maybe essex, but then come the afternoon it clears into the netherlands and into germany as well. and then, we're in between where the systems — a cold northerly wind with a few snow showers in the north. a really chilly day on friday. hello, i'm ben thompson. this is outside source. who bombed a key russian oil pipeline to europe? anonymous spies point the finger at ukraine, but kyiv denies involvement. it's like a compliment for our special forces, but this is not our activity. moscow, meanwhile, blamed the west for the explosion and demanded an independent investigation. also in the programme — the un's chief heads to ukraine to secure a crucial grain deal and avert the threat of a globalfood crisis. and some help shedding a few pounds — the weight—loss drug hailed as a game—changer is approved by the uk's health service.

we start with a denial from ukraine of any involvement in september's attacks on the nord stream pipelines, which were built to carry russian natural gas to germany. the denial follows this report from the new york times. it cites us intelligence officials, suggesting a pro—ukrainian group was to blame. before we look at those claims, let's get more details about the nord stream pipelines. let's get more details this map shows where they run — along the sea bed, from russia, across the baltic, to germany. the damage was discovered near the danish island of bornholm. it's also relatively close to the russian territory of kaliningrad. it was first noticed when huge amounts of gas were spotted bubbling up to the surface. when cameras were sent down, this is what they recorded. several experts said it appeared the pipes had been

damaged by an explosion on the outside of the pipe. here's ukrainian defence minister oleksi reznikov on the new allegations. for me, it's a little bit of a strange story because the story is nothing with us, and i think that the investigation of official authorities will describe every detail. it's like a compliment for our special forces, but this is not our activity. so, kyiv denies involvement, and western allies are warning against reaching premature conclusions as to who was responsible. germany's defence minister has suggested it could have been a so—called "false flag" operation designed to implicate ukraine. translation: we have to distinguish clearly - here whether it was a ukrainian group, — so it could have been on ukrainian orders, ora pro—ukrainian one without the knowledge of the government. but i caution against jumping to conclusions. there are also indications that

are not mine, but opinions of experts, that there is also talk that it could have been a so—called false operation. that would not be the first time in the history of such events, a separate report by the german broadcasters — ard and swr — and the zeit newspaper, goes into more detail about the operation, also citing unnamed officials. the report says a group of five men and one woman rented a yacht from a poland—based company owned by ukrainian citizens. the group consisted of a captain, two divers, two diving assistants and a doctor. the nationality of the perpetrators is unclear, and it's claimed those involved used forged passports to rent the boat. after the yacht was returned, it's alleged investigators found traces of explosives in the cabin. our security correspondent, frank gardner, has more. this yacht set off in northern germany on the baltic - coast and it was crewed, i they think, by ukrainians, but they're not sure.

now, if it turns out to be the work of a pro—ukrainian group, - then of course that's a massive pr victory for moscow, _ which has said all— along, "nothing to do with us," this was an act of international sabotage, terrorism even. - these were four big explosions. the conclusion, i think, | is that it was deliberate, wasn't an accident and it l would've had to have been state—sponsored in order- for the sophistication of this. german prosecutors are still investigating who carried out the attacks, but revealed today that "there is a suspicion that the ship in question could have been used to transport explosive but they added... here's our berlin correspondent, jenny hill. within some of those reports, too, there is the suggestion that a western intelligence agency sent

a tip—off to its european partners saying that a pro—ukrainian group may have been involved, but those are the only potential links at this stage. and certainly, most of the senior politicians here this morning are publicly saying, "we need to be very careful about this," understandably, "we need to wait until investigations have concluded." and indeed, the federal prosecutor said they won't be giving out any further details about what, if anything, they found during their investigations. and foreign policy analyst jessica berlin says it's questionable whether this attack would have been in ukraine's interest. forthe ukrainians, the risk involved to undertake such a complex operation abroad in the midst of the war, at the risk of also angering allies win, actually, russia's gas supplies to europe angering allies when, actually, russia's gas supplies to europe already have been drastically reduced and indeed turned off by russia itself — it still raises more questions that haven't been answered. as well as the german

criminal investigation, sweden and denmark are also investigating the explosions. here's elisabeth braw from the american enterprise institute. several months now into this investigation, the swedish. and danish governments have saidl nothing, and i think even if they do know at this point who it is, - they aren't likely to say anything because it will cause further instability in the region. - i'm joined now by bryan clark, who is a senior fellow at hudson institute and an expert in naval operations. thanks for being with us. talk to me about that thesis that this was an independent group, because looking at the pictures and what we've seen, it seems hard to understand how an independent group could have carried out such a sophisticated attack. it's possible that an independent group could have done this. it would've been very challenging because the explosives used were in the several hundred to 1000 lbs of

plastic explosives that would have had to be delivered 150 feet below the water. normally you would use of equipment and a crane and undersea vehicles perhaps to transport them to the location. they had to be on the pipeline to be able to deliver that kind of damage. doing all that from a yacht seems very difficult. i think you would have to modify the yacht to enable the crane that lowers a small boats into the water to lower the explosives. that's possible, but you would have to have equipment that you brought with you and a very experienced and talented group to do so. and a very experienced and talented grow) to do sm— and a very experienced and talented group to do so. given the importance ofthe group to do so. given the importance of the pipeline. _ group to do so. given the importance of the pipeline, talk _ group to do so. given the importance of the pipeline, talk about _ group to do so. given the importance of the pipeline, talk about the - of the pipeline, talk about the security that might be associated with her that. i suppose whether investigators will be any closer to finding out who is behind this attack. , , , ., attack. the pipeline is not monitored _ attack. the pipeline is not monitored continuously. l attack. the pipeline is not i

monitored continuously. the attack. the pipeline is not _ monitored continuously. the security is associated with the difficulty of being accessed. the pipes themselves are about an inch and a half in diameter or in thickness. they're encased in about three inches of concrete to protect it mostly from anchors, etc on the sea floor. they're not monitored continuously, so you could go and deploy these as closes even if it takes several hours. so, this is possible, but it's very difficult because the pipelines are so hard. it it's very difficult because the pipelines are so hard.- pipelines are so hard. if this theory that _ pipelines are so hard. if this theory that it _ pipelines are so hard. if this theory that it is _ pipelines are so hard. if this theory that it is individuals l pipelines are so hard. if this - theory that it is individuals behind this attack, is dismissed, we get on to state actors. either ukraine or russia, or indeed a third party. talk to me about the likelihood that either of those or any of those could be behind this.— either of those or any of those could be behind this. well, the reasons that _ could be behind this. well, the reasons that were _ could be behind this. well, the reasons that were brought - could be behind this. well, the

reasons that were brought up i could be behind this. well, the - reasons that were brought up early in the report, ukraine has a lot to lose with its international partners if they were to mount this kind of attack. it could be a false flag operation. a third party seems unclear as to what they would have to gain. state—sponsored may be seem unlikely, but i do think there were state actors who looked the other way when this was being planned or mounted because you could see a private group doing this, but they would have to get explosives and do this without somebody noticing. you can see there might have been government officials that looked the other way when they saw actions being taken that would support the operation. fix, being taken that would support the o eration. �* ., ., ., operation. a word on the future of the pipeline- _ operation. a word on the future of the pipeline. will— operation. a word on the future of the pipeline. will that _ operation. a word on the future of the pipeline. will that be - operation. a word on the future of the pipeline. will that be looked l operation. a word on the future of| the pipeline. will that be looked at differently now, particularly when it comes to security arrangements? absolutely. i think one of the difficulties with this pipeline is

it's in very shallow water and can be accessed by divers in anchors or other gear from the surface. —— divers and anchors. more action to prevail and protect pipelines or using overhead intelligence because it's likely most of the information we're going to gain now will come from using overhead sensors to figure out whose boat was there and how long and what they did. brian clark, good _ how long and what they did. brian clark, good to _ how long and what they did. brian clark, good to talk— how long and what they did. brian clark, good to talk to _ how long and what they did. brian clark, good to talk to you. - how long and what they did. brian clark, good to talk to you. thank you. now to ukraine itself now, where the un secretary general antonio guterres has stressed the critical importance of the ukraine grain export deal to global food security. he's been meeting president volodymyr zelensky on how to extend the agreement, allowing grain exports from ukraine through the black sea. let's have a listen

to what he had to say. exports of ukrainian as well as russian food and fertiliser are essential to global food security and prices. iwant essential to global food security and prices. i want to underscore the critical importance of the rollover of the... working to create the conditions to enable the greatest possible news of export infrastructures through the black sea in line with the objectives of the initiative. let's take a look at the existing deal. the black sea grain initiative was brokered by the un and turkey lastjuly and allows ships to sail from southern ukraine into the international waters of the black sea, avoiding mined areas. it was then extended in november and has to be renewed again by the end of next week. ukraine was once one of the world's biggest exporters, so when russia invaded and closed the country's ports, global food prices soared and millions faced severe hunger.

