this is bbc news with the latest headlines. the uk and eu are set to hold final talks on a new brexit agreement for northern ireland as the prime minister meets his european counterpart today. wheel any deal between london and brussels pave the way for northern ireland to get its devolved government back? i am live in belfast with the latest. energy bills expected to rise again — as the regulator is about to announce the new price cap, but with government help set to end, households could face a big hike from april. more than 60 people are now confirmed dead — including 12 children — after a boat carrying migrants sank off the southern coast of italy. nhs staff tell safety investigators they feared patients were dying as they grappled with long ambulance delays.

and a big win for the fantasy adventure film everything everywhere all at once, after a succesful night at the screen actors guild awards in hollywood. good morning and welcome to bbc news. the prime minister and the european commission are due to hold "final talks" on a new post—brexit trade deal for northern ireland today. rishi sunak and ursula von der leyen will meet in windsor to discuss "complex challenges" around the exisiting deal — what's called the northern ireland protocol. there will be a cabinet meeting in the afternoon, where an update on those talks will be given. if a final deal is agreed, the prime minister and ms von der leyen will hold a short joint press conference.

rishi sunak would then make a statement in the house of commons. so, what is the protocol and why is it important? it was created after brexit to avoid border controls between northern ireland and the republic of ireland — which is an eu member. effectively, it leaves northern ireland within the eu single market. so the protocol requires goods sent from the rest of britain across the irish sea to be checked on arrival in northern ireland. critics argue that effectively creates a border between northern ireland and the rest of the uk. but proponents of the deal say the alternative is a hard border with the republic, which would increase political tensions in northern ireland. the uk wants to change the agreement so that fewer goods need to be checked. our political editor chris mason has more on what could be in the deal. so what can we expect in this proposed new deal? a plan to make trade easier between england, scotland and wales, and northern ireland.

it looks like goods that are staying in northern ireland will be able to pass through a green or express lane, and those things going on into the republic of ireland, in the eu, will have to be checked via a red lane. it is also expected there will be a new arrangement about tax. northern ireland follows some eu rules on this and in particular around vat, and that is a real frustration to some. then there is how the rules are enforced. this involves the european court ofjustice, and critics of the protocol want to get rid of the role of the eu's court. that seems unlikely, but we can perhaps expect some sort of promise to talk up other ways of sorting out disagreements first. and then there is also the issue of northern ireland having a say on ongoing rule changes that the eu makes. joining me now is our ireland correspondent, chris page.

he is in belfast. yes, the key question _ he is in belfast. yes, the key question here _ he is in belfast. yes, the key question here in _ he is in belfast. yes, the key question here in belfast - he is in belfast. yes, the key question here in belfast is, i he is in belfast. yes, the key i question here in belfast is, what will this deal mean for the very future of devolution in this part of the uk? currently, the state of play is that the democratic unionist party, the biggest unionist group in the northern ireland assembly, which usually sits here at stormont, is using their special power—sharing rules in politics here to block the formation of a devolved government and also to block the assembly from sitting at also there has been no fully functioning devolved government here for more than a year, when the dup first minister paul givan resigned in protest against the protocol, there has been no substantive sitting of the assembly since the end of march. in may, there was an election where for the first time, sinn fein overtook the first time, sinn fein overtook the dup to become the biggest party

at stormont. if devolution is restored here, that would mean for the first time, sinn fein would hold the first time, sinn fein would hold the first minister's office. that is one of the domestic, if you like a political dynamics going on here, which could be feeding in to the dup's which could be feeding in to the dup�*s analysis of where it goes from here. the dup fundamentally, its leader said jeffrey donaldson says it is up for restoring the devolved government if the northern ireland protocol is substantially changed, if trade barriers between northern ireland and england, scotland and wales are removed and if, as they see it, northern ireland's place in the uk is fully restored. as things stand, the dup views the northern ireland protocol as an economic barrier in the irish sea, something which separates northern ireland from the rest of the uk. so the dup have been pretty clear that they are not going to make any swift decision

on any deal that could be announced today between london and brussels. the party is likely to take its time to analyse any text. my understanding is that they have lawyers ready to look at some of the more complicated legal parts of any agreement, to assess what exactly it means, for example, the act of union, the piece of legislation which officially keeps northern ireland part of the uk, that and other issues will stop in recent days, senior members of the dup have been speaking a lot about what they call the democratic deficit, that is, will northern ireland continue to be under the jurisdiction is, will northern ireland continue to be under thejurisdiction of is, will northern ireland continue to be under the jurisdiction of the european union in a legal sense, particularly the role of the eu's highest court, the european court of justice, in any deal? so as far as the dup are concerned, they want full power over the laws in northern ireland to be returned to london or here to stormont, not be made by brussels. that is where the dup is coming from in all of this. i think

it is likely that the party will say it is likely that the party will say it wants to take the agreement and the party's analysis of its agreement back to the grassroot before it makes a decision as to whether it wants to lift its veto power shown here. as far as the other stormont parties are concerned, most of them, anyway, they will say that the majority of assembly members elected here from the nationalist party, sinn fein, the nationalist party, sinn fein, the sdlp and they cross community alliance party, chiefly, are broadly in favour of the protocol as a means of managing the fallout from brexit, while they want changes to make it run more smoothly, they want what they see as the economic benefits of they see as the economic benefits of the protocols are northern ireland to be maintained, that is, northern ireland being in a unique position of having its business is being able to sell its goods tariff free bows to sell its goods tariff free bows to the uk and eu markets. —— both to the uk and eu markets. and those parties and the second biggest unionist party, the ulster unionists

will say that the protocol, no matter what way you look at it, is no reason to be denying northern ireland its devolved government. i think we can expect to hear plenty from those parties today. but really, as far as the key to unlocking future of devolution here, well, that will lie with the dup. it is day that i think most national and international attention will be focused on, to see what response we will have. sirjeffrey donaldson, the party leader, is a member of parliament in westminster and you can expect him to be involved in the proceedings and the house of commons this evening when we are told rishi sunak will be making a statement. thank you forjoining us. chris page in belfast. let's go live to windsor now and join my colleague geeta guru—murthy. this is where the talks between as he love underlain and the prime minister will take place today. —— between ursula von der leyen. indeed, welcome to windsor, this is

the site we know of where we are going to see the prime minister and ursula von der leyen sweep up, in the grounds of this rather lovely hotel, to hold talks, we are told there will be a photo opportunity, we have seen the police and sniffer dogs and the cordoned off areas already, where they are going to have those meetings. there is a whole day choreographed around this with an expected press conference potentially later. we are in windsor. there has been a certain amount of discussion as to why those talks are being held here, whether there was going to be any involvement of the king, which would have been controversial potentially but the details are still emerging. let's find out a bit more with nick eardley. another brexit day, if anyone thought brexit was done, why are we here today? it is anyone thought brexit was done, why are we here today?— are we here today? it is all about the arrangements _ are we here today? it is all about the arrangements for _ are we here today? it is all about the arrangements for trading - are we here today? it is all about - the arrangements for trading between great britain and northern ireland. they have — great britain and northern ireland. they have been really controversial since _ they have been really controversial since boris — they have been really controversial since borisjohnson's brexit deal was struck—

