this is bbc news broadcasting in the uk and around the globe. i'm samantha simmonds. our top stories... european markets rally after the swiss national bank bails out credit suisse to save it from collapse. uk chancellor, jeremy hunt, insists his budget will get people back to work — and won'tjust benefit the rich saving for retirement. the leaders of south korea and japan meet for the first time in 12 years, seeking to set aside historic differences. check before you travel — rail workers in the rmt union strike again over pay, jobs and working conditions. a political shake—up in the netherlands — as a farmers�* protest party wins a shock dutch vote after provincial elections.

hello and welcome to bbc news. banks and governments around the world are nervously watching the european markets to see if the crisis surrounding credit suisse will develop into a global banking crisis. so far the markets seem reasonably calm with shares in credit suisse rising almost 30% after the swiss national bank gave it a lifeline. and other stocks are up too. but there are concerns that a potential interest rate rise later on thursday by the european central bank could add further volatility to the situation. earlier our business presenter sally bundock explained why the situation at credit suisse was notjust important to the financial community but to all of us: a real worry about credit suisse.

if that bank, which is 160 odd years old in switzerland, were to fail, it could have the same effect that the lehman brothers collapse had in 2008, which is it brings a huge amount of fear within markets about the stability of other banks. so people therefore act very quickly and remove their funds from banks, and therefore that then causes banks to fail, whether they were in a risky place or not, because everybody�*s drawing their money from them. it has a domino effect. and that causes a financial crisis, which right now everyone�*s at pains to say those who are in authority, whether they be in central banking, government or ceos of banks, are saying we're not at risk. it's not 2008. again, this is a whole different scenario. silicon valley bank was a very different bank to your regular high street banks. it specifically loaned to start ups, small technology companies and smes, and it was very, very exposed to assets that had gone up so much because of interest rates climbing

in such a short period of time. so it was finding it very hard to service its loans. so that was a very specific case, not endemic across the banking sector. and that's the message they keep trying to get out there so that people don't act in a kneejerk way. let's get more on this, then. joining us live now is mike ingram, a senior market strategist, for the financial services firm, activtrades. welcome. activtrades. this fuel is unexpected, but welcome. this fuel is unexpected, but is it? ., , but is it? not entirely. credit suisse has — but is it? not entirely. credit suisse has a _ but is it? not entirely. credit suisse has a very _ but is it? not entirely. credit suisse has a very poor - but is it? not entirely. credit suisse has a very poor trackl but is it? not entirely. credit - suisse has a very poor track record in recent years of risk management, embroiled in some scandals a couple of years ago where it was clear they did not know what their own client was doing. similar kind of situation with a big hedge fund client, 0, led to a whole bunch of resignation and promises of restructuring and ultimately what credit suisse is currently trying to do is spin off

its investment bank and without... in december last year, raised about $4 million in capital, but clearly the problems don't end there. we now have a situation where the sec has been clearing their accounts and the largest single shareholder says enough is enough, were not shipping any more, so there are specific problems that credit suisse. alluded to an earlier report, rising interest rates actually are unhelpful for a whole range of businesses, including banks, and it does tend to expose weaknesses in business models.— business models. what knock-on effect, if business models. what knock-on effect. if any. _ business models. what knock-on effect. if any. is _ business models. what knock-on effect, if any, is there _ business models. what knock-on effect, if any, is there for- business models. what knock-on effect, if any, is there for the - effect, if any, is there for the problems that credit suisse is having, for the likes of you and me? one thing that could happen, for a start, as you can see banks trying to raise more capital, they may try

to raise more capital, they may try to push up interest rates, the rates they are actually lending out in order to try and increase their profitability, although it gets to a point where that starts to rebound, because people cannot service their loans on the go bad in the bank is still holding the baby, as it were. so, i would say were not in a situation that we were i think in the great financial crisis some 15 years ago, banks are generally any better shape, years ago, banks are generally any bettershape, holding years ago, banks are generally any better shape, holding more capital, holding more illiquid assets, are more tightly regulated than some of theissues more tightly regulated than some of the issues that have come to light... probably would not have been picked up at all 15 years ago, but as i said earlier, we do have increasing headwinds, higher interest rates, slowing economy and how banks react to that at the waterfront, in terms of how they are lending out to businesses, critically smaller businesses, may be high—risk, i think that's where we are likely see the impact to the

average person. figs we are likely see the impact to the average person-— we are likely see the impact to the average person. as you say, we are not in the same _ average person. as you say, we are not in the same position _ average person. as you say, we are not in the same position we - average person. as you say, we are not in the same position we were i average person. as you say, we are | not in the same position we were the same time as the last financial crash and 2008 but this is the first major bank to needy lifeline since that time. last week we had to banks in the us go under, so what is going on? what is your forecast going forward, notjust for the banking sector but for all of us? br; forward, notjust for the banking sector but for all of us?- sector but for all of us? by my reckoning _ sector but for all of us? by my reckoning is — sector but for all of us? by my reckoning is the _ sector but for all of us? by my reckoning is the fourth - sector but for all of us? by my reckoning is the fourth bank i sector but for all of us? by my reckoning is the fourth bank in sector but for all of us? by my - reckoning is the fourth bank in the headlines for the wrong reasons in the last two weeks. we are coming out of more than a decade of zero interest rates, banks being active interest rates, banks being active in buying up risky assets, as your reporter said a bit earlier, we have seen an increase in asset prices. it is quite easy to make headway as a business under those sort of loose financial conditions. all of that has been changing over the last year or so. has been changing over the last year orso. central has been changing over the last year or so. central banks have effectively been caught out. they

have been forced to raise interest rates very aggressively, and one of the reasons why markets are so unnerved at the moment is we have federal reserve chairman powell last week sounding very hawkish as though they will raise rates for higher—than—expected. under those conditions, under those stress conditions, under those stress conditions, a lot of businesses which previously looked healthy start to fail. financial crisis are not caused by risky assets, they are caused by risky assets we thought were safe. that sudden change in perception can be very difficult, particularly in the banking sector which ultimately relies on confidence and trust. . ,, , confidence and trust. thank you very much for your— confidence and trust. thank you very much for your analysis. _ the uk's chancellor, jeremy hunt, insists his budget will get people back to work — and won'tjust benefit the rich saving for retirement.