before the invasion, 81% of lebanon's wheat imports, for example, came from ukraine, with libya getting almost half of its wheat from the country. since the black sea grain initiative was implemented, more than 23 million tonnes of grain has been exported via ukrainian ports, according to the united nations. but now, russia has signalled that it might not allow an extension next week unless more is done to lift curbs on its own agricultural exports. rhiannon phillips, an expert on the grain talks at the intelligence analysis company sibylline, told us it's likely there will be hurdles to overcome. we are seeing russia step up quite the hostile narrative in the weeks ahead _ the hostile narrative in the weeks ahead of— the hostile narrative in the weeks ahead of the potential renewal in the 18th — ahead of the potential renewal in the 18th of march. we've seen demands— the 18th of march. we've seen demands around the exports, etc, but we are _ demands around the exports, etc, but we are seeing quite notable allegations coming from russia saying — allegations coming from russia saying ukraine is using these black

seaports— saying ukraine is using these black seaports to import water russia claims _ seaports to import water russia claims are — seaports to import water russia claims are nuclear materials. the narrative — claims are nuclear materials. the narrative is — claims are nuclear materials. the narrative is ukraine is utilising this initiative to further their efforts— this initiative to further their efforts for new nuclear bio—terrorism. this is something russia _ bio—terrorism. this is something russia might use to stop her the steei _ russia might use to stop her the steel. �* , ., ., ~ ., steel. let's hear from the ump from the ukrainian port. _ steel. let's hear from the ump from the ukrainian port. ukraine - steel. let's hear from the ump from the ukrainian port. ukraine needs. the ukrainian port. ukraine needs this deal. but _ the ukrainian port. ukraine needs this deal. but ukraine _ the ukrainian port. ukraine needs this deal. but ukraine will- the ukrainian port. ukraine needs this deal. but ukraine will not - the ukrainian port. ukraine needsl this deal. but ukraine will not stop in any— this deal. but ukraine will not stop in any way~ — this deal. but ukraine will not stop in any way. the _ this deal. but ukraine will not stop in any way. the world _ this deal. but ukraine will not stop in any way. the world needs - in any way. the world needs this deal— in any way. the world needs this deal even — in any way. the world needs this deal even more _ in any way. the world needs this deal even more than _ in any way. the world needs this deal even more than ukraine - in any way. the world needs this - deal even more than ukraine because black sea _ deal even more than ukraine because black sea is— deal even more than ukraine because black sea is vital— deal even more than ukraine because black sea is vital for— deal even more than ukraine because black sea is vital for food _ black sea is vital for food security _ black sea is vital for food security. everybody - black sea is vital for food security. everybody nowl black sea is vital for food - security. everybody now realises. here's our diplomatic correspondent, james landale, who's in kyiv. what happens is every time this deal comes up, it has to do so every four months, and both sides try and use that moment of leverage to get a

little bit more out of the deal. particularly in this time, the russians have signalled that they want more support from the un and the international community to try and allow russia to smooth some of its own food exports. although western sanctions don't target russian food exports directly, russian food exports directly, russia says that all the sanctions on banking and transport and insurance and things like that makes it very hard for russia to send its green to countries in africa. i think the message from the un is let's keep this one simple, keep the deal that was agreed going and make sure it carries on. simply because, as mr gutierrez made very clear, this matters notjust for ukraine, but in terms of it in impact of the world on a whole. for all those millions of people facing food insecurity around the world who would be severely damaged if this deal did not go through because the

food that they currently get would suddenly soar in price and many people would not be able to afford to eat. in the past hour, the un has announced that a top trade official is to meet russian representatives in geneva next week to discuss extending the grain deal. a un spokesperson says... farhad haq also says... we can cross live to kyiv and speak to nikolay gorbachov, president of the ukraine grain association. thank you for being with us on outside source. let me ask you the significance of extending this deal. how confident are you that a deal will be done?— how confident are you that a deal will be done? thank you. i'm sure that we will... _

will be done? thank you. i'm sure that we will... we _ will be done? thank you. i'm sure that we will... we produce - will be done? thank you. i'm sure that we will... we produce more | that we will... we produce more grain, and i'm sure the international community will find the leverage and open the grain to the leverage and open the grain to the countries that need to import this. ~ �* , ., ., ~ the countries that need to import this. ~ �* , ., ., this. we've been looking at that route, this. we've been looking at that route. that _ this. we've been looking at that route, that cultural _ this. we've been looking at that route, that cultural trade - this. we've been looking at that route, that cultural trade route. this. we've been looking at that. route, that culturaltrade route. i route, that cultural trade route. i wonder if other options are available, whether you can export via railroad or river —— crucial trade route. whether they are such minor routes compared to that major shipping route that is so valuable here. ., , , .., shipping route that is so valuable here. ., , , ., . ., here. honestly, we can enforce our oli here. honestly, we can enforce our policy when — here. honestly, we can enforce our policy when £7 _ here. honestly, we can enforce our policy when £7 million _ here. honestly, we can enforce our policy when £7 million by _ here. honestly, we can enforce our policy when £7 million by vessel. here. honestly, we can enforce our| policy when £7 million by vessel per month. russian team in istanbul, theyjust blocked the vessels. —— 7 million lbs. by railway trucks, and

the small ports, we can a short additional drama, i'm sure in a few months we will be able to support about three and 1 million grain courier. but price is a we have seen that knock—on effect given the importance of ukraine grain around the world. talk to me about production as well. we know whether plays a big hand, but quite clearly the war. how is production this year looking compared to 2022 and 2021? �* ., ., ., and 2021? before the war, we grow 106 million tonne. _

and 2021? before the war, we grow 106 million tonne. during _ and 2021? before the war, we grow 106 million tonne. during the - and 2021? before the war, we grow 106 million tonne. during the war, | 106 million tonne. during the war, we decrease production to 72 million tonnes. it's almost 35%. production will get about 64 million tonne. what i would like to say is domestic consumption of ukraine, not more than 25 million tonnes, we can export. before the war, our export programme could reach 70 million tonne. during the war, we expect in the season about 50 million tonne, but for the next campaign. if the season about 50 million tonne, but for the next campaign.- but for the next campaign. if you are unable _ but for the next campaign. if you are unable to _ but for the next campaign. if you are unable to export _ but for the next campaign. if you are unable to export that - but for the next campaign. if you are unable to export that grain, l are unable to export that grain, what happens to it? is there a

danger that itjust goes to waste? no, for the moment, we have storage facilities because we decrease production, but the problem is if farmers will not grow to the field, they will not put seeds there and we will not get the crop. after, to renovate and increase production, it will take several years. i would like to remind that the ukrainian farmers won't result any subsidies and they cannot sell their grain low as in price. if they come to the bunkers, seed will be very difficult. it will take a few years. it's good to talk to you. thank you for being with us on outside source, nikolay gorbachev.

