thank you for talking to us. the government in the uk very much keen to get older people back into work. just how important our older people for the economy?— for the economy? older people are absolutely crucial _ for the economy? older people are absolutely crucial to _ for the economy? older people are absolutely crucial to the _ for the economy? older people are absolutely crucial to the economy, | absolutely crucial to the economy, on an individual level and an economy wide level, and when organisations have more older workers, they are more productive, when you bring older and younger workers together you create more innovation, and a state pension age rises, more people will be going into work. this was billed as a back to work budget for the over 50s in the run—up, and i have to say this isn't quite what we got. it was definitely a bit of a missed opportunity to do more to help the people who would like to be in work. there are elements in this to help people who want to get back into

work and to help people stay in the work. we saw things like money for a digital service to help people reflect on their careers and finances, with some money for careers in extra training places, and most substantially, i think, we have seen a big investment and support for people who are disabled are out of work for a long—term health condition want to go back again in a sustainable way. that investment has come alongside some changes in the benefit system, which are rightly controversial and need to be looked at, but they do have the potential to make a really big difference to help people return to work you fall out of it, and particularly in our 60s, for health reasons. ~ . . , particularly in our 60s, for health reasons. ~ . ,, particularly in our 60s, for health reasons. . ,, ., reasons. what was missing and he was missin: out reasons. what was missing and he was missing out as — reasons. what was missing and he was missing out as a _ reasons. what was missing and he was missing out as a consequence? - reasons. what was missing and he was missing out as a consequence? we - missing out as a consequence? we have missing out as a consequence? - have heard a lot of noises around people, around the pension changes which is heard in the pack isjust now, and people concerned about a giveaway to rich older people, the important thing to note is the

operative word is rich, not old. one in four people age 65 are in absolute poverty, and that is double the rate it would have been if we hadn't increased the state pension age from 65 to 66, so if you are a low income, if you don't have a comfy pension, if you have high costs, you will struggle to get back into work and find yourself financially struggling as well. at the moment you do not have an employment support system that engages enough people in this age group, and when they do you access those services, they often aren't very effective for people in this age group. we need much more to engage people, we need much more learning and activity to reach out this targeted support people in their 50s and 60s go back to work, we need morejobs that their 50s and 60s go back to work, we need more jobs that are flexible for those who understand the benefits for older workers for this growing and important part of our workforce.

immigration has been rising up the political agenda in the uk over the past few months as government attempts to show that it can process asylum claims more swiftly and prevent what it describes as illegal migration. but a new investigation by the bbc�*s newsnight programme poses further questions for the government. newsnight has been told that a widely publicised evacuation of women footballers from afghanistan involved, yes, some genuine players and their families. but also, women who had never played football for the club they were supposedly affiliated with. yasminara khan reports. kabul, august 2021. chaotic scenes as the taliban swept in and seized control of the city, panic at the airport and a scramble to leave the country. among those hoping to escape were women footballers fearful that they would be targeted for playing a game that the taliban viewed as un—islamic. after weeks of intense lobbying, a rescue flight was eventually arranged in november 2021 to bring

35 afghan female footballers and theirfamilies to britain. during a blaze of publicity, the home office granted visas for 130 people. but bbc newsnight has been told that around half of the women on the rescue flight were not playing at the level it was claimed and that the home office didn't do any checks around their credentials as sportswomen. there is a resentment among genuine players now living under taliban rule in afghanistan who say they live in fear of persecution. i spoke to zara. we've changed her name, and her words are voiced by an actor to protect her identity. it's like a living hell. itjust makes me feel very neglected and very sad because we are the real players and not some of those that got evacuated. the bbc has obtained the final list of the evacuated footballers and their families submitted to the british authorities.

many of those on it were described as being part of the herat youth team in western afghanistan. a genuine player and the former captain of the herat team was on the uk flight with some of her team mates. she met some of the other women in pakistan before they flew to the uk. she says they mentioned playing under najibullah noroozi, who was her coach and who told us separately that there were names on the list who hadn't played for his team. they are saying our coach, we are playing the herat federation. if asked question more, they are didn't know about about the football. so do you think they were lying about being footballers? yes. this person was working for a charity involved in the evacuation. she says that a former member of the afghan women's national team and prominent campaigner, provided the names and details for those on the list, vouching for them as genuine footballers. the list that was prepared

that we gave that was verified by khalida already stated they were footballers. therefore the home office did not believe they needed to cross—check. so the home office relied on one person's word. yes, indeed. yeah. disputes over details of the mission led to tension between some of those involved, including ms gill and ms popal. ms popal declined to be interviewed. in a statement, she told us... we put our evidence to the uk home office who said...

genuine women players who managed to leave afghanistan are still free to study, work and play the sport they love without fear. for those still living under the taliban, the rules of the game are now very different. it was an avenue of more than a 120 mature trees that lined the centre of plymouth but in the dead of the night on tuesday and under cover of darkness, the local council cordoned it off and sent in the chainsaws — with the result that avenue has now gone from this to this. local campaigners managed to save 16 trees after they got an emergency injunction at1 o'clock in the morning. cutting down the trees is part of a controversial redevelopment plan as our correspondent jenny kumah reports from plymouth. they came late at night to carry out

what's been described as the chainsaw massacre. then, at around 1am, protesters were able to serve an injunction to stop the cutting. sorry? if you cut any more trees down it will be a criminal offence. yeah, the instructions will be given. do you have anything to say? do you have anything to say to the people of plymouth?! but more than 100 trees were already gone. the sight of the destruction in the cold light of day has left many in the city feeling angry. it's just disgraceful that all the protests and all the people's feelings just meant nothing. they are supposed to be putting in new ones, but why cut down the old ones? they could have left them there. if they replace them, i ideal, i don't mind that. because they are a bit l ropey now, aren't they? so, something new, yeah, ideal. plymouth city council says it's obtaining legal advice on the injunction and that given the size of the tree machinery, it scheduled the works to be carried out at night with as few people

around as possible for public safety reasons. they managed to clear 117 trees in five hours. it was absolutely unbelievable. campaigners managed to save around a dozen trees through their legal action. a bittersweet victory. yesterday we filed for judicial review, and hopefully that will mean the injunction is upheld until the end of that and we can save the extra trees that we saved on tuesday night. and i think we just need to look at what's happened here and learn some lessons. i mean, it's a shame it comes down to lessons later than actions beforehand, because obviously they are gone now. the removal of these trees is part of a £13 million revamp of the city centre. the council says it has listened to the overwhelming objections and changed the final design to deliver around 170 semi—mature trees. around seven years ago, protesters tried to stop the trees being felled here in sheffield.