his comments come after labour criticised his plans to get rid of the £1 million cap on the amount people can save for their pension, before paying extra tax. the chancellor also unveiled plans to expand free childcare in england. our business correspondent, emma simpson, reports. ok, on your marks, get set, go! at this nursery in southeast london, working parents like charlie love the idea of 30 hours of free childcare for those nine months and over in england. her daughter dorothy will hopefully qualify. 0n the top line, ecstatic. i've just gone back to work after having my second child, so it's really demoralising that the majority, well, not even the majority, my whole salary goes on childcare. good news, it's a good news day for childcare. and i think it's reassuring that it's now on the agenda and top of the agenda. a shame it's taken so long. if you had more free childcare, then you would work a bit more? yeah, yeah, for sure. i think i like the balance.

this is amazing. june is in charge of this nursery and 39 others across london. she's skeptical the government plans can work. they're saying that childcare wants to be the best, they want to be the best, they want to do the best for parents. then they need to fund it and they need to put their hands into their pockets a little bit more deeply than 204 million. you're not sure the sums add up yet? they don't add up. this has been dubbed the back to work budget with a whole range of measures to tempt parents, the over fifties, retirees and those on disability benefits into employment. and that includes abolishing the lifetime allowance for pensions, the amount that workers can accumulate before they pay extra tax. 0n the cost of living, the government's going to continue to cap typical household energy bills at £2,500 until the end ofjune. fuel duty for motorists is frozen for another year. for business, corporation tax

is going to increase from 19 to 25%. but firms will also get £9 billion of tax relief if they invest in new machinery and technology. in the pandemic, we spent about £400 million to protect businesses and families. with the energy crisis, this year and last year, we are spending over £3000 per household on average to help people with high energy prices and other cost of living pressures. yes, those all have to be paid for. i think it's the right thing to do to get through these difficult periods but we have to be honest with people. it means that for a while, the burden of tax is going be higher. labour has attacked pension changes in the budget as a £4 billion tax giveaway for the wealthiest and there was little to solve the uk's problems. we know there is a problem around doctors so let's fix the problem for doctors. this £1 billion or more giveaway is the wrong priority when ordinary people are facing a cost

of living crisis. that's why we are going to force a vote on this in the house of commons on tuesday, and encourage conservative mps to vote for their constituents. here's the reality for households from the government's official forecaster. this graph shows post—inflation disposable income. it was already predicted to fall sharply over two years. whilst it now falls less than predicted back in november, we're still facing an historic drop in living standards. what we've thought for a long time is the economy is going to bump along the bottom, to use a phrase, at about zero for most of this year. that's broadly what the 0br are saying. the important point to bear in mind as a result of that is that a very large fraction of households will suffer a material deterioration in their standard of living this year. the chancellor says the budget is a comprehensive plan for growth, but he has many challenges ahead. emma simpson, bbc news.

lets cross to westminister and speak to our political correspondant nick ea rdly. the morning after the budget before, what is the analysis and focus been on this morning? it is what is the analysis and focus been on this morning?— on this morning? it is interesting because if you — on this morning? it is interesting because if you listen _ on this morning? it is interesting because if you listen to _ on this morning? it is interesting because if you listen to the - because if you listen to the chancellorjeremy hunt on his morning round of interviews, he is pretty optimistic, happy that inflation is going down, that there is going to be growth in the economy, even if it is a bit sluggish, and he's confident that his growth plan is going down well. and i think it is fair to say some of the headline announcements on things like the energy price gap in the uk and the expansion of childcare in england, they have gone down pretty well, although certainly on the latter there are questions about specifics. but what is really interesting is if you delve into the numbers from the number of crunchers in the office for budget responsibility, they are a lot bleaker, and actually what they show

is people in the uk are going to be paying a lot more tax over the next few years, the fact that the point at which you pay different income tax and national insurance taxes has been frozen means people will be paying more over the next few years. it's the equivalent to putting 4p on the basic rate of income tax. there is that, the increased tax burden and the fact that living standards are not improving at all. the household real terms income, expendable income, is going down, 6% over a couple of years, which is a record amount. there is optimism in government and a pretty rosy picture being painted by minister, not certain that would be felt by all households and i think for a lot of people some of the rhetoric of this budget may feel that it is not being replicated in their lives.

if you're in the uk, we'll be answering your questions on the budget. at 3.30 today, we'll be joined by kevin peachey, our cost of living correspondent and shannon pite from the early years alliance, which represents childcare providers in england. do get in touch — using the hashtag bbcyourquestions — or email yourquestions@bbc.co.uk european markets rally after the swiss national bank bails out credit suisse to save it from collapse. the leaders of south korea and japan meet for the first time in 12 years, seeking to set aside historic differences. the leaders of south korea and japan are holding theirfirst summit in 12 years, as they seek to set aside historic animosities.

the talks will likely focus on regional security and north korea. it come hours after the north koreans launched an intercontinental ballistic missile. it landed outside japan's territorial waters. these pictures from the japanese ministry of defence show the likely tailfrom that missile joining me live in seoul is our correspondent jean mackenzie. also, i'm joined by shaimaa khalil, our tokyo correspondent. shaima — lets start with you. why tokyo and why so long? well, this visit comes after the south korean president announced last week that he was going to resolve that long dispute over compensation, overjapan's forced compensation, over japan's forced labour during compensation, overjapan's forced labour during wartime. the president announced his country was going to pay the victims and that japan was not even going to be asked for a further apology. this is a controversial decision that angered many in south korea but here in japan it was hailed by the leadership and thenjapan's leadership and then japan's government

leadership and thenjapan's government confirmed the visit shortly after this announcement. this visit is a crucial moment, a very symbolic moment, diplomatically of course because the first time a south korean president has been invited to a bilateral summit at this level in more than a decade, but also strategically because these two countries face common threats. north korea and is developing nuclear programme, china and its expansion, its military ambitions in the region, and trade relations have relate prompted with the deterioration of relations in 2019 because of that dispute. these two leaders were in the prime minister's officejust by me, leaders were in the prime minister's office just by me, they will have a lot to talk about. this is also sending a reassuring message to the united states, washington is really keen for its two allies in the region to work closely together, to face up to the threat of north korea, and to china. there are many issues that have to be resolve style, this will not be smooth sailing for either a leader, but

what it is showing is that those two countries can put aside their fraught history and work together on the threats they face in the present. jean — one of the things up for discussion is north korea and they've been rattling their cage again today. yes, this missile launch we have seen _ yes, this missile launch we have seen today— yes, this missile launch we have seen today highlights exactly why south _ seen today highlights exactly why south korea has been feeling it increasingly necessary to cooperate more _ increasingly necessary to cooperate more with _ increasingly necessary to cooperate more with japan over its security, and why— more with japan over its security, and why south korea has made the step today — and why south korea has made the step today to go and try and repair this fractured relationship. north korea, _ this fractured relationship. north korea, the slums this morning of this missile is 94th missile launch we've _ this missile is 94th missile launch we've seen— this missile is 94th missile launch we've seen injust over a week. each launch_ we've seen injust over a week. each launch becoming more aggressive than the last _ launch becoming more aggressive than the last. the launch we've seen today— the last. the launch we've seen today was — the last. the launch we've seen today was of an intercontinental ballistic— today was of an intercontinental ballistic missile, so these are the missiles — ballistic missile, so these are the missiles that are capable of reaching all the way to the united states— reaching all the way to the united states mainland, but what it shows is that _ states mainland, but what it shows is that north korea is becoming

increasingly threatening to both south _ increasingly threatening to both south korea and japan. it is continuing to build up its nuclear programme, its weapons are becoming more dangerous and more sophisticated, japan and south korea realised _ sophisticated, japan and south korea realised now that they really do stand _ realised now that they really do stand to — realised now that they really do stand to benefit by sharing their intelligence, by having their militaries work together on this. it's militaries work together on this. it's very— militaries work together on this. it's very possible that north korea has chosen today, the day of the summit — has chosen today, the day of the summit to — has chosen today, the day of the summit to launch the missile, because — summit to launch the missile, because it _ summit to launch the missile, because it is angered by its so—called enemies cooperating more closely, _ so—called enemies cooperating more closely, but — so—called enemies cooperating more closely, but it is only proving the point _ closely, but it is only proving the point as— closely, but it is only proving the point as to — closely, but it is only proving the point as to why they have to bond more _ point as to why they have to bond more tightly together. there are also issues a year of economic securitv — also issues a year of economic security. the countries have made it ctear— security. the countries have made it clear this _ security. the countries have made it clear this is — security. the countries have made it clear this is also about trying to shore _ clear this is also about trying to shore up — clear this is also about trying to shore up these vital supply chains of semiconductors, so when relations between _ of semiconductors, so when relations between the countries were particularly bad back in 2019, japan slapped _ particularly bad back in 2019, japan slapped export restrictions on the chemicals — slapped export restrictions on the chemicals that south korea needs to make _ chemicals that south korea needs to make it _ chemicals that south korea needs to make it semiconductors, and in response — make it semiconductors, and in response south korea submitted a complaint — response south korea submitted a complaint to the world trade

organization. resolving this issue has been — organization. resolving this issue has been the cree priority, certainty— has been the cree priority, certainly from the site here in south — certainly from the site here in south korea, that's what they told us before — south korea, that's what they told us before they left. something small and something concrete that they felt they— and something concrete that they felt they could get out of the summit, _ felt they could get out of the summit, and we'vejust felt they could get out of the summit, and we've just heard on the last coupte _ summit, and we've just heard on the last couple of hours that the japanese have agreed to withdraw those _ japanese have agreed to withdraw those restrictions, the south koreans _ those restrictions, the south koreans have agreed to withdraw that complaint _ koreans have agreed to withdraw that complaint to the world trade organization, so already we are seeing — organization, so already we are seeing some promising signs of small progress _ seeing some promising signs of small rouress. ., ~' seeing some promising signs of small rouress. ., ~ ,, let's get some of the day's other news. rescuers in colombia are scrambling to find ten miners who became trapped underground after a methane gas explosion. 11 of their colleagues were killed in the blast. with oxygen running out, the sitaution's becoming increasingly desperate for loved ones waiting for news. a court in pakistan has ordered police to suspend an operation to arrest the opposition leader, imran khan, for a futher 24 hours — to friday morning. it followed pitched battles between security forces and supporters of mr khan

outside his residence in lahore. the confrontation began on tuesday when police tried to arrest the former prime minister forfailing to appear in court over corruption charges. mr khan says the charges are politically motivated. italy's highest court has ordered the retrial of two americans who are serving time for the killing of an italian police officer in rome injuly 2019. the americans, who were travelling in italy, had been sentenced to life in prison for the killing, which followed a botched drug deal. passengers are being warned to check before they travel today, as rail workers in the rmt union take part in another strike over pay, jobs and working conditions. between 40 and 50% of services are expected to run — but there will be wide variations. here's our transport correspondent katy austin. sharon from grimsby relies on the train to get to specialist medical procedures in london every few months. today's strike meant

rearranging an appointment. i was very cross, really upset and i just wish they'd get it sorted. thousands of rail workers, such as guards, are walking out at companies which operate train services. many operators will run a very limited service. the rmt has rejected a 5% pay rise for last year and 4% this year and it opposes some of the conditions attached. the disruption won't be on quite the same scale as previous rmt strikes, and that's because staff at network rail, including signal workers, aren't taking part. they're currently voting on whether to accept a revised offer. the train companies haven't tabled new proposals but say their staff should also get a vote. we've asked rmt to put this offer to their members. it's really important to understand they have never had the opportunity to vote on this and we believe