today, 8th of march —— it's international women's day. it is global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. there ongoing protests right around the world. we're going to look at recent protests in the country with a special report on that still to come. turning to health now, and a weight—loss drug that's been gaining popularity in the us, has been approved for use by the nhs in england. the national institute for health and care excellence has concluded semaglutide is affordable and effective. so, what is segmaglutide and how does it work? marketed as wegovy, this is the drug which is delivered via injection once a week and makes people feel fuller and more satisfied.

the result? they eat less. kailey wood lives in america. she's been using a similar drug to semaglutide for seven months and has lost a third of her body weight. when i would have a meal, i would fill my plate and have the whole plate, and it's not even that i was gorging myself, iwould just plate, and it's not even that i was gorging myself, i would just eat everything in my body wouldn't tell me i was full. when you take this notification medication, it takes the work out of tell yourself what you should and shouldn't eat. you stop eating when you're full, you turn down foods that may be wouldn't have before. there are caveats around who will be eligible to use the drug. it will be available to adults with a body mass index of 35 or above. in some cases, those with a bmi of 30 will be eligible — so will those suffering at least one weight—related health condition. semaglutide will only be prescribed for two years. it must also be used in conjunction

with a calorie—reduced diet. in the uk, 68% of men are considered overweight or obese, while the rate for women is 60%. most patients put weight back on when they come off of it. here's helen knight from the national institute for health. ladle helen knight from the national institute for health.— helen knight from the national institute for health. we know some eo - le will institute for health. we know some people will put _ institute for health. we know some people will put the _ institute for health. we know some people will put the weight - institute for health. we know some people will put the weight on - institute for health. we know some people will put the weight on after| people will put the weight on after treatment, but there is still a benefit — treatment, but there is still a benefit to that person for having lost the — benefit to that person for having lost the weight for the time that they're — lost the weight for the time that they're on— lost the weight for the time that they're on semaglutide. it can take longer— they're on semaglutide. it can take longer to— they're on semaglutide. it can take longer to put weight back on and there _ longer to put weight back on and there are — longer to put weight back on and there are other benefits. i'm joined now by doctor iskandar idris, who's a professor of diabetes and metabolic medicine at the university of nottingham. thank you for being with us. this craze began in hollywood, but i wonder, is it the wonder drug that many people claim it to be? thanks ve much many people claim it to be? thanks very much for— many people claim it to be? thanks very much for having _ many people claim it to be? thanks

very much for having me. _ many people claim it to be? thanks i very much for having me. semaglutide has been used for many years for people with type two diabetes, and it's now the proof of people without diabetes —— proved. it needs to be used in conjunction with lifestyle and holistic intervention to understand the underlying cause of obesity. so it shouldn't be approached as a wonder drug or quickfix, and it should be reduced responsibly —— use responsibly. we've seen people managing to reduce their weight by about 10%, but that all important caveat — it must come in conjunction with better diet and exercise. .. , �* in conjunction with better diet and exercise. , ~ ., exercise. exactly. and also, you mentioned _ exercise. exactly. and also, you mentioned the _ exercise. exactly. and also, you mentioned the programme - exercise. exactly. and also, you mentioned the programme that | exercise. exactly. and also, you - mentioned the programme that within the nhs, or online prescription will be available. if only approved for two years of use, and loss of data

suggests cessation of therapy is suggested —— associated with weight regain. it needs to be used appropriately to contribute. and appropriately to contribute. and that all important message, this isn'tjust that all important message, this isn't just about lifestyle, that all important message, this isn'tjust about lifestyle, this is also about health. i wonder what the pressure may be on doctors or medical professionals to prescribe it given that there will be demand from people for this drug. i it given that there will be demand from people for this drug.- from people for this drug. i think we're still unclear— from people for this drug. i think we're still unclear in _ from people for this drug. i think we're still unclear in the - from people for this drug. i think we're still unclear in the nhs. i from people for this drug. i think. we're still unclear in the nhs. even though the drug is approved for nhs use, each locality will have their own management who will describe the pathway for which this drug can be made available. we're still unclear about who's going to prescribe this

at primary care. it is going to assess risk benefits, compliance, side effects? there's a whole host of unanswered questions in terms of how this will be delivered within the nhs. but the availability of this drug is very effective and welcoming. it provides us with a new strategy to help patients struggling with obesity. strategy to help patients struggling with obesi . �* , ., , . with obesity. briefly for us, what about side _ with obesity. briefly for us, what about side effects? _ with obesity. briefly for us, what about side effects? so, - with obesity. briefly for us, what about side effects? so, it's i with obesity. briefly for us, what about side effects? so, it's a i about side effects? so, it's a formal logical— about side effects? so, it's a formal logical agent - about side effects? so, it's a formal logical agent with i about side effects? so, it's a - formal logical agent with well-known formal logical agent with well—known side effects. the common short—term side effects. the common short—term side effects. the common short—term side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy. there are also long—term side effects, particularly in people who are at risk, because it might have adverse effects in the long term. pancreas cells or thyroid cells. that's why it's important to assess this benefits. it’s

cells. that's why it's important to assess this benefits.— assess this benefits. it's really aood to assess this benefits. it's really good to talk — assess this benefits. it's really good to talk to _ assess this benefits. it's really good to talk to you. _ assess this benefits. it's really good to talk to you. thanks i assess this benefits. it's reallyj good to talk to you. thanks for that, iskandar idris, professor of diabetes and metabolic medicine. stay with us for another edition of outside source. hello. today, we've seen a good covering of snow here and there, particularly across wales, southern parts of england, too. for many of us, it has been rain and drizzle, of course, and this wintry mix is going to continue through the course of this evening. by 8 o'clock, we will have seen more snow across parts of wales, the midlands, just to the north of london, too. but on the south coast, it's much too mild for snow, so we are talking about heavier rain showers. and then in the north, we've got clearer skies across northern parts of northern ireland, also scotland, a few heavier snow showers there in the very far north of scotland. but this is where the really cold air is early in the morning on thursday, —7 degrees in aberdeen, —5 for glasgow, colder than that in the glens, and then elsewhere, it's that icy

morning mix a little further south. here's the next area of low pressure as it sweeps in on thursday. to the north, we've got the cold air, and that's where the snow is going to be. so, it starts snowing early in the morning across parts of wales, especially the north around snowdonia. that snow reaches the north west of england, reaches the peak district and really then spreads across many parts of northern england. it won't be snow absolutely everywhere — in fact, there will be some sleet and rain as well. and then, to the south of that, where the milder air is, it really is too mild. in fact, temperatures here around 12—10 celsius, so we're talking about heavy showers. but that snow really could turn quite heavy a second half of the afternoon and into the evening hours, particularly across northern england and around the pennines. and also, it's snowing across southern parts of scotland and into northern ireland. now, it's prompted the met office to issue an amber warning for the pennines area, valid from 3pm on thursday into friday, and in the worst case, we could see up to 40 cm of snow in some

of the higher elevations. but in most towns and cities, it'll be a covering here and there. early in the morning on friday, that weather front with its snowy weather clears towards the east — it may have a sting in its tail. you can see some wintry weather from lincolnshire into east anglia, maybe essex, but then come the afternoon it clears maybe essex, but then, come the afternoon, it clears into the netherlands and into germany as well. and then, we're in between where the systems — a cold northerly wind with a few snow showers in the north. a really chilly day on friday.