since borisjohnson's brexit deal was struck but what rishi sunak is going _ was struck but what rishi sunak is going to _ was struck but what rishi sunak is going to sign up to today, barring any last—minute mishaps, is a deal that will_ any last—minute mishaps, is a deal that will make it easier to trade between — that will make it easier to trade between great britain and northern ireland, and he is going to sell it as such — ireland, and he is going to sell it as such he _ ireland, and he is going to sell it as such. he is going to sell it as a victory— as such. he is going to sell it as a victory for— as such. he is going to sell it as a victory for the uk, he as such. he is going to sell it as a victory forthe uk, he is as such. he is going to sell it as a victory for the uk, he is going to argue _ victory for the uk, he is going to argue there have been some significance into —— significant concessions from the european union which _ concessions from the european union which will— concessions from the european union which will make life easier for people — which will make life easier for people wanting to trade within the uk. people wanting to trade within the uk he _ people wanting to trade within the uk. he will argue this is a good day for the _ uk. he will argue this is a good day for the union and keeping northern ireiahd _ for the union and keeping northern ireiahd in— for the union and keeping northern ireland in the uk. but as we know, anyone _ ireland in the uk. but as we know, anyone that — ireland in the uk. but as we know, anyone that has followed brexit over the last _ anyone that has followed brexit over the last few years will know, agreeing _ the last few years will know, agreeing something with europe is one thing. — agreeing something with europe is one thing, but selling it back home can be _ one thing, but selling it back home can be another. and the two groups that rishi sunak is going to try to win over— that rishi sunak is going to try to win over but may face an uphill struggle — win over but may face an uphill struggle to do so are the dup, the unionist _ struggle to do so are the dup, the unionist party in northern ireland that chris — unionist party in northern ireland that chris page was talking about, and his— that chris page was talking about, and his own brexiteer mps back in the house — and his own brexiteer mps back in the house of commons. it is not going _ the house of commons. it is not going to — the house of commons. it is not going to be _ the house of commons. it is not going to be easy. in the house of commons. it is not going to be easy-— the house of commons. it is not going to be easy. in terms of why we are here right— going to be easy. in terms of why we are here right now, _ going to be easy. in terms of why we are here right now, talk _ going to be easy. in terms of why we are here right now, talk us _ going to be easy. in terms of why we are here right now, talk us through l are here right now, talk us through the choreography of what we're going

to see. , ., to see. there will be the talks around lunch _ to see. there will be the talks around lunch time _ to see. there will be the talks around lunch time between i to see. there will be the talks i around lunch time between rishi sunak— around lunch time between rishi sunak and — around lunch time between rishi sunak and ursula von der leyen. we are told _ sunak and ursula von der leyen. we are told repeatedly by number 10 that the _ are told repeatedly by number 10 that the deal is not done yet and there _ that the deal is not done yet and there are — that the deal is not done yet and there are still some final hurdles to overcome. but i suspect they wouldn't _ to overcome. but i suspect they wouldn't be here if those hurdles were _ wouldn't be here if those hurdles were significant. i would be amazed if there _ were significant. i would be amazed if there is— were significant. i would be amazed if there is not a deal to pore over this afternoon. assuming everything .oes this afternoon. assuming everything goes according to plan here, the prime _ goes according to plan here, the prime minister will hold a cabinet conference call with his colleagues. he will— conference call with his colleagues. he will then go to a press conference in windsor, where we will hear the _ conference in windsor, where we will hear the big — conference in windsor, where we will hear the big pitch from both sides, where _ hear the big pitch from both sides, where they— hear the big pitch from both sides, where they will both try to portray it as a _ where they will both try to portray it as a victory and say they have both _ it as a victory and say they have both given _ it as a victory and say they have both given a bit to get a bit as well— both given a bit to get a bit as well and — both given a bit to get a bit as well and they will argue that this is good _ well and they will argue that this is good for the people of northern ireiand~ _ is good for the people of northern ireiand~ i— is good for the people of northern ireland. i would expect the prime minister— ireland. i would expect the prime minister to go back to london then and make — minister to go back to london then and make the pitch to mps as well. one thing _ and make the pitch to mps as well. one thing i— and make the pitch to mps as well. one thing i would say is, the legal text of— one thing i would say is, the legal text of this — one thing i would say is, the legal text of this is going to be really important, the actual bit that is written — important, the actual bit that is written down. i think both brexiteer mps and _ written down. i think both brexiteer mps and the dup will want to see that before they deliver their

verdict _ that before they deliver their verdict i_ that before they deliver their verdict. i am that before they deliver their verdict. lam not that before they deliver their verdict. i am not certain that today will be _ verdict. i am not certain that today will be the — verdict. i am not certain that today will be the day that we necessarily -et will be the day that we necessarily get to _ will be the day that we necessarily get to the — will be the day that we necessarily get to the conclusion of the dup or the european research group, the erg, _ the european research group, the erg. the _ the european research group, the erg, the tory brexiteer mps, they will probably want a few days to go over this _ will probably want a few days to go over this i— will probably want a few days to go over this. i wouldn't expect a vote on it— over this. i wouldn't expect a vote on it today— over this. i wouldn't expect a vote on it today or tomorrow either. if there _ on it today or tomorrow either. if there is— on it today or tomorrow either. if there is a — on it today or tomorrow either. if there is a vote and number 10 will confirm _ there is a vote and number 10 will confirm that, brexiteer mps think they are — confirm that, brexiteer mps think they are going to get it based on conversations they have had with cabinet _ conversations they have had with cabinet ministers, i would expect that to _ cabinet ministers, i would expect that to be — cabinet ministers, i would expect that to be a few days away at least. in that to be a few days away at least. in terms _ that to be a few days away at least. in terms of— that to be a few days away at least. in terms of where we are now and in terms of what we will see because some people might be wondering why we are in windsor and why they didn't do this in downing street or at chequers, and lots of speculation over the weekend about whether there was going to be a visit by ursula von der leyen to the king and whether the royalfamily von der leyen to the king and whether the royal family might have been used to be brought into this cup is that happening not? it is been used to be brought into this cup is that happening not?- cup is that happening not? it is a lovely hotel _ cup is that happening not? it is a lovely hotel but _ cup is that happening not? it is a lovely hotel but i _ cup is that happening not? it is a lovely hotel but i can't _ cup is that happening not? it is a lovely hotel but i can't think - cup is that happening not? it is a lovely hotel but i can't think of l lovely hotel but i can't think of any other— lovely hotel but i can't think of any other reason why they would be in windsor, — any other reason why they would be in windsor, to be honest. we haven't had anything — in windsor, to be honest. we haven't had anything confirmed by number 10 all buckingham palace, despite asking — all buckingham palace, despite asking. we won't know for sure if

ursula _ asking. we won't know for sure if ursula von— asking. we won't know for sure if ursula von der leyen will meet the kin- ursula von der leyen will meet the king lrut— ursula von der leyen will meet the king but there is a fairly decent chance — king but there is a fairly decent chance that might happen, given the geographical location this morning. that has— geographical location this morning. that has caused controversy. i've been on the _ that has caused controversy. i've been on the phone all weekend to tory been on the phone all weekend to torv mps — been on the phone all weekend to tory mps and some of them are a bit uncomfortable actually come at any suggestion that the royal family are even on _ suggestion that the royal family are even on the periphery of what is going _ even on the periphery of what is going to — even on the periphery of what is going to be a pretty contentious political— going to be a pretty contentious political agreement. going to be a pretty contentious politicalagreement. i going to be a pretty contentious political agreement. i suspect if it happens. — political agreement. i suspect if it happens, and we have not heard this from them _ happens, and we have not heard this from them so i am presupposing now, i from them so i am presupposing now, i suspect— from them so i am presupposing now, i suspect the _ from them so i am presupposing now, i suspect the palace will argue that it is nothing to do with the king, a politics— it is nothing to do with the king, a politics side of it. but let's see how— politics side of it. but let's see how the — politics side of it. but let's see how the day plans out.- politics side of it. but let's see how the day plans out. there is no reason for — how the day plans out. there is no reason for any _ how the day plans out. there is no reason for any urgent _ how the day plans out. there is no reason for any urgent meeting - reason for any urgent meeting between as he love underlain and king charles, is there? hot between as he love underlain and king charles, is there?— king charles, is there? not that i know. if king charles, is there? not that i know- if that _ king charles, is there? not that i know. if that was _ king charles, is there? not that i know. if that was to _ king charles, is there? not that i know. if that was to happen - king charles, is there? not that i i know. if that was to happen today, and if the agreement _ know. if that was to happen today, and if the agreement was - know. if that was to happen today, and if the agreement was to - know. if that was to happen today, and if the agreement was to be - and if the agreement was to be called the windsor deal as has been mooted but we don't know obviously, that would be the government trying to wrap in a sort of unofficial royal seal of approval which is incredible controversial, isn't it?

look, i mean, isuppose there incredible controversial, isn't it? look, i mean, i suppose there are two ways— look, i mean, i suppose there are two ways of— look, i mean, i suppose there are two ways of looking at it, one, the argument — two ways of looking at it, one, the argument that the government would make in_ argument that the government would make in that situation is, you always— make in that situation is, you always get, when dignitaries come to the uk, _ always get, when dignitaries come to the uk, they always get spoiled by the uk, they always get spoiled by the royal— the uk, they always get spoiled by the royal family, the uk, they always get spoiled by the royalfamily, it the uk, they always get spoiled by the royal family, it is part of the bil the royal family, it is part of the big sell— the royal family, it is part of the big sell for— the royal family, it is part of the big sell for the uk. the other is exactly— big sell for the uk. the other is exactly as— big sell for the uk. the other is exactly as you say, and the view i have _ exactly as you say, and the view i have heard — exactly as you say, and the view i have heard from some tory mps, which is if it— have heard from some tory mps, which is if it happens, they are a bit uncomfortable about the way it would look. uncomfortable about the way it would look but _ uncomfortable about the way it would look. but as i say, nothing is confirmed _ look. but as i say, nothing is confirmed yet. we are in windsor and we will— confirmed yet. we are in windsor and we will be _ confirmed yet. we are in windsor and we will be here all day, it is a lovely— we will be here all day, it is a lovely day— we will be here all day, it is a lovely day if a bit chilly but it is a big _ lovely day if a bit chilly but it is a big day— lovely day if a bit chilly but it is a big day for brexit and rishi sunaks— a big day for brexit and rishi sunak's premiership, this is a big test of— sunak's premiership, this is a big test of his— sunak's premiership, this is a big test of his political skills, whether he can sell this to his party, — whether he can sell this to his party, sell it to the dup, assuming they sign— party, sell it to the dup, assuming they sign off on that deal, just after— they sign off on that deal, just after lunchtime. they sign off on that deal, 'ust after lunchtimei they sign off on that deal, 'ust after lunchtime. yes, we must not aet ahead after lunchtime. yes, we must not get ahead of— after lunchtime. yes, we must not get ahead of ourselves. _ after lunchtime. yes, we must not get ahead of ourselves. tempting | after lunchtime. yes, we must not l get ahead of ourselves. tempting as it is. nick will be with us for the coming hours of course. i am... joining me now to discuss this is anand menon, director of uk in a changing europe,

a think tank for independent research on uk—eu relations. what is your sense about how the day will play out and how quickly we will play out and how quickly we will see the detail and whether that is likely to get the seal of approval from everyone is likely to get the seal of approvalfrom everyone in the conservative party and the dup? sadly, i agree with everything that nickjust_ sadly, i agree with everything that nickjust said which is that we will -et nickjust said which is that we will get a _ nickjust said which is that we will get a text— nickjust said which is that we will get a text later today, perhaps about — get a text later today, perhaps about lunchtime and the devil will be in _ about lunchtime and the devil will be in the — about lunchtime and the devil will be in the detail. some in the conservative party and the dup, this is not _ conservative party and the dup, this is notjust_ conservative party and the dup, this is notjust about conservative party and the dup, this is not just about trade between great _ is not just about trade between great britain and northern ireland, it is about — great britain and northern ireland, it is about sovereignty so what this piece _ it is about sovereignty so what this piece of— it is about sovereignty so what this piece of paper says about the role of the _ piece of paper says about the role of the european court, what it says about _ of the european court, what it says about whether northern ireland will -et about whether northern ireland will get any— about whether northern ireland will get any say over the eu rules that will apply— get any say over the eu rules that will apply on its territory, will be absolutely fundamental. but it is worth _ absolutely fundamental. but it is worth saying here that the point of the protocol is to avoid a border between — the protocol is to avoid a border between the north and south of ireland — between the north and south of ireland and the way it does that is by putting — ireland and the way it does that is by putting northern ireland under some _ by putting northern ireland under some eu — by putting northern ireland under some eu laws, particularly when it comes— some eu laws, particularly when it comes to — some eu laws, particularly when it comes to trading goods. given that, and given— comes to trading goods. given that, and given that both sides don't want

the border— and given that both sides don't want the border in northern ireland, eu law will— the border in northern ireland, eu law will continue to have some role in northern— law will continue to have some role in northern ireland and the eu will make _ in northern ireland and the eu will make that — in northern ireland and the eu will make that low and we won't get a vote on— make that low and we won't get a vote on it — make that low and we won't get a vote on it and the eu court will have _ vote on it and the eu court will have a — vote on it and the eu court will have a role _ vote on it and the eu court will have a role in interpreting it so we have _ have a role in interpreting it so we have to _ have a role in interpreting it so we have to wait — have a role in interpreting it so we have to wait and see where they're the potential opponents are willing to compromise a bit and allow some role for— to compromise a bit and allow some role for those eu institutions. how much of a political _ role for those eu institutions. firm much of a political risk or a test is this for rishi sunak in your view? i mean, is there a real danger of enough conservative critics derailing this? or is it likely that the political momentum will be to support the government? weill. the political momentum will be to support the government?- the political momentum will be to support the government? well, it is both a huge — support the government? well, it is both a huge test _ support the government? well, it is both a huge test at _ support the government? well, it is both a huge test at a _ support the government? well, it is both a huge test at a huge - both a huge test at a huge opportunity. it is a test because insofar— opportunity. it is a test because insofar as — opportunity. it is a test because insofar as he has faced challenges from _ insofar as he has faced challenges from his— insofar as he has faced challenges from his party so far during his tenure — from his party so far during his tenure in — from his party so far during his tenure in numberio, he has tended to swerve _ tenure in numberio, he has tended to swerve them, either by compromise or by backing _ to swerve them, either by compromise or by backing off. this time, he seems — or by backing off. this time, he seems to— or by backing off. this time, he seems to be going full speed ahead and saying, opposition or not, i think— and saying, opposition or not, i think we — and saying, opposition or not, i think we need to get this sorted. you know. — think we need to get this sorted. you know, it is a moment of truth.

we will— you know, it is a moment of truth. we will remember moments of truth that theresa may had come aback with the meaningful vote. that theresa may had come aback with the meaningfulvote. it that theresa may had come aback with the meaningful vote. it is the equivalent, albeit without the formal— equivalent, albeit without the formal parliamentary vote but it is an opportunity, too, because i think number— an opportunity, too, because i think number 10 — an opportunity, too, because i think number 10 sees an opportunity, too, because i think numberio sees a an opportunity, too, because i think number 10 sees a deal on the protocol— number 10 sees a deal on the protocol as a way of unlocking all kinds _ protocol as a way of unlocking all kinds of — protocol as a way of unlocking all kinds of things, whether it is uk participation in eu research projects— participation in eu research projects or prospects in the forthcoming summit with president macron— forthcoming summit with president macron in— forthcoming summit with president macron in paris, bearing real fruit when _ macron in paris, bearing real fruit when it— macron in paris, bearing real fruit when it comes to collaboration over the small— when it comes to collaboration over the small boats issue so there is quite _ the small boats issue so there is quite a _ the small boats issue so there is quite a lot of state —— are at stake — quite a lot of state -- are at stake. , ., ., , ., , . , stake. in terms of how this affects economic growth _ stake. in terms of how this affects economic growth across _ stake. in terms of how this affects economic growth across the - stake. in terms of how this affects economic growth across the uk i stake. in terms of how this affects economic growth across the uk as| economic growth across the uk as well because we have heard forecasts and current numbers saying that, you know, gdp in the uk has fallen as a result of brexit in part at the moment. does this potentially, this deal, i'm nota bit moment. does this potentially, this deal, i'm not a bit of room for economic improvement? == deal, i'm not a bit of room for economic improvement? -- unlock a bit of room- — economic improvement? -- unlock a bit of room- it _ economic improvement? -- unlock a bit of room. it might _ economic improvement? -- unlock a bit of room. it might unlock- economic improvement? -- unlock a bit of room. it might unlock a - economic improvement? -- unlock a bit of room. it might unlock a tiny i bit of room. it might unlock a tiny bit, bit of room. it might unlock a tiny bit. the _ bit of room. it might unlock a tiny bit, the main impact of leaving the eu has—

bit, the main impact of leaving the eu has been leaving the single market— eu has been leaving the single market and there is no way the prime minister— market and there is no way the prime minister is _ market and there is no way the prime minister is going to countenance something like that but it provides certainty— something like that but it provides certainty for those businesses in northern— certainty for those businesses in northern ireland and trading with northern— northern ireland and trading with northern ireland. it also provides a broader— northern ireland. it also provides a broader certainty because as long as the stand—off over the protocol was going _ the stand—off over the protocol was going on. _ the stand—off over the protocol was going on, companies were not certain if we would _ going on, companies were not certain if we would end up with a trade war with the _ if we would end up with a trade war with the eu — if we would end up with a trade war with the eu if they retaliated against — with the eu if they retaliated against what they saw as our failure to implement it. moving on, if the mood _ to implement it. moving on, if the mood music— to implement it. moving on, if the mood music becomes better, there are all kinds _ mood music becomes better, there are all kinds of— mood music becomes better, there are all kinds of issues, notably the rules— all kinds of issues, notably the rules covering exports of electric vehicles, — rules covering exports of electric vehicles, that the two sides are due to be _ vehicles, that the two sides are due to be negotiating on in the next few years— to be negotiating on in the next few years and _ to be negotiating on in the next few years and those negotiations might -et a years and those negotiations might get a bit _ years and those negotiations might get a bit easier in a context in which — get a bit easier in a context in which we _ get a bit easier in a context in which we are getting on better and the protocol issue has been laid to rest _ the protocol issue has been laid to rest. , w' , the protocol issue has been laid to rest. , w , ., , . rest. very quickly, in a sentence if ou can, rest. very quickly, in a sentence if you can. itoris _ rest. very quickly, in a sentence if you can, boris johnson, _ rest. very quickly, in a sentence if you can, boris johnson, what i rest. very quickly, in a sentence if. you can, boris johnson, what would you can, borisjohnson, what would you can, borisjohnson, what would you expect his reaction to be? well. you expect his reaction to be? well, that is easy. — you expect his reaction to be? well, that is easy. i _ you expect his reaction to be? well, that is easy, i don't _ you expect his reaction to be? well, that is easy, i don't know, _ you expect his reaction to be? well, that is easy, i don't know, it - you expect his reaction to be? well, that is easy, i don't know, it is i that is easy, i don't know, it is hard _ that is easy, idon't know, it is hard to— that is easy, i don't know, it is hard to predict so we will have to wait and — hard to predict so we will have to wait and see!— hard to predict so we will have to wait and see! 0k, everyone will be watchin: wait and see! 0k, everyone will be watching that _ wait and see! 0k, everyone will be watching that as _ wait and see! 0k, everyone will be watching that as well. _ wait and see! 0k, everyone will be watching that as well. thank i

wait and see! 0k, everyone will be watching that as well. thank you . wait and see! 0k, everyone will be l watching that as well. thank you for joining us. joining me now is our correspondent in brussels, jess parker. what is the expectation there, with ursula von der leyen coming here to windsor? i ursula von der leyen coming here to windsor? ~' , . ., ., , windsor? i think the expectation is, as we were — windsor? i think the expectation is, as we were reflecting _ windsor? i think the expectation is, as we were reflecting this _ windsor? i think the expectation is, as we were reflecting this money, l as we were reflecting this money, that a _ as we were reflecting this money, that a deal— as we were reflecting this money, that a deal is in the offing, although neither side is quite willing — although neither side is quite willing to publicly say that yet. but we — willing to publicly say that yet. but we already knew that the plan, once an _ but we already knew that the plan, once an agreement was ready to be signed _ once an agreement was ready to be signed by— once an agreement was ready to be signed by the two leaders was that ursula _ signed by the two leaders was that ursula von— signed by the two leaders was that ursula von der leyen, the eu chief here, _ ursula von der leyen, the eu chief here, would — ursula von der leyen, the eu chief here, would go to the uk in order for the _ here, would go to the uk in order for the handshake moment. here, would go to the uk in order forthe handshake moment. sol here, would go to the uk in order for the handshake moment. so i would be deeply— for the handshake moment. so i would be deeply surprised if that is not where _ be deeply surprised if that is not where this was headed today, if you were to _ where this was headed today, if you were to come back tonight having not signed _ were to come back tonight having not signed a _ were to come back tonight having not signed a deal, that would count as the plan _ signed a deal, that would count as the plan having gone rather awry. so that is— the plan having gone rather awry. so that is the _ the plan having gone rather awry. so that is the immediate expectation but then— that is the immediate expectation but then of course, what comes next, and the _ but then of course, what comes next, and the eu _ but then of course, what comes next, and the eu will be watching that gum is the _ and the eu will be watching that gum is the reaction, as we have been talking _ is the reaction, as we have been talking about, from unionists into northern— talking about, from unionists into northern ireland and rishi sunak's and conservative mps as well. i think— and conservative mps as well. i think there's a bit of nervousness

here _ think there's a bit of nervousness here about — think there's a bit of nervousness here about that, again, as you have been _ here about that, again, as you have been reflecting, because there are concerns— been reflecting, because there are concerns there could be a political backlash _ concerns there could be a political backlash and it could make it very difficult _ backlash and it could make it very difficult for rishi sunak to get the deal over— difficult for rishi sunak to get the deal over the line with his own party— deal over the line with his own party and _ deal over the line with his own party and potentially with unionists in northern ireland as well, to get that big _ in northern ireland as well, to get that big prize of getting stormont up that big prize of getting stormont up and _ that big prize of getting stormont up and running. today is seen as a bil up and running. today is seen as a big step _ up and running. today is seen as a big step but — up and running. today is seen as a big step but not the final one. and in terms of... _ big step but not the final one. and in terms of... sorry, _ big step but not the final one. fific in terms of... sorry, yes, i big step but not the final one. fific in terms of... sorry, yes, ijust lost a bit of your sound, sorry about the delay. in terms of how we got here, have relations improved between the uk and eu leaders, partly as a result of cooperation on ukraine, for instance? how much it has the fact that we have now seen a very different style of leadership in downing street, how much has that propelled some progress? yes. in downing street, how much has that propelled some progress?— propelled some progress? yes, i think that has _ propelled some progress? yes, i think that has definitely - propelled some progress? yes, i think that has definitely been i propelled some progress? yes, i think that has definitely been a l think that has definitely been a factor, — think that has definitely been a factor, both of those things,

although having said that, of course, _ although having said that, of course, russia invaded ukraine back in february— course, russia invaded ukraine back in february last year, and there was a sense _ in february last year, and there was a sense at— in february last year, and there was a sense at the time that it put perspective on the relationship between — perspective on the relationship between the eu and uk, that they needed _ between the eu and uk, that they needed to try to put these difficulties behind them, and find some _ difficulties behind them, and find some kind of common solution but then not— some kind of common solution but then not that long later, you actually _ then not that long later, you actually saw the uk launching the northern— actually saw the uk launching the northern ireland protocol bill which could _ northern ireland protocol bill which could have misapplied parts of the treaty. _ could have misapplied parts of the treaty, the eu hated that and they relaunched fresh legal action as well, _ relaunched fresh legal action as well, and — relaunched fresh legal action as well, and relationships hit something of a low around the sum of last year. _ something of a low around the sum of last year, after the russian invasion _ last year, after the russian invasion. but i think that has been a factor— invasion. but i think that has been a factor hovering over this to some extent— a factor hovering over this to some extent but— a factor hovering over this to some extent but then also, the leadership of rishi _ extent but then also, the leadership of rishi sunak here in the eu, and, look, _ of rishi sunak here in the eu, and, look. boris — of rishi sunak here in the eu, and, look, borisjohnson's previously may disagree _ look, borisjohnson's previously may disagree with this and liz truss's as well— disagree with this and liz truss's as well but— disagree with this and liz truss's as well but in the eu, they feel rishi _ as well but in the eu, they feel rishi sunak has taken a much more pragmatic— rishi sunak has taken a much more pragmatic approach and i have heard diplomats— pragmatic approach and i have heard diplomats say that they really think negotiations changed when rishi sunak— negotiations changed when rishi sunak took over and it became a much

more _ sunak took over and it became a much more serious _ sunak took over and it became a much more serious negotiation, genuinely looking _ more serious negotiation, genuinely looking at— more serious negotiation, genuinely looking at trying to find practical solutions— looking at trying to find practical solutions rather than putting forward _ solutions rather than putting forward ideological positions. as i say, others — forward ideological positions. as i say, others might disagree with that characterisation but that is certainly the feeling here and that rishi sunak is may be a man they trust _ rishi sunak is may be a man they trust a _ rishi sunak is may be a man they trust a bit — rishi sunak is may be a man they trust a bit more and they feel they can do— trust a bit more and they feel they can do business with. jess trust a bit more and they feel they can do business with.— trust a bit more and they feel they can do business with. jess park, we are auoin can do business with. jess park, we are going to — can do business with. jess park, we are going to be _ can do business with. jess park, we are going to be watching _ can do business with. jess park, we are going to be watching events i are going to be watching events unfold in the coming hours. for now, thanks from brussels. martin, we are waiting for those two leaders and —— martine, we are waiting for the leaders and their teams to arrive here, there's a big pond behind us if things get difficult, nick and i were trying to make sure we did not fall in. but we think everything is going to run very smoothly. that is the expectation at least for the photo opportunity. of course, the politics will follow. back to used up politics will follow. back to used up but i am sure somebody has done a hefty risk assessment for you! i am

waiting. energy regulator ofgem has set a new annual price cap for a typical household. the announcement will not affect what customers pay for each unit of gas and electricity, because that is limited by a government guarantee. the new price cap is set at £3,280 a year. it represent a drop of £999 from the current energy price cap — it means the cost to government is falling. but the typical annual household bill is still set to rise to £3,000 in april, as the government's energy price guarantee is set to rise. confused? with me now is our money and work reporter, peter ruddick. you can unpick this for us. it seems a bit odd that the price gap is coming down but bills are going up, unpick this a bit if you would. i will have a go, yes, there are lots of schemes and numbers out there so let's break this down. we are talking this morning about the energy price cap, the level that the

regulator thinks that bills should be based on the wholesale cost of energy. this has been around for a long time, it was supposed to stop bills going up by massive amounts but of course, that was before the end of the pandemic and russia's invasion of ukraine which kind of change the game in terms of wholesale costs. so the government stepped in to subsidise bills, to try to keep them lower, at a cost to government finances, of course. currently, the energy price guarantee is doing that, it stands at £2500. as you say, from april, it will become less generous, it will go will become less generous, it will 9° up will become less generous, it will go up to £3000 but all of the time this has been going on, the energy price cap has still been calculated by of gem. today, the new price cap, the amount that of gem thinks is a fair amount based on the wholesale cost of energy, is £3280. that is above the government guarantee. it won't impact how much we pay. we will still pay the £3000 government guaranteed level. but it is only

marginally above the government guarantee. that means it is increasing pressure on the government to keep the guarantee at the current lower level of £2500. why? because it would be a significant benefit to struggling households but it would come at a relatively small cost of the government. certainly smaller than previously feared. the outcome, though, is that as things stand, on the 1st of april, bills will go up, but the good news is that as i say, the energy price cap is much lower thanit the energy price cap is much lower than it has been in previous months. if current trends continue, come july. if current trends continue, come july, the price cap will be lower than the guarantee, meaning the government will be able to stop subsidising bills and the bills should start to come down a little bit. �* , ., ., ,., should start to come down a little bit. , ., ., bit. and they would also stop having to subsidise — bit. and they would also stop having to subsidise energy _ bit. and they would also stop having to subsidise energy companies, i to subsidise energy companies, wouldn't they? the government compensates energy suppliers with the difference between the guarantee and the cap, assuming that the cap is higher than the guarantee, and thatis is higher than the guarantee, and that is why the pressure is on the

government to keep helping consumers, because they are not having to compensate the energy suppliers are quite so much. exactly, that is right so the energy price guarantee, which is what is subsidising bills, that is due to stay in place until 2024, however, comejuly, it is probably going to be higher than the price cap, so it will be governed by the price cap and as you say, the government pays the supplier is the difference between the guarantee and the price cap. that subsidy, that government payment will essentially go away from july, meaning the government could be left with some money which as i say, campaigners and political opposition parties say it should be used to support people's bills right now. the government, it should be pointed out, say that this isjust money that wouldn't be borrowed as opposed to money that could be saved and spent elsewhere. it is opposed to money that could be saved and spent elsewhere.— and spent elsewhere. it is such a relief when _ and spent elsewhere. it is such a relief when you _ and spent elsewhere. it is such a relief when you understand i relief when you understand something, isn't it? i relief when you understand something, isn't it?- relief when you understand something, isn't it? i don't know if i have

something, isn't it? i don't know if i have helped _ something, isn't it? i don't know if i have helped or— something, isn't it? i don't know if i have helped or hindered. - something, isn't it? i don't know if i have helped or hindered. you i i have helped or hindered. you certainly have _ i have helped or hindered. you certainly have come _ i have helped or hindered. you certainly have come and when you said yes when i chipped in, i was hugely relieved. peter, thank you very much. police in northern ireland have been given more time to question a man about the attempted murder of an off—duty police officer last week. detective chief inspectorjohn caldwell was shot outside a sports centre in omagh on wednesday and remains in hospital. in total, six people have been arrested in connection with the shooting, and the police's main line of inquiry is that the dissident republican group the new ira is responsible. 61 people have drowned while trying to reach europe, after their boat sank in rough seas off southern italy. at least 12 were children, including a baby and young twins. it's thought the boat — which left izmir in eastern turkey three days ago — was said to be overloaded with close to 150 people. vincent mcaviney has more. on saturday night, another tragedy in the mediterranean. by dawn, this debris

was all that was left of a migrant boat that broke up in rough seas just off the calabrian coast. it's thought the vessel left izmir in eastern turkey three days prior, with as many as 150 crowded aboard. but only around 80 survivors washed up ashore near the town of crotone. rescue workers struggled in the conditions to rescue bodies from the waves. dozens, including a baby, are known to have drowned. the regional governor visited the scene. translation: calabria is a region that welcomes people. _ last year, we welcomed 18,000 migrants, but we can't be abandoned by the rest of europe. this type of tragedy should have been avoided, not lived how we're having to live it today and how we will live it again in the future. reacting to the weekend's loss of life, the head of the eu commission ursula von der leyen said eu countries must redouble their efforts to tackle the migration crisis in the central mediterranean.

among passengers were migrants from iran, pakistan and afghanistan. despite the dangers, italy is one of the main landing points for people trying to reach europe in small boats. almost 12,000 migrants have already arrived by sea in italy this year. in 2022, more than 105,000 successfully made the crossing, with over 1,300 dead or missing. although high, those numbers are down on the 2016 peak when there were over 180,000 arrivals by sea. the government blames people traffickers and has pledged to stop the boats. from a safe passage to a better life, the victims of these gangs now lie beneath these sheets. for the survivors, like hundreds of thousands before them, they face an uncertain future. vincent mcaviney, bbc news.

as we have been saying, the uk and eu are inspected to be on the cusp of a deal supposed brexit northern ireland trading arrangements. northern ireland secretary chris heaton—harris has just been spotted heading into number 10 downing st which would suggest that prime minister rishi sunak is still there before he heads to windsor where the talks are going to take place today with the european commission president ursula von der leyen, where they are expected to sign off that new agreement, of course, more thanjust in the eu to keep happy with that, the parties in northern ireland need to be content, not least the dup. we will look at the talks and what will be in the deal and what is in that deal when it is released later in the day. time for a look at the weather, and a mixed picture? it time for a look at the weather, and a mixed picture?— a mixed picture? it certainly is. we started off with _ a mixed picture? it certainly is. we started off with the _ a mixed picture? it certainly is. we started off with the northern i a mixed picture? it certainly is. wej started off with the northern lights to some of us in the clear skies and some sunshine, a bit of cloud, one or two showers and also some wintry

showers across parts of kent already this morning. the lion's share of the sunshine will be across scotland, but we will see some holes in the cloud elsewhere. but with the onshore breeze coming off the north sea, we are seeing some showers blowing inland as far west as wales. it will almost feel a bit cooler along the north sea coastline because of that breeze. for england over night, we will see all this cloud moving across central areas. under clear skies in parts of the south, it is worth checking with your camera outside to see if you can see the northern lights. there is a good chance we could see them again tonight, but under these clear skies is where we are going to have some frost, but also some sunshine to start the day tomorrow. still some showers coming in on the breeze from the north sea stop another feature coming from france will bring sharp showers at times to east anglia and the south—east.

hello, this is bbc news. the headlines: could a new brexit agreement for northern ireland be in reach? the prime minister meets his european counterpart today. energy regulator ofgem sets a new price cap but with government help set to end, households could face a big hike from april. more than 60 people are now confirmed dead — including 12 children — after a boat carrying migrants, sank off the southern coast of italy. nhs staff tell safety investigators they feared patients were dying as they grappled with long ambulance delays. and big wins for the fantasy adventure film everything everywhere all at once at the screen actors guild awards in hollywood, sport and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre, here'sjohn watson. good morning.

manchester united lifting the league cup at wembley yesterday and the question being asked this morning, how many more will they win under a manager who is proving a transformative force? this their first trophy in six years, as newcastle's long wait for silverware continues. natalie pirks reports. commentator: the league cup is back in manchester. _ it was the sight that left manchester united fans jubilant and newcastle fans ruing yet another final without the fairy tale ending. most of their fans are too young to remember the last time newcastle won their last trophy in 1969. but just as fans were feeling at home, manchester united won a free kick in the danger zone. casemiro, with the help of var, was there to burst the magpies�* bubble. united swiftly doubled their lead. marcus rashford is in red hot form and this deflection looped over the head of a stricken loris karius. in their last wembley final,

alan shearer�*s newcastle lost 2—0 to man united. history was repeating itself. and when the final whistle blew, joyous manchester united players danced as newcastle's choked back tears. their mega—rich owners must now plot how to end the longest losing run by any club at wembley. you feel like you failed. you feel like you've not achieved what you wanted to do. so naturally, a negative sea of emotion hits you and... that's how it should be in that moment, i think. i don't think there's any other way to feel. this group can be the inspiration to give even more and to be even more collective, to be even more in togetherness, and to put even more effort in to be better. geordie hearts have been broken here again. manchester united made all their experience count and their fans hope the first trophy of the ten hag era will be the first of many. natalie pirks, bbc news, wembley.

it was a silver sunday for celtic too, who retained their scottish league cup title, beating rangers. kyogo furhashi was their match winner with two goals, his first here. you get a sense of the atmosphere, smoke filling the air from fireworks in the crowd, with much of the match played in that haze. it didn't stop him from getting his second. and whilst rangers did manage to pull one back, it's celtic�*s again. and they're still in the hunt for the premiership title and scottish fa cup. no trophy on the line, but this one will have felt good for tottenham, who beat chelsea, but it's another blow for graham potter. the strangest moment, hakim ziyech of chelsea sent off for raising his hands after the players came together in a heated encounter, only to have it overturned. the goal of the game came from spurs, a great strike from oliver skipp.

harry kane was on target too. problems, though, for chelea, who after a change in owner, manager, and huge investment, just can't get things to gel on the pitch and are way off the top four. england need 210 runs for victory on the final day of the second test to wrap up a clean sweep over new zealand. new zealand, you may remember, were forced to follow on after a disappointing first innings, but kane williamson showing some stubborn resilience as he racked up 132. tom blundell was another who excelled with a knock of 90, but five jack leach wickets late in the day saw them removed for 483. in response, england suffered the early loss of zak crawley, but are 48—1 at close. and it means a fascinating final day awaits. how about this? just a week after losing one final to carlos alcaraz, british number one cameron norrie hit back by winning this one,

victory coming in a thrilling rio open final to win his fifth atp title. it was a repeat of the match—up in argentina just eight days ago, and after losing the first set, he was back at it to win the second. before sealing the match with an ace, and we know how calm he is, but he let the emotion out at the end. this is a big win when you consider alcarez is the world number two. and there's been great debate over whether this bout was sport or entertainment, but tens of millions of viewers from aroud the world tuned in to see reality tv star tommy fury beat youtuberjake paul in their highly anticpated eight—round contest in saudi arabia. tommy fury there in the white, winning on a split points decsion. he appeared on love island, and is the brother of boxer tyson. jake paul is a youtuber, with 22 million followers on instagram. he put down fury in the eighth and final round. but thejudges awarded

the fight to an emotional fury, who promptly dedicated the victory to his partner and new baby girl bambi. i'm surea i'm sure a rematch is in store, each of them having banked millions after that fight last night. that's all the sport for now. a bbc panorama investigation has uncovered evidence that women are being misled and manipulated about abortion by some crisis pregnancy advice centres in the uk. the centres — which operate outside the nhs — say they offer support to women dealing with unplanned pregnancies. but the bbc found more than a third of the services gave advice which could dissuade women from having abortions. contrary to nhs advice, several said abortion could increase the risk of breast cancer, infertility and mental health problems. divya talwar reports. i knew an abortion was the right route for me. i needed somebody to reassure me that it will be ok. melanie was 25 when she found out she was pregnant. she spoke to an adviser

at the pregnancy crisis helpline, which says it gives women a safe space to explore their options. but melanie says she felt pressured not to have an abortion. she had said about the likelihood of me being infertile after having an abortion, and that i might not be able to have children again. the pregnancy crisis helpline says it supports women in a safe, pressure—free environment, and it works hard to offer women the highest possible standard of support. there are at least 57 crisis pregnancy advice services operating outside the nhs in the uk. bbc panorama found evidence that 21 of the centres gave advice that could dissuade women from having abortions. several linked termination to breast cancer, infertility and post—abortion syndrome, a nonexistent disorder. i decided to secretly film a visit to one of these centres,

tyneside pregnancy advice centre in newcastle. it says it offers information provided by trained advisers. we know what's going on, don't we? we know that life is precious, we know that babies are being killed in the womb. it's run by this man, an nhs paediatrician who has anti—abortion views, dr chris richards. i made an appointment with audrey, who i'm told is an adviser. i say i have two children and i'm pregnant again. she says if i want an abortion, i should consult the nhs website. she also gives me a leaflet. i know you can see here the physical risks. and then you've got the psychological effects like guilt, shame, grief, depression. there's a lot here. i suppose the one that sticks out the most to me is the avoidance of children,

what does that mean? i show the footage to drjonathan lord from abortion provider msi reproductive choices, and jo holmes from the british association for counselling and psychotherapy. leaving it in the way she did, about "how will you tell your daughters?" it's just extraordinary. extraordinary, it'sjust going straight for the guilt button. yeah. dr chris richards says the tyneside pregnancy advice centre has "a 14 year track record of compliance with all our regulatory obligations" and "that over 1,200 women have benefited from the work of our staff and volunteers." audrey didn't respond. most of the centres we investigated are registered charities. the charity commission in england says it's assessing information provided by panorama. i think it's shaken my trust in crisis lines.

i felt really uneasy that she might influence women's decisions away from what was right for them. divya talwar, bbc news. crisis pregnancy centres uncovered is on bbc panorama at 8.30 tonight on bbc one and iplayer. let's speak now tojo holmes from the british association of counselling and psychotherapy. we saw her in that report a few moments ago. how troubled are you with what you have been hearing? i mean, not having access to a qualified, professionally trained counsellor at a time when pregnant women either want to explore their options or go through their decision—making processes with someone who isn't going to judge them because they want to access an abortion service, is a huge barrier because they have a right to impartial, judgment free service and a right to make choices about their own bodies. so how does this impact

women? it has a tremendous impact on women. it's going to delay their times to be able to access services and itjust isn't a fair service. what would motivate someone who claims to be a counsellor to act in this way? claims to be a counsellor to act in this wa ? ~ , ., ., this way? well, they are not councillors. _ this way? well, they are not councillors. they _ this way? well, they are not councillors. they are - this way? well, they are not councillors. they are people j this way? well, they are not i councillors. they are people who this way? well, they are not - councillors. they are people who are working under that guise. to be a counsellor, you have to be a trained professional with years of study, part of a professional membership body. i think it gives people some confidence that they are speaking to somebody who is going to give them a nonjudgemental view, somebody who is going to give them a nonjudgementalview, but that somebody who is going to give them a nonjudgemental view, but that is not the case. these aren't counsellors and they certainly aren't members of and they certainly aren't members of a professional body. so and they certainly aren't members of a professional body.— a professional body. so what should women be looking _ a professional body. so what should women be looking for— a professional body. so what should women be looking for to _ a professional body. so what should women be looking for to make i a professional body. so what should women be looking for to make sure | women be looking for to make sure they are in the right hands? if you're going to see a counsellor in

any service, you should be ensuring that they are a member of the acp or any other professional body, that they are trained, that there is a clear process for making a complaint if they weren't happy with the service. women accessing abortion services through a counselling services through a counselling service would expect that space to be safe and judgment free, and this hasn't been the case in this programme. hasn't been the case in this programme-— hasn't been the case in this rouramme. . ., ., , programme. what does it highlight for ou in programme. what does it highlight for you in terms _ programme. what does it highlight for you in terms of _ programme. what does it highlight for you in terms of what _ programme. what does it highlight for you in terms of what regulation | for you in terms of what regulation is needed when it comes to setting up is needed when it comes to setting up as a counsellor?— is needed when it comes to setting up as a counsellor? well, anyone can call themselves _ up as a counsellor? well, anyone can call themselves a _ up as a counsellor? well, anyone can call themselves a counsellor- up as a counsellor? well, anyone can call themselves a counsellor or i call themselves a counsellor or therapist because it's not a protected title such as a teacher or social worker. so it's important to find a counsellor was a member of a professional body that has professional body that has professional standards authority accredited register such as bacp. bacp counsellors, once qualified,

are able to practise safely and are listed on the register. you could look at the name of a ten —— counsellor and find out which association they are a member of. jo holmes, thank you for talking to us. if you've been affected by any of the issues raised, you can find organisations offering help and support on the bbc action line website. just search bbc.co.uk/actionline. an australian firm has bought the defunct battery making company british volt, which collapsed last month with the loss of 200 jobs. the uk start—up had planned to build a giant factory to make electric car batteries in northumberland but struggled to turn a profit. the new owner, recharge industries, will keep the british volt brand name and will initially focus on batteries for energy storage. as we've been hearing, ofgem has dropped its annual energy price cap to £3,280. but it won't affect what customers pay because that's limited

by a government guarantee. our correspondent nina warhurst has more. ofgem, the energy regulator, have dropped their current price cap from £4,300 annually, down to £3,280, so it is a significant drop, reflecting how much the wholesale cost of gas and electricity has come down but at the same time, the safety net, the government's energy price guarantee, has gone up from £2500, to £3,000 for that period. so they will meet the buffer between their own cap and the ofgem cap but for us at home, it is really important to note that that coincides with the end of the £400 support that you should have been getting, that £66 per month. so lots of technicalities there. the bottom line for you watching at home is that despite the fact that prices are coming down globally for the raw cost of energy, well, come april,

your bills are set to go up by about 20%, by an average of about £900 per year. it's frustrating, it's seemingly contradictory, but what the government have been saying to us is, we can't afford to keep maintaining that level of support, we don't have what is called the financial headwind, the money behind us, to keep paying that going forward. they say they have supported 27 million households and that basic welfare is going up, that benefits are rising for those who are working. but the people we have been speaking to this morning in preston and charitable organisations are saying to us, well, already, we're making those difficult decisions, we're getting through the winter without putting the heating on. this extra 20%, we cannot afford. i want you to come and meet nigel, emma and shannon. good morning. they're all part of the local primary school. nigel, first of all. yeah. at the primary, what are people saying to you, parents and the community, about how hard things are and what is the

school being asked to do? well, we have been seeing obviously a decline in the amount of money that people have got in their pockets. that has meant that we have had to step up and we have had to provide things like food and clothing, support generally to other parents. we do food parcels, we have done christmas food which we cooked off so they could just microwave at home because a lot of people don't have the money to put on the electricity meters to use their cookers and such. we do donations to the families and we try to support them wherever we can because we know how tough it is because we are suffering financially on our budget as well. emma, you have got two kids and you are learning it is ok to reach out and ask for help. of course it is. i mean, the school are fantastic. they have helped me immensely with washing, food parcels, they do hot meals twice a week which we have used because even though i am working and my partner works, it doesn't necessarily mean you will have extra cash at the end of the month, so using the school and nigeland naomi, it has been a godsend

for us, it really has. did you think you would be one of those families, both of you working, needing that help? no, definitely not. i mean, you get penalised, the more you work, the more you lose, which does not make any sense to us. and gas and electric prices are just soaring every month, itjust keeps going up. there is no cut—off line for it. there is no end. and shannon, for you, is it three or four stepkids? three stepchildren at school. and another one on the way. yeah. congratulations, but the thought of bills going up again in april? it's a scary thought. we've used the school quite a few times since the children came to stay with us, so the thought of it going up again, it is that worry about, are we going to be able to pay our bills and feed the kids and keep the kids warm? and that's with the baby coming as well. it is, yeah. safety investigators say doctors, ambulance dispatchers and other nhs staff in england are facing "significant distress" and harm as a result of long delays in emergency care.

the health care safety investigation branch says many staff broke down in tears when asked about their working environment. our health correspondent jim reed reports. this winter was a nightmare, the worst it's ever been. matt works as a 999 call handler in england. he doesn't have permission to speak to the media, so we've changed his name and voice. at one point, we hit more than 500 waiting calls. we were overwhelmed. it's exhausting, it really is. it's really upsetting. the health care safety watchdog says pressure like that has caused nhs staff significant distress over the last year. call handlers told investigators it was common to worry "how many are we going to kill," because they were not always able to send ambulances quickly. it's so deflating, especially for those really critical calls where they're screaming to get an ambulance. you just don't have the heart to tell them there's nothing available. i've seen colleagues try to calm someone down and apologise for the wait time, only to be hit with a wall of abuse.

i've seen colleagues cry after those calls. the investigation also found strong links between the wellbeing of nhs staff and patient safety. anxiety, stress and depression are the most common reason for staff sickness in the health service, with rates increasing. carrying out this investigation has been difficult. we have heard the level of emotion that staff are under. but we absolutely have to tell the staff story because there is a direct impact on patient safety. it has been absolutely relentless. imploding comes to mind. dr salwa malik has worked for five years as a consultant in a busy a&e department. you're basically running a resuscitation room in the corridor and you get scared, you do. it's natural, it's good to feel scared because you should be scared. it's not normal. how easy is it to go home and switch

off after one of those shifts? you can't always switch off, actually. i've had nights where you go over the scenarios in your head about patients or whatever problem that you were in, and it can be really difficult to sleep. if you're on edge for ten, 12 hours a day, at the end when you walk out, you can kind of crumble. the nhs said it takes staff wellbeing very seriously and does have a range of support in place. the government said it has provided more funding to reduce pressures with plans to expand the number of hospital beds and ambulances in england by next winter. jim reed, bbc news. joining me now is our health reporter, jim reed. tell us about the health care safety investigation branch? we don't hear about them very often. we investigation branch? we don't hear about them very often.— investigation branch? we don't hear about them very often. we have these warninus about them very often. we have these warnings coming _ about them very often. we have these warnings coming from _ about them very often. we have these warnings coming from think— about them very often. we have these warnings coming from think tanks i about them very often. we have these warnings coming from think tanks and | warnings coming from think tanks and staff groups and so on. there was a parliamentary select committee that looked into this, but this is the

health care safety investigation branch, an independent organisation funded by the department of health, set up in 2017. it specifically looks into safety concerns in the health service. that is the remit. and the language they use for their reports is normally quite technical and dry. it looks into things like the impact of using different types of gastric tube, it is that technical. but this is different. they have looked more broadly at the impact of what has been going on in hospitals and emergency departments over the last year and this report looks at the impact on staff. you could hear some of the language they used. they gave the example of 999 call handlers, a group we don't often talk about on the news. we talk about doctors and nurses. 999 call handlers are incredibly important and they talked about the people they interviewed at the pressure they were under. they said they were commonly worrying over the last couple of months about how many people we are going to kill today,

because they couldn't get ambulances out to people quickly enough. so it is stories like that that are quite striking. and they are particularly worried notjust about striking. and they are particularly worried not just about the striking. and they are particularly worried notjust about the impact on staff, but the impact on patient safety as a result. they give the example of september 2022, if you look at the impact of anxiety and exhaustion on staff welfare and morale, around half a million days were lost that monster sickness just because of those concerns. 25% of all staff sickness in the nhs that month was just around there psychiatric issues. that is what they are worried about, the impact on patients of people having to take time off as a result. what on patients of people having to take time off as a result.— time off as a result. what are the nhs trying _ time off as a result. what are the nhs trying to _ time off as a result. what are the nhs trying to do _ time off as a result. what are the nhs trying to do about _ time off as a result. what are the nhs trying to do about it? - time off as a result. what are the nhs trying to do about it? they l time off as a result. what are the l nhs trying to do about it? they say su ort is nhs trying to do about it? they say support is available. _ nhs trying to do about it? they say support is available. there - nhs trying to do about it? they say support is available. there are i support is available. there are dedicated helplines, well—being services, apps and so on. the government says it is putting more money into alleviate these pressures and there is a medium—term plan to increase the number of hospital beds

and increase the number of ambulances in england by next winter. , . ~ ambulances in england by next winter, . ~' , ., ambulances in england by next winter, ., ,, , ., , . hollywood awards season is heating up with everything everywhere all at once winning big at the screen actors guild awards in los angeles. these winners are closely watched because actors make up the largest group of voters at next month's oscars. emer mccarthy reports. and the actor goes to... everything everywhere all at once. it's the dimension—hopping adventure seemingly winning "everything everywhere all at once" as it dominated sunday night's screen actors guild awards. along with the top honour, the film also won best supporting actress forjamie lee curtis, best supporting actor for ke huy quan and best actress for michelle yeoh. thank you for giving me a seat at the table, because so many of us need this. we want to be seen, we want to be heard and tonight, you have shown us

that it is possible. best lead actor went to brendan fraser, the only performer from a film other than everything everywhere to win a movie prize for his turn as a morbidly obese teacher in the whale. believe me, if you just stay in there and you put one foot in front of the other, you'll get to where you need to go. and the actor goes to... the white lotus! on the tv side, it was the cast of the white lotus that took home the prize for ensemble in a drama series, its 83—year—old star f murray abraham summing it up. this was the bestjob i ever had. the sag awards are voted on by more than 120,000 members of hollywood's acting union and are seen as a major indicator for the oscars. and with those gold men set to be handed out in just two

weeks, the race for gold is as open as ever. now it's time for a look at the weather. carol, tell us about these pictures. these pictures are stunning. this picture of the northern lights was taken last night. many of us saw them as far south as cornwall, the isle of wight and also east anglia was that as we go through tonight, there is a chance between nine and midnight that we could see them again, but you do need clear skies. and we will see some clear skies as we go through the week, high pressure firmly in charge of our weather. it's going to be mainly dry with some sunshine at times. there will be cloud and a few showers. in

the early part of the week under those clear skies, we are also looking at some night—time frosts. this high pressure will be with us for much of the week. it is dominant and is keeping the weatherfronts at bay in the atlantic. but there is a bit of cloud coming around it across central parts of england and wales in particular. clear skies across the north of scotland. we had some good sightings of the northern lights here last night, and we will hang on to the skies through the day ant is clouding over already across parts of wales and south—west england, but the club will break across the far south—east. you can see a few clouds punched in that —— holes punched in the cloud. our top temperature today is likely to be 10 degrees. but along the north sea coastline, we are looking at between seven and nine. add on to the effect of the wind, and it will feel more like four, five and six. through the evening, we will have quite a bit of

cloud coming in across central areas. under clear skies, a good chance that you could see the aurora borealis in scotland and potentially across parts of southern england. if you look about the sky, you won't see the vibrant colours i showed you at the top of this bulletin. you will see what looks like cloud, but it will sway a little bit and if you look through the camera lens on your phone or your camera, you have got a better chance of seeing those colours. it will be a cold night where we have got clearer skies, but a semi—start tomorrow. tomorrow, high pressure is still plonked across the country. but we have got this little system coming up from france. that could bring in some heavier showers across parts of south—east england and into east anglia. but for many of us, it's going to be a dry day with top temperature is once again nine or 10 degrees. on wednesday, high pressure is with us. a bit more cloud around. and top temperatures of nine.

this is bbc news, i'm geeta guru—murthy live in windsor. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. the uk and eu are set to hold final talks on a new brexit agreement for northern ireland, as the prime minister meets his european counterpart today. will any deal between london and brussels pave the way for northern ireland to get its devolved government back? i am live in belfast with the latest. i'mjessica parker in brussels. ursula von der leyen will leave from here to the uk and she will try to get the brexit deal over the line.

i'm martine croxall in the studio in london.