it is a fair offer. the union says it has consulted members and a better offer is needed. what the train operating companies need to do, essentially, the government, because they're running the whole show, really, is sit down, negotiate a reasonable compromise with us and then we would almost certainly put it to a referendum if it was something that we thought the members might wish to consider. the industry hopes to arrange fresh talks next week. for now, more strikes lie ahead. katie austin, bbc news. nasa has unveiled a brand new spacesuit design that its astronauts will wear on future missions to the moon. the suits are part of nasa's artemis program which hopes to return astronauts to the moon in twenty twenty five. astronauts to the moon in 2025. az—a—day moshiri reports. this has got to be one of the most proud moments of my life, i guarantee you. the moon is perhaps an unlikely catwalk, but nasa has decided they need a new

line for their iconic spacesuits. this is what astronauts will wear on the artemis iii mission. it will be front and centre as they try to return to the moon. and according to those who have worn nasa's suits, an update was sorely needed. working against that suit was demanding, to squeeze in the gloves, moving the arms and trying to bend over. so it was exhausting. it was so difficult to wear that it led to some rather clumsy if historic moments. now, comfort and mobility are at the heart of the new design. the new helmet offers better visibility and the boots have been updated specifically for moon walking. they have even insulated them for the moon's south pole. nasa is continuing to test the suit in its custom 40 foot deep pool in houston, texas. it's going to give us a really great indication of how

mobile the suit is, and, again, what kind of fatigue — if anything — thecrewmembers are going to feel after working for six or seven hours. we will see one major difference in the final product, though, the outer layer will be white, just like the suits that graced the moon's surface for the very first time. in football — there've been serious clashes between italian police and german football fans in naples — after eintracht frankfurt supporters arrived in naples despite being banned from attending wednesday's champions league match against napoli. a police car was set on fire by a group of hundreds of supporters and smoke bombs and flares thrown at officers, who responded with tear gas. local media said eintracht fans were also attacked by some napoli fans. just before we go i want to show you these pictures from

california, where residents of these homes in san clemente 0range county had a very close call with a landslide. the state's had a tough few months for storms, and it's now facing, notjust heavy rains but melting snow that's adding to the flood waters and causing mud and landslides like these. a czech so—called free—diver has plunged to a record depth beneath a frozen swiss lake. 40—year—old david vencl�*s record breaking plunge to 52.1 metres in a single breath follows his entry into the guinness world record book for swimming the length of a frozen czech lake in 2021. at 1 minute 54 seconds, the dive was slower than expected but his promoter explained that this was likely due to him being "a little more nervous than usual". a new banksy mural has appeared on the wall of a derelict farmhouse in the seaside town of herne bay in kent, uk. the mural, called morning is broken, shows a young boy opening curtains made of corrugated iron

alongside a cat. however, it wasn't long before the piece, and part of the building, appeared to be demolished. the owners of the land said demolition work is currently being undertaken at the site. hello again. you may have noticed that the weather today has been much milder than it was yesterday. we've also got a fair bit of cloud around and some rain. so, to give you a comparison, yesterday's maximum temperatures were between 6 and 9 degrees. today, most of us will see double figures, 13 to about 15. we've got this weather front pushing north bringing rain. this weather front moving eastwards bringing some showers, gusty winds particularly through the irish sea, but the wind is coming from a mild direction, namely from the south—west, across the whole of the uk except for into the northern isles where you will remain in the cold air for the next few days. so the rain continuing to push northwards, here's our weather front

crossing scotland, england and wales, taking its showery rain with it, and, behind it, some sunshine for northern ireland. but that will spark off some sharp showers which could be thundery. and these are our temperatures. 6 degrees in lerwick, to 14 degrees in london. this evening and overnight, our weather front makes it into the south—east, peters out for a time, we'll hang onto quite a few showers and the other weather front stalls across the northern and the western isles. the winds also ease a touch. it's not going to be a cold night for most, although in some sheltered glens in the north of scotland we could see temperatures fall away to freezing, hence, locally, there could well be a frost. so tomorrow we start off with this weather front pepping up in the south east. it's going to be drifting eastwards through the course of the day. there will be quite a rash of showers, it will be quite widespread, some of those heavy and thundery, but some brightness in between. not as windy, but still mild, we are looking at eight to about 14 or 15 degrees. into the weekend, then, our next area of low pressure comes in with its weather front. ahead of it, there will be

showers, and with that weather front we will see some rain. also, quite a bit of cloud during the course of saturday with some brightness developing. some of the showers will be sharp in the south—east and prolonged and we also have the weather front producing this rain across western parts of scotland. they wind here, too, is going to pick up. but we still are in the mild air. and then as we head into sunday, a ridge of high pressure temporarily tries to build across us so we will have some showers to start with, but there will be a lot of dry weather. variable amounts of cloud, some sunshine coming through, but then the next weather front comes in from the west and that is going to introduce some rain.

this is bbc news, the headlines: european markets rally after the swiss national bank bails out credit suisse to save it from collapse. uk chancellor, jeremy hunt, insists his budget will get people back to work — and won'tjust benefit the rich saving for retirement. the leaders of south korea and japan meet for the first time in twelve years, seeking to set aside historic differences. check before you travel — rail workers in the rmt union strike again over pay, jobs and working conditions.

sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's holly hamilton. good morning. liverpool's european dream is over for another season — and it means they are now only fighting for a place in the premier league top 4. because of what happened in the first leg, when they lost 5—2, it was always going to be a tough ask, going to real madrid — but they didn't even start the fight back asjoe wilson reports. they came for something sensational, the result was rather more predictable. 5—2 in the first leg,

coming from three goals down is part of liverpool folklore in europe. and, of course, they had to commit to attack. and, of course, that in turn left them vulnerable at the back. still in it by their fingertips and the crossbar. liverpool's manager prowled and he scowled and the minutes just ticked by. it was real madrid forcing the pace. the only frustration for them was self—inflicted. liverpool weren't really troubling them. 75 minutes played, surely there'd be a chance for him or him or someone! too late, too late. perhaszurgen klopp could see it coming. real madrid finally a little scrappily scored once and that was plenty. sensations do happen, but by their very nature, not often. joe wilson, bbc news. real madrid was, for the whole game, the team in control of the game. had better chances and we had to make two sensational saves to keep us in the game.

and... that's the reason. so, again, if you want to get through, you need to be outstanding. if you want to be in the game, you need to be really good, and, again, madrid was the better team and that is why the right team went through to the next round. the night's other tie was overshadowed by scenes of violence, on the streets of the italian city, of naples. eintracht frankfurt fans, clashed with police, despite being banned from attending the match against napoli, after incidents when the teams met last month. southampton missed a big chance to move off the bottom of the premier league last night after losing at home to high flying brentford. southampton had more possesion, but brentford were pacey and clinical on the counter attack, and showed saints how to score a goal — in fact two — yoane wissa, with their second right at the end. so saints stay bottom. brentford are nowjust a point off the european qualification places.

that last european spot is held by brighton — whose brilliant season goes on. they beat crystal palace 1—nil — solly march with the winner. brighton now only 6 points off the top four. palace still haven't won a match this year, and are only 4 points off the relegation places. now it was wind that got the better of british number one cameron norrie, and helped to end his run, in the tennis, at indian wells — one of the most high profile tournaments outside of the grand slams. cameron norrie was a winner here two years ago and was the last british player standing in the singles, but said he didn't handle the windy conditions as well as his opponent frances tiafoe who's ranked four places lower than norrie, but won in straight sets — norrie making 28 unforced errors. it could be a big day for another irish—trained horse, at the cheltenham festival. flooring porter is aiming to win the stayers hurdle — the big race of the day —

for a third year in a row, building on further irish success yesterday which provided a second success, for innerr—gumeen, in the big race of the day. ridden by paul townend, he eased to victory in the queen mother champion chase for a second successive year — giving irish trainer willie mullins his 92nd festival victory. ireland are ten —— four up on their british rivals. and that's all the sport for now. the uk's chancellor, jeremy hunt, insists his budget will get people back to work — and won'tjust benefit the rich saving for retirement.his comments come after labour criticised his plans to get rid of the one—million—pound cap on the amount people can save for their pension, before paying extra tax. the chancellor also unveiled plans to expand free childcare in england. our business correspondent, emma simpson, reports.

welcome to the women's clothing factory, we have been getting a reaction to the budget speech yesterday. leanne is going to tell us what she made of it all. to yesterday. leanne is going to tell us what she made of it all.- us what she made of it all. to be honest, us what she made of it all. to be honest. i— us what she made of it all. to be honest. i was — us what she made of it all. to be honest, i was disappointed, - us what she made of it all. to be honest, iwas disappointed, i- us what she made of it all. to be l honest, iwas disappointed, i know he has frozen the energy prices for now but i thought it did very little to support people in this very real situation, you know, it's not easy, we are setting under blankets trying to keep warm, being sparing things because it is so expensive yet we can get £63 million to help leisure centres heat swimming pools. it seems backwards to me, it really does, it is not enough. ads, seems backwards to me, it really does, it is not enough.— does, it is not enough. a lot of --eole does, it is not enough. a lot of peeple feeling _ does, it is not enough. a lot of people feeling the _ does, it is not enough. a lot of people feeling the cost - does, it is not enough. a lot of people feeling the cost of- does, it is not enough. a lot of| people feeling the cost of living pressure still very much so. how are you today? what did you make of everything that heard? i you today? what did you make of everything that heard?— everything that heard? i thought there were _ everything that heard? i thought there were some _ everything that heard? i thought there were some good _ everything that heard? i thought there were some good parts - there were some good parts definitely, like the removal of the ability— definitely, like the removal of the ability to— definitely, like the removal of the ability to work assessment with disability benefits, definitely a

step in— disability benefits, definitely a step in the right direction, but our disability— step in the right direction, but our disability benefit system is a shambles, it is run by two private companies — shambles, it is run by two private companies that do not have the interest— companies that do not have the interest of the public at heart because _ interest of the public at heart because they are private companies. if we because they are private companies. it we want— because they are private companies. if we want to get people back into work— if we want to get people back into work and — if we want to get people back into work and keep as many people in work as possible. _ work and keep as many people in work as possible, we need to fix the nhs because _ as possible, we need to fix the nhs because we cannot leave it falling apart _ because we cannot leave it falling apart in _ because we cannot leave it falling apart in the background and ignore it while _ apart in the background and ignore it while we — apart in the background and ignore it while we spent money like leanne said on— it while we spent money like leanne said on heating swimming pools. the nhs stops... it stops people from getting _ nhs stops... it stops people from getting to — nhs stops... it stops people from getting to the point where they cannot— getting to the point where they cannot work. i have recently been diagnosed — cannot work. i have recently been diagnosed with autoimmune disorder which _ diagnosed with autoimmune disorder which could potentially get really bad, and — which could potentially get really bad, and a delay in my treatment could _ bad, and a delay in my treatment could be — bad, and a delay in my treatment could be very bad for both me and also the _ could be very bad for both me and also the economy because it could take me _ also the economy because it could take me out of work and i need... it's take me out of work and i need... it's not _ take me out of work and i need... it's notjust— take me out of work and i need... it's notjust me, there are so many other— it's notjust me, there are so many

other people like that who are getting — other people like that who are getting delayed by the strikes by doctors. — getting delayed by the strikes by doctors, but it is not the fault of the doctors, it is the lack of for the doctors, it is the lack of for the nhs — the doctors, it is the lack of for the nhs l— the doctors, it is the lack of for the nhs. ., ., , , the doctors, it is the lack of for the nhs. ., ., , y ., ., the nhs. i am really sorry to hear that. we the nhs. i am really sorry to hear that- we are _ the nhs. i am really sorry to hear that. we are going _ the nhs. i am really sorry to hear that. we are going to _ the nhs. i am really sorry to hear that. we are going to talk- the nhs. i am really sorry to hear that. we are going to talk to - that. we are going to talk to christopher who is the boss here. what do you think, is this going to get people back into work as the chancellor said two— get people back into work as the chancellor said two thank you very much for coming _ chancellor said two thank you very much for coming here. _ chancellor said two thank you very much for coming here. if- chancellor said two thank you very much for coming here. if the - much for coming here. if the chancellor wants to get growth going in the country, we have to invest in skills, it is about people, it is not about machinery, we have got to get growth, get it all moving here. my get growth, get it all moving here. my family business has been here for 60 years, and at the moment, we are facing the highest taxes in my lifetime. i think the single most effective thing the chancellor could have done is to give a skills tax credit to encourage as to employ people and add value, we have got to make things and community like this. one of our previous prime ministers

had a man trapped, education, education, education, ithink had a man trapped, education, education, education, i think what this prime minister should do is focus on skills, skills, skills. thank you very much for top talking to us. we have a couple more people who have come along especially. you run a brewery nearby, thank you for coming along. what did you make of what you heard?— what you heard? really positive thin is, what you heard? really positive thing is. due — what you heard? really positive thing is, due to _ what you heard? really positive thing is, due to changes - what you heard? really positive thing is, due to changes to - what you heard? really positive i thing is, due to changes to trade, we have _ thing is, due to changes to trade, we have eight pubs, it's really important _ we have eight pubs, it's really important for us, but it pales into insignificance when it comes to the energy— insignificance when it comes to the energy issues. as of the 1st of april. — energy issues. as of the 1st of april. the _ energy issues. as of the 1st of april, the support is all but disappearing. if i give you a real-life _ disappearing. if i give you a real—life example, we had a new site last summer, the energy bills only on electricity is £12,000 per month, discounted _ on electricity is £12,000 per month, discounted to £6,000 with the support— discounted to £6,000 with the support but the new support is going to be around £11,500. it is not viable — to be around £11,500. it is not

viable with— to be around £11,500. it is not viable with all the other bills and course _ viable with all the other bills and course of— viable with all the other bills and course of the business. i know a lot of the _ course of the business. i know a lot of the budget was built on growth and the _ of the budget was built on growth and the direction we're going, in reality. — and the direction we're going, in reality. it — and the direction we're going, in reality. it is _ and the direction we're going, in reality, it is a cliff edge for any high _ reality, it is a cliff edge for any high energy business. you are going to see _ high energy business. you are going to see why— high energy business. you are going to see why skilled job losses, closures. _ to see why skilled job losses, closures, the plan for growth is going _ closures, the plan for growth is going to — closures, the plan for growth is going to disappear. disappointment that there was _ going to disappear. disappointment that there was no _ going to disappear. disappointment that there was no more _ going to disappear. disappointment that there was no more business i that there was no more business energy support announced yesterday. we are joined energy support announced yesterday. we arejoined by energy support announced yesterday. we are joined by claire who is a pensions expert. there was a lot about pensions mentioned yesterday. enormously complicated issue for many people, will it make a difference to the majority of people? difference to the ma'ority of --eole? ., difference to the ma'ority of neale? ., ., ., , difference to the ma'ority of --eole? ., ., ., , . ., people? for the ma'ority, the change that miaht people? for the ma'ority, the change that might create — people? for the majority, the change that might create the _ people? for the majority, the change that might create the most _ people? for the majority, the change that might create the most impact i people? for the majority, the change that might create the most impact as| that might create the most impact as an increase in something called the money purchase annual allowance, that should get people over 50 back to work or help people who take their pension money because they needed it due to the cost of living crisis but still want to save more into their pension, it is going to

help that. the increase in child care provision is welcome news for families now but it's actually news for the future because we have a massive gap, if more women go back to work or increase their hours, they are saving into their pension and helping for the future as well. thank you very much. the decisions yesterday will affect everyone here in this factory and across the country, but it could take a very long time for the impact to be felt before we know exactly how it plays out for people here and for the asa as a whole. unions representing hundreds of thousands of health staff in england, including ambulance workers, nurses, midwives and physiotherapists, are thought to be close to agreeing a pay offer with the government. the deal — which doesn't include doctors — could be announced as early as this afternoon, raising the prospect of an end to a series of nhs strikes that began before christmas. early exit polls from elections to twelve provincial

parliaments in the netherlands suggest an astounding victory for the recently formed farmer—citizen—movement. formed in 2019 in the wake of widespread farmers protests, the party is projected to win the most seats ahead of prime minister mark rutte's liberal conservative people's party for freedom and democracy. i'm joined now by our correspondent in the hague, anna holligan welcome to you. tell us more about who this party is and what they represent. who this party is and what they represent-— who this party is and what they reresent. , ., , ., represent. they did not exist four ears represent. they did not exist four years ago. _ represent. they did not exist four years ago. that — represent. they did not exist four years ago, that is _ represent. they did not exist four years ago, that is how— represent. they did not exist four| years ago, that is how remarkable this earthquake in dutch politics really is. the big question now is will this farmer party that was built on a foundation of fear among farmers that their farms, their dairy farms were going to be bought out under government plans to try to reduce harmful nitrogen pollution to meet climate targets, well this party actually be able to live up to that promise by blocking the

government's plans in the senate? it looks set to become the largest party. and yet, on the other side of the political spectrum, on the left, the political spectrum, on the left, the greens and labour are teaming up to form an alliance which will public at the same number of seats in the senate. difficulty for the government coalition which looks set to lose eight seats in the senate as if the team up with this left—wing alliance, they will be accused of ignoring huge swathes of the dutch population and that is exactly what the farmers party leader has accused the farmers party leader has accused the government of, of neglecting populations. because, actually, farmers and the netherlands, they represent a small part of the population, 200,000 people in this country of 80 million work on farms, agriculture represents 1.5% of dutch gdp, the farmers party has created this brand, this message, populous, slightly right wing on things like

the eu and immigration and of course climate and agriculture which has really resonated among communities right across the country who feel as though their voice is not being heard by the ruling coalition. this vote and these results appear to reflect that sense of disillusionment right across the left and the right of the dutch society. left and the right of the dutch socie . ., ~ left and the right of the dutch socie . ., ,, , ., left and the right of the dutch socie . . ~' , ., , left and the right of the dutch socie . ., ,, i. , . global cocaine production has jumped to record levels over the past two years. a report by the united nations found that more people were using the drug in africa and asia. the report also found traffickers were using international postal services more often to get drugs to consumers. well, antwerp is home to europe's second biggest port — and it has overtaken rotterdam as the main entry point for cocaine into europe. last year a record 110 tonnes were seized in antwerp — and incinerators used by belgian customs to burn the seized cocaine, couldn't keep up with demand.

joining me now is kristian vanderwaeren, the head of belgian customs. welcome and thank you for being with us. can you explain how serious the issueis us. can you explain how serious the issue is for you and how you are tackling a few it’s issue is for you and how you are tackling a few— issue is for you and how you are tackling a few it's been for a long eriod an tackling a few it's been for a long period an increase _ tackling a few it's been for a long period an increase of— tackling a few it's been for a long period an increase of the - tackling a few it's been for a long | period an increase of the seizures of cocaine in antwerp. we are clearly within the world the most targeted harbour when it comes to cocaine exports. you mentioned the 110 tonnes, but do not forget in latin america, they seized last year 80 tonnes with destination antwerp. we are really the harbour of antwerp as the number one target for the export of cocaine. then the question, why it is antwerp? why not other harbours? the main reason

being that europe is a very attractive market to ship the cocaine. you get more money for your cocaine. you get more money for your cocaine in europe that you get in the united states. and the market is also very big when you compare it to other attractive markets for cocaine handling being japan and australia. it is a used problem and not only when it comes to seizures, but also the violence. last year, we experience an increase in violence in the city of antwerp, shooting, throwing grenades, and there has been an attempt of kidnapping of our ministry ofjustice. the situation in belgium when it comes to the import of cocaine is getting pretty serious. it import of cocaine is getting pretty serious. ,., ,., ., import of cocaine is getting pretty serious. ., , ., ., serious. it sound so and you are seizin: serious. it sound so and you are seizing record — serious. it sound so and you are seizing record amounts - serious. it sound so and you are seizing record amounts of- serious. it sound so and you are seizing record amounts of the i serious. it sound so and you are - seizing record amounts of the drug. when you see incinerators can't keep

up, what happens then? latte when you see incinerators can't keep up, what happens then?— up, what happens then? we have to store the cocaine, _ up, what happens then? we have to store the cocaine, but _ up, what happens then? we have to store the cocaine, but you _ up, what happens then? we have to store the cocaine, but you can - store the cocaine, but you can imagine if you have such huge amounts of cocaine, we see is very often 4.5 tonnes of cocaine and then we have to store this in our facilities. of course, this risks, because you never know that the criminal organisations would have the idea to come to our facility and take the cocaine, take their cocaine back from us. therefore, we must avoid having it for a long period storage of cocaine, it is important when we seize the cocaine that it is destroyed as quickly as possible. you are responsible for seizing and getting rid of the cocaine, what about the criminals who traffic the cocaine, a libyan court?—

about the criminals who traffic the cocaine, a libyan court? yes, in the operation. — cocaine, a libyan court? yes, in the operation. the _ cocaine, a libyan court? yes, in the operation, the belgian _ cocaine, a libyan court? yes, in the operation, the belgian police - cocaine, a libyan court? yes, in the operation, the belgian police and i operation, the belgian police and the prosecute a very nice job, we had thousands of people who have been arrested. a lot of people have been arrested. a lot of people have beenin been arrested. a lot of people have been in prison, they are, the authorities that a very good job. having said that, i still see that when it comes to the seizures, when it comes to the influx of cocaine into europe, this operation did not break the criminal organisation. there are still huge quantities of cocaine entering the port of antwerp, notwithstanding the fact that there have been a lot of people arrested and a lot of people have been put in jail. arrested and a lot of people have been put injail. nice results, but the influx of cocaine in antwerp has not stopped.

the influx of cocaine in antwerp has not stopped-— there will be further disruption to transport across the uk today as rmt union members strike again over pay, jobs and work conditions. further strikes will be taking place across 14 train operators on the 18th and 20th of march as well as the 1st of april. the union, which represents 40,000 workers, rejected fresh offers from employers last week. 0ur transport correspondent, katie austin joins me in studio now another month, another set of train strikes, what knock—on effect a few it is not exactly the same as previous strikes, what is happening today and saturday and the 30th of march and the 1st of april is we have got staff who work the train operating companies who run the trains, that is affecting 14 train companies but some run more than one operator, about 18 or 19 and around the country, that means that a lot of those will run a very limited

service today. there will be trains in a lot of places, some places will not have them, where trains are running they have started later than usual and they will finish earlier, be aware if you have taken the train and is planning on going home later, the last trains will beat airily in a lot of cases. there are fewer workers on strike today than previous rmt strikes and that is because those work for network rail who operate the tracks, the signalling, they are not taking part in that actually means the disruption is not as extensive as it has been before. some operators, scotrail, there is no impact. the impact is mainly in england today although some services into and out of scotland and wales are affected as well. where we are at the moment is network rail which is not involved in the strike today, its members are having a vote on whether to accept an updated offer from their employer. that vote closes on

monday at midday. this will be a really important moment because if they accept the offer, this is an f, they accept the offer, this is an f, they may not, if they accept it, does that then open the door to movement on the train company side of things and put it open the door to talks that means the other strikes at the end of this month at the start of april could be called off perhaps? that is what to watch next. , , ,, , ., , off perhaps? that is what to watch next. , , ~ , ., , ., next. these strikes have been going on since the — next. these strikes have been going on since the summer, _ next. these strikes have been going on since the summer, can _ next. these strikes have been going on since the summer, can you - next. these strikes have been going i on since the summer, can you remind us why they have been protracted and difficult to resolve two this us why they have been protracted and difficult to resolve two— difficult to resolve two this is about not — difficult to resolve two this is about not only _ difficult to resolve two this is about not only pay, - difficult to resolve two this is about not only pay, this - difficult to resolve two this is about not only pay, this is i difficult to resolve two this is i about not only pay, this is about pay and changes, big changes the industries they need to happen in exchange for a pay rise. the union objects to a lot of those changes, and they have proved big sticking point is in negotiations so the latest offer that the rmt rejected from the train company side of things was a 5% pay rise for last

year, 4% for this year, dependent on a lot of changes to working conditions. there is a lot involved including proposals around the future of ticket offices which would be closed. the government ultimately holds the purse strings here, it is the government who says this is the amount of money on the table and the employers and unions try to negotiate. the government and the industry have said what has been offered so far was the final, best and final offer, so can we move forward from here? can anything be arranged within those best and final? sorry, within the money that is on the table, that the rmt might view as acceptable, that is what we are looking for now. the government has indicated it is not putting more money out there, it is whether the train companies and the rmt can work something out between them that the rmt thinks it's acceptable to its members, so they might get to vote, which network rail is already having. i which network rail is already havinu. ., , which network rail is already havinu. .,, ,., which network rail is already havinu. ., , , having. i hope we get some answers re having. i hope we get some answers

pretty soon- — five african nations have warned the british government that its attempt to ban imports of hunting "trophies" poses a greater risk to the conservation of endangered animals than the hunters�* guns. mps will debate and vote tomorrow on a bill which could prevent british hunters from bringing home souvenir pelts and heads. tim muffett has more. it's the hobby of psychopaths. if there's no hunting, people will not be able to have an income. when you're at the top of the food chain, you have a choice. shoot with a camera or a gun. so—called trophy hunting sickens many. it's really hard to try and understand what pleasure any human being can get from blasting a beautiful animal to pieces. and in many instances,

in trophy hunting, the animals that are killed are animals that have been bred, so they're very human friendly. but hunting generates money. a legal lion hunt in some african countries, for example, can cost more than £100,000. money that can pay people's wages, boost local infrastructure and fund conservation projects. it's very well regulated. it's not like somebody can just take a gun and go and hunt. we have systems in place. we have counts. we make sure that it's a certain number, mostly the old males that are being taken off when it comes to certain species. it's not that we go and just hunt unsustainably. tomorrow here in parliament, mps are due to debate and vote on whether hunters from the uk should be banned from bringing back hunting trophies. a body part such as a head, a horn or the skin of an animal that they've hunted. animal welfare issues is something

that i've always been very passionate about, and i'm also very worried about endangered species being pushed over the brink. some conservationists say that they are against this bill. they are worried about the impact it will have on conservation efforts, on the income of people who are reliant on the hunting industry. who are you to tell them that they're wrong? the evidence suggests that communities in africa don't actually benefit from trophy hunting. it's big business, though, but the money doesn't go to poor communities. it goes to organisations that arrange trophy hunting. as well as government and cross—party support for this private member's bill, there has also been high profile backing from celebrities. but there is real concern that if the ban becomes law, then the hunting industry in many countries will be hit hard and that the effect will be widespread. the trophy hunting bill is going to destroy and reverse conservation models that were very successful in southern africa.

the killing of cecil the lion by an american hunter in zimbabwe in 2015 sparked global outrage. in 2016, some conservation charities criticised prince william after he said that commercial hunting can have a positive impact on efforts to save endangered species. whatever parliament decides, many will never agree on this deeply divisive issue. tim muffett, bbc news. hello again. you may have noticed that the weather today has been much milder than it was yesterday. we've also got a fair bit of cloud around and some rain. so, to give you a comparison, yesterday's maximum temperatures were between six and 9 degrees. today, most of us will see double figures, 13 to about 15. we've got this weather front pushing north bringing rain. this weather front moving eastwards bringing some

showers, gusty winds particularly through the irish sea, but the wind is coming from a mild direction, namely from the south—west, across the whole of the uk except for into the northern isles where you will remain in the cold air for the next few days. so the rain continuing to push northwards, here's our weather front crossing scotland, england and wales, taking its showery rain with it, and, behind it, some sunshine for northern ireland. but that will spark off some sharp showers which could be thundery. and these are our temperatures. 6 degrees in lerwick, to 14 degrees in london. this evening and overnight, our weather front makes it into the south—east, peters out for a time, we'll hang onto quite a few showers and the other weather front stalls across the northern and the western isles. the winds also ease a touch. it's not going to be a cold night for most, although in some sheltered glens in the north of scotland we could see temperatures fall away to freezing, hence, locally, there could well be a frost. so tomorrow we start off with this weather front pepping up in the south east. it's going to be drifting eastwards through the course of the day. there will be quite a rash

of showers, it will be quite widespread, some of those heavy and thundery, but some brightness in between. not as windy, but still mild, we are looking at eight to about 14 or 15 degrees. into the weekend, then, our next area of low pressure comes in with itss weather front. ahead of it, there will be showers, and with that weather front we will see some rain. also, quite a bit of cloud during the course of saturday with some brightness developing. some of the showers will be sharp in the south—east and prolonged and we also have the weather front producing this rain across western parts of scotland. the wind here, too, is going to pick up. but we still are in the mild air. and then as we head into sunday, a ridge of high pressure temporarily tries to build across us so we will have some showers to start with, but there will be a lot of dry weather. variable amounts of cloud, some sunshine coming through, but then the next weather front comes in from the west and that is going to introduce some rain.

this is bbc news broadcasting in the uk and around the globe. our top stories... european markets rally after the swiss national bank bails out credit suisse to save it from collapse. uk chancellor, jeremy hunt, insists his budget will get people back to work — and won'tjust benefit the rich saving for retirement. the leaders of south korea and japan meet for the first time in 12 years, seeking to set aside historic differences. check before you travel — rail workers in the rmt union strike again over pay, jobs and working conditions. a plan to build the world's first octopus farm in spain's canary islands raises concerns among scientists over the welfare of the famously intelligent creatures.