hello, i'm ben thompson. this is outside source. who bombed a key russian oil pipeline to europe? anonymous spies point the finger at ukraine, but kyiv denies involvement. it's like a compliment for our special forces, but this is not our activity. moscow meanwhile blamed the west for the explosion, and demanded an independent investigation. also in the programme. georgians take to the streets of tbilisi, as a new law branding some media outlets as foreign agents — sparks protests. and people celebrate international women's day, and pay tribute to those fighting

for gender equality around the globe. in the last half—hour police in the capital tbilisi have been using water cannons against protesters. sparked by initial parliamentary approval of a controversial bill allowing many media outlets and rights groups to be branded as foreign agents. the crowd is mainly young, and many are carrying georgian and eu flags. they say the proposed law will limit freedom of expression and make this former soviet republic more like russia and less likely tojoin the european union. here's what two politicians attending the rally had to say. translation: | think it is very - clear how we are going to continue because yesterday there were a lot of people at the rally. it was so self organised that it

became very clear that our society does not want russia and does not want russian law. translation: this should be a permanent protest i until they step back. until they say they are withdrawing this antinational and unconstitutional law. let's show you some pictures live from the georgian capital, tbilisi. we see images of the police using water cannons directing them at protesters. as we set those demonstrations sparked over that controversial new bill that if were approved would allow many medium outlets and rights groups to be branded as a foreign agent. so that is the scene right now in the georgian capital, tbilisi. our correspondent rayhan demytrie was also at the rally in tbilisi — she told us what the protesters were calling for.

people here are chanting no to the russian law. they are waving jordan and eu flags and holding banners that read, we are europe. protesters and the country's opposition are saying that this law would stigmatize georgia's vibrant society and nongovernmental organisations and eventually with silence the country's free media. much like those pictures from tonight this was the scene on tuesday. the authorities used water cannon and pepper spray to disperse the crowds outside parliament. they say several policemen were hurt and more than sixty people were arrested. this was the response of one local politician to the violence. translation: in all cases when the rotesters translation: in all cases when the protesters were _ translation: in all cases when the protesters were absolutely - translation: in all cases when the protesters were absolutely calm, i translation: in all cases when the| protesters were absolutely calm, the police used water kansans, tear gas and special forces were dragging

them. —— cannons. iwant and special forces were dragging them. —— cannons. i want to tell them. —— cannons. i want to tell them that these people are very cowardly that's why we have to stand up cowardly that's why we have to stand up and continue to fight. the president seemed to agree —— from america she threw her weight behind the protesters —— saying she would veto the bill. translation: i am standing here in. new york and behind me is the statue of liberty. this is the symbol for which georgia has always fought and for which we have come to this day. i am with you because today you represent free georgia. but inside the parliament building, 76 lawmakers from the governing georgian dream party gave their initial support to the draft law. but it's certainly proved controversial. on monday, a committee hearing into the proposed legislation ended in a parliamentary brawl. so, what exactly is the bill — and why is it proving so controversial? the opposition has described it as a russian—style law that would stigmatise and clamp down on georgia's vibrant civil society and independent media.

it would require non—governmental organisations and independent media to declare themselves as foreign agents, if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. it was submitted to parliament by the openly anti—western people's power movement, a close ally of the governing georgian dream party. the draft bill imposes a fine of 9,600 dollars for evasion of registration or failure to submit the full financial declaration. another version of the bill expands the scope to include individuals and increases penalties forfailure to comply from fines to up to five years in prison. the us state department spokesman, ned price, said washington had �*deep concern' about the proposed legislation. it would stigmatize in silence independent voices and citizens of georgia who wish to do nothing more than to work together to build a brighterfuture. a future that is integrated

with europe, a future that is democratic and free. the eu is currently considering georgia's application for candidate status and eu foreign policy chiefjosep borrell said: "this is a very bad development for georgia and its people. this law is incompatible with eu values and standards. its final adoption may have serious repercussions on our relations." for more on this i'm joined by claire kaiser, senior managing director for eurasia at mclarty associates and adjunct professor at georgetown university. thank you for being with us. just talk to us, we have looked at some of the detail there but why is this proposal so controversial? it is proposal so controversial? it is actually as _ proposal so controversial? it is actually as you _ proposal so controversial? it 3 actually as you referenced earlier to track loss. the first of which passed in the first of three readings yesterday. a second related

law that you like a wise reference is still to be discussed by the perm movement although the timing is unclear. the reason why this is so controversial is because it marks a big turning point for the past two decades. since 2000 and 38 robust and diverse civil society has developed in georgia one of its strongest suits in terms of making a case for greater euro atlantic integration. and over that period as well has developed a much for your immediate environment then certainly must of its neighbours but beyond that as well. but if these draught laws are ultimately passed would almost certainly stifle visa civil society groups and independent media in georgia. more importantly, this is the key factor, challenge georgia's prospects for eu membership will stop this is something that georgia's population are melons —— remains overwhelming in support of and polls done by all

organisations. support for georgia's your atlantic integration is enshrined in its constitution so these are series issues. the big concern of _ these are series issues. the big concern of course _ these are series issues. the big concern of course is _ these are series issues. the big concern of course is whether i these are series issues. the big l concern of course is whether this these are series issues. the big i concern of course is whether this is a sign of whether georgia is slipping closer to moscow once again. we see in the case of isaac crane how many problems that may cause. given a sense of where we are on that and what this proposed law would mean for these relations? i would mean for these relations? i would mean for these relations? i would distinguish a bit between moving away from the euro atlantic path that georgia has chosen to date and the counterpoint of moving toward moscow. i think yes, this would potentially be a decisive departure from the your atlantic path that successive georgian governments have pursued over the past two decades but i think, is it moving back towards moscow? that remains to be seen. of course moscow has already tried to take advantage of the unrest and controversial

diversity here in regard to western responses so i fully expect moscow to try and do that going forward. we heard from the country's president saying she would be so —— if you told this proposed legislation that she have the power? she told this proposed legislation that she have the power?— told this proposed legislation that she have the power? she does have the ower she have the power? she does have the power and _ she have the power? she does have the power and has _ she have the power? she does have the power and has indicated - she have the power? she does have the power and has indicated that i she have the power? she does have | the power and has indicated that she will absolutely do that, but if and when she vetoes it when it reaches her desk, as it stands now the parliament and its majority will easily overturn a veto. of course we still have a couple of additional readings left to go in terms of the parliamentary process, so perhaps it will not get that point but that is how it stands now. that will not get that point but that is how it stands now.— will not get that point but that is how it stands now. that is the view from the country's _ how it stands now. that is the view from the country's president i how it stands now. that is the view from the country's president we i how it stands now. that is the view l from the country's president we have also heard from the eu. currently considering georgia's application for candidate status. they said that law is incompatible with eu laws by using standard symbol create problems. what you can expect the response to be from georgia as a

result? $5 response to be from georgia as a result? �* , . response to be from georgia as a result? ~ , ., . ., ., result? as a technical matter after this first reasoning _ result? as a technical matter after this first reasoning with _ result? as a technical matter after this first reasoning with the - this first reasoning with the speakers and submit the first draught to the commission for their feedback, of course they don't expect that to get a green light by any stretch of the imagination, but i think whenever we get that response from that commission on the proposed draught there are potentially will be room for further discussion and potentially also softening or removing the particularly problematic part of the bill. as it stands now, this absolutely challenges the strong track record that georgia has worked hard to achieve in terms of its eu perspective. hard to achieve in terms of its eu perspective-— perspective. good to talk to you, claire. here, the prime minister has defended his plan to reform the uk's asylum system, saying it shows his government is "on the side of the british people." the proposed legislation would ban

people who arrive in the country on small boats from claiming asylum or seeking british citizenship. speaking in the house of commons the labour leader sir keir starmer accused the government of delivering �*utter failure' and called the latest plan a gimmick. here's our political editor, chris mason. no sign of any migrant crossings at dover this morning, in the horrible weather, as the home secretary explained why she claims a new approach on the issue is crucial at westminster. and why she thinks it will be lawful, but can't be certain. we are testing novel interpretation of the law but we do not consider that we have crossed the boundary and we do not consider we are in unlawful territory. labour don't want to appear soft, as some might see it, but they reckon the approach continues to be hopeless. after 13 years, small boat crossings higher than ever, claims unprocessed, the taxpayer

paying for hotel rooms, criminal gangs running all the way laughing to the bank and an asylum system utterly broken on his watch. the prime minister said labour had opposed many of his plans, including sending asylum seekers to rwanda. stopping the boats is notjust my priority, it is the people priority. we wanted to, in his words, scrap the rwanda deal. he voted against measures to deport foreign criminals, mr speaker, and he even argued against deportation flights. he is just another lefty lawyer study in our way. lawyer standing in our way. took your criticising lawyers and others, look at this, an e—mail that didn't come from the home office, but the conservative party, suggesting previous policies on small boats were blocked by an activist blob of left—wing lawyers, civil servants and the labour party of strip it's all in the name of the home secretary, even though she claiming she knew nothing about it. civil servants are furious.