this week a report accused the council of a failure of leadership and called for it to apologise for a flawed plan. back here in plymouth, more than 70% of respondents to a consultation on the plymouth tree plan opposed it, leaving many people feeling their views don't count. jenny kumah, bbc news, plymouth. some pictures now from california, where residents of these homes in san clemente orange 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. now it's time for a look at the weather with elizabeth. hello there. it's a lot milder today than it was yesterday, but along with the milder air comes some rather wet and windy weather, particularly out towards the west. this is chorley in lancashire. some very soggy ground here and not a lot is set to change as we head through the rest of this week

and into the start of next. a few brighter spells around, but it's going to be cloudy, mild and there's more wet weather to come in the forecast, too. this is today. some rain from this weather front across much of scotland. also a cold frontjust pushing eastwards very slowly across england. the south—westerly wind, brisk towards the western coast, is dragging in all of this mild air. so temperatures are a lot higher than they were yesterday, but it's still cold across the far north of scotland. so some outbreaks of rain this afternoon. sunny spells and showers across northern ireland, maybe a rumble or two of thunder. the best of the sunshine is really developing across northeast scotland, and still some sunny spells hanging on for the far south east of england. temperatures between 11 and 15 celsius. so a lot milder than it was yesterday. and then through this evening and overnight, we've still got our weather front just giving a few outbreaks of rain across south east england at times towards the north and the west. this is where we'll see the clearest of the skies. still some showers across much of scotland, but it's largely frost

free as we head into the start of the day tomorrow, generally between 6 and 10 celsius. now, there could be some more rain across the channel islands just moving into southeast england as we head through the morning. that will clear through the afternoon. elsewhere, a lot more sunshine around than today. it's still mild, butjust watch out for some showers that may well develop with the sunshine — and there could even be a rumble or two of thunder as well. low pressure is always close by as we head through the weekend. and along with this weather front, we're likely to see some outbreaks of rain, i thinkjust moving into scotland for western coast and also across northern ireland. rain too just moving in to wales, and there'll be some longer spells of rain here by the end of the day. more showers around on saturday than we're seeing on friday. the air is still mild. temperatures will peak between 11 and 15 celsius. the south—westerly winds again picking up towards the end of the day, but turning more northwesterly on sunday, which means some cooler feeling air. and it should be a lot

drier on sunday, too. but there is another weather front approaching. temperatures a little lower, between 9 and 12 celsius.

this is bbc news. welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. our top stories: european markets rally after the swiss national bank bails out credit suisse as the european central bank raises interest rates despite mounting turmoil in the banking system. the french government has decided to force through its unpopular pension reforms, avoiding a knife—edge vote in the national assembly, prompting accusations of anti—democratic behaviour by the opposition. the united states releases footage of what it claims is the collision between a us drone and a russia jet over the black sea. the chinese—owned social media app tiktok is banned on phones used by uk government ministers and officials. 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. shares in european banks have hit two—month lows, after the eurozone's central bank hiked interest rates by half of 1%. some investors had hoped the current turmoil in the banking sector would have deterred the european central bank from going ahead with the hike, because of the impact of higher rates on the banking sector. shares in the troubled swiss giant credit suisse had stabilised after the swiss national bank offered it a funding lifeline. so, how did we get here? credit suisse was already in trouble before its biggest

investor saudi national bank announced on wednesday that it could offer no more financial support. that lead to its share price plummetting by 30%. late wednesday, the swiss central bank said it would provide financial support to the tune of $54 billion us. that has reassured the markets for now but concerns remain about contagion from the collapse of the two us banks last week. the european central bank's interest rate rise is the sixth successive hike. that's despite wider fears of market uncertainty following credit suisse's bailout. but the ecb's president says the situation is being monitored. we are monitoring current market tensions closely and we stand ready to respond as necessary to preserve price stability and financial stability in the euro area. the euro area banking sector is resilient

with strong capital and liquidity positions. in any case, our policy toolkit is fully equipped to provide liquidity support to the euro area financial system if needed, and to preserve the smooth transition of monetary policy. preserve the smooth transition of monetary policy-— preserve the smooth transition of monetary policy. christine lagarde, the president _ monetary policy. christine lagarde, the president of— monetary policy. christine lagarde, the president of the _ monetary policy. christine lagarde, the president of the european - the president of the european central bank. let's speak to azad zangana the senior european economist at investment company, schroders. thanks forjoining us. tell us why the ecb raised interest rates at this point?— the ecb raised interest rates at this oint? . ., ~ this point? european central bank has been trying — this point? european central bank has been trying tighten _ this point? european central bank has been trying tighten monetary| has been trying tighten monetary policy in order to reduce demand in the economy and then bring inflation down and with inflation still more than three times above its central target of 2% that challenge continues to be a big issue. at the last meeting they promised to raise interest rates by another half

percent and so they decided to pull back today and it may have sent the wrong signal if they had done so, they had pulled back, but also to financial markets over the banking sector. ~ . , ., , ., sector. what is the rate rise going to have in terms _ sector. what is the rate rise going to have in terms of _ sector. what is the rate rise going to have in terms of an _ sector. what is the rate rise going to have in terms of an impact - sector. what is the rate rise going to have in terms of an impact on | sector. what is the rate rise going i to have in terms of an impact on the financial sector? high to have in terms of an impact on the financial sector?— financial sector? high interest rates are good _ financial sector? high interest rates are good for— financial sector? high interest rates are good for banks - financial sector? high interest i rates are good for banks because they can generate bigger profits and most banks are not passing on those interest rate rises to savers so their profitability is improving. the concern is around the situation is about liquidity and what the ecb repeated today is that if they felt there was a need to help some of the bank to s there was a need to help some of the bank to 5 out they would do so by providing additional liquidity in the form of loans which is what the swiss national bank has done for credit suisse —— help some of the banks up. it would not help by cutting interest rates. haifa

banks up. it would not help by cutting interest rates. how careful has the ecb _ cutting interest rates. how careful has the ecb got — cutting interest rates. how careful has the ecb got to _ cutting interest rates. how careful has the ecb got to be _ cutting interest rates. how careful has the ecb got to be when - cutting interest rates. how careful has the ecb got to be when it - cutting interest rates. how careful. has the ecb got to be when it comes to potential increasing rates again? they can be reasonably confident that they can keep raising interest rates and generally speaking the european and the uk banking system is far better regulated than the us system, especially for medium and small sized banks, and far more liquidity on hand at the moment, and thatis liquidity on hand at the moment, and that is why credit suisse was able to withstand the big withdrawal of deposits that it saw at the end of last quarter. if they were a medium sized us bank they probably would have gone under at that point. we think the system is pretty robust and the ecb is monitoring the situation very closely. you mentioned _ situation very closely. you mentioned the _ situation very closely. you mentioned the importance of equality and of being able to bail out banks before they get into trouble, so how well placed is the global banking system and the financial institutions to do that? ., ,

institutions to do that? ultimately, an ban , if institutions to do that? ultimately, any bag. if it _ institutions to do that? ultimately, any bag, if it loses _ institutions to do that? ultimately, any bag, if it loses the _ institutions to do that? ultimately, any bag, if it loses the confidence i any bag, if it loses the confidence of its customers and they suddenly decide to withdraw their money from their bank, that bank is in trouble. regardless of who it is. it is important to distinguish between what has happened now in the way that alone was provided for credit suisse and potentially other banks if needed, and the banking bailouts that took place after the global financial crisis, and at that point it was found that those banks did not have enough capital to survive and therefore governments had to step in and buy up parts and shares in those banks to keep them going and eventually some of them were of course. it is a totally different situation and we are talking about banks being locked out of financial markets because of concerns around that in situations and that could then cause them to malfunction and eventually require further help.

thanks forjoining us. president macron has decided to force through his controversial pension reform without calling a vote in the french parliament. he opted to invoke a controversial article in the constitution after a frantic series of meetings with close aides and ministers which revealed he'd lose a vote. french prime minister elisabeth borne was booed as she arrived in the national assembly, the lower house of parliament. the session was suspended for two minutes after left—wing politicians singing the national anthem prevented her from speaking. lets cross to paris and speak to our correspondent hugh schofield. what is the reform that is causing so much trouble? this what is the reform that is causing so much trouble?— what is the reform that is causing so much trouble? this is the reform to the pension _ so much trouble? this is the reform to the pension system _ so much trouble? this is the reform to the pension system which - so much trouble? this is the reform to the pension system which as - so much trouble? this is the reform to the pension system which as we | so much trouble? this is the reform i to the pension system which as we -- to the pension system which as we —— which we have covered for the last two months with protests every week orso two months with protests every week or so and mass demonstrations in paris and the beams piling up because the binmen have not turned

out. controversial decision to increase the pension age to raise the age at which you can withdraw your pension from 60 to up to 64 and the government says it is necessary to balance the books but which is clearly very unpopular across the country and which is opposed by all the forces in parliament that are arrayed against the government. what happened today is that the government was getting to the crucial point, the climax of its legislative process where it would come to a vote in parliament, and it thought it had enough votes because it does rely, it is a minority government, it thought it could rely on the conservative party, the republicans, tojoin in, because i generally vote for this kind of measure but in the end president macron did the numbers and i thought it was too close to call —— because they generally vote for this kind measure. he decided it was too risky to put this to a vote so it went to

this measure, which is controversial, but what happens is basically government applauds parliament to push through measures and the rest of the country and the opposition cries foul and they really are doing so now. what can the do really are doing so now. what can they do about _ really are doing so now. what can they do about it? _ really are doing so now. what can they do about it? the first - really are doing so now. what can they do about it? the first thing l they do about it? the first thing they do about it? the first thing the can they do about it? the first thing they can do _ they do about it? the first thing they can do is — they do about it? the first thing they can do is call _ they do about it? the first thing they can do is call for _ they do about it? the first thing they can do is call for motions l they can do is call for motions against a government which will happen early next week, there will be motions against the government, brought forward by the parties, but the problem for the opposition is that it the problem for the opposition is thatitis the problem for the opposition is that it is split between the far right, the national rally party, at the far left, also pretty powerful, but they do not often get on together with other parts of the opposition so it seems unlikely that these motions will pass and if they do, the government would be full, and we would need a new government. —— the government would fall. but outside of that there is the straight and the opposition can say with justice that the country is behind it because the opinion polls show that most people do not want

this reform so we can expect to see the opposition campaign, reinforced on the street. that is the risk which people are talking about, the risk to democracy and the fact the government is so clearly in their view overriding the will of the people and overriding the will of parliament and forcing this through, and it has happened before, it is not unprecedented in french politics but every time it happens you are going to get this with people saying the president is all powerful and he is ignoring the people and when it gets like this in france it becomes tense. ., ., , tense. hugh schofield in paris, thanks for— tense. hugh schofield in paris, thanks forjoining _ tense. hugh schofield in paris, thanks forjoining us. - the united states has released pictures of what it claims is the incident between a us drone and a russian jet. in these pictures you can see what is claimed to be the russian su—27 jet approaching the drone. the russianjet then begins to release fuel as it passes. it then flies over the top of the drone. the russian jet then

repeats this pass. these pictures are from the us air force. russia has denied us accusations that its jets acted recklessly in the incident on tuesday over the black sea. our defence correspondent jonathan bealejoined us from the newsroom to explain the subject. what the us has released, and this is edited footage that it has released, they say this interaction was going on for at least 30 minutes, so we are only seeing a snapshot of the moments when the fuel was dumped, it seems deliberately, on the drone, whether it was to try and make it go down, we don't know, or to disrupt its sensors. but we see the propeller blade being twisted after the second pass being shown, which interrupted the video feed. a drone is operated from the ground, remember, by a ground crew, and there is a live feed of whatever information it is sucking up and it

always has a camera. but it looks like this is backing up the us version of events. lord austin said he's confident the story they are giving is accurate, but the russians are saying the downing of the drone was not their responsibility, and the drone made a sharp turn, but the only extraordinary move in this video is by the russian jets and not the drone. on a different subject, is the provision we are hearing from poland of some mig fighterjets to ukraine, what is the thinking? if you remember, about a year ago, there was a suggestion that poland could send its older soviet era mig jets to ukraine.

the polish said they would send them to ramstein air base in germany, and then the us backfilled a donation to ukraine with f—16 jets, but that was not acceptable to the us and the deal fell apart. but what we have seen in the last year is that countries willing to send western tanks, the appeals from ukraine for modern fighterjets, well, they have not got modern fighterjets, but at the moment we are hearing it will be four polish mig 29s that they will give ukraine and there will be more to come but it crosses a threshold. although it does not mean you will see a flood of western countries like the us and the uk offering to provide modern western jets, as we saw what happened with tanks. first of all, soviet tanks given to ukraine from eastern european countries and eventually the west providing modern main battle tanks has happened but i do not think this signals that the west

is going to start giving modern fighterjets to ukraine but this is part of the appeal that ukraine has made and it is going to help them, though not completely change the picture on the battle field, it will still not be air superiority for ukraine. a united nations commission of inquiry says that russia has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in ukraine. in its first report, the commission said those responsible must be held to account, if not in a national court, then in an international one. the un commission does not have the power to prosecute, but it has identified individuals, and military units it believes are responsible. the commission however has not yet found evidence of genocide. we have not found that there has been a genocide within ukraine. this said, we are of course following all kind of evidence within this area, and we have noted that there are some aspects which may raise

questions with respect to that crime, for instance, certain utterances in russian media which are targeting groups, but we have not yet formed any conclusion there. we will be continuing this further. erik mose joins me live now to speak to us about this more. thanks forjoining us. could you explain what the scope of your inquiry was? we explain what the scope of your inquiry was?— explain what the scope of your inquiry was? we had a very wide mandate in _ inquiry was? we had a very wide mandate in this _ inquiry was? we had a very wide mandate in this commission - inquiry was? we had a very wide i mandate in this commission which inquiry was? we had a very wide - mandate in this commission which has now been in action for about a year, and we had international humanitarian law, human rights law, war crimes, so it covers all the legal norms of relevance including in an armed conflict. tell legal norms of relevance including in an armed conflict.— in an armed conflict. tell us more about what _ in an armed conflict. tell us more about what you _ in an armed conflict. tell us more about what you found _ in an armed conflict. tell us more about what you found out - in an armed conflict. tell us more about what you found out what i in an armed conflict. tell us more. about what you found out what you have categorised the findings in the

way that you have. —— and why you have categorised. we way that you have. -- and why you have categorised.— way that you have. -- and why you have categorised. we have found that there were war— have categorised. we have found that there were war crimes _ have categorised. we have found that there were war crimes in _ have categorised. we have found that there were war crimes in many - there were war crimes in many respects including killings, rape, attacks on civilians, sexual violence, unlawful transfer and deputation of children, just to mention a few, and we also found violations of international humanitarian law in connection with explosive attacks, indiscriminate and disproportionate, and then we have said that when it comes to torture, the attacks on the 10th of october last year against the

infrastructure of ukraine, there may be a question of crimes against humanity. we will be investigating that further and we recommend further investigations with respect to that crime. further investigations with respect to that crime-— further investigations with respect to that crime. what would you like to that crime. what would you like to see happen _ to that crime. what would you like to see happen in — to that crime. what would you like to see happen in light _ to that crime. what would you like to see happen in light of _ to that crime. what would you like to see happen in light of the - to see happen in light of the findings that you have already reported? findings that you have already re orted? , , , , findings that you have already reorted? , , , , ., ., reported? the first step is that on monday we _ reported? the first step is that on monday we will — reported? the first step is that on monday we will submit _ reported? the first step is that on monday we will submit this - reported? the first step is that on monday we will submit this reportj reported? the first step is that on i monday we will submit this report to the human rights council which is the human rights council which is the normal procedure and then it will be up to the members of the council to engage in an interactive dialogue with us, and hopefully it will support its conclusions. it will support its conclusions. it will then be up to the council to decide whether they want to prolong our mandate. decide whether they want to prolong our mandate-— our mandate. what about activity on the ukrainian _ our mandate. what about activity on the ukrainian side? _ our mandate. what about activity on the ukrainian side? at— our mandate. what about activity on the ukrainian side? at what - our mandate. what about activity on the ukrainian side? at what point i the ukrainian side? at what point does the actions of those fighting for ukraine get looked at? we are

also investigating _ for ukraine get looked at? we are also investigating crimes - for ukraine get looked at? we are also investigating crimes on i for ukraine get looked at? we are also investigating crimes on all. also investigating crimes on all sides including the ukrainian side and we have found some violations of international humanitarian law on the ukrainian side and also a couple of war crimes but the russian side we are talking about the vast majority of violations and crimes, and with ukraine there is a limited number. . ., ., , nhs staff represented by one of scotland's health unions have accepted the latest pay offer from the scottish government. gmb scotland, which represents staff in the nhs and scottish ambulance service, said its members accepted the improved pay offer by a majority of 59.7%. a result of a vote by the rcn on the same offer is expected next week. our scotland correspondent,

james shaw, joins me now. remind us of the backdrop to this because we have seen a lot of strike action in the health sector across the uk in recent months. in some resects the uk in recent months. in some respects the _ the uk in recent months. in some respects the situation _ the uk in recent months. in some respects the situation in - the uk in recent months. in some respects the situation in scotland| respects the situation in scotland is similar to that in other parts of the uk in that there has been this push, this pressure for pay increases which will match inflation but the significant difference in scotland is really that looking at the peace in the round, the scottish government has managed to avoid widespread strike action in scotland. it has been threatened and there have been votes by all the major unions in favour of strike action but they have been averted, essentially, by negotiations with the scottish government. what this deal means today is 7.5% this year for gmb members which is in line with the other unions who have accepted the deal already and then

6.5% next year, so that is in 2023 — 2024. members of the gmb i spoke to today said that actually the margin of acceptance around 60% is not that high and it suggests that there is still opposition and still concern about pay increases going forward and as you said, we still have a vote outstanding for the royal couege vote outstanding for the royal college of nursing in scotland and we expect that we will hear the result of their decision, the members decision on this pay deal, next week. i think i am right in saying that the union leaders have recommended they accept but we will not know the outcome until it is announced next week. it is not know the outcome until it is announced next week.— not know the outcome until it is announced next week. it is not 'ust about -a announced next week. it is not 'ust about pay forfi announced next week. it is not 'ust about pay for many i announced next week. it is not 'ust about pay for many people i announced next week. it is not 'ust about pay for many people andi announced next week. it is notjust i about pay for many people and there are other issues which unions would like the various governments that are responsible for health across the uk to address. that are responsible for health across the uk to address.— are responsible for health across the uk to address. that is true and that is the case _ the uk to address. that is true and that is the case with _ the uk to address. that is true and that is the case with the _ the uk to address. that is true and that is the case with the gmb i the uk to address. that is true and | that is the case with the gmb union and one of the comments they made

after accepting this pay deal was a warning that the scottish government had to address understaffing if it wanted to retain staff so the issue of understaffing but also protecting pay increases in the future, those are very big issues for all the health unions both here and in other parts of the uk. health unions both here and in other parts of the uk-_ parts of the uk. james, thanks for “oininr parts of the uk. james, thanks for joining us- — there are hopes of a breakthrough in the pay dispute between health workers and the government in other areas. unions representing hundreds of thousands of health staff in england, including ambulance workers, nurses and physiotherapists, are thought to be close to agreeing a new pay offer. 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. plans for the world's first octopus farm in spain have been leaked

to the campaign organisation eurogroup for animals and seen by the bbc. scientists have told the bbc that the proposed way of slaughtering the octopuses in icy water is "inhumane." the 22 page document reveals the octopuses will be killed by being put in large tanks of water kept at —3 degrees. i'm joined now by elena lara in barcelona. she's a marine biologist and research manager for compassion in world farming. thanks forjoining us. tell us a bit about the octopus and what kind of creature it is and what habitat it likes. . , creature it is and what habitat it likes. . ., , , ., ., likes. octopus are unique and comlex likes. octopus are unique and complex and _ likes. octopus are unique and complex and intelligent i likes. octopus are unique and i complex and intelligent animals. they are able to use tools and they have the ability to perform complex behaviours, they perform tasks and they have long memories, so they are really complex and intelligent animals and they usually live in the

rocks in the marine environment. they are often served in restaurants and a lot of people likes to eat them so what makes farming them any worse than that? do them so what makes farming them any worse than that?— worse than that? do you know what are the concerns _ worse than that? do you know what are the concerns we _ worse than that? do you know what are the concerns we have _ worse than that? do you know what are the concerns we have with i are the concerns we have with farming? are the concerns we have with farmina ? ., , are the concerns we have with farmina ? .,, ., , are the concerns we have with farmina ? .,, . , ., farming? people have been eating octous farming? people have been eating octopus for— farming? people have been eating octopus for a _ farming? people have been eating octopus for a long _ farming? people have been eating octopus for a long time _ farming? people have been eating octopus for a long time so - farming? people have been eating octopus for a long time so how i farming? people have been eating octopus for a long time so how is. farming? people have been eating| octopus for a long time so how is it any different if they are farmed? if we finish octopus in the wild, there are ethical concerns because it is not a method that we are using right now, but if we are planning to farm them, the ethical concerns increase because these animals are solitary by nature and territorial so if we keep them in high density in farms, they will be very stressed and this can lead to the aggression and

mutilation. these animals will also be slaughtered using an inhumane method in farms and we know now that the companies are planning to slaughter them using ice with water and we know this is a very cruel method that causes pain and suffering and fear for the animals. what would be a humane way of slaughtering an octopus? right now there is not a _ slaughtering an octopus? right now there is not a humane _ slaughtering an octopus? right now there is not a humane way - slaughtering an octopus? right now there is not a humane way to - there is not a humane way to slaughter them, there is no scientifically proven method to humanely slaughter animals. 50 scientifically proven method to humanely slaughter animals. so what is our humanely slaughter animals. so what is your advice — humanely slaughter animals. so what is your advice to _ humanely slaughter animals. so what is your advice to those _ humanely slaughter animals. so what is your advice to those who _ humanely slaughter animals. so what is your advice to those who are - is your advice to those who are planning this farming project in spain? it planning this farming pro'ect in sain? , . , . ., ., spain? it is directly clear, we want a ban of octopus _ spain? it is directly clear, we want a ban of octopus farming - spain? it is directly clear, we want a ban of octopus farming because | a ban of octopus farming because they are not suitable for farming conditions. this plant should be rejected by the spanish authorities —— this plan. the eu should ban

octopus farming, they are reviewing the current legislation on animal welfare. we the current legislation on animal welfare. ~ . , ., , ., . welfare. we are trying to produce different types — welfare. we are trying to produce different types of _ welfare. we are trying to produce different types of protein - welfare. we are trying to produce different types of protein that i welfare. we are trying to produce different types of protein that is l different types of protein that is healthy for human beings, so is this not even a vaguely sensible thing to do? l not even a vaguely sensible thing to do? ., �* ~' not even a vaguely sensible thing to do? ., �* ~ , not even a vaguely sensible thing to do? ., �* , , , not even a vaguely sensible thing to do? ., �* ~ , , ., do? i don't think this is a sustainable _ do? i don't think this is a sustainable way - do? i don't think this is a sustainable way to i do? i don't think this is a l sustainable way to produce do? i don't think this is a - sustainable way to produce protein and we note that there are also environmental issues, the animals are carnivorous and they will need to be fed with animal protein so we are going to fish whitefish and this will be to feed these animals and this is unsustainable because what we are doing to feed the octopus could be consumed by human beings. if agriculture wants to be more sustainable, we should be farming other species, that are not cannibals, we can produce protein in a more sustainable way. we appreciate _ a more sustainable way. we

appreciate you _ a more sustainable way. we appreciate you talking to us. thank you very much. you are watching bbc news. stay with us in the hours ahead. hello there. it's a lot milder today than it was yesterday, but along with the milder air comes some rather wet and windy weather, particularly out towards the west. this is chorley in lancashire. some very soggy ground here and not a lot is set to change as we head through the rest of this week and into the start of next. a few brighter spells around, but it's going to be cloudy, mild and there's more wet weather to come in the forecast, too. this is today. some rain from this weather front across much of scotland. also a cold frontjust pushing eastwards very slowly across england. the south—westerly wind, brisk towards western coasts, is dragging in all of this mild air. so temperatures are a lot higher

than they were yesterday, but it's still cold across the far north of scotland. so, some outbreaks of rain this afternoon. sunny spells and showers across northern ireland, maybe a rumble or two of thunder. the best of the sunshine is really developing across northeast scotland, and still some sunny spells hanging on for the far south east of england. temperatures between ii—isc. so a lot milder than it was yesterday. and then through this evening and overnight, we've still got our weather front just giving a few outbreaks of rain across south east england at times. towards the north and the west, this is where we'll see the clearest of the skies. still some showers across much of scotland, but it's largely frost free as we head into the start of the day tomorrow, generally between 6—ioc. now, there could be some more rain across the channel islands just moving into southeast england as we head through the morning. that will clear through the afternoon. elsewhere, a lot more sunshine around than today. it's still mild, butjust watch out for some showers that may well develop with the sunshine — and there could even be a rumble or two of thunder as well. low pressure is always close by as we head through the weekend. and along with this weather front, we're likely to see some outbreaks

of rain, i thinkjust moving into scotland for western coasts and also across northern ireland. rain, too, just moving in to wales, and there'll be some longer spells of rain here by the end of the day. more showers around on saturday than we're seeing on friday. the air is still mild. temperatures will peak between ii—isc. the south—westerly winds again picking up towards the end of the day, but turning more northwesterly on sunday, which means some cooler feeling air. it should be a lot drier on sunday, too. but there is another weather front approaching. temperatures a little lower, between 9—i2c.

this is bbc news, the headlines: european markets rally after the swiss national bank bails out credit suisse as the european central bank raises interetest rates despite mounting turmoil in the banking system. the french government has decided to force through its unpopular pension reforms, avoiding a knife—edge vote in the national assembly, prompting accusations of anti—democratic behaviour by the opposition. the united states releases footage of what it claims is the collision between a us drone and a russia jet over the black sea. the chinese—owned social media app tiktok is banned on phones used by uk government ministers and officials.

sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's betty glover. england boss gareth southgate has named his squad for the first time since the world cup — it's ahead of england's euro qualifiers against italy and ukraine. let's go straight to st georges' park then and to our football reporter alex howell. alex, lots to go at here, but brentford's ivan toney being included is the stand out? we seem to have a bit of a technical issue there, but i can tell you

brentford's ivan tony is the standout name. 27 years old, however he is facing a potential band from the game having accepted breaking football association betting rules. ivan toney included in gareth southgate's squad. arsenal manager mikel arteta is looking forward to a "big european night" against sporting lisbon at the emirates as they look to reach the quarter finals of the europa league. they drew 2 all draw in portugal last week in the first leg. they come into tonight's game off the back of beating fulham on sunday, where four players were back in action — including brazilforward gabrieljesus, who'd been out for three months with a knee injury. we have to manage the minutes, the involvement in the squad, in the team, but he is feeling good, and everyone training, he says

sensations are getting better and better so that is positive. we haven't had big european nights, we haven't had big european nights, we have built a really good atmosphere, and even with our supporters i guess there are a good team hope to be a challenge in front of us. manchester united will be without anthony as they look to seal qualification for the europa league quarter—finals. the brazilian forward missed training on wednesday through illness and has not travelled with the 2i—man squad. we will play our best team, definitely we have to look at the team, and we know our opponent team, because they're a good team, they have really good players, they have a lot of variations, so we have to be aware of that and ready to go in battle with them.

scotland boss gregor townsend has made four changes to his starting xv as they look to close the six nations with a win. ollie smith and blair kinghorn will start in place of stuart hogg and firm russell in scotland's final six nations home match against italy on saturday. full—back hogg and fly—half russell were ruled out after sustaining injuries in sunday's defeat by ireland. richie gray drops out after being withdrawn early at murrayfield, with sam skinner taking over at lock. and former south africa captain dane van niekerk says its with great sadness that she's announced her retirement from international cricket she played 194 times for south africa and was the first bowler to take 100 odi wickets for the women's team. she was left out of the squad for the women's t20 world cup last month after failing to meet the minimum criteria forfitness after an ankle injury — a decision which she said left her feeling absolutely broken. and that's all the sport for now. now on bbc news, your questions answered.

welcome to your questions answered. throughout the day, you've been sending in your questions on yesterday's budget as well as what the new childcare support measures mean for parents. with me to help get answers to those questions is our cost of living correspondent kevin peachey. he has really been earning his keep the last few days, and we will make sure that continues and we're alsojoined by shannon pite, director of communications at the early years alliance, which works to empower the early years workforce and support families. really appreciate you joining us this afternoon as well. quite a lot, as he won't be surprised to hear, a really fantastic questions. david asks, why is childcare so expensive in the uk? . ~ asks, why is childcare so expensive in the uk? ., ~ ~ in the uk? thank you, i think it would be _ in the uk? thank you, i think it would be remiss _ in the uk? thank you, i think it would be remiss of _

in the uk? thank you, i think it would be remiss of me - in the uk? thank you, i think it would be remiss of me to - in the uk? thank you, i think it would be remiss of me to not l in the uk? thank you, i think it - would be remiss of me to not point out that we would always argue that when we are talking about early years provision, we are talking about education as well as care, and the answer is, underfunding. we have what the government terms free childcare offers in the country at the moment, we have 15 and 30 hours for some three—year—olds and disadvantaged two—year—olds. there is provision of nurseries, child care, but the money provided does not cover costs of delivery, so they have to find ways to make up the shortfall. historically, that has been things like charging higher costs for younger children that do not get government funded hours, might also be there if you're a parent to is alors eligible, you

could be charged a higher rate, and it could be structuring your funding in such a way that the parents may not expect, so i have a daughter who is 94, was eligible for the 30 hours, and her nursery limits the number of hours per day, that is because of funding, because providers have no choice but to find some way to make up the shortfall in funding that government has left, or go out of business. i think it is was quickly pointing out that when we talk about underfunding, it is not theoretical. we at the alliance conducted a freedom of information investigation, and after two years of battling, intervention of the commissions office, we obtain documents from 2015 where the

government explicitly says in black and white that fully funding the early entitlement was not in affordable, and the funding that would put in with cost increases particularly for parents of younger children. we ask why costs are so expensive in this country, it is not an accident, it is actually built into the policy by design. and an accident, it is actually built into the policy by design. and yet we are trying _ into the policy by design. and yet we are trying to _ into the policy by design. and yet we are trying to give _ into the policy by design. and yet we are trying to give parents - into the policy by design. and yet we are trying to give parents the | we are trying to give parents the option to go back to work, we need to do something, and that is exactly what the government is trying to do with the announcement yesterday. we'll come back to taco in a moment. john asks, if inflation comes down, can we really expect prices to fall to? it can we really expect prices to fall to? , . ., can we really expect prices to fall to? , ., ., . ., , to? it is the rate of increase in rices to? it is the rate of increase in prices which — to? it is the rate of increase in prices which is _ to? it is the rate of increase in prices which is slowing. - to? it is the rate of increase in - prices which is slowing. remember, inflation, _ prices which is slowing. remember, inflation, you have a bottle of milk because _ inflation, you have a bottle of milk because the pound, in a year's time because _ because the pound, in a year's time because 15— because the pound, in a year's time because 1.5 p, then you have an inflation — because 1.5 p, then you have an inflation rate of 5%. the current inflation — inflation rate of 5%. the current inflation rate, 10.1%, according to the racist — inflation rate, 10.1%, according to the racist figures, that will come down _ the racist figures, that will come down to, — the racist figures, that will come down to, according to the official

forecasters, the office for budget responsibility, by the end of the year. _ responsibility, by the end of the year, 2.9%. so, prices will be rising — year, 2.9%. so, prices will be rising at— year, 2.9%. so, prices will be rising at 2.9%. the target, the target — rising at 2.9%. the target, the target given to the bank of england nmans— target given to the bank of england means it _ target given to the bank of england means it should rise 2% a year, so a little _ means it should rise 2% a year, so a little bit _ means it should rise 2% a year, so a little bit of— means it should rise 2% a year, so a little bit of that, but it is more than _ little bit of that, but it is more thaniust— little bit of that, but it is more thaniust a _ little bit of that, but it is more thanjust a number, used in pay negotiations, and benefits, the state _ negotiations, and benefits, the state pension every year, it's a bit of a look_ state pension every year, it's a bit of a look at — state pension every year, it's a bit of a look at our spending habits as well, _ of a look at our spending habits as well, because at the start of this week— well, because at the start of this week we — well, because at the start of this week we had the virtual basket of goods— week we had the virtual basket of goods and — week we had the virtual basket of goods and services which is used to chart— goods and services which is used to chart inflation, basically looking at the _ chart inflation, basically looking at the prices of 700 goods and services, — at the prices of 700 goods and services, and you had the annual review_ services, and you had the annual review of— services, and you had the annual review of what is in the basket, we had alcopops coming out, frozen berries— had alcopops coming out, frozen berries going in, as you know they are used _ berries going in, as you know they are used in— berries going in, as you know they are used in your fruit smoothie, sow _ are used in your fruit smoothie, so... , ., it

are used in your fruit smoothie, s0- - -— it gives i are used in your fruit smoothie, so. . ._ it gives us are used in your fruit smoothie, i so. . ._ it gives us an so... every morning! it gives us an indication so. .. every morning! it gives us an indication of— so... every morning! it gives us an indication of our _ so... every morning! it gives us an indication of our changing - so... every morning! it gives us an indication of our changing habits, i indication of our changing habits, but it— indication of our changing habits, but it is— indication of our changing habits, but it is an — indication of our changing habits, but it is an incredibly important statistic— but it is an incredibly important statistic and charts the rising cost of living _ statistic and charts the rising cost of living which we have been looking at so closely over the last year or so. at so closely over the last year or so it— at so closely over the last year or so. , at so closely over the last year or so, , ., " at so closely over the last year or so. _, ~ ., so. it is almost like you are with me at the _ so. it is almost like you are with me at the liquidiser. _ so. it is almost like you are with me at the liquidiser. why - so. it is almost like you are with me at the liquidiser. why is - so. it is almost like you are with me at the liquidiser. why is the | me at the liquidiser. why is the childcare scheme only food during term time? a lot of people don't just work during term time, do they? it's a really good question, obviously i can give you the answer. it's a really bizarre policy decision to have a headline early years policy and only make it available during term time, where, as you say, the majority of parents work all year round, it does mean that when a parent is accessing the 15 or 30 hours for the first time, it can be quite a shock to find that what you thought was 30 hours for 52 weeks of the year is not, and so is the offer is extended, it's really important, if you're a parent is going to be taken is up for the

first time, that you are aware of that. what the offers are really in reality, what we describe as the 15 offer, the 15 hours offer, is 517 hours a year, and if you are getting the 30 hours off, what you're actually getting is 1140 hours a year, and what happens is a lot of nurseries, preschools and childminders who deliver those offers will stretch it, so that means instead of having 30 hours for 38 weeks of the year they will offer, for example, 22 hours a week for 52 weeks of the year. it means the entitlement is not what it kind of set on the tin. alternatively, parents should be aware that if their provider does not stretch the offer but they take up childcare and early education all year round, it means, half tone, easter, christmas, their invoices will show a much higher bill than they might have been expecting. it higher bill than they might have been expecting.— higher bill than they might have been exectina. ., ~ , ,, ., been expecting. it makes your head sin, been expecting. it makes your head spin. doesn't _ been expecting. it makes your head spin. doesn't it. _ been expecting. it makes your head spin, doesn't it, trying _ been expecting. it makes your head spin, doesn't it, trying to _ been expecting. it makes your head spin, doesn't it, trying to navigate l spin, doesn't it, trying to navigate all of this stuff? and you're explaining it really clearly. maggie asks, why has the personal tax bracket not been increased? this is

often looked at as a progressive way often looked at as a progressive way of taking people who don't earn so much out of it.— of taking people who don't earn so much out of it. another head spin, but welcome _ much out of it. another head spin, but welcome to _ much out of it. another head spin, but welcome to the _ much out of it. another head spin, but welcome to the worlds - much out of it. another head spin, but welcome to the worlds of - much out of it. another head spin, but welcome to the worlds of tax l but welcome to the worlds of tax thresholds. this is the point at which — thresholds. this is the point at which your— thresholds. this is the point at which your income gets taxed at different— which your income gets taxed at different rates. scotland, it's important to say, scotland sets its own thresholds, but the rest of the uk, it— own thresholds, but the rest of the uk, it was— own thresholds, but the rest of the uk, it was mentioned in the budget, but if— uk, it was mentioned in the budget, but if this— uk, it was mentioned in the budget, but if this is— uk, it was mentioned in the budget, but if this is a really important sort _ but if this is a really important sort of— but if this is a really important sort of point that will be affecting our finances sort of point that will be affecting ourfinances in sort of point that will be affecting our finances in the years ahead, and what _ our finances in the years ahead, and what has _ our finances in the years ahead, and what has happened is the threshold to nrost— what has happened is the threshold to most people have been frozen, and will be _ to most people have been frozen, and will be frozen for another five years. — will be frozen for another five years, and as a result, if you get a pay rise. _ years, and as a result, if you get a pay rise. that _ years, and as a result, if you get a pay rise, that may well drag you into another tax bracket, a higher tax brackets, also may see, if that doesn't _ tax brackets, also may see, if that doesn't happen, a greater proportion of your— doesn't happen, a greater proportion of your income which is taxed, and the iss, _ of your income which is taxed, and the iss, the — of your income which is taxed, and the 155, the institute for fiscal

studies — the 155, the institute for fiscal studies think tank in the today believes— studies think tank in the today believes the equivalent of £500 between this year and next for a basic— between this year and next for a basic rate — between this year and next for a basic rate taxpayer will cost £1000 for a higher rate taxpayer compared to if the _ for a higher rate taxpayer compared to if the thresholds had been raised in line _ to if the thresholds had been raised in line with — to if the thresholds had been raised in line with inflation, which you kind _ in line with inflation, which you kind of— in line with inflation, which you kind of might expect in normal circumstances, if you like. it�*s kind of might expect in normal circumstances, if you like. it's not normal, circumstances, if you like. it's not normal. at — circumstances, if you like. it's not normal. at the — circumstances, if you like. it's not normal, at the minute, _ circumstances, if you like. it's not normal, at the minute, is - circumstances, if you like. it's not normal, at the minute, is it? - circumstances, if you like. it's not. normal, at the minute, is it? there with us if you were, we will come back to in a second. we are just hearing from a government that the government and nhs staff council have completed negotiations and reached a final offer. this is about nhs staff, nurses and other nhs workers in england, because of course health is a devolved matter, the other parts of the other nations in the uk deal with for themselves, they are saying they have reached a final offer, we have some more information just final offer, we have some more informationjust come final offer, we have some more information just come through. let me have a quick read. they say it

includes additional paid for the current year, 22 to 23, and a pay settlement for next year, 2023 and 24. both sides believe it represents a fair and reasonable settlement that acknowledges the dedication of nhs staff, while acknowledging their wider economic pressure is currently facing the uk. the government concerned with getting inflation down, as we've been talking about for months. those unions with mandates for industrial action, the royal college of nursing, unison, unite, will consult their members, strike action will continue to be posed while these ballots go on. there isn't information, as far as i can see at the moment, of quite what that pay deal represents, but the government had wanted the pay deal to be based about the future, not what has already gone, but the

unions resisted, many cases, and said, no, what the current year to be looked at two, and to be paid retrospectively, in addition to what is happening next year. that does look as if that is happening, because this pay offer, final offer, we are led to believe, does include additional pay for the current year. the unite union is one of those unions involved, and their general secretary sharon graham said following months and months of unnecessary to lay, the government finally gets into the negotiating room. they need to take full responsibility, she says, for the debtor and delay that caused unnecessary pain for staff and the strikes of the past few months, she says the government has been full into negotiations because of the strike action and the support from the public for the nhs, so the union

believes that they have had to listen. it is also important members make the final decision, unite will support members which have heard the decision they now make, as members are consulted, strike action will be paused. it will be put in front of them without a direction to accept it by unite, it would seem, and it goes on to say this government clearly does not hold to heart, it is clear from actions, britain clearly does not hold to heart, it is clearfrom actions, britain has clearly does not hold to heart, it is clear from actions, britain has a broken economy and workers are paying the price. an agreement has been reached, but unite is clearly not entirely in favour of it at that national executive level, but they are putting it in front of their members, as our other unions. you'll get more reaction from different unions involved in all of that in a moment, orthroughout the unions involved in all of that in a moment, or throughout the afternoon, and also no doubt the health secretary will be making a statement. let's continue with your

questions answered. we are talking about childcare and fallout from the budget, which was put in front of us yesterday. thank you for hearing with us, this is what you get on a life and continuous news channel. mike asks, how much free childcare will children getting a week? aha, will children getting a week? little bit of another head spinner in terms, it depends on the age of the child in a working status of the parents, and it is partly because the policies have been introduced by various different governments in slightly piecemeal way, and the aim has shifted from one of early education to childcare to support working parents, so, at the moment, and this applies to 38 weeks of the year again, and this applies to 38 weeks of the yearagain, all and this applies to 38 weeks of the year again, all three and four—year—olds are eligible to 15

hours per week, that is universal offer, and then you have the 30 hour offer, and then you have the 30 hour offer, so 50 hours from three to four—year—olds with working parents, which means that a parent earns, a lone parents on alone parent households are both parents and ensure parent household, the equivalent of 16 as a living wage, one of the parents can be on certain benefits, then you have the two—year—olds offer, which is currently aimed at the most disadvantaged —year—olds, and that's if the parents are in receipt of certain benefits, such as income support orjobseeker�*s certain benefits, such as income support or jobseeker�*s allowance, certain benefits, such as income support orjobseeker�*s allowance, or if the child is looked after child, thatis if the child is looked after child, that is 15 hours a week of that as we currently have. we have it was announced yesterday, all aimed at working parents, so this is, as far as we are aware, the same eligibility supplies to the 30 hour

offer for the three and four—year—olds at the moment. so from april 2024, working parents of two—year—olds will be able to access 15 hours per week again 38 hours of the year, and from september to 24 that will be extended down to parents with children from nine months upwards, and then from september 2024 that will become 30 hours a week for most parents of nine months old upwards. so what will happen at that point, working families in age from nine months of the way up to school age, they will be eligible for 30 hours, and then you have the two—year—olds with disadvantaged children, and one on to tackle literature treatment parents working on their eligibility, you really need to make sure when your child will be eligible, because eligibility doesn't kick in on a birthday, it kicks in the term after the child

becomes eligible. my daughter, her birthday is at the end of march, so her eligibility kicked in in april, which is when term starts. if your child is born on the 10th of april, it won't kick in until the start of the next term, which is september. it is the term after your child becomes of eligible age, not the birthday. becomes of eligible age, not the birthda . ~ , becomes of eligible age, not the birthda . . , ., becomes of eligible age, not the birthda . . , . , ., , