this is bbc news, broadcasting in the uk, on pbs in the us and around the globe. our top stories... at least seven people are killed in germany in a shooting at a jehovah's witness centre in hamburg. translation: | didn't - realise what was happening. i was filming on my phone and only realised through the zoom that someone was shooting at the jehovah's witnesses. the british prime minister meets the french president later — on the agenda, how to stop migrants crossing the english channel. motorists have been stranded on roads in northern england and north wales,

as heavy snow causes travel chaos. and will it be michelle's moment? we talk to the malaysian star hoping to win big at the oscars. hello and welcome to bbc news. police in the german city of hamburg say several people have been killed in a shooting incident and several others were injured. the attack happened inside a meeting hall forjehovah�*s witnesses where an event had apparently been underway. it's believed the attacker was among the dead. tim allman has more details. a quiet street in hamburg, at around nine o'clock in the evening local time.

in the distance, a figure appears to have climbed up the outside of a building and is peering inside. then, after a short pause, he raises what appears to be a handgun and opens fire. not long after, armed officers arrived and are storming the building. slowly, carefully, they make their way upstairs, no idea if the gunman is waiting for them. this is kingdom hall, a place of worship for local jehovah's witnesses. it is believed they were in the middle of a service when the attack took place. translation: | didn't - realise what was happening. i was filming with my phone and only realised through the zoom that someone was shooting atjehovah�*s witnesses. then i realised what was going on there. a little later, once the building had been secured, a number of people were escorted out

with their hands on their heads. initially, there were reports the attacker may have escaped and been at large in the city. police now believe the gunman, whoever he may be, never left kingdom hall. translation: the officers also heard a shot from the upper part _ of the building and went upstairs where they also found a body. so far, we have no indications that any perpetrator has fled. for now, no motive has been given, no reason for this carnage. a full investigation will now begin to try and work out why these terrible events happened — a place of peace witness to such deadly violence. tim allman, bbc news. i'm joined now by bastian vollmer, a reporterfor the german networks rtl and mtv in hamburg. thank you forjoining us on bbc

news. i wonder if you could update us with the latest details as you have an there. the us with the latest details as you have an there.— us with the latest details as you have an there. the problem is we onl still have an there. the problem is we only still know _ have an there. the problem is we only still know a _ have an there. the problem is we only still know a little _ have an there. the problem is we only still know a little about - have an there. the problem is we only still know a little about the l only still know a little about the attacker and his or her motive. the police are still working on the crime scene and the forensics. the press conference will be there today at 12 so i think there will be more information later. the crime scene, as we heard, is in a building used byjehovah�*s witnesses and there was a sort of church service there yesterday announced online so nearly everybody could have found out the place might be with a lot of people inside there. but if there is any connection betweenjehovah�*s connection between jehovah's witnesses connection betweenjehovah�*s witnesses and the motive of the attacker, that is still unclear. first reports show that might be a connection between the attacker and jehovah's witnesses. what connection between the attacker and jehovah's witnesses.— jehovah's witnesses. what was the ublic jehovah's witnesses. what was the public reaction _

jehovah's witnesses. what was the public reaction when _ jehovah's witnesses. what was the public reaction when the _ jehovah's witnesses. what was the public reaction when the news - jehovah's witnesses. what was the public reaction when the news first| public reaction when the news first broke about the attack?- public reaction when the news first broke about the attack? hamburg is shocked, hamburg _ broke about the attack? hamburg is shocked, hamburg was _ broke about the attack? hamburg is shocked, hamburg was shocked, i broke about the attack? hamburg is| shocked, hamburg was shocked, not only the people who live nearby the crime scene but the whole city. there has not been such a big shooting or something like that in hamburg so far. at the beginning, the situation the police announced was so unclear, the police announced a hamburg wide security warning, asked the people to stay inside. at first, there was shock of course are now today, the day after the attack, there will be time for grief and hamburg. i there will be time for grief and hambura. ., i” there will be time for grief and hamburg-— there will be time for grief and hambura. ., ,, u, there will be time for grief and hambura. ., ,, u, , hamburg. i wonder if you can tell us more about — hamburg. i wonder if you can tell us more about the _ hamburg. i wonder if you can tell us more about the area _ hamburg. i wonder if you can tell us more about the area itself, - hamburg. i wonder if you can tell us more about the area itself, where i more about the area itself, where the attack took place. the more about the area itself, where the attack took place.— the attack took place. the area is kind of a mixed _ the attack took place. the area is kind of a mixed area. _ the attack took place. the area is kind of a mixed area. there - the attack took place. the area is kind of a mixed area. there are l the attack took place. the area is - kind of a mixed area. there are some car services around there and the building used byjehovah�*s witnesses. there is nearby one of

the biggest streets in hamburg. there is a lot of traffic all the time around there and police asked for eyewitnesses to give information to the police so that they might get a clue how the attacker went inside and may be how he arrived at the crime scene, if there was a car, something like that, that is still part of the investigation. [30 something like that, that is still part of the investigation. do you have any updates _ part of the investigation. do you have any updates on _ part of the investigation. do you have any updates on those - part of the investigation. do you l have any updates on those injured part of the investigation. do you - have any updates on those injured in the attack? fist have any updates on those in'ured in the attack? �* ., , have any updates on those in'ured in the attack? �* . , , ., , the attack? at least eight people died in hamburg _ the attack? at least eight people died in hamburg yesterday, - the attack? at least eight people died in hamburg yesterday, that| the attack? at least eight people i died in hamburg yesterday, that is the new number. but the number is probably not at the highest at the moment because there are lots of... around ten people who were injured and we don't know about their conditions. but what we know so far is that one of the victims is the attacker himself who shot himself inside the building when the police arrived, only a few minutes after the first shots. find arrived, only a few minutes after the first shots.— arrived, only a few minutes after the first shots. and there is going

to be a police _ the first shots. and there is going to be a police press _ the first shots. and there is going to be a police press conference i to be a police press conference within the coming hour, is that correct? , ., , correct? yes, that is true. the olice correct? yes, that is true. the police announced _ correct? yes, that is true. the police announced the - correct? yes, that is true. the police announced the press . police announced the press conference for 12 o'clock german time and we are pretty sure we will have some more information about the attack itself and about the attacker and hopefully about his or her motive. i and hopefully about his or her motive. ~' ., and hopefully about his or her motive. ~ ., , ., ., and hopefully about his or her motive. ~ ., ., ., ., motive. i know you are not at the scene at the _ motive. i know you are not at the scene at the moment, _ motive. i know you are not at the scene at the moment, but - motive. i know you are not at the scene at the moment, but in - motive. i know you are not at the i scene at the moment, but in terms motive. i know you are not at the - scene at the moment, but in terms of life continuing, i am assuming that some of that area has or remains cordoned off, what is going on there around the area now? {line cordoned off, what is going on there around the area now?— cordoned off, what is going on there around the area now? one could say eve da around the area now? one could say everyday life — around the area now? one could say everyday life is _ around the area now? one could say everyday life is still _ around the area now? one could say everyday life is still ongoing - everyday life is still ongoing there. the traffic is back and the shops nearby are back open again. that is what i heard from my colleagues this morning reporting from the scene. but the area right around the crime scene, the

building, used byjehovah�*s witnesses, still blocked by the police. during the night, police went outside again with a lot of forensics, with technical equipment, and they are still investigating there at the crime scene. finally, what can you _ there at the crime scene. finally, what can you tell— there at the crime scene. finally, what can you tell us _ there at the crime scene. finally, what can you tell us about - there at the crime scene. finally, what can you tell us about the . what can you tell us about the jehovah's witness community within germany or within hamburg? it is jehovah's witness community within germany or within hamburg? it is not uuite bi germany or within hamburg? it is not quite big community _ germany or within hamburg? it is not quite big community and _ germany or within hamburg? it is not quite big community and it _ germany or within hamburg? it is not quite big community and it was - germany or within hamburg? it is not quite big community and it was quite | quite big community and it was quite quiet around thejehovah�*s witnesses quiet around the jehovah's witnesses in the last weeks, months and years. there were not any incidences like that or smaller than that. it was quite quiet and, yeah, not predictable there was something ongoing like that, but it is still part of the investigations and we will probably and hopefully know more about that today later. thank ou ve more about that today later. thank you very much _ more about that today later. thank you very much indeed. _ britain's prime minister says

he will ask france to go further in its efforts to stop migrants crossing the channel in small boats. rishi sunak will hold talks with president macron in paris today. it is the first anglo—french summit for five years and the talks come just after the government published plans to block people arriving in the uk illegally from claiming asylum. our political editor, chris mason, has more. rishi sunak and the french president emmanuel macron. here they are in egypt last year at a climate summit. today, they'll meet here at the elysee palace in paris alongside a total of around a dozen of their most senior ministers. the two leaders will meet face—to—face for around half—an—hour. among topics on the agenda will be small boat crossings over the channel. the british government believes money sent to france to step up patrols has been well spent and wants to go further. but downing street's desire to make

the small boat route unviable is a bold ambition, given the numbers proving it to be the opposite have continued to rocket. more than 16,000 people entered the uk via channel crossings last year. up from about 300 in 2018. so far this year, around 3000 people have arrived on small boats but the two governments claim theirjoint work has stopped a similar number from embarking on thejourney. an announcement on deepening cooperation on the issue is expected rather than a big breakthrough. labour said the absence of a new agreement to return migrants to france was a total failure. chris mason, bbc news. i'm joined now by our political correspondent, damian grammaticas. good morning. five year hiatus, what is going to be on the agenda today

and what realistically can we expect from this re—warming of relations? the agenda will be quite broad, the issue chris was talking about is certainly a british political priority and will be featuring at this meeting, but it is not the only thing by any means and certainly not the priority from the french side. rishi sunak once this issue of small boats, he has placed its centre of the uk political scene at the minute, his immigration bill, new legislation unveiled in parliament which seeks to take a pretty tough line on this and he is promising to reduce the numbers of migrants, refugees, crossing the channel on small dinghies and boats to get to the uk. he wants to see progress on that but he will its seams offer to extend the funding the uk already gives to french police who patrol

the beaches in france and have been stopping a lot of the boats, france will talk about working with the uk there and will not it seems likely go further and agreed to accept people being sent back who have made the crossing, that is something the french say has to be discussed with the eu as a whole by the uk. much broader, important things, the war in ukraine and security cooperation generally in the face of global threats and changes. there we will see i am sure the two sides saying they really do stand together, they will talk about the importance of the war in ukraine and their support for ukraine and ongoing military support for ukraine. there will also be a number of other strands as well, seven different ministers each of the leaders talking in different areas, talking about economic cooperation too, nuclear energy and

energy exports, again with cooperation too, nuclear energy and energy expoi’ts, again with the war in ukraine and impact on energy supplies. and overall, i think what this is about is... there has not been a summit for five years. in the interim, there has been pretty difficult relations between the uk and all european countries, france chief among them perhaps. but this is a chance now to reset a pet, rishi sunak has done this deal in the last couple of weeks with the eu over northern ireland —— reset a bit. this was at the core of the problems with the eu, giving a springboard to sit down with emmanuel macron and say, let's move forward to other issues, and the french want to have a uk tied back into european political thinking, so all of this points to them coming up with a renewed refreshed relationship from this moment on. thank you very much indeed. i'm joined now by sophie pedder, paris bureau chief at the economist.

hello, sophie. ican hello, sophie. i can see it is windy. i will bear in mind ten may beissues windy. i will bear in mind ten may be issues with the sound. i wonder if you can start off first with what france will want to get out of the summit. this first thing is the sum thatis summit. this first thing is the sum that is happening.— summit. this first thing is the sum that is happening. hugely important after the real _ that is happening. hugely important after the real collapse _ that is happening. hugely important after the real collapse in _ after the real collapse in confidence between the two sides in the last few years —— at the summit is happening. the fact it is taking place, the fact they have put behind them a very difficult period, the first point. the second, a moment to rebuild confidence and trust and to show other countries as well... russia, china, they will be looking at europe and this particular summit, two of the major military powers in europe, sitting down and talking seriously together. the symbolism on both fronts is really

important, butjust the beginning of having a normal working relationship that has not been the case for the last few years. that has not been the case for the last few years-_ last few years. french media i understand — last few years. french media i understand are _ last few years. french media i understand are reporting - last few years. french media i understand are reporting the l last few years. french media i i understand are reporting the two sides have been working on a new deal in terms of migrant crossings. how far do you think the deal will go? understand the french are still waiting for the british to build an asylum processing centre in the north france.— north france. yes, that is right. the idea of— north france. yes, that is right. the idea of an _ north france. yes, that is right. the idea of an admissions - north france. yes, that is right. the idea of an admissions deal| north france. yes, that is right. - the idea of an admissions deal with the uk and france was never on the table for this summit. that is something the french consider an eu— uk matter, not a bilateral matter. it was never about that. what the french wanted is to continue the funding in a more kind of multiyear way for the british police in that it would french police operations in northern france, that is what really is likely to come out of this

summit, a strengthened version of what has a ready been agreed with france. that you can see coming out. but the bigger package will have to wait until trust has been restored and until there are discussions between the uk and the eu, it will not be a bilateral discussion. quickly and finally, looking at what sort of hit brexit had on the franco british relationship, i know there was... france would like to restart or re—look at student arrangements, research and development, how else has the relationship been affected by the fallout from brexit? it has been affected — by the fallout from brexit? it has been affected across _ by the fallout from brexit? it has been affected across the - by the fallout from brexit? it has been affected across the board. | by the fallout from brexit? it has | been affected across the board. it has been affected politically because the two governments no longer have that regular form of meetings that used to take place when the uk was part of the eu which means they don't know each other

that well, they don't run into each other as a matter of course. it has affected trade obviously and it has affected trade obviously and it has affected i think the co—operation on defence and security and it is a key matter here, to try to set that on a more constructive part at a time when there is war on the continent matters hugely. it matters to the french. emmanuel macron has wanted to find the uk into a european security arrangement and they will start talking about it but i don't it we will see major breakthroughs, more like a reinforced corporation of the sort that has already been going on. of the sort that has already been hoin on. of the sort that has already been auoin on. ., going on. sophie, from the economist, _ going on. sophie, from the economist, thank - going on. sophie, from the economist, thank you - going on. sophie, from the economist, thank you for i going on. sophie, from the i economist, thank you for your going on. sophie, from the - economist, thank you for your time. to the uk... heavy snowfall has brought treacherous conditions across the uk today with one major motorway brought to a standstill overnight. some travellers have been left standed and mountain rescue teams have been deployed to help out. amber weather warnings remain in place across parts

of england and north wales until this afternoon. simonjones reports. so, these are the current scenes on the m62 towards saddleworth. no sign as to when we are actually going to get off here. this is not where you would want to be in the early hours on a freezing cold night — stuck on the m62 in greater manchester. people were warned to prepare for treacherous conditions and the forecasters weren't wrong. been stuck here now for three hours coming from manchester and it doesn't seem like the situation is getting any easier. we've had gritters and police come up to try and help, but we are at a standstill again. you can hear the wind whipping up. in wakefield overnight, the snow has been continuing to fall, adding to what's already lying on the ground. we may be in meteorological spring, but in places, it's been looking and feeling more like midwinter. the worst—affected areas could now

see up to 40cm of snow, accompanied by winds of 50mph, leading to blizzard conditions and significant disruption. much of the uk remains under yellow weather warnings for snow, ice or strong winds, with roads and railways likely to be affected. but overnight, three areas were under the more severe amber warnings, with the possibility of power cuts and rural communities getting cut off. in northern ireland, affected by those warnings, actually getting into your car might prove tricky. while in 0ldham, the gritters have been out in force. we've been out gritting since midnight and will be over the next 2a hours. this is what we plan for day—to—day, but, yes, it puts a huge resource and huge stress on staffing levels and day—to—day management. rail passengers are being told to check before they set off. great northern and merseyrail warning of problems. nearly 300 schools were closed across wales because the school grounds were too icy or staff couldn't get in. many across the uk are expected to shut again today — not that the children

were complaining. it's unbelievable! sledging too in shetland. 0ne farmer was feeding his sheep when he spotted a rare snow tornado. but for those who have had enough of a night in the snow, the big thaw may not come for several more days. simon jones, bbc news. so, these are the current scenes on the m62 towards saddleworth. no sign as to when we are actually going to get off here. this is not where you would want to be in the early hours on a freezing cold night — stuck on the m62 in greater manchester. people were warned to prepare for treacherous conditions and the forecasters weren't wrong. been stuck here now for three hours coming from manchester and it studio: i do apologise for that. a lot of disruption at the moment in the uk over the snow.

the 95th academy awards ceremony, or oscars, is almost upon us. while everything everywhere all at once looks like an obvious frontrunner for the top prize of best picture, in some of the acting categories, the races appear to be a lot closer. here's our los angeles correspondent sophie long. as we enter the final furlong, it's looking very good for michelle yeoh, for everything everywhere all at once. her nod for best actress is one of ii nominations the eccentric hit with a big heart that bent people's minds has bagged. a win for her would be historic. it's beyond me being recognised as an actress. it's like a whole community of asians coming forward and saying, "you're going to do this for us, you have to do this for us." while it's well—positioned to take best picture, it left some traditional oscars voters a bit baffled, so it's still possible they could give the top prize

to top gun: maverick. and they might feel more comfortable rewarding cate blanchett for her role in tar. it has six nods, including best picture and best director. she's already won two oscars, but that doesn't mean another won't come her way. why'd you gain all that weight? someone close to me passed away. when it comes to best actor, everyone's talking about brendan fraserfor his role in the whale. but elvis has not left the building yet. it's been nominated for nine oscars, including best actor for austin butler, who, in the words of the late lisa marie presley, embodied the heart and soul of her father so beautifully. now i'm sitting here next to you, and if you're going back inside, i'm following you inside. and if you're going home, i'm following you there, too. colin farrell is also in the running for his role in the banshees of inesherin, which has nine nominations, including best picture and best supporting nods for three of his co—stars. quieter contenders for best actor

are paul mescal for aftersun and the ever—gracious bill nighy, nominated for the first time for his beautifully british understated performance in living. best supporting actress, now, that's quite a field. they're all first—timers, except angela bassett for black panther: wakanda forever. and they're all super nice and rooting for each other. you know, there wasjust, like, things i didn't know about all these women and just really, like, lovely. yeah. i was really happy for them. and jamie lee curtis, i met her and she was lovely to me, and angela bassett, too. it has nothing to do about winning. it'sjust about artists connecting, women connecting, mothers connecting. and it was glorious. and laughing. i mean, kerry is hilarious. but last year's ceremony was remembered for a showstopping sense of humour failure when will smith showed the world that, at the academy awards,

anything can happen. sophie long, bbc news, hollywood. xi jinping has secured a third term as china's president, the culmination of a five—year process that's made him the most powerful leader in a generation. at china's parliament, nearly 3,000 delegates approved the appointment. no—one voted against. recent chinese leaders have retired after two terms as president, but in 2018, mr xi changed the rules. the presidency in china is a largely ceremonial role, with most of mr xi's power derived from his position as head of the communist party and the military. but becoming president confirms his authority. the uk economy grew by 0.3% in january as school attendance picked up and premier league football returned after the world cup, official figures show. gross domestic product —

a key measure all the activity of companies, governments and individuals—— bounced back from a sharp fall in december. but the three months figure for november to january remains flat. three people have been wounded in tel aviv in what police say was a suspected terror attack. the police say the attacker was — in their words — neutralised at the scene. it comes hours after the us defense secretary lloyd austin arrived in israel for talks. he told israeli leaders to take steps to reduce tension in the west bank, amid an escalation in violence. we are going to show you pictures coming to us from france. rishi sunak is on his way heading to a

summit. he will be arriving by the eurotunnel, i suspect, summit. he will be arriving by the eurotunnel, isuspect, and heading to the elysee palace for a franco british summit. more shortly. hello. some of you have not been going anywhere today because of the amount of snow that fell in the night. it is improving for most today, a lot of the snow is easing, turning sunny in most parts and strong winds will continue to ease. the area of low pressure responsible clears eastwards but opening the door for cold air in the afternoon. windy as well is wintry in the meantime for eastern england in the afternoon, channel islands the winds gusting in excess of 50 mph. a few

isolated snow showers. the bulk of which in the north of scotland. many will see more sunshine developed in the afternoon. temperatures dropping full sun compared to this morning in southern counties. —— for some. this evening and overnight, clear skies, light winds, more snow pushing across the north of scotland, ice risk to come. away from the south—west, widespread and sharp frost, temperatures in rural parts as low as —10, —i2, —i3. very cold start to saturday, sunny and crisp. snow at times in the west and north of scotland. take chains in —— hill sleet and snow but not too impactful. cloud increasing after a sunny start. most will stay dry until late in the day. the end of

saturday, outbreaks of rain further south, more significant snow in northern england, and scotland in particular causing disruption on saturday night into sunday. clearing north and east. turning back to rain. south—westerly winds will follow feeding in milder air on sunday. sunday, rain, sleet and snow to begin with in the north and east of scotland. the wind is picking up for the south—west bringing outbreaks of rain for western areas later in the day. temperatures back into double figures for many. a quick and rapid thaw. goodbye for now.

this is bbc news, the headlines. a gunman opens fire at a jehovah's witness hall in hamburg. police say at least seven people have been killed and several others have been injured. the british prime minister meets the french president later — on the agenda, how to stop migrants crossing the english channel. motorists have been stranded on roads in northern england and north wales — as heavy snow causes travel chaos. hundreds of schools have been closed. official figures show that the uk economy returned

to growth injanuary with an increase of 0.3%. it has been reported as remaining largely flat. those are your top stories here on bbc news. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's betty. good morning! four days on from that 7—0 thrashing by liverpool in the premier league, manchester united were back in action last night. and they firmly put that pain of anfield behind them, with a 4—1 win over real betis in the first leg of their last—i6 tie in the europa league. while arsenal drew in lisbon and west ham won away in cyprus in the conference league. bbc sport's michael redford round it all up. after the nightmare of their weekend trip to anfield, a chance to return to the theatre of dreams. erik ten hag may have had a few

sleepless nights since sunday, but kept faith with the same starting xi that lost at liverpool, and was quickly rewarded, and then quickly disappointed, wout weghorst�*s goal disallowed for offside. it was, though, a sign of things to come. a minute later, united did lead... just what they were looking for. marcus rashford's remarkable form continuing, a 26th goal of the season, and so a comfortable evening ahead. then maybe not. one chance for betis, one goal, but one nearly became two moments later. only the post came to united's rescue. the home side needed to wake up. antony provided the perfect alarm, before captain bruno fernandes led from the front. 3—1, and still time for one more. weghorst got his goal. united in control of the tie. a chance to rest easy — which is something arsenal can't do. although they did start well against sporting lisbon, william saliba with their opener in portugal, the home side soon responded, though, and in a very similar fashion. sporting then went in front shortly after half time.

now it was arsenal who needed to find a response. they did so with a bit of luck as well. 2—2 it finished, the tie delicately poised. west ham's european adventure has given them a rare highlight in a season of struggle. eight matches, eight wins in the conference league. better make that nine. a comfortable 2—0 win against aek larnaca in cyprus puts them firmly on course for the quarterfinals. now to take that form back to the premier league. michael redford, bbc news. as you've been hearing, an impressive turnaround for manchester united last night and in particular for stand—in captain bruno fernandes. the portugese was heavily criticised for not only his display but also his attitude on the pitch in that big defeat to liverpool, but manager erik ten hag says he never had any doubts he could return to peak performance. i think he was the best player on

the pitch. and that shows his personality. i think he did brilliant. and he was the leader in making the game from the back, in possession, and making the rhythm of the game. he had a lot of good passes. and from their own, we created a lot of chances. a big win also for emma raducanu in indian wells. after recent illness and some injury concerns, she secured her first victory since the australian open injanuary — but told the bbc afterwards, she only decided to take to the court 20 minutes before the match. her preparations for one of the biggest competitions outside the grand slams had been distrupted by tonsilitis and the return of a wrist problem which meant she had to end her season early last year. radacanu said she didn't feel well enough to even warm up before this match against danka kovinich. in fact, just two minutes before she was called up she was having a nap

in the treatment room but despite that, she cruised through, winning easily in two sets. joining her in round two is andy murray who made sure fans were kept on the edge of their seats by having to come from a set down — losing a first set tie—break was his motivation against tomas martin etcheverria of argentina as he fought back with great movement to dominate the second set and then, won the match with an ace. fellow britonjack draper is also into the second round and will face dan evans next. now after 15 away trips that have ended in disappointment and a long journey back to the south of france for catalan dragons, it took a snowy night in wigan to change all that in rugby league's super league. it was a right old battle, this, in tricky conditions, but the dragons roared into life from the off and went ahead afterfive minutes, and manu ma'u's second try took the game away

from the hosts, and finally an away win for the french side, who are top of the league table. and that's all the sport for now. we will be back later. betty, thank ou ve we will be back later. betty, thank you very much _ we will be back later. betty, thank you very much indeed. _ heavy snow overnight has brought treacherous conditions to parts of the uk with amber weather warnings still in place for parts of northern england and the midlands. more than 200 schools have closed this morning in wales. more than 100 have closed in northern ireland and many will stay closed for a second day in scotland. commuters have been warned to expect disruption to theirjourneys this morning and drivers on the m62 motorway have been stuck for several hours. our correspondent mairead smyth is in the village of ainley top in west yorkshire. emma vardy is our ireland correspondent and is newtownabbey. phil mccann is in mold in north wales. i wonder if we could start off with

you macro do. it is snowing. tell us about the situation. the roads that clear. —— we could start with you, mairead. it clear. -- we could start with you, mairead. ., , ., mairead. it does not look too bad where i mairead. it does not look too bad where i am _ mairead. it does not look too bad where i am at _ mairead. it does not look too bad where i am at ainley _ mairead. it does not look too bad where i am at ainley top - mairead. it does not look too bad where i am at ainley top but - mairead. it does not look too bad where i am at ainley top but it i mairead. it does not look too bad. where i am at ainley top but it has been a mixed picture this morning. classic was at a standstill westbound, emergency services were making their way through but that problem seems to have been cleared. eastbound there is a little bit more traffic flowing freely at this stage this morning but i'm are big issues on the motorway last night. the highways agency say that they had to close the motorway between junctions 20-22. close the motorway between junctions 20—22. many people had to be picked up 20—22. many people had to be picked up by mountain rescue. i spoke to a group of girls who had to their car on one of the a roads of the m62, they had been coming back from a night out in manchester and were desperate to get home, another had been to the manchester united

against real betis match at old trafford, he was desperate to get home but his car was stuck on a a road. the amber weather warning is in place here until midday, and the snow is falling really have a leader i am now. irate snow is falling really have a leader i am now. ~ .., snow is falling really have a leader iam now. ~ , ., i am now. we can see that quite clearl . i am now. we can see that quite clearly. mairead, _ i am now. we can see that quite clearly. mairead, thank- i am now. we can see that quite clearly. mairead, thank you. - i am now. we can see that quite. clearly. mairead, thank you. let's join emma vardy, our island corresponding in newtownabbey. it looks like a beautiful winters day, emma. j looks like a beautiful winters day, emma. ., ., , , ., emma. i have got the sun beating down on me _ emma. i have got the sun beating down on me over _ emma. i have got the sun beating down on me over here, _ emma. i have got the sun beating down on me over here, but - emma. i have got the sun beating down on me over here, but really| down on me over here, but really cold, because i am standing in several inches of powdery snow. it was coming down really heavily overnight. blizzard conditions in some areas. that started to tail off in the early hours of the morning parts of northern ireland so the amber weather warning is ended but people are waking up to dry —— dangerous driving conditions. on the hill overlooking belfast it is pretty slippery. a number of roads

are closed. there has been some limitation on gritting services because of a pay dispute, so they are perterer —— prioritising the roads which need it most certainly is a saying take care on the roads which may not have been gritted. a number of homes were without power for 12 hours. we understand that is being worked on. local electricity services say. and i have seen the odd schoolchild on their uniforms picking their way through the snow but at the last count, at least 170 schools were closed across northern ireland because of the snow, ice and cold weather. some flights also were disrupted last night, they had to clear snow and ice off the runways at belfast city and belfast international airport but slowly getting back to normal this morning. if you are not affected by that

gruesome travel or not sitting without power at your house, it is a beautiful day with blue skies and sunshine. i am on a housing estate outside belfast. you can see behind me the snow—covered hills out side belfast, a lovely day for a nice, crunchy walk out and about in the snow, if you can avoid the treacherous conditions. ., ., , treacherous conditions. emma vardy, thank ou treacherous conditions. emma vardy, thank you very _ treacherous conditions. emma vardy, thank you very much _ treacherous conditions. emma vardy, thank you very much indeed. - treacherous conditions. emma vardy, thank you very much indeed. let's - thank you very much indeed. let's cross now to film mccann, who is in north wales, in mold. you have cloud on one side and lovely blue skies on the other. what other conditions like? it the other. what other conditions like? , ., , , the other. what other conditions like? , , , ., like? it is absolutely beautiful now. it like? it is absolutely beautiful now- it is _ like? it is absolutely beautiful now- it is a — like? it is absolutely beautiful now. it is a lovely _ like? it is absolutely beautiful now. it is a lovely scene - like? it is absolutely beautiful now. it is a lovely scene here | like? it is absolutely beautiful i now. it is a lovely scene here in mold in north—east wales. it was snowing heavily in the early hours of this morning right up until about half past seven, eight o'clock this morning. a lot of this snow lying on the ground now came from the flurry that happened last night. it was snowing here yesterday as well.

yesterday, 300 schools were closed across the whole of wales, including here in flintshire in the north—east, right across to south wales as well. today, flintshire county council for this area has told people not to travel. that was certainly an important message earlier this morning when the snow was really coming down thick. i saw some snowploughs out and about but the snow was coming down so fast that their trails, their tracks made sure that the snow was quickly getting covered so it was very difficult driving conditions. part of this area, lots of parts of this area, and were quite high ground with steep roads, so you can understand the concern from the local authorities. that is why they told people to stay at home. it is probably also the reason why they decided once again today that all schools in this county should be closed. and a few hours' time we can expect to see lots of pupils out

enjoying what has been falling all around them, because it is perfect snow for a snowman, and for a snowball fight!— snow for a snowman, and for a snowball fiht! ., ,, , ., , . snowball fight! thank you very much, phil mccann. — snowball fight! thank you very much, phil mccann, speaking _ snowball fight! thank you very much, phil mccann, speaking to _ snowball fight! thank you very much, phil mccann, speaking to us - snowball fight! thank you very much, phil mccann, speaking to us from - phil mccann, speaking to us from north wales. our weather presenter, matt taylor joins me now for the latest. first off, what has brought this at this time of year? it’s first off, what has brought this at this time of year?— first off, what has brought this at this time of year? it's not unusual to see snow _ this time of year? it's not unusual to see snow in _ this time of year? it's not unusual to see snow in march. _ this time of year? it's not unusual to see snow in march. we - this time of year? it's not unusual to see snow in march. we sought| this time of year? it's not unusual - to see snow in march. we sought cold arctic air down across the country but the french have named this storm larisa because it is bringing some strong winds for them and strong winds for us at the moment. either side of that, mild error on one side, called on the other, that is why some counties of england have had rain rather than snow so the impacts have been varied across the uk. in impacts have been varied across the uk. , ., . impacts have been varied across the uk. in terms of the impact it took me three hours _ uk. in terms of the impact it took me three hours to _ uk. in terms of the impact it took me three hours to get _ uk. in terms of the impact it took me three hours to get to - uk. in terms of the impact it took me three hours to get to work - me three hours to get to work yesterday. the thing i was worried about was that snow would turn into

ice. in terms of impact, is that going to happen? it ice. in terms of impact, is that going to happen?— going to happen? it could well ha en going to happen? it could well happen tonight. _ going to happen? it could well happen tonight. let's - going to happen? it could well happen tonight. let's show- going to happen? it could well| happen tonight. let's show you going to happen? it could well - happen tonight. let's show you where the worst of the impact has been. this is from sheffield. part of south yorkshire, the peak district, also across the pennines, will have seen some of the worst effects. they will have seen well over 30 centimetres of snow. power line style, trees down, roads blocked, lots of travel problems and the same across north wales. you can see a much snow fell through the night. we are starting to see some snow farther south across the chiltern hills, not having the same impact here, but falling nonetheless. the biggest problem will be as skies are clear. we saw it in mold as well, looks beautiful, doesn't it, but the winds will ease and tonight, very cold, minus 10—13. what we have on the ground is not going to go quickly, it will freeze, then

tomorrow night, northern england and scotland could see more snow. let’s scotland could see more snow. let's aet ast scotland could see more snow. let's get past the — scotland could see more snow. let's get past the cold _ scotland could see more snow. let's get past the cold weather. what is coming with macro— get past the cold weather. what is coming with macro milder weather for sunday coming _ coming with macro milder weather for sunday coming with _ coming with macro milder weather for sunday coming with some _ coming with macro milder weather for sunday coming with some rain, - sunday coming with some rain, temperatures will melt the snow and then we could see some flooding. it is march, it is spring. matt then we could see some flooding. it is march, it is spring.— is march, it is spring. matt taylor, thank ou is march, it is spring. matt taylor, thank you very _ is march, it is spring. matt taylor, thank you very much _ is march, it is spring. matt taylor, thank you very much indeed. - is march, it is spring. matt taylor, thank you very much indeed. and | is march, it is spring. matt taylor, i thank you very much indeed. and of course all of the weather details are online on the bbc news website. i am going to bring you some breaking news coming in at bbc news, concerning the supermarket chain lidl. it is being reported by our broadcastjournalist lidl. it is being reported by our broadcast journalist that it lidl. it is being reported by our broadcastjournalist that it is set to lift all restrictions on fruit and vegetable sales, from monday. it had introduced this limit on the three items per customer on peppers,

tomatoes and cucumbers. itjoins asda and morrisons in lifting these caps for shoppers. asda and morrisons in lifting these caps forshoppers. supply asda and morrisons in lifting these caps for shoppers. supply issues it is reported are beginning to ease, so, as there, fully lifted restrictions on cucumbers, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower raspberries and salad leaves, morrisons lifting limits on cucumbers, but lidl, one of those supermarkets that has been important during the cost of living crisis in terms of being affordable, set to lift all restrictions on fruit and vegetable sales, from monday. we are going to stay with that business team now. —— business theme. the uk's economy returned to growth injanuary as gdp rose by 0.3% compared with december. according to the office for national statistics, the main drivers were the return of children to classrooms after a high level of absence in december and growth

in the services sector. chancellorjeremy hunt, who will present the budget next wednesday, said the economy had proved to have been resilient but acknowledged there was a "long way to go." let's get more on these figures and what they mean. joining me is james smith, a research director at the resolution foundation, a think tank that aims to improve the living standards of low and middle income families. thank you forjoining us on bbc news. how should we interpret those figures? news. how should we interpret those fiaures? ,., ., news. how should we interpret those fiaures? ., , , figures? good morning but it is certainly good _ figures? good morning but it is certainly good news _ figures? good morning but it is certainly good news is - figures? good morning but it is certainly good news is that - figures? good morning but it isj certainly good news is that gdp figures? good morning but it is - certainly good news is that gdp was stronger, we have returned to growth probably sooner than expected but if you look at the detail of the numbers you are right it is the service sector that is holding up and particularly within the service sector, it is consumer facing services, types of services,

hospitality, things people do that might be affected by the cost of living crisis, that appears to be holding up reasonably well, within services. but the big picture is still an economy that is flatlining rather than tanking so, it has been flatlining for the second half of last year and at the start of this year. we are still below that free covid level of output so the economy still hasn't recovered to the level of output, let alone made a full recovery from the pandemic. it still looks pretty weak, the economy and whether we are in technical recession or not according to gdp figures, it is still going to feel like a recession for many families. we still expect non—pensioner typical income to fall by something like 2% this year, 4% next year so, these are big falls that will feel like a recession to many families.

let's put it in to realistic terms, your weekly shop for example, your energy bills. how in any way will this make a difference?- energy bills. how in any way will this make a difference? there are sins this make a difference? there are signs here — this make a difference? there are signs here that _ this make a difference? there are signs here that the _ this make a difference? there are signs here that the economy - this make a difference? there are signs here that the economy as i this make a difference? there are - signs here that the economy as being a little bit more resilient than had been expected. that is good news for the chancellor, coming into the budget. as you say, we still have very high inflation, we have big falls in incomes and energy bills are actually going to go up in april. so, that is something that the chancellor can do, concretely, to help people through the months ahead with the cost of living. the energy price guarantee was the main way that the chancellor has been helping people through the high energy bills. that is set to rise, to 3000 in april, if he keeps it at £2500, that would cost him 3 billion, and that would help many families through the months ahead.

and finally, one thing you would like to see announced on wednesday byjeremy hunt? the like to see announced on wednesday by jeremy hunt?— by jeremy hunt? the big picture is still very weak— by jeremy hunt? the big picture is still very weak growth, _ by jeremy hunt? the big picture is still very weak growth, the - still very weak growth, the chancellor should be addressing that. businesses are bound to get a very big rise in taxes that can hit investment and productivity, so potentially tackling that... i am so sor , i potentially tackling that... i am so sorry. i have _ potentially tackling that... i am so sorry. i have to — potentially tackling that... i am so sorry, i have to interrupt, - potentially tackling that... i am so sorry, i have to interrupt, thank i sorry, i have to interrupt, thank you very much. the reason is i want to take you straight to the elysee palace, and just stepping out of the diplomatic car is the uk prime minister rishi sunak, as he shakes hands with his french counterpart, president emmanuel macron. this has been hailed as something of a bromance, both men with backgrounds in the finance sector as investors, our reset of franko british relations. we are expecting to hear

a number of announcements made on a variety of subjects. one of the top subject is at the top of the agenda, which is what is going to be done about the small boat crossings from france through the english channel to the uk. other subjects on the agenda as well. we will be bringing you any announcement here on bbc news. the mother of a woman who was bludgeoned to death with a claw hammer by her husband, has met britain'sjustice secretary, dominic raab, to ask him to prevent his early release from jail. british airways captain robert brown was imprisoned the mother of a woman who was bludgeoned to death british airways captain robert brown was imprisoned for 26 years for the manslaughter ofjoanna simpson in 2010. our reporter yetunde yusuf has been to meet her mother, dianna parkes. joanna simpson was at home in berkshire when she was killed by her husband. armed with a claw hammer, robert brown hitjoanna

at least 1a times. their two children were in the playroom and heard the attack. in 2011, brown admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, and was sentenced to 26 years in prison. but more than a decade later, he is being considered for early release, and could be freed in november. joanna's mother diana parkes wants to stop brown getting out, and has met with thejustice secretary dominic raab. he was extremely intent on listening to what we were saying, and i think he's going to look into it very closely. i pushed him very hard in terms of making commitments, and he did explicitly say that he would definitely review this case properly under his new powers. he clearly cannot make any commitment in terms of the outcome of that review. that's something that will have to play its way through. the campaign to prevent brown's early release was launched earlier this month, and is also backed by carriejohnson, the wife

of the former prime minister. just astonished at the amount of publicity that we've had. absolutely astonished. and really, it's down to carriejohnson, because for years, i've been saying, who is going to monitor him for 13 years when he comes out ofjail? he still has 13 years on licence. nobody really took notice, but now, thanks to carrie, and hetty, all her hard work as well, i do feel we might be getting somewhere. last year, the secretary of state was given new powers to refer certain prisoners to the parole board to determine if they are safe to be released. they are only used in rare cases such as if there is a threat to national security or if there is a risk of serious harm to the public. today, the ministry ofjustice says dominic raab will review whether to use these powers closer to the time of robert brown's release. for diana, though, joanna's death was a tragedy that changed her family's life forever.

and while nothing will bring joanna back, diana says she just wants the punishment to fit the crime, and for her daughter's killer to remain behind bars. yetunde yusuf, bbc news. so these are the ones we've confiscated. loved by many... and these ones, really, are my least favourite — they're branded as sweets. ..hated by this head teacher. you can see that these smaller style ones have been easier for the children to hide. matt carpenter is trying to tackle the problem of pupils vaping in his school. he let us in to show how widespread it's become. these aren't children that would have smoked normally. it's far more across the student population than smoking ever was,

because it's so easy to do, and students don't associate it with any health risks. leon, connor and oscar see themselves as addicts. two of them started vaping at 12. at first it's like a social thing, you do it with your friends and stuff. but then after that, you start getting addicted to it, and you want to do it yourself, you do it on your own, you do it round anyone. you just can't stop. i've tried, but it puts - you in a really bad mood, your family and everything, when you try and stop. - it just doesn't really make - you a nice person to be around. and do you know what you're buying? you're buying nicotine, really. you're spending your money on nicotine and stuff. it's not something you can stop that easy. it controls the whole way - that you think, and like i said, i will literally go out _ and meet someone if i haven't had one for a few days, and as soon as i hear. someone's got it, i'll walk a mile just to get one _ the boys say that unlike them, children who have never smoked are now starting to vape. even 13, year7s, are getting onto it.

they're getting onto vapes just for the social life. not because they used to smoke or anything, not because they've been brought up in a house that smoked or whatever. so we are in the boys' toilets... mr carpenter installed vape sensors in the toilets at his school in kidderminster to try and stop the children vaping there. what the sensors have allowed us to do is accurately pinpoint when students have been vaping in here. we've got a cctv camera outside, so that we can use the timestamps to work out when it was happening. and he says the effect has been immediate and positive. we've noticed a real reduction, 16 cases or alerts on the first day, down to one or two a week. so we're really pleased with the impact that it's had on the school environment and also kids' behaviours and habits. so this is where we receive the alerts when we're down in the toilets... worcester council are monitoring the figures, to see if installing a sensor continues to have a positive effect on attendance and behaviour in the long term. parents here are supportive of the heads decision.

i'm personally very pleased that he's done it. i've been aware of anti—social behaviour in the toilets for quite a while, so i think it's innovative for him to actually consider installing a vape sensor. given the money it costs, people will be thinking, is that a good use of funds? but actually it's having a real positive impact. connor has given up vaping. i feel better. it feels better. he supports the school's decision to try and stop it. it's smart, it's smart. it is smart. last year, for the first time ever, more 11 to 17—year—olds had tried a vape than had tried a cigarette. i understand that these vapes are helping people quit smoking, and that's a good thing for their health. but we're not talking about children that were smoking and starting to use electronic cigarettes. there're actively uptaking vapes as a lifestyle choice. they don't smoke previously, and i worry that it might lead them to smoking or that they'll be committted to the nicotine that is in them, or evenjust

the habit of using the vape. so i think our public health message needs to be very different for children in comparison to the one that we give to people who are already smoking. lucy watkinson, bbc news, kidderminster. we will catch up with matt taylor for the weather. by, we will catch up with matt taylor for the weather.— we will catch up with matt taylor for the weather. a beautiful morning in ar: ll for the weather. a beautiful morning in argyll and — for the weather. a beautiful morning in argyll and bute _ for the weather. a beautiful morning in argyll and bute in _ for the weather. a beautiful morning in argyll and bute in the _ for the weather. a beautiful morning in argyll and bute in the west - for the weather. a beautiful morning in argyll and bute in the west of- in argyll and bute in the west of scotland, and sunny skies will chase to just about all. that is going to push its way eastwards, with snow on the western side of that still with us across central and eastern england, strong winds as well, girl falls in fact. it could touch 50—60 mph across the channel islands. —— gale force in fact. the storm a bit lighter further south, with gale force in fact. the storm a bit lighterfurther south, with rain to

east anglia and the south—east, turning wintry going into the afternoon. staying with strong winds, elsewhere clear skies developing. the odd snow shower into parts of eastern england, part of scotland, northern ireland two, but most of you in the afternoon will see some good, sunny spells. cloudy towards the far south—west and the channel islands. temperatures have already peaked today, dropping for the rest of the day, with a chilly feel, around 2—6 celsius, and tonight, snow and the ground and a very cold night, some more snow showers in the north of scotland but icy conditions widely across the country and temperatures into the morning in several parts, as low as -10, morning in several parts, as low as —10, down 2—13. a bitterly cold started the weekend. as sunny start of the majority but we will see some changes. some might snow flurries in the far north of scotland —— some light snow flurries. in northern ireland into the afternoon. cloud increasing elsewhere after that

sunny start, and it will feel colder about temperatures lifting a little bit. my other air pushing in towards devon at around 10 degrees —— milder air. then we will see that with a front project way back into the cold air. in the far north of scotland —— england and scotland, we could see up england and scotland, we could see up to ten centimetres covering lower levels into sunday morning. that moves on sunday, opening the door to south—westerly winds, so changing for the second half of the weekend. quite a murky start with snow easing from the north—east to begin with, some dry weather, sunshine breaking through in the middle part of the day then extensive cloud, a strengthening breeze and outbreaks of rain in the west, then temperatures into double figures which could start a thaw, which could lead to some flooding into monday.

this is bbc news broadcasting in the uk and around the globe. i'm lukwesa burak and these are the latest headlines. a gunman opens fire at a jehovah's witness hall in hamburg. police say at least seven people have been killed and several others have been injured. translation: | didn't - realise what was happening. i was filming on my phone and only realised through the zoom that someone was shooting at the jehovah's witnesses. britain's prime minister arrives in paris for talks with the french president — on the agenda, how to stop migrants crossing the english channel. heavy snow in the uk causes travel chaos on roads, train cancellations and hundreds of school closures.

official figures show that the uk economy returned