if she or the conservative party make a mistake, admit it and apologise people you have insulted those people are working on some of the most difficult things and they deserve better than this. conservative party set is looking into it. in the commons, the snp acute government of exaggerating. yesterday this was a tory government who said 100 million people could be coming to these shores, and this is a tory government that this morning said that number could in fact be billions. complete and utter nonsense. may i ask the prime minister, from whom his government taking inspiration, nigel farage or enoch powell? the figure of 100 million doesn't come from the government but from the un, mr speaker. it illustrates the scale of the global migration crisis. and this is the government of the latest response to what it called a former raf base in essex that will be used to house migrants.

stay with us on outside source. still to come — protesters in london market international women's day with a silent vigil in solidarity with the women in iran. a bbc investigation has found the number of dog attacks recorded by police in england and wales has risen sharply. last year there were nearly 22 thousand cases of out of control dogs causing injury — about 30% up on five years ago. danny savage reports. whoa, whoa! the aftermath of a dog attack in london. police try and contain the animal with a fire extinguisher. but look at the strength in its pull. a 13—year—old child is being treated on the ground nearby. this is a growing problem in the uk. it was a cross between

a rottweiler and a shar—pei. it was behind the letterbox waiting for me. it heard me coming down the path and it was ready, as soon as i lifted the lid of the letterbox, snout was there. didn't see the snout, i wasn't expecting it. but it was there and it were a clean bite. sarah king started 2022 with ten fingers. she finished it with nine. at the moment if you have money you can have a dog. simple eyes. there is no safeguards there are no checks done. ., ., ~' is no safeguards there are no checks done. . ~ is no safeguards there are no checks done. . done. looking back in retrospect it could have — done. looking back in retrospect it could have been _ done. looking back in retrospect it could have been my— done. looking back in retrospect it could have been my throat. -

done. looking back in retrospect it could have been my throat. janet i done. looking back in retrospect it i could have been my throat. janet was attacked by two _ could have been my throat. janet was attacked by two of _ could have been my throat. janet was attacked by two of her _ could have been my throat. janet was attacked by two of her neighbours i attacked by two of her neighbours dogs. pictures of her injuries at the time are too graphic to show. nearly a year on she has to do physio— and is expecting more operations on her arm. dangerous dogs are a growing problem. all too often animals are left to bite again. with little meaningful action taken against owners. this is outside source live from the bbc newsroom. our top stories: ukraine denies involvement the attack on the nord stream pipelines built to carry russian natural gas to germany. today, 8th of march, it's international women's day. it is global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

it's also a day to remember the many places where total gender equality is still farfrom being reached. let's take a look at some numbers. according to the un, nearly1 in 5, or 20% of young women, are married before the age of 18. globally, 26% of women aged 15 and older have been subjected to physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. as for representation, women make up around a quarter of members of parliament around the world. and at this pace, the un estimates it will take another 40 years for women and men to be represented equally in national parliaments. on that, the president of the european central bank, christine lagarde. she's been talking about women in positions of authority and responsibility. let's have a listen. look around you. they tend to have the qualities that are especially beneficial in times of geopolitical tensions. one study in particular finds that they are especially good

at thinking holistically, managing complexity and embracing cooperation. attributes that are ideal when it comes to trade negotiations. i have my way of putting it out, forgive me. fewer testosterones — smaller ego. that helps. laughter. applause. to mark the day, there have been rallies and marches around the world. these are live pictures of an international women's day march in madrid, where police appear to have turned out in some numbers. this is sri lanka, where hundreds of women clashed with the police... this is france — where women have been protesting, to demand better contracts and equal working conditions to their male colleagues. and in london, protesters dressed in the costumes of the book and tv series �*the handmaid's tale'. they marched silently in solidarity with the women in iran. the costumes, they said, represent iran's hijab laws.

well, for more on that, i'm joined now by ellie borhan, the event organiser for stage of freedom, the march we've just seen. thank you for being with us. talk to me about the significance of the protest today and crucially what you were wearing. protest today and crucially what you were wearing-— were wearing. thank you for having me we had — were wearing. thank you for having me we had a _ were wearing. thank you for having me we had a costume _ were wearing. thank you for having me we had a costume of— were wearing. thank you for having me we had a costume of the i me we had a costume of the handmaid's tale and could see all of us in a red as we believe it is very similar to the hijab laws that have been involved for 45 years now. for women in iran. not only that all of the forces which they have, that is one of them, we chose the handmaid's tale based on what was written in the novel. it was organised even

today for international women's day because she beautifully described what we are experiencing in iran. as women. so it would not be fiction any more as it is our daily life in iran. ~ . , any more as it is our daily life in iran. ~ ., , , any more as it is our daily life in iran. . ., , , iran. we have 'ust been looking -ictures iran. we have 'ust been looking pictures at — iran. we havejust been looking pictures at that _ iran. we havejust been looking pictures at that protest - iran. we havejust been looking pictures at that protest today, i iran. we have just been looking i pictures at that protest today, talk to me about the significance of those who have worn and i cover as well. $5 those who have worn and i cover as well. �* , , ., those who have worn and i cover as well. �* , ,, ~' ., those who have worn and i cover as well. . , i. ~ ., , those who have worn and i cover as well. a ~ ., , ., those who have worn and i cover as well. a ~' ., , ., ., well. as you know they are targeting the e es of well. as you know they are targeting the eyes of women. _ well. as you know they are targeting the eyes of women. we _ well. as you know they are targeting the eyes of women. we now - well. as you know they are targeting the eyes of women. we now have i the eyes of women. we now have dozens of boys and girls who have lost their eyes recently. to make them afraid to not come to the streets. it them afraid to not come to the streets. , . ,

them afraid to not come to the streets. , ., , , ., streets. it is a very visual protest and i streets. it is a very visual protest and i wonder _ streets. it is a very visual protest and i wonder what _ streets. it is a very visual protest and i wonder what hope - streets. it is a very visual protest and i wonder what hope there i streets. it is a very visual protest and i wonder what hope there is l streets. it is a very visual protest i and i wonder what hope there is that those in authority in iran will see these pictures and what hope you have of any sort of change? people sa we have of any sort of change? people say we must _ have of any sort of change? people say we must be _ have of any sort of change? people say we must be the _ have of any sort of change? people say we must be the voice _ have of any sort of change? people say we must be the voice of - have of any sort of change? people | say we must be the voice of women have of any sort of change? people i say we must be the voice of women in iran but the women of iran have a voice. they are encouraging the british public to listen to their voice. we have been chatting our demands for more than six months. free women in iran. freedom for iran. . ~ free women in iran. freedom for iran. ., ,, ., , , iran. thank you for being with us. it is aood iran. thank you for being with us. it is good to _ iran. thank you for being with us. it is good to talk— iran. thank you for being with us. it is good to talk to _ iran. thank you for being with us. it is good to talk to you. - iran. thank you for being with us. it is good to talk to you. one i iran. thank you for being with us. it is good to talk to you. one of. it is good to talk to you. one of the organisers of those protesters we saw taking place in london. for more on the latest developments in iran... i'm joined by bbc persian's rana rahimpour. thank you for being with us there's a lot of context could you remind us of the context here going back to

the poisoning of schoolgirls but much further to. talk to us about the significance.— the significance. today a lot of eo - le the significance. today a lot of people are talking _ the significance. today a lot of people are talking about i the significance. today a lot of. people are talking about ringing women and their protest movement which started in september last year. it was a response to the death of a 22—year—old women, mahsa amini in the custody of the morality police. probably your viewers know that in iran wearing the hijab is compulsory and if women defy that they can be imprisoned. that is one of the reasons they have been protesting in the last few months. women have lost several of their rights since the islamic revolution of 1979 and they have been suppressed in many aspects of life. in recent months, specifically since november, there have been a series of mysterious poisoning attacks at

mostly girls schools across the country. according to an mp, at least 5000 students have been poisoned, they report headache, nausea, sometimes hospitalisations and there are serious concerns about the possibility of having a radical islamic group being behind these attacks. which is another push by them in order to force women to go back home and abandon their education. so on one hand we have a society that is a very progressive and once freedom and on the other had a government that is very religious and even within the government there are radical factions that it seems that the government are incapable of control. we are looking pictures now of the aftermath of some of those poisonings in schools and very few arrests and seemingly very little done to try and catch those behind

these attacks. i wonder what message that sends about whether the authorities are taking any of the seriously? it authorities are taking any of the seriousl ? , ., , , ~ ., seriously? it is only this week that the lranian — seriously? it is only this week that the iranian authorities _ seriously? it is only this week that the iranian authorities publicly i the iranian authorities publicly spoke about it. they had been either ignoring it or denying it. so it was only three discussed that the dr green supreme leader had acknowledged it happening and said whoever was behind it would be punished. —— iranian supreme leader. a lot of evidence suggesting that is coming from within the country specifically because it all started in a very religious city in iran that hosts many religious scholars from across the world. so far the authorities have been very soft towards it. it has been three months and for such a police state that has cctv cameras everywhere and can quickly arrest you for not wearing your headscarf, three months of school poisonings and only in the last couple of days they have said they have identified some of the so

called criminals and have made a few arrests. but even those are interesting post one is apparently a student, the other, a couple have been arrested accused of being on orders from foreign based persian media channels and that they were working for enemies. so there are few reasons to believe that the authorities are serious about tackling this problem. briefly, what does this tell _ tackling this problem. briefly, what does this tell us, _ tackling this problem. briefly, what does this tell us, a _ tackling this problem. briefly, what does this tell us, a lot _ tackling this problem. briefly, what does this tell us, a lot of _ does this tell us, a lot of protesters saying that they will not be cowed or diminished by this. does this marked a turning point for women's right? it this marked a turning point for women's right?— women's right? it has already happened- — women's right? it has already happened. there _ women's right? it has already happened. there has - women's right? it has already happened. there has been i women's right? it has already happened. there has been a i women's right? it has already i happened. there has been a cultural revolution which started in september and i think it is unfolding. of a political revolution will take more time but we can see that a lot of women have, are defined the compulsory hijab a day in and day out and now they are so great to continue to go to school. good to have you with us on the

programme. that is outside source, stay with us headlines coming up next. hello. today, we've seen a good covering of snow here and there, particularly across wales, southern parts of england, too. for many of us, it has been rain and drizzle, of course, and this wintry mix is going to continue through the course of this evening. by 8 o'clock, we will have seen more snow across parts of wales, the midlands, just to the north of london, too. but on the south coast, it's much too mild for snow, so we are talking about heavier rain showers. and then in the north, we've got clearer skies across northern parts of northern ireland, also scotland, a few heavier snow showers there in the very far north of scotland. but this is where the really cold air is early in the morning on thursday, —7 degrees in aberdeen, —5 for glasgow, colder than that in the glens, and then elsewhere, it's that icy morning mix a little further south.

here's the next area of low pressure as it sweeps in on thursday. to the north, we've got the cold air, and that's where the snow is going to be. so, it starts snowing early in the morning across parts of wales, especially the north around snowdonia. that snow reaches the north west of england, reaches the peak district and really then spreads across many parts of northern england. it won't be snow absolutely everywhere — in fact, there will be some sleet and rain as well. and then, to the south of that, where the milder air is, it really is too mild. in fact, temperatures here around 12—10 celsius, so we're talking about heavy showers. but that snow really could turn quite heavy a second half of the afternoon and into the evening hours, particularly across northern england and around the pennines. and also, it's snowing across southern parts of scotland and into northern ireland. now, it's prompted the met office to issue an amber warning for the pennines area, valid from 3pm on thursday into friday, and in the worst case, we could see

up to 40 cm of snow in some of the higher elevations. but in most towns and cities, it'll be a covering here and there. early in the morning on friday, that weather front with its snowy weather clears towards the east — it may have a sting in its tail. you can see some wintry weather from lincolnshire into east anglia, maybe essex, but then, come the afternoon, it clears into the netherlands and into germany as well. and then, we're in between where the systems — a cold northerly wind with a few snow showers in the north. a really chilly day on friday.

hello, i'm ben thompson, this is outside source. who bombed a key russian oil pipeline to europe? anonymous spies point the finger at ukraine, but kyiv denies involvement. it's like a compliment for our special forces, but this is not our activity. moscow meanwhile blamed the west for the explosion, and demanded an independent investigation. also in the programme... the un's chief heads to ukraine to secure a crucial grain deal, and avert the threat of a globalfood crisis. an some help shedding a few pounds — the weight—loss drug hailed as a game—changer is approved

by the uk's health service. hello, welcome. we start with a denial from ukraine of any involvement in september's attacks on the nord stream pipelines, which were built to carry russian natural gas to germany. the denial follows this report from the new york times. it cites us intelligence officials, suggesting a pro—ukrainian group was to blame. before we look at those claims, let's get more details about the nord stream pipelines. this map shows where they run — along the sea bed, from russia, across the baltic, to germany. the damage was discovered near the danish island of bornholm. it's also relatively close to the russian territory of kaliningrad. it was first noticed when huge amounts of gas were spotted bubbling up to the surface. when cameras were sent down, this is what they recorded. several experts said it appeared the pipes had been

damaged by an explosion — on the outside of the pipe. here's ukrainian defence minister, oleksi reznikov, on the new allegations. for me, it's a little bit of a strange story because the story is nothing with us, and i think that the investigation of official authorities will describe every detail. it's like a compliment for our special forces, but this is not our activity. so kyiv denies involvement, and western allies are warning against reaching premature conclusions as to who was responsible. germany's defence minister has suggested it could have been a so—called "false flag" operation, designed to implicate ukraine. translation: we have to distinguish clearly i whether it was a ukrainian group, so it could have been on ukrainian orders, or a pro—ukrainian one without the knowledge of the government. but i caution against jumping to conclusions. there are also indications that

are not mine, but opinions of experts, that there is also talk that it could have been a so—called false operation. a separate report by the german broadcasters — ard and swr, and the zeit newspaper — goes into more detail about the operation — also citing unnamed officials. the report says a group of five men and one woman rented a yacht from a poland—based company owned by ukrainian citizens. the group consisted of a captain, two divers, two diving assistants, and a doctor. the nationality of them is unclear, it's claimed those involved used forged passports to rent the boat. after the yacht was returned, it's alleged investigators found traces of explosives in the cabin. our security correspondent frank gardner has more. this yacht set off in northern germany on the baltic - coast and it was crewed, i they think, by ukrainians, but they're not sure. now, if it turns out to be the work

of a pro—ukrainian group, - then of course that's a massive pr victory for moscow, _ which has said all along, i "nothing to do with us," this was an act of international sabotage, terrorism even. these were four big explosions. the conclusion, i think, | is that it was deliberate, wasn't an accident and it would've had to have been _ state—sponsored in order- for the sophistication of this. german prosecutors are still investigating who carried out the attacks, but revealed today that... but added... here's our berlin correspondentjenny hill. within some of those reports, too, there is the suggestion that a western intelligence agency sent a tip—off to its european partners saying that a pro—ukrainian group may have been involved, but those are the only potential

links at this stage. and certainly, most of the senior politicians here this morning are publicly saying, "we need to be very careful about this," understandably, "we need to wait until investigations have concluded." and indeed, the federal prosecutor said they won't be giving out any further details about what, if anything, they found during their investigations. as well as the german criminal investigation, sweden and denmark are also investigatng the explosions. here's elisabeth braw, from the american enterprise institute. several months now into this investigation, the swedish and danish governments have said nothing, and i think even if they do know at this point who it is, they aren't likely to say anything because it will cause further instability in the region. for more, i spoke to bryan clarke, a senior fellow at the hudson institute, and an expert in naval operations. it's possible that an independent group could have done this. it would've been very challenging

because the explosives used were in the several hundred, to 1,000 lbs of plastic explosives that would have had to be delivered 150 feet below the water. normally you would use of equipment and a crane and undersea vehicles perhaps to transport them to the location. they had to be on the pipeline to be able to deliver that kind of damage. doing all that from a yacht seems very difficult. i think you would have to modify the yacht to enable the crane that lowers a small boats into the water to lower the explosives. that's possible, but you would have to have equipment that you brought with you and a very experienced and talented group to do so. given the importance of the pipeline, talk about the security that might be associated with her that. i suppose whether investigators will be any closer to finding out who is behind this attack. the pipeline is not monitored continuously.

the security is associated with the difficulty of being accessed. the pipes themselves are about an inch and a half in diameter or in thickness. they're encased in about three inches of concrete to protect it mostly from anchors, etc on the sea floor. they're not monitored continuously, so you could go and deploy these as closes even if it takes several hours. so, this is possible, but it's very difficult because the pipelines are so hard. if this theory that it is individuals behind this attack, is dismissed, we get on to state actors. either ukraine or russia, or indeed a third party. talk to me about the likelihood that either of those or any of those could be behind this. well, the reasons that were brought

up early in the report, ukraine has a lot to lose with its international partners if they were to mount this kind of attack. it could be a false flag operation. a third party seems unclear as to what they would have to gain. state—sponsored may be seem unlikely, but i do think there were state actors who looked the other way when this was being planned or mounted because you could see a private group doing this, but they would have to get explosives and do this without somebody noticing. you can see there might have been government officials that looked the other way when they saw actions being taken that would support the operation. a word on the future of the pipeline. will that be looked at differently now, particularly when it comes to security arrangements? absolutely.

i think one of the difficulties with this pipeline is it's in very shallow water and can be accessed by divers and anchors or other gear from the surface. so it's vulnerable. i think you'll see more action to prevail and protect pipelines or using overhead intelligence, because it's likely most of the information we're going to gain now will come from using overhead sensors to figure out whose boat was there and how long and what they did. now to ukraine itself now, where the un secretary—general antonio guterres has stressed the critical importance of the "ukraine grain export deal" to global food security. he's been meeting president volodymyr zelensky on how to extend the agreement, allowing grain exports from ukraine through the black sea. let's have a listen

to what he had to say. exports of ukrainian, as well as russian food and fertiliser are essential to global food security and food prices. i want to underscore the critical importance of the rollover of the black sea grain initiative on 18 march, and are working to create the conditions to enable the greatest possible news of export infrastructures through the black sea in line with the objectives of the initiative. let's take a look at the existing deal. the black sea grain initiative was brokered by the un and turkey lastjuly, and allows ships to sail from southern ukraine into the international waters of the black sea, avoiding mined areas. it was then extended in november and has to be renewed again by the end of next week. ukraine was once one of the world's biggest exporters. so when russia invaded and closed the country's ports, global food prices soared and millions faced severe hunger.

before the invasion, 81% of lebanon's wheat imports, for example, came from ukraine, with libya getting almost half of its wheat from the country. since the black sea grain initiative was implemented, more than 23 million tonnes of grain has been exported via ukrainian ports, according to the united nations. but now russia has signalled that it might not allow an extension next week, unless more is done to lift curbs on its own agricultural exports. rhiannon phillips, an expert on the grain talks at the intelligence analysis company sibylline, told us it's likely there will be hurdles to overcome. we are seeing russia step up quite the hostile narrative in the weeks ahead of the potential renewal in the 18th of march. we've seen demands around the exports, etc, but we are seeing quite notable allegations coming from russia saying ukraine is using these black seaports to import water russia claims are nuclear materials. the narrative is ukraine

is utilising this initiative to further their efforts for new nuclear bio—terrorism. this is something russia might use to stop her the steel. here's our diplomatic correspondent james landale, who's in kyiv. what happens is every time this deal comes up, it has to do so every four months, and both sides try and use that moment of leverage to get a little bit more out of the deal. particularly in this time, the russians have signalled that they want more support from the un and the international community to try and allow russia to smooth some of its own food exports. although western sanctions don't target russian food exports directly, russia says that all the sanctions on banking and transport and insurance and things like that makes it very hard for russia to send its green to countries in africa. i think the message from the un

is let's keep this one simple, keep the deal that was agreed going and make sure it carries on. simply because, as mr gutierrez made very clear, this matters notjust for ukraine, but in terms of it in impact of the world on a whole. for all those millions of people facing food insecurity around the world who would be severely damaged if this deal did not go through because the food that they currently get would suddenly soar in price and many people would not be able to afford to eat. in the past hour, the un has announced that a top trade official is to meet russian representatives in geneva next week to discuss extending the grain deal. a un spokesperson says, "that's the next step". farhad haq also says, "the secretary—general will continue to do all he can to remove obstacles to the export of

russian fertilisers." nikolay gorbachov is president of the ukraine grain association. we are feeding the world, we produce more grain, and i'm sure the international community will find the leverage and open the grain to the countries that need to import this. we've been looking at that route, that crucial trade route. i wonder if other options are available, whether you can export via rail, road or river, and put it into context for us whether they can take up any slack, or whether they are such minor routes compared to that major shipping route that is so valuable here. honestly, we can export seven million tonnes by vessel per month. unfortunately, the russian team in istanbul, theyjust

blocked the vessels. that's why we are lugging just more than 3 million. but by railway trucks, and the small ports, we can a short additional tonnes. i'm sure in a few months, we will be able to support —— export about 3—3.5 million tonnes. but the price is more expensive, about 30% plus. we have seen that knock—on effect given the importance of ukraine grain around the world. talk to me about production, as well. we know weather plays a big hand, but quite clearly the war. how is production this year looking, compared to 2022 and 2021? before the war, we grow

a record 106 million tonnes. during the war, we decreased our production to 72 million tonnes. it's almost 35%. on the next campaign, we expect production will get about 60—64 million tonnees. but what i would like to say is domestic consumption of ukraine, not more than 25 million tonnes or grain and oil, and the rest we can export. before the war, our export programme could reach 70 million tonnes. during the war, we expect in the season about 50 million tonnes, but for the next campaign, we'll export about 40 million because of the stocks. and if you are unable to export that

grain, what happens to it? how full are the storage abilities? is there a danger that it just goes to waste? no, for the moment, we have storage facilities because we decreased production, but the problem is if farmers will not grow to the field, they will not put seeds there, and we will not get the crop. after, to renovate and increase production, it will take several years. i would like to remind that the ukrainian farmers won't result any subsidies and they cannot sell their grain low as in price. if they come to the bunkers, the seed will be very difficult. it will take a few years. stay with us on outside source. still to come: the new weight loss

drug soon to be available on the nhs in england. the appetite supressant, given as an injection, still to come: the new weight loss drug soon to be available is being hailed as a game—changer. the numbers of dead and wounded defied belief. this, the worst atrocity the numbers of dead and wounded defied belief. the worst terrorist atrocity on european soil in modern times. in less than 24 hours the soviet union lost in elderly sick leader and replaced them with a dynamic figure 20 years his junior. we heard these gunshots in the gym and came out firing. god, we were all petrified. james earl ray, aged 41, was sentenced to 99 i years and due — for parole when he is mighty travel from a methodist jail to a state

prison in a car convoy. - paul, what's it feel like to be married at last? it feels fine, thank you. what now, will a change of much life, do you think? i don't know, i've never been married before. this is outside source... ukraine denies involvement the attack on the nord stream pipelines, built to carry russian natural gas to germany. the police department in louisville, kentucky has routinely discriminated against black people and used

excessive force and conducted illegal searches. the probe was launched following the death of rhianna taylor, a black woman who was shot dead by police during a raid on her home in 2020. announcing the findings, the us attorney general described the unlawful policing as unacceptable and heartbreaking. he said police had agreed to the appointment of an independent monitor to oversee reforms. ,., ., , reforms. the department has concluded — reforms. the department has concluded there _ reforms. the department has concluded there is _ reforms. the department has| concluded there is reasonable reforms. the department has i concluded there is reasonable cause to believe that louisville metro and lpd engaged in a practice of conduct that violates the first and fourth amendments of the constitution. l mpd uses excessive force, including unjustified neck restraints and the unreasonable use of police dogs and retainers, conducts searches on unlawful warrants, and unlawfully

stops and searches, detains and arrests people, unlawfully discriminates against black people and enforcement activities. turnint to health now — and a weight—loss drug that's been gaining popularity in the us, has been approved for use by the nhs in england. the national institute for health and care excellence has concluded semaglutide, is affordable and effective. so what is semaglutide, and how does it work? marketed as wegovy, this is the drug, which is delivered via injection once a week and makes people feel fuller and more satisfied. the result — they eat less. there are caveats around who will be eligible to use the drug. it will be available to adults with a body mass index of 35 or above, though in some cases those with a bmi of 30 will be eligible. so will those suffering at least one weight related health condition.

semaglutide will only be prescribed for two years. it must also be used in conjunction with a calorie reduced diet. in the uk, 68% of men are considered overweight or obese, while the rate for women is 60%. while the drug will produce results, most patients put weight back on when they come off it. here's helen knight from the national institute for health and care excellence. we know that some people will put the weight on after treatment. but there is still a benefit to that person for having lost the weight for the time that they are on segmaglutide. it can take longer but the way back on and also there are other benefits. earlier i spoke to the professor of diabetes and metabolic medicine at the university of nottingham. semaglutide has been used for many years for diabetes, and now it's approved for people without

diabetes. i think the important thing is it's a pharmacological agent, so needs to be used in conjunction with lifestyle and holistic intervention and understand the underlying cause of obesity. so it shouldn't be approached as a wonder drug or a quick fix, and certainly it must be used responsibly.— certainly it must be used resonsibl . �* �* , responsibly. and we've seen in some of those studies _ responsibly. and we've seen in some of those studies people _ responsibly. and we've seen in some of those studies people managing i responsibly. and we've seen in some of those studies people managing to| of those studies people managing to lose weight or reduce their weight by about 10%, but that caveat is that must come in conjunction with a better diet and exercise.— better diet and exercise. exactly. and also, better diet and exercise. exactly. and also. you — better diet and exercise. exactly. and also, you mentioned - better diet and exercise. exactly. and also, you mentioned at i better diet and exercise. exactly. and also, you mentioned at the i and also, you mentioned at the beginning of the programme, certainly within the nhs or online prescription, it'll be available — it's only approved for two years of use, and loss of data —— lots of data shows is associated with weight. so it's important to

understand that this drug must be used holistically and to make appropriate changes to lifestyle, diet, psychosocial factors which might contribute to the obesity and weight gain. fight! might contribute to the obesity and weiaht rain. . ., �*, weight gain. and that's the all-important _ weight gain. and that's the all-important message, i weight gain. and that's the i all-important message, this isn't all—important message, this isn't just about lifestyle, but health too. but i wonder what the pressure may be on doctors and medical professionals to prescribe it, given that there will be demand from people for this drug. i that there will be demand from people for this drug.— that there will be demand from people for this drug. i think we are still unclear _ people for this drug. i think we are still unclear within _ people for this drug. i think we are still unclear within the _ people for this drug. i think we are still unclear within the nhs, i people for this drug. i think we are still unclear within the nhs, so i still unclear within the nhs, so even though the drug is approved for nhs use, each locality will have management who will describe the pathway for which this drug will be made available. so for example, we are still unclear about who will prescribe it to primary care. will it be the hospital that arranges follow—ups and risk assessment, compliance and side effects? so

there's a whole host of financial questions in terms of how this will be delivered within the nhs. this drug is welcomed, it has democrat is a new strategy to help patients struggling with their weight and obesity. struggling with their weight and obesi . �* , , struggling with their weight and obesi . . , , ., ., obesity. and briefly, what about side effects? — obesity. and briefly, what about side effects? so _ obesity. and briefly, what about side effects? so it's _ obesity. and briefly, what about side effects? so it's a _ side effects? so it's a pharmacological i side effects? so it's a | pharmacological agent side effects? so it's a i pharmacological agent with well—known side effects. the common short—term side affects is gastrointestinal distress, vomiting and lethargy. but they're also long—term side effects, particularly in people who are at risk because it might adverse effects in the long term, for people on thyroid —— there thyroid cells. so that's why it's important to assess risk benefits properly for all patients.- important to assess risk benefits properly for all patients. those are our to - properly for all patients. those are your top stories — properly for all patients. those are your top stories on _ properly for all patients. those are your top stories on an _ properly for all patients. those are your top stories on an outside i your top stories on an outside

source, much more on the bbc website. get in touch with me on twitter, will see you very soon. hello. today, we've seen a good covering of snow here and there, particularly across wales, southern parts of england, too. for many of us, it has been rain and drizzle, of course, and this wintry mix is going to continue through the course of this evening. by 8pm, we will have seen more snow across parts of wales, the midlands, just to the north of london, too. but on the south coast, it's much too mild for snow, so we are talking about heavier rain showers. and then in the north, we've got clearer skies across northern parts of northern ireland, also scotland, a few heavier snow showers there in the very far north of scotland. but this is where the really cold air is early in the morning on thursday, —7 celsius in aberdeen, —5 for glasgow, colder than that

in the glens, and then elsewhere, it's that icy morning mix a little further south. here's the next area of low pressure as it sweeps in on thursday. to the north, we've got the cold air, and that's where the snow is going to be. so, it starts snowing early in the morning across parts of wales, especially the north around snowdonia. that snow reaches the north west of england, reaches the peak district and really then spreads across many parts of northern england. it won't be snow absolutely everywhere — in fact, there will be some sleet and rain as well. and then, to the south of that, where the milder air is, it really is too mild. in fact, temperatures here around 12—10 celsius, so we're talking about heavy showers. but that snow really could turn quite heavy a second half of the afternoon and into the evening hours, particularly across northern england and around the pennines. and also, it's snowing across southern parts of scotland and into northern ireland. now, it's prompted the met office to issue an amber warning for the pennines area, valid from 3pm on thursday into friday, and in the worst case, we could see up to 40cm of snow

in some of the higher elevations. but in most towns and cities, it'll be a covering here and there. early in the morning on friday, that weather front with its snowy weather clears towards the east — it may have a sting in its tail. you can see some wintry weather from lincolnshire into east anglia, maybe essex, but then, come the afternoon, it clears into the netherlands and into germany as well. and then, we're in between where the systems — a cold northerly wind with a few snow showers in the north. in between weather sys a really chilly day on friday. snow showers in the north.

this is bbc news. we will have the headlines and all the main news stories for you at the top of the hour straight after this program. this week on the show — keeping it caribbean: 75 years on, we celebrate the windrush legacy on british culture today. it is a proper melting pot, all those things gone into the pot, all that seasoning. a little kick! around the world in seven days: we follow one man's incredible journey. the wind really makes it bite. it is cold when the wind blows. and we're in new york, asking if the american dream had a sound, could this be it? jazz music plays