the prime minister to bring down taxes, cut taxes in certain areas to relieve the pressure on households across the uk as the cost of living continues to

rise. he has held out on that so far, sticking to his number one priority, both in that regard and also, the face of that escalating industrial action reduce inflation. jonathan, thank you for summing up what we can expect in the next half an hour or so. let's look at the weather forecast. hello. severe gales weather forecast. hello. severe gates in northern scotland bringing travel disruption will gradually ease through the day. it remains windy. and we have got a weather front with rain it remains windy. and we have got a weatherfront with rain in south—west scotland, parts of northern ireland, northern england. northern ireland, northern england. northern ireland, northern england. northern ireland brighter into the afternoon. now the afternoon. northern and eastern scotland, sunny spells, the chance of a shower, wintry on the hills. elsewhere in england and wales, more cloud this afternoon compared to this morning, but it stays mainly dry. it will continue across northern areas with a further outbreaks of rain overnight. the rain turning heavier in the north tomorrow morning. part

of north—east scotland briefly dipping close to freezing, but for most of us it is a mild night. a mile start to another cloudy thursday with some pretty wet weather coming through across the north and north—west of scotland, persistent heavy rain for much of the day. elsewhere, a lot of clout. you may see a little light rain or drizzle, you may also see some occasional sunny spells too.

if this is bbc news. the headlines... hundreds of thousands of workers, including school teachers, in more than a decade. the government says most schools in england and wales will be open but the national education union says 85% of schools will be affected, and calls for ministers to engage in talks. rather than messing about and doing nothing, which is what they have done since lastjuly, the government should get around the table now seriously and start to negotiate. we are having those wide—ranging discussions. what is not realistic is for us to be looking at inflation, or inflation—busting pay rises.

we can go live to the house of commons now and listen to prime minister's questions. less listening. the most recent re ort less listening. the most recent report from _ less listening. the most recent report from the _ less listening. the most recent report from the fat _ less listening. the most recent report from the fat and - less listening. the most recent report from the fat and body i report from the fat and body commended the uk for the steps it had taken. i commended the uk for the steps it had taken. .. , , had taken. i refer to my entry in the registry _ had taken. i refer to my entry in the registry of — had taken. i refer to my entry in the registry of interests. - had taken. i refer to my entry in the registry of interests. arts i the registry of interests. arts council of england established to increase access to create artful people and there is real concern and anger that the current funding decisions do the reverse of that on the basis of inadequate evidence and a lack of transparency in the process. when my right honourable friend meet with me and other concerned members to discuss the situation which centres of national

accidents are at risk of closure —— excellence... in which we can reform the operations of the arts council which many people feel no longer fit for purpose? i know that this is an issue that my honourable friend deeply cares about. he issue that my honourable friend deeply cares about.— issue that my honourable friend deeply cares about. he will know decisions by _ deeply cares about. he will know decisions by the _ deeply cares about. he will know decisions by the arts _ deeply cares about. he will know decisions by the arts council- deeply cares about. he will know decisions by the arts council are | decisions by the arts council are taken at arms length in government and ministers have been assured of the process was robust but i will ensure that he gets a meeting with the relevant minister to discuss this important matter further. the relevant minister to discuss this important matterfurther. taste this important matter further. we now come to the leader of the opposition. now come to the leader of the opposition-— now come to the leader of the 0- osition. ., «i i. i ., «i opposition. thank you, mr speaker. can i 'oin opposition. thank you, mr speaker. can lioin the _ opposition. thank you, mr speaker. can i join the prime _ opposition. thank you, mr speaker. can ijoin the prime minister- opposition. thank you, mr speaker. can ijoin the prime minister in i opposition. thank you, mr speaker. can ijoin the prime minister in his l can ijoin the prime minister in his words were the first minister of wales and the sad loss of his wife. everybody, i think, wales and the sad loss of his wife. everybody, ithink, knowsjust everybody, i think, knowsjust how close they were. and i know that he is absolutely devastated by her loss at the weekend. mr speaker, when the prime minister briefly emerged from his hibernation at the weekend, he

raised more questions than answers. in the interest of integrity and accountability, county set the record straight. did he tell government officials that he was under investigation with the taxman before or after the prime minister appointed him? mr before or after the prime minister appointed him?— appointed him? mr speaker, i appointed _ appointed him? mr speaker, i appointed the _ appointed him? mr speaker, i appointed the independent i appointed him? mr speaker, i i appointed the independent adviser appointed him? mr speaker, i - appointed the independent adviser to investigate this matter fully. appointed the independent adviser to investigate this matterfully. he has set out his findings in detail over the weekend and on receipt of those findings, i took action and i have referred my honourable gentleman to the independent adviser�*s report. filth. gentleman to the independent adviser's report.— gentleman to the independent adviser's report. oh, come on. an one adviser's report. oh, come on. anyone picking _ adviser's report. oh, come on. anyone picking up _ adviser's report. oh, come on. anyone picking up a _ adviser's report. oh, come on. | anyone picking up a newspaper adviser's report. oh, come on. i anyone picking up a newspaper in july last year would have known that hmrc and the national crime agency were investigating months before he appointed him. mr speaker, the independent, 6th ofjuly, new

chancellor's finances secretly investigated by the crime agency. the observer three days later, the 9th ofjuly, "officials raised the flag over tax affairs before he was appointed chancellor." the financial times the next day, "pressure builds to explain his finances." as the saying this official miss, he had information from them are just too curious or incurious to ask information? b5 curious or incurious to ask information?— curious or incurious to ask information? a . , ., information? as i have said before at the dispatch _ information? as i have said before at the dispatch box, _ information? as i have said before at the dispatch box, the _ information? as i have said before at the dispatch box, the usual i at the dispatch box, the usual appointment process was fine with respect to the minister without portfolio. no issues were raised with me at the time of his appointment, but as the independent adviser's report makes clear, there was a serious breach of the ministerial code and that is why i took decisive action on that. 50. ministerial code and that is why i took decisive action on that. so, in relation to — took decisive action on that. so, in relation to his _ took decisive action on that. so, in relation to his former— took decisive action on that. so, in relation to his former chair, - took decisive action on that. so, in relation to his former chair, his i relation to his former chair, his defence is nobody told me, i didn't know, i didn't ask any questions. is

the prime minister and now also going to claim that he was the... taste going to claim that he was the... we heard enough last week. i cannot hear— heard enough last week. i cannot hear what — heard enough last week. i cannot hear what he is saying. i might not be able _ hear what he is saying. i might not be able to— hear what he is saying. i might not be able to hear what you say but i can see _ be able to hear what you say but i can see your— be able to hear what you say but i can see your mouth moving and it will be _ can see your mouth moving and it will be moving outside if you continue _ will be moving outside if you continue-— will be moving outside if you continue. ., , ., . ., continue. for his former chair, nobody told — continue. for his former chair, nobody told me _ continue. for his former chair, nobody told me i _ continue. for his former chair, nobody told me i didn't - continue. for his former chair, nobody told me i didn't know l continue. for his former chair, i nobody told me i didn't know and i do ask any questions. is the prime minister now also going to claim that he is the only person completely unaware of serious allegations of bullying against the deputy prime minister before he appointed him? mr deputy prime minister before he appointed him?— deputy prime minister before he appointed him? mr speaker, the honourable _ appointed him? mr speaker, the honourable gentleman _ appointed him? mr speaker, the honourable gentleman asks i appointed him? mr speaker, the l honourable gentleman asks these questions about what was known and i followed due process, i appointed independent adviser as soon as i was made aware of, as soon as i was made aware of new information. the

independent adviser conducted this process. if he is concerned about people people say, then recently one of his own mps was forced to speak out because being in his party had reminded her of being in an abusive relationship. and then, and then his own office was caught undermining her. he ought to be supporting her and her colleagues, but if you cannot be trusted to stand up for the women in his party, he can't be trusted to stand up for britain. mr speaker, at the last count, at the last count, the deputy prime minister was facing 24 separate allegations of bullying. according to recent reports, some of the complainants were physically sick, one as they were left suicidal. how would he feel if one of his friends or relatives was being forced to

work for a bully simply because the man at the top was too weak to do anything about it? mr man at the top was too weak to do anything about it?— anything about it? mr speaker, i notice he didn't _ anything about it? mr speaker, i notice he didn't say _ anything about it? mr speaker, i notice he didn't say anything i anything about it? mr speaker, i. notice he didn't say anything about why one of his own mps describe as being in his own party. when i was made aware of formal complaints, i instructed a leading independent kc to conduct an investigation because i take action when these things happen. what did he say the weekend? he said that haight had been allowed to spread unchallenged in the labour party under his predecessor. he was speaking as if he wasn't even there. —— hate. he was supporting him for four long years are not challenging and it is typical of him, mr speaker, declining to lead, sitting in defence, carping from the sidelines and never standing up for a principle that matters.

i want to hear both sides and i will not be _ i want to hear both sides and i will not be interrupted by either side and i_ not be interrupted by either side and i am — not be interrupted by either side and i am particularly looking for people — and i am particularly looking for people who want to continue this because — people who want to continue this because we will sort it out today. it's because we will sort it out today. it's iust _ because we will sort it out today. it's just like one because we will sort it out today. it'sjust like one of his it's just like one of his predecessors, treating questions about conduct as something to brush off and saying that ducking responsibility was a perfectly reasonably response by a prime minister. and his predecessor didn't actually go around pretending to be actually go around pretending to be a paragon of integrity and accountability, in fairness. a paragon of integrity and accountability, infairness. on a paragon of integrity and accountability, in fairness. on that subject, was it a coincidence that the two people who arranged an £800,000 line the two people who arranged an £800,0001ine of credit for the former prime minister were both

shortlisted for plum jobs in the bc and the british council? mr speaker, as we address _ and the british council? mr speaker, as we address previously, _ and the british council? mr speaker, as we address previously, the - as we address previously, the appointments process for the bbc chairman is rigorous, transparent and is set out in a public code of conduct and indeed was fully supported, notjust by an expert panel of members, but also by the cross—party select committee. and that included were labour members described the appointment as impressive. mr speaker, back this week, in terms of what is happening to the people of this country, mr starmer voted this week with the unions to oppose minimum safety levels. he voted with an oil company to water down the public order bill and what are the unions have in common with this? they bankroll him and his party. while he sides with extremist protesters and union bosses, we stand up for hard—working britons and schoolchildren. bitter

bosses, we stand up for hard-working britons and schoolchildren.— britons and schoolchildren. after 13 ears in britons and schoolchildren. after 13 years in power. _ britons and schoolchildren. after 13 years in power, trying _ britons and schoolchildren. after 13 years in power, trying to _ britons and schoolchildren. after 13 years in power, trying to bring i britons and schoolchildren. after 13 years in power, trying to bring the l years in power, trying to bring the labour party for his failure to sort out the —— blamed the labour party, is pathetic. the tory party addiction to sleaze and scandal has done huge damage to this country and the cost of the public keeps adding up. we have a justice system letting murderers walk the streets. heart attack victims waiting hours for an ambulance and an economy that is shrinking quicker than his leadership. and even i could not quite believe it when i saw that his government is expecting taxpayers to pay the legal fees for the member for oxbridge defending himself over his lockdown rule breaking. a quarter of £1 million. surely even this prime minister could put his foot down, stand up to his old boss and tell him he made the mess, he can pick up the bill. mr and tell him he made the mess, he can pick up the bill.— and tell him he made the mess, he

can pick up the bill. mr speaker, he cannot stand _ can pick up the bill. mr speaker, he cannot stand up _ can pick up the bill. mr speaker, he cannot stand up to _ can pick up the bill. mr speaker, he cannot stand up to his _ can pick up the bill. mr speaker, he cannot stand up to his union - can pick up the bill. mr speaker, he| cannot stand up to his union bosses, he cannot stand up for britain's schoolchildren today, and he cannot stand up for the women in his party, mr speaker. we are getting on, we are having inflation, we are growing the economy, we are reducing debt, cutting waiting lists and stopping the boats, while he can't even figure out what he believes in. we will keep delivering for britain. thank you, mr speaker. would my right honourable friend agree with me that the integrated care boards must prioritise more access to new gp services, especially in places like south derbyshire were new housing estates are being built at the fastest rate in england? and in particular on the new ground or brown free developments. mr speaker, the government — brown free developments. mr speaker, the government is _ brown free developments. mr speaker, the government is committed - brown free developments. mr speaker, the government is committed to - the government is committed to increasing the number of doctors in general practice in last year saw the highest ever number of doctors

accept a gp training place. gp services are consulted on a chair and the nhs has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient medical services, including general practice in each local area. mr including general practice in each localarea. i �* «i ., local area. mr speaker, i'd like to ass on local area. mr speaker, i'd like to pass on my _ local area. mr speaker, i'd like to pass on my condolences - local area. mr speaker, i'd like to i pass on my condolences and indeed those of my party to the first minister of wales and also to the family, friends and colleagues of firefighter barry martin who sadly lost his life following the blaze in edinburgh last week. mr speaker, we havejust edinburgh last week. mr speaker, we have just marked the three year anniversary of brexit and we have learned... cheering they will not be cheering in a moment, this is big because we have learned three, we have learned through things. the uk's trade deficit has hit on the economy has been hit to the tune of £300 billion

each year and of course, we know that the uk's economy is expected to be the worst performing of all advanced nations. does the prime minister still believe that the uk can afford not to be in the european union? mr can afford not to be in the european union? i .. ., «i can afford not to be in the european union? i ,,, ., «i i. can afford not to be in the european union? i ., «i ., , union? mr speaker, if you actually look at it, since _ union? mr speaker, if you actually look at it, since brexit, _ union? mr speaker, if you actually look at it, since brexit, the - union? mr speaker, if you actually look at it, since brexit, the uk i union? mr speaker, if you actually look at it, since brexit, the uk has grown exactly the same as germany has. but, not only that, we are taking advantage of brexit to deliver for people across the uk, whether it's for fishing and farming communities of scotland, whether through the two new reports announced. but mr speaker, the difference when his party and ours is that we respect referendums. mr speaker, let us be clear. 2022 and 2023 are expected to be the worst years for living standards since the 19305. years for living standards since the 1930s. and the economy is expected to perform worse than sanction hit

russia. while the brexit ship sinks with a prime minster and leader of the opposition at the helm, does he blame those scottish people who want to jump aboard the independence light bulb? mr speaker, —— lifeboat... light bulb? mr speaker, -- lifeboat. . ._ light bulb? mr speaker, -- lifeboat... what is impacting eo - les lifeboat... what is impacting peoples living _ lifeboat... what is impacting peoples living standards i lifeboat... what is impacting peoples living standards is i peoples living standards is inflation caused by high energy prices about result of the war in ukraine. it has nothing to do with brexit and that is why the government is taking significant action supporting every family with £900 this winter. what i would say to him is, rather than obsess about constitutional arrangements, focus on delivering for the people of scotland and that's what we will do. the baby daughter of my constituents gary and sarah andrews died 23 minutes after she was born. when

they asked questions about that, the parents were told that these things happen and that if they had to listen to the concerns of every mother, they would be overrun. thanks to doggett campaigning by gary and sarah and other parents whose babies died unavoidably, nottingham university hospital's trust was found to have systemic failures and last week was given the highest find that has ever been given for failings highest find that has ever been given forfailings in maternity care. does my right honourable friend agree with me that this case, this situation has to serve, not just as a watershed moment for having the highest standards of maternity care, but also that when things do go wrong on something like an nhs trust or in other public body, there has to be open and honest and transparent about their feelings so that people can get the truth and not have it hidden? mr

truth and not have it hidden? ij�*i speaker, truth and not have it hidden? ii speaker, i am truth and not have it hidden? i’i speaker, i am very sorry truth and not have it hidden? ii speaker, i am very sorry to hear about the tragic case my honourable friend raises and i know the whole house willjoin me in sending our thoughts to gary and sarah. we want to make sure the nhs is the best and safest place in the world to give birth and the nhs has taken steps to improve, but cases such as the one that my honourable friend raises highlight that more must be done. nottingham university trust is receiving support from the expert maternity improvement advisors and nationally, the royal college is implementing the recommendations from the independent report together with £127 million of extra investment. my honourable friend is absolute right that when situations like this arise, transparency is paramount so we can seek answers and make improvements.— make improvements. thank you, mr seaker. make improvements. thank you, mr speaker- it — make improvements. thank you, mr speaker- it is _ make improvements. thank you, mr speaker. it is nearly _ make improvements. thank you, mr speaker. it is nearly ten _ make improvements. thank you, mr speaker. it is nearly ten years i speaker. it is nearly ten years since the tragic deaths of nine—year—old ella roberta, the first person ever to have air pollution is listed on her death

certificate. yesterday's environmental improvement plan pledges to improve air quality but the targets for 2040, a whole generation away. i don't think that's fast enough and neither does ella's mum. on her mum's behalf, willow prime minster agreed to meet us both to discuss the life—saving measures in a new proposed bill called ella's law. mr measures in a new proposed bill called ella's law.— measures in a new proposed bill called ella's law. mr speaker, it's obviously very _ called ella's law. mr speaker, it's obviously very sad _ called ella's law. mr speaker, it's obviously very sad to _ called ella's law. mr speaker, it's obviously very sad to hear - called ella's law. mr speaker, it's obviously very sad to hear the i called ella's law. mr speaker, it'sl obviously very sad to hear the case of l and our thoughts go out to her and herfamily. with regards to the legislation, as my friend the environment secretary will make today, we are confident that the measures we are putting in place are not only legally binding but also a world leading in tackling air quality. the record over the past ten years is one where every single air particulate has been reduced and we are putting targets to increase reducing them and the environment act make sure we have the

capability, accountability and ambition we need to make all the effective interventions to drive down air pollution.— effective interventions to drive down air pollution. thank you, mr seaker. down air pollution. thank you, mr speaker. compared _ down air pollution. thank you, mr speaker. compared to _ down air pollution. thank you, mr speaker. compared to what i down air pollution. thank you, mr| speaker. compared to what makes down air pollution. thank you, mr i speaker. compared to what makes some people believe, 82% of the jobs and our economy are in the private sector compare to 18% in the public sector. most of the private sector jobs will be small businesses and we will depend upon these for wealth creation and prosperity in the future. will my right honourable friend consider bringing in a small business test across government so that every regulation we produce and legislation we produce will help produce not hinder small businesses? and does he share my ambition that every white van man and woman and white coat tech worker in this country will regard the conservative party as the natural champions? my party as the natural champions? ii right honourable party as the natural champions? ii1 right honourable friend is absolutely right and this government is proud tojoin absolutely right and this government is proud to join with absolutely right and this government is proud tojoin with him in supporting small businesses. i am pleased to tell my honourable friend that we do have a small business

test to consider whether the impacts of changes will disproportionately affect a small and micro businesses. i will make sure we are applying that test rigorously and he would be pleased to know that many small businesses will benefit from billions of pounds in business rate reductions this coming financial year, as well as annual investment allowance which it million pounds or £100 million which is the most attractive incitement for any businesses in the world. this morning. _ businesses in the world. this morning. two _ businesses in the world. this morning, two hours- businesses in the world. this morning, two hours ago, i lost the appg on prepayment meters. i did so because most people on these metres are on very low incomes and yet they pay more per unit the prime minster does, that they pay higher daily standing charges than the prime minister. they are automatically disconnected from the energy supply the second they run out of money and perversely, right now, record numbers of people are being forced onto them by the energy companies. can the prime minister even begin to imagine how terrifying that moment is with the lights go out and everything shuts down? and what he agree with me, other than reading

out pleas what he has written in front of him, when he agree with me that what i have just described is completely, completely unfair? mr completely, completely unfair? ii speaker, the government does recognise the challenges facing those on prepaid metres and us by the government is taking action. the secretary of state has set out five specific points on prepayment meters and energy suppliers are being spoken to to make sure they treat customers with the respect and flexibility that they deserve and finally, of gem have announced that they are launching a review into supply practices in spec to prepayment. —— ofgem. but this comes on top of the significant financial support that the government has provided to help people with energy bills and more the support been targeted at them as vulnerable families in our society.- targeted at them as vulnerable families in our society. thank you, mr speaker- _ families in our society. thank you, mr speaker. after— families in our society. thank you, mr speaker. after 8000 _ families in our society. thank you, mr speaker. after 8000 residents | families in our society. thank you, i mr speaker. after 8000 residents of redditch signed my petition to bring back a chemotherapy, the trust

reversed a decision to leave the kidderminster. and i am grateful to the local acute trust for listening so carefully and changing their mind. does the prime minister agree with me that it is right that the acute trust can change of mind on the provision of the services so that women can give birth in our wonderful town of redditch? my wonderful town of redditch? ii1 honourable wonderful town of redditch? ii1: honourable friend wonderful town of redditch? ii1 honourable friend has clearly done a fantastic job honourable friend has clearly done a fantasticjob and is a great advocate for her constituents. we have order ten and a half million pounds to the local trust and i understand that some of that funding is being used to improve maternity and paediatric services at the nearby worcestershire royal and my honourable friend will know that these operational decisions are being made by integrated care boards and i know that she will continue to make your views known. mr speaker, if i had a pound _ make your views known. mr speaker, if i had a pound for— make your views known. mr speaker, if i had a pound for every _ make your views known. mr speaker, if i had a pound for every time - make your views known. mr speaker, if i had a pound for every time i - if i had a pound for every time i had heard the prime minister's weak excuses, i would be able to pay the

former chancellor's tax bill, because it was lastjuly that it was reported that the national crime agency had investigated the right honourable memberfor honourable member for stratford—upon—avon. that honourable memberfor stratford—upon—avon. that implements the new, the media knew, we all knew. it is inconceivable that the current prime minister didn't know. —— the last prime minister new... why did he choose to ignore it? i appointed an independent adviser to fully examine the matter, establish facts and report back. that is the process of the party opposite called for. that is the process we followed. for. that is the process we followed-— for. that is the process we followed. ~ ia i, , for. that is the process we followed. ~ ia i, i, followed. mr speaker, two years ago i was commissioned _ followed. mr speaker, two years ago i was commissioned to _ followed. mr speaker, two years ago i was commissioned to propose - followed. mr speaker, two years ago i was commissioned to propose 30 i i was commissioned to propose 30 ways to boost growth and make britain the most competitive country in the world. so far we are under way with about half of those. some of the most valuable like reforming ponderous and expensive utilities

regulators and building an international read in banking haven't moved at all. would he meet with me to discuss how to channel ourinner with me to discuss how to channel our inner nigel losses and unblock the arteries of our economy with low cost, pro competition supply—side reforms? mr cost, pro competition supply-side reforms? ~ ia , cost, pro competition supply-side reforms? ~ , i, i, reforms? mr speaker, my honourable friend has a — reforms? mr speaker, my honourable friend has a long _ reforms? mr speaker, my honourable friend has a long track _ reforms? mr speaker, my honourable friend has a long track record - reforms? mr speaker, my honourable friend has a long track record in - friend has a long track record in advocating for and implementing policies that increase our competitiveness and reform the supply side of the economy. his report was fantastic and i look forward to meeting with him to discuss them further and help drive growth in this country. mr speaker, ambulance waiting _ growth in this country. mr speaker, ambulance waiting times _ growth in this country. mr speaker, ambulance waiting times are - growth in this country. mr speaker, ambulance waiting times are out i growth in this country. mr speaker, ambulance waiting times are out of| ambulance waiting times are out of control. my constituency, my constituent contact me regarding her 93 old mother who lay collapsed on the ground at home for 17 hours and then queued for 13 hours to get into the hospital, and yet, on monday, the hospital, and yet, on monday, the prime minister said he had his fingers crossed that ambulance waiting times would be reduced. does

he really think— waiting times would be reduced. does he really think that's _ waiting times would be reduced. ive" he really think that's enough? mr speaker, if the honourable lady actually looked, we published a comprehensive plan to reduce wait times nand and with ambulances. it was packed with more funding and reform the system, more beds were ambulances more staff and it was a plan that was warmly welcomed by all of those working in emergency care and the ambulance services. they recognise this plan will deliver and reduce waiting times and improve care across the country, including in labour where there are some things we can benefit more, in wales. iii things we can benefit more, in wales. , i, , i, i, “ things we can benefit more, in wales. , i, , i, i, ~ i, wales. if you grew up in norfolk and ou want wales. if you grew up in norfolk and you want to — wales. if you grew up in norfolk and you want to be _ wales. if you grew up in norfolk and you want to be a _ wales. if you grew up in norfolk and you want to be a dentist, _ you want to be a dentist, the nearest place you can train is in birmingham or in london. it's not really surprising that in norfolk we have a dearth of dentists, whether nhs or private. we also know that where there is a dental training school, more dentists end up working locally. will my right honourable

friend agree to look again at the benefits of establishing a dental training school, alongside the excellent medical school at the university of east anglia? mr seaker, university of east anglia? ii speaker, my right honourable friend will know that there are around 400 dentist with energis activity in norfolk, but he is right that centres of dental development built on local obstruction to help retain and recruit dentists and i would advise him to encourage his local integrated care boards to look at proposals for one of those centres in his area. proposals for one of those centres in his area-— proposals for one of those centres in his area. i, ~ , i, ~ ,, i, ~ in his area. thank you, mr speaker. the prime — in his area. thank you, mr speaker. the prime minister _ in his area. thank you, mr speaker. the prime minister once _ in his area. thank you, mr speaker. the prime minister once said - in his area. thank you, mr speaker. the prime minister once said that l in his area. thank you, mr speaker. | the prime minister once said that he didn't have any working class friends. he may not be aware that today, that today has a million have two hard—working people are on strike, including in his own constituency. tory britain is not working. is the prime minister going to get a grip and negotiate with working people, or does he intend be

remembered as the prime minister who silenced and sacked hard—working nurses, paramedics, teachers, rail workers and firefighters in a cost of living crisis? mr workers and firefighters in a cost of living crisis?— workers and firefighters in a cost of living crisis? mr speaker, when it comes to _ of living crisis? mr speaker, when it comes to teachers, _ of living crisis? mr speaker, when it comes to teachers, we - of living crisis? mr speaker, when it comes to teachers, we have - it comes to teachers, we have given teachers the highest pay rise in 30 years and that includes a 9% pay rise for newly qualified teachers and record investment in their training and development. i am clear that our children's education is precious and they deserve to be in school today being taught. and actually, the party opposite would do well to say that the strikes are wrong and we should be backing our schoolchildren.— schoolchildren. thank you mrs be. sadl , schoolchildren. thank you mrs be. sadly. suicide _ schoolchildren. thank you mrs be. sadly, suicide is _ schoolchildren. thank you mrs be. sadly, suicide is the _ schoolchildren. thank you mrs be. sadly, suicide is the biggest - schoolchildren. thank you mrs be. sadly, suicide is the biggest killer| sadly, suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the uk. —— thank you, mr speaker. my constituent and others are the three

dads walking. andy, tim and mike each tragically lost their precious daughters, sophie, emily and beth to suicide. and if campaigned tirelessly through charity walking for suicide awareness and prevention to be included in the school curriculum. i have been humble to support them, includingjoin curriculum. i have been humble to support them, including join them on their uk workers they came through penrith with a petition which is due for parliamentary debate on the 13th of march and with my early day motion which has support from right across the house. would the prime ministerjoined in paying tribute to the three dads and would he meet with me and the three dads to discuss suicide prevention and ultimately save young lives? mr ultimately save young lives? ii speaker, of course i would pay tribute to andy, tim and mike, especially for channelling their own personal tragedies into such positive action to prevent this happening to other families. that is inspiring and they deserve enormous

credit. the government is taking action to improve the provision of mental health services for young people in schools and colleges, but i would be delighted to meet with him and andy and mike in time to discuss what more we can do. —— and tim... thank you mr speaker. and thank you for that welcome. ordinary people did not need to hear an imfforecast to understand that the uk economy is the worst performing in the lung is the worst performing in the lung is the leading nations of the world. they live with it every day. people know that energy bills through the roof and they know the for dozen households face defaulting on their mortgages and house prices fall and they know that food prices are rising at a record rate of 16.7% as

of today. the prime minister is 100 daysin of today. the prime minister is 100 days in office, as party 13 years in power and in all that time, has the prime minister ever reflected that the only thing the tory party has been good at is pushing people into poverty? mr speaker, it's wonderful to hearfrom poverty? mr speaker, it's wonderful to hear from the poverty? mr speaker, it's wonderful to hearfrom the right poverty? mr speaker, it's wonderful to hear from the right honourable gentleman. to hear from the right honourable centleman. ~ i to hear from the right honourable gentleman-— to hear from the right honourable centleman. ~ i, i, , gentleman. what i would say is we are continuing _ gentleman. what i would say is we are continuing to _ gentleman. what i would say is we are continuing to work _ gentleman. what i would say is we are continuing to work for - gentleman. what i would say is we are continuing to work for people l are continuing to work for people across the uk and scotland and he mentioned poverty is today lower than when the conservative first came into office. inequality is lower than when the conservatives came into office and a number of people in low pay, the lowest on record. i ., people in low pay, the lowest on record. i ~' , i, people in low pay, the lowest on record. i ~' ~ people in low pay, the lowest on record. i, ~ , record. thank you, mr speaker. in my constituency there _ record. thank you, mr speaker. in my constituency there is _ record. thank you, mr speaker. in my constituency there is a _ record. thank you, mr speaker. in my constituency there is a great - record. thank you, mr speaker. in my constituency there is a great sense i constituency there is a great sense of shock and disbelief following last night's horrific dog attack that killed a four—year—old girl.

the police investigation is still going on and it wouldn't be appropriate to speculate on the circumstances but it would mean a great deal if on the half of the house the prime minister can send our condolences to the family and to the community and to thank the emergency services for dealing with the situation with the customary compassion and professionalism. i thank my honourable friend and send my condolences and the condolences of the whole house after this horrific incident. ijoin him in thanking the emergency services, who responded rapidly. i know my honourable friend will be supporting family during this difficult time. thank you very much, mr deputy speaker.

cani can i blame the painkillers?! apologies, mr speaker, and thank you. this past weekend i visited a charity in my constituency. it was hosting an exhibition about metastatic breast cancer, which claims 3! metastatic breast cancer, which claims 31 lives day in the united kingdom. and the women there asked me to convey at the first opportunity to the government the need for more awareness, more support, more research and more drug availability. can i ask the prime minister if he will do that, if he will help to bring that support? also, i have written to the scottish government asking for their support. if, at its next meeting, the prime minister would mention it to the

scottish first minister. mr speaker, can i scottish first minister. mr speaker, can! -a scottish first minister. mr speaker, can i pay tribute _ scottish first minister. mr speaker, can i pay tribute to _ scottish first minister. mr speaker, can i pay tribute to the _ scottish first minister. mr speaker, can i pay tribute to the charity - scottish first minister. mr speaker, can i pay tribute to the charity for l can i pay tribute to the charity for the work they do. she is absolutely right. awareness is key in tackling and identifying breast cancer symptoms, one of the reasons we are investing more in diagnostic screening tools to make sure that we can detect more cancers earlier in the treatment and ultimately save lives. i would be happy to pick up this particular topic with the first minister when i next to her and ensure that we are working together to improve cancer services for everyone, regardless of where they live in the uk. in everyone, regardless of where they live in the uk.— live in the uk. in the united kingdom — live in the uk. in the united kingdom government's - live in the uk. in the united - kingdom government's negotiations with ee regarding the northern ireland protocol, with the prime minister kindly confirm to the house that the sovereignty of the united kingdom and its four nations will not be compromised? mr kingdom and its four nations will not be compromised? mr speaker, i can rive not be compromised? mr speaker, i can give my — not be compromised? mr speaker, i can give my honourable _ not be compromised? mr speaker, i can give my honourable friend - not be compromised? mr speaker, i can give my honourable friend that l can give my honourable friend that assurance. i know this is something he cares passionately about. the implementation of the protocol is having an impact for communities in

northern ireland. that is why it needs to be addressed. and that is what we are attempting to do through constructive dialogue. of the goal and that must be to ensure northern ireland's place in our precious union. , , i union. -- but the goal. since the election of— union. -- but the goal. since the election of the _ union. -- but the goal. since the election of the fascist _ union. -- but the goal. since the election of the fascist israeli - election of the fascist israeli government in november of last year, there has been an increase in human rights violations against palestinian civilians, including children. so, can the prime minister tell us how he is challenging what amnesty and other human right organisations are to as an apartheid state? ~ ~ ,, i, ,, state? well, mr speaker, the honourable _ state? well, mr speaker, the honourable lady _ state? well, mr speaker, the honourable lady also - state? well, mr speaker, the honourable lady also failed l state? well, mr speaker, the | honourable lady also failed to mention the horrific attacks on civilians inside israel as well. and it is important in this matter to remain calm and urged all sides to strive for peace. that is very much what i will do as prime minister and in the conversations i have had with the israeli prime minister. 5ir in the conversations i have had with the israeli prime minister.— the israeli prime minister. sirjohn

ha es. mr the israeli prime minister. sirjohn hayes. mr speaker, _ the israeli prime minister. sirjohn hayes. mr speaker, in _ the israeli prime minister. sirjohn hayes. mr speaker, in 2016, - the israeli prime minister. sirjohn hayes. mr speaker, in 2016, the l hayes. mr speaker, in 2016, the british people had the wisdom and foresight to take back control from foreign lawmakers. and when they did so or they believed we were taking back control of our borders. yet since that time we have faced wave after wave of illegal migration. so, with my right honourable friend, without further delay, bring forward the necessary legislation to turn back the tide and fulfil the promise we made to the british people then? mr speaker, my honourable friend makes an excellent point. that is why one of this government's five priorities is indeed to stop the boats. we will introduce new legislation that makes it unequivocally clear that if you are right in this country illegally, you will not be able to stay. we will swiftly detain you and remove you to your own country or a safer

alternative. that is the right and responsible way to tackle this problem. responsible way to tackle this roblem. i, ii, , responsible way to tackle this roblem. i, , , i, , well, there we are. prime minister's questions came to an abrupt end. jonathan blake was watching. he joins us now. as we could have expected, i suppose, joins us now. as we could have expected, isuppose, sir joins us now. as we could have expected, i suppose, sir keir starmerfor labour expected, i suppose, sir keir starmer for labour getting a bit of a p0p starmer for labour getting a bit of a pop in there about what rishi sunak new regarding that zahawi's tax affairs? i i, i, , sunak new regarding that zahawi's tax affairs? i ii i, , , sunak new regarding that zahawi's tax affairs? i ii , i, tax affairs? yes, that was his main line of attack _ tax affairs? yes, that was his main line of attack and _ tax affairs? yes, that was his main line of attack and may _ tax affairs? yes, that was his main line of attack and may be - tax affairs? yes, that was his main | line of attack and may be something of a surprise for people watching who might have thought, not necessarily for the first time, that prime minister's questions was happening in a parallel universe of the westminster bubble rather than the westminster bubble rather than the real world, because there was barely any mention of the huge industrial action happening across big sectors of the economy and the private sector today, by teachers, railway workers and others. it was

left to the labour mp mary foy to accuse the prime minister of being responsible for sacking and silencing public sector workers, rather than getting a grip and negotiating. but as you say, sir keir starmer chose the ongoing problems that rishi sunak seems to be having with members of his cabinet and their conduct. that was his main line of questioning. specifically around nadhim zahawi, the former conservative party chairman sacked by the prime minister on sunday after a report found he had broken the ministerial code over an investigation into his taxes. sir keir starmer trying to get at what the prime minister knew and when, suggesting that he did, in fact, now there was a problem before he appointed nadhim zahawi, and an investigation. he went on to mention dominic raab, set to rishi sunak�*s right—hand side on the front bench

in the house of commons. and the ongoing investigation into his conduct over claims of bullying in his role asjustice secretary, formerly as foreign secretary and as brexit secretary as well. and also, for good measure sir keir starmer through and accusations levelled at the former prime minister, boris johnson, and his relationship with the former bbc chairman sir richard sharpe and what role he played in arranging a loan to the former prime ministerfrom a distant arranging a loan to the former prime minister from a distant cousin of his. 50, all of that raked over in prime minister's questions. rishi sunak pushing back, responding and saying that due process was followed, certainly in the case of nadhim zahawi, and turning the attack back on sir keir starmer over comments made by rosie duffield, the labour mp, about transgender issues and how sir keir starmer had not, in rishi sunak�*s woods, stood up for women in his own party. rishi sunak's woods, stood up for women in his own party. jonathan, thank ou women in his own party. jonathan, thank you very _ women in his own party. jonathan, thank you very much. _ women in his own party. jonathan, thank you very much. -- _ women in his own party. jonathan, thank you very much. -- rishi - thank you very much. —— rishi sunak's words. asjonathan said,

very little reference to the fact that hundreds of thousands of workers are taking part in what is thought to be the biggest strike in more than a decade. the mass walk—out involves teachers, train drivers, university staff and some bus drivers. most of the dispute about pay. ministers have insisted they can't afford higher than inflation pay rises. zoe conway is outside the cabinet office with protesters in central london. a noisy lot they are? i, �* central london. a noisy lot they are? ii �* i ii central london. a noisy lot they are? i i, central london. a noisy lot they are? i, �* i i, i, are? i don't know if you can hear me. we are? i don't know if you can hear me- we can't — are? i don't know if you can hear me. we can't hear _ are? i don't know if you can hear me. we can't hear me. - are? i don't know if you can hear me. we can't hear me. you - are? i don't know if you can hear. me. we can't hear me. you better seak me. we can't hear me. you better speak because _ me. we can't hear me. you better speak because you _ me. we can't hear me. you better speak because you can't _ me. we can't hear me. you better speak because you can't speak -- | speak because you can't speak —— eros very well. i speak because you can't speak -- eros very well-— eros very well. i am outside the cabinet office _ eros very well. i am outside the cabinet office in _ eros very well. i am outside the cabinet office in whitehall. - eros very well. i am outside the - cabinet office in whitehall. downing street is just over there. the heart of government. there is a huge crowd of government. there is a huge crowd

of people walking towards me as part of people walking towards me as part of a demonstration. this is the national education union, teachers who are striking today, and other unions who are supporting them. cheering. a very noisy crowd, as you can hear. let me give you a sense of who is out here in whitehall. we have the civil service union behind me, members of several whitehall departments, and what they are calling for is an inflation matching pay rise. they are being offered 2%. what they wanted to have something closer to inflation, which remains a 10.5%. i should say it is notjust civil servants in fancy whitehall departments that are striking today. there are civil servants across the country. many of them are in actually quite low paid roles, relatively speaking. they may work

in call centres, answering calls about revenue and customs. of course, we have got strikes going on at airports. i hope you can still hear me. it is getting very noisy here. we have got, of course, along with the civil servants, we have got teachers and train drivers. and as you say, the biggest strike for more than a decade. we are just moving out of the way of this demonstration, which started, actually, outside of the bbc. they are heading towards the cenotaph, where there is going to be a rally. several of the union leaders are going to be talking. seven unions are striking today. civil servants, university staff, train drivers, teachers... we think that maybe half a million people are out on strike today, the biggest strike in more than a decade. the question, of

course, is, will this have any impact on the government's thinking? is the government going to move on public sector pay? 50 is the government going to move on public sector pay? so far, there is little sign of that. but some people here are hoping they can force the government to the negotiating table. zoe conway, thank you very much. amongst those protesters in central london, who have made their way from the bbc in the north part of regent street, gathering in numbers with their placards, heading towards the houses of parliament. two men who were found guilty of murdering a 71—year—old businesswoman from hertfordshire, have been given life sentences. louise kam disappeared injuly 2021, and her body was later fpund dumped in a rubbish bin. 25 year—old, kusai al—jundi and 28—year—old mohamed el—abboud were convicted last month after a £4.6m plan to plunder her property and raid her life savings went wrong. judge mark lucraft gave

the sentencing a little earlier. having identified 30 years as the appropriate start for the minimum term, there are several aggravating factors to be considered in this case. firstly, this was an attack by you that was extensively planned and premeditated. there was a significant period of planning over a lengthy period. the messages that were uncovered in the investigation show how you took advantage. i also note that the attack takes place in the home of louise, and her vulnerability. there were extensive efforts after the killing to conceal her body. not only did you engage in efforts to physically conceal her body and what you had done, you send

many messages to family and closest friends, purporting to be from louise, giving the impression she was alive and well and had disappeared with money which was yours. lawyers for the controversial influencer andrew tate are filing an appeal against his continued detention in romania. last month, mr tate and his brother tristan had their custody extended until the end of february, while specialist police investigate allegations of human trafficking and rape. both men deny the charges. a short while ago the pair arrived for the appeal ruling. if their appeal is successful, they will be released from preventative custody. you know i'm innocent. lucy williamson is outside the court in bucharest. this lucy williamson is outside the court in itucharest-_ in bucharest. this is the second time that andrew _ in bucharest. this is the second time that andrew tate - in bucharest. this is the second time that andrew tate and - in bucharest. this is the second time that andrew tate and his l time that andrew tate and his brother have been in court to appeal their detention. we havejust spoken to his legal team, which came out to talk to journalists after they filed

the appeal, and his chief lawyer said he had new evidence that, as he put it, would undermine the prosecution arguments. but of course the brothers have appealed their detention before unsuccessfully. and in fact, the judge awarded the extension of their custody, gave his reasoning last week in a pretty strongly worded statement. nevertheless, the brothers are continuing to claim their innocence, including when they arrived at court this morning. you know i'm innocent. there is no justice _ you know i'm innocent. there is no justice in— you know i'm innocent. there is no justice in romania. gne you know i'm innocent. there is no justice in romania.— justice in romania. one of those here in court _ justice in romania. one of those here in court today _ justice in romania. one of those here in court today was - justice in romania. one of those here in court today was a - justice in romania. one of those here in court today was a new. justice in romania. one of those i here in court today was a new legal adviser from the united states with expertise in high profile criminal cases and international human rights. there is speculation that the legal team here could try a different tack to get the brothers released from preventive custody

while police continue their investigation. lucy williamson, bbc news, bucharest. a four—year—old girl has died after being attacked by a dog in milton keynes. emergency services were called to the back garden of a house yesterday afternoon in the netherfield area of the city. thames valley police described it a tragic incident. no arrests have been made. a police officer stands guard outside the home where the dog attack happened. thames valley police have described it as a tragic incident. floral tributes are being laid here in memory of the four—year—old girl who was tragically attacked by the dog at this property. at the moment, we can see police in forensic suits walking around. there is a tent in the back garden where they are currently doing some forensics work. the thames valley police, though, have urged the public to show their respect to the family, by allowing them the privacy to grieve during this difficult time. officers were called to the property in netherfield, a suburb of milton keynes,

by the ambulance service just after 5pm on tuesday. it was reported the incident took place in the back garden. shortly afterwards, it was confirmed a child had died at the property. no arrests have been made, and police say the dog has been humanely destroyed. the child's family are being supported by specialist officers. superintendent matt bullivant of thames valley police said... a large police presence is expected in the area as investigations continue. howard johnson, bbc news.

the hollywood star alec baldwin has been formally charged with involuntary manslaughter over the fatal shooting of cinematographer halyna hutchins. she was killed on a film set when mr baldwin fired a prop gun in 2021. hannah gutierrez reed, the film's armourer, has also been charged. our west coast correspondent sophie long sent this update from los angeles. the frantic efforts to save the cinematographer. in the moments after a rehearsal became a real—life horror story. after a rehearsal became a real—life horrorstory. halyna after a rehearsal became a real—life horror story. halyna hutchins left behind a husband and young son. and an industry asking why live ammunition was ever on a film set. alec baldwin was the actor on set. alec baldwin was the actor on set. alec baldwin was holding the gun micro but he denies pulling the trigger. he says it was a freak discharge from a weapon he was told had been said. i discharge from a weapon he was told had been said-— had been said. i put it in slow turn, cocked _ had been said. i put it in slow turn, cocked pistol, _ had been said. i put it in slow turn, cocked pistol, bank, - had been said. i put it in slow| turn, cocked pistol, bank, she had been said. i put it in slow - turn, cocked pistol, bank, she hits the ground.

turn, cocked pistol, bank, she hits the ground-— turn, cocked pistol, bank, she hits the round. i, , i, i, , the ground. now he has been formally charred the ground. now he has been formally charged with — the ground. now he has been formally charged with involuntary _ charged with involuntary manslaughter, which alleges a criminal degree of negligence. hannah gutierrez reed, in charge of weapons on site, faces the same charges. prosecutors claim alec baldwin did not have sufficient firearms training, that he failed to do with safety compliance on set, that he put his finger on the trigger of a real gun microand a replica should have been used, and pointed it at halyna hutchins. they stayed this reckless deviation from known standards and protocols directly caused the fatal shooting. joel suter, also injured in the incident, will return as director. and matthew haagens, halyna hutchins' osman, will oversee the legacy of her work. —— husband. a joyous insight of pre—war life in the ukrainian capital, is being compiled into a book of pictures taken by a photographer from walsall. peter ford spent four years in kyiv in the late 1990s, and wants profits

from the book to help with the current aid effort. joanne writtle has been to see him. pictures of life in ukraine from the mid to late 1990s.— mid to late 1990s. you've got to remember _ mid to late 1990s. you've got to remember they _ mid to late 1990s. you've got to remember they had _ mid to late 1990s. you've got to remember they had come - mid to late 1990s. you've got to remember they had come out i mid to late 1990s. you've got to remember they had come out of mid to late 1990s. you've got to i remember they had come out of a mid to late 1990s. you've got to - remember they had come out of a very rigid soviet system, so they were kind of finding their feet socially, politically, mentally, whatever. but that this did not put them off being about what i would call, ukrainian, is friendly to people. the about what i would call, ukrainian, is friendly to people.— is friendly to people. the book is bein: is friendly to people. the book is being compiled _ is friendly to people. the book is being compiled by _ is friendly to people. the book is being compiled by photographer| is friendly to people. the book is - being compiled by photographer peter ford from walsall, who worked there. profits will go to humanitarian aid as the warm and gracious. i just as the warm and gracious. i 'ust thou~ht, as the warm and gracious. i 'ust thought, hang i as the warm and gracious. i 'ust thought, hang on i as the warm and gracious. i 'ust thought, hang on a i as the warm and gracious. i 'ust thought, hang on a minute,h as the warm and gracious. ijust thought, hang on a minute, i i as the warm and gracious. inst thought, hang on a minute, i spent four years in kyiv and i am in touch with people there. i am literally every day hearing the stories i don't want to know about. i think this picture i will show my queue now, which is used in autumn leaves, this one, i think it was 1999.

irina, on the right, was a fashion model photographed by peter. 25 years on, she speaks to him during a limited window when she has power as we film. mi; limited window when she has power as we film. y ii , limited window when she has power as we film. g i, , i, limited window when she has power as we film. y ii , i, , ii we film. my family now, they are in k iv. but we film. my family now, they are in kyiv- itut my _ we film. my family now, they are in kyiv. but my daughter, _ kyiv. but my daughter, unfortunately, left ukraine. she is in canada — unfortunately, left ukraine. she is in canada now. i am worried about all of— in canada now. i am worried about all of the _ in canada now. i am worried about all of the people who are abroad because — all of the people who are abroad because i— all of the people who are abroad because i want all of them to return to my— because i want all of them to return to my country when the war will be oven _ to my country when the war will be over. �* i to my country when the war will be over. �* , i, , i i, to my country when the war will be over. �*i i, , i, over. peter's fascinating pieces were all shot _ over. peter's fascinating pieces were all shot on _ over. peter's fascinating pieces were all shot on film _ over. peter's fascinating pieces were all shot on film and - over. peter's fascinating pieces were all shot on film and he . over. peter's fascinating pieces i were all shot on film and he spent hours going through negatives. in hours going through negatives. i�*i summer evenings they would hours going through negatives. in summer evenings they would literally just turned up onto the main square, independence square in kyiv, with an accordion player and they'd enjoy them substantially. i guess it is them substantially. i guess it is the old people's version of a rave! a lot of people have become good friends. in fact,

a lot of people have become good friends. infact, irena, i have now got in contact with her, she now teaches ballet at a school in germany, which is incredible. key have at the time was full of markets, whether it be selling food, goods, trinkets, dolls etc. they always used to have little kids playing something. we are not talking squeaky music. we are talking squeaky music. we are talking some good stuff. you could not move at the weekend without passing at least two people playing chess. and the fun thing was it was like, you know when england when something happened to get a credit gathering? the same with chas. everything from music on subways to chile new year river swings is featured. the book is due out in the coming weeks. joanne riddle, bbc news. a 99—year—old great—grandmother, who survived the holocaust and has been sharing videos on tiktok to educate others, has been presented with an mbe by king charles. hungarian—born lily ebert was sent to auschwitz—birkenau when she was just 20 years old. she went on to become a founding member of the uk's holocaust survivor centre.

jon donnison reports. lily, mrs ebert, for services to holocaust education. turning 100 later this year, lily ebert will soon be receiving a special letter from the king. this week, though, at windsor castle, he gave her an mbe. lily was just a young woman when she was taken by the nazis from her home in hungary to the auschwitz concentration camp. this photo shows her aged 21, just after she was liberated. many of herfamily, though, did not survive. last week, she spoke to breakfast on holocaust memorial day. do you want to tell me about your younger sister? she was the most beautiful little girl. now living in north london, lily has made it her life's work to teach people the lessons that should be learnt from the holocaust. they gave us black water to drink. along with the help of dov, one of her 36 great grandchildren, she's recently become something

of a tik tok sensation, telling her story and answering questions for her more than two million followers. dov was able to accompany his great grandmother to pick up her mbe. the number of survivors is dwindling, and it's increasingly becoming my generation's role to share these stories and to become witnesses. when you listen to a witness, you become a witness. he says lily told the king she never expected to survive the holocaust, let alone receive an honour from the king. jon donnison, bbc news. she's best known as a former x—factorjudge and band member of girls aloud, but now cheryl is taking on a new challenge as a leading lady in the west end. she's joined the cast of 2:22 a ghost story, and is making her stage debut. alice bhandukravi has been catching up with the cast. it's time to play do ghosts exist? # da da dum, da da dum #.

2:22 has been entertaining and spooking audiences for the last couple of years and intent on carrying on with its fifth cast. for the leading lady, though, it's only her first foray into west end theatre. it is so nice, after 20 years of doing the same sort of thing, to have a different experience again and a new challenge, and it's been really fun. the gateway between life and death is a secret not all spirits are in on. like the wardrobe to narnia. precisely. like running across sniper's alley. not everyone gets through. it's sort of like a modern classic, i think. - in some ways, it's quite _ an old—fashioned ghost story, but it has sort of been brought up—to—date. i think people will be j pleasantly surprised, the twists and turns. ghosts aren't literally dead people walking around. i think they're more like facebook. right. laughter. it's scripted, i suppose, that's also different for you. yeah, yeah, of course. that bit was interesting. but even with songs, you've got

to retain that information. singing and dancing can sometimes be a bit like that. even that hasn't been as difficult as i was anticipating. are you nervous with this being your first play? no. i mean, a healthy amount of nerves in the previews, which i think is normal. i'd be concerned for myself if i had none. i'm enjoying it enough to be able to not have those sickly worries. before we go on every night it's fun to look into each other's eyes and go, "oh, we're doing this again." it feels, i mean, like nothing i've done before. like nothing i've done before. 0r me — right, there you go. the whole show is an experience that iyou enjoy and you kind of...you cani expect a really fun evening from. people love to be scared, don't they? so there is a sort of communal feeling. so, yeah, you can feel it in the theatre and it is great entertainment. yeah, come out, get scared and talk

about it on the way home. alice bhandhukravi, bbc news. let's show you these live pictures of protesters from various unions taking part in demonstrations today, as hundreds of thousands of people across the country from the education sector, civil service, transport and the health sector, take part in a day of action. this is the scene at whitehall. we know that some of the protesters walked from the bbc building in the north of regent street, and headed south towards those government buildings and parliament square, calling on the government to return to talks to discuss matters of pay and working conditions much more discussion about that through the day. any moment, the bbc news that one.

first, the weather forecast with ben. good afternoon. for some, the first day of february has provided some beautiful winter sunshine. but last night, as the new month arrived, this swell of cloud passed close to northern scotland and brought some very strong winds. behind me, this shield of cloud starting to introduce some outbreaks of rain. we had some cloudy and damp weather in northern ireland. brighter here in the afternoon. england, western scotland, also seeing some rain. for wales, the midlands, southern england, makes a patchy cloud and sunny spells. quite mild, particularly the south. tonight, this band of rain continues its journey north and east. behind it, some chilly air. but behind it, milder conditions developing. temperatures between five and 10 degrees by the end of the night. heavier rain pushing into the western side of scotland. in the north—west highlands we will see a

lot of rain in the next few days because of the success and weather fronts that would be pushing in from the atlantic. high pressure keeping a drierfurther south. this feet the atlantic. high pressure keeping a drier further south. this feet of airfrom a drier further south. this feet of air from the atlantic bringing some mild but quite cloudy and damp conditions around some of these western hills. we will see some... the north of scotland will continue to see some outbreaks of rain tomorrow. some of it will be heavy and the winds will pick up once again. but, afternoon temperatures, 11 degrees for aberdeen, 13 be high in london. it is going to be mild. briefly, on thursday night, as this cold front moves southwards, we will see something chillier into the north—east of scotland. it won't last long because the weather front porches north eastwards again and we milder air will return. quite large areas of cloud. drizzle in the west. some spells of sunshine. temperatures above what we would expect in early february, ten to m

degrees. into the weekend we start on the mild air. then we see this frontal system pushing south east, bringing some outbreaks of rain. and behind it, the air turns colder. but this big area of high pressure builds its way. this is going to be quite a strong area of high pressure with us for sunday. while it would be a colder day, it will be a brighter day with lots of sunshine.

at one, it's thought to be the biggest day of industrial action in more than a decade across the uk. tens of thousands of teachers are among those on picket lines, in their dispute over pay and conditions. thousands of schools are affected. rather than messing about and doing nothing, which is what they've done since lastjuly, the government should get round the table now seriously and start to negotiate. lam clear i am clear that our children's education _ i am clear that our children's education is precious and they deserve — education is precious and they deserve to be in school today, being taught _ rail passengers are told to check before travelling, as train drivers begin the first of two days of strike action this week.

we'll have the latest from picket lines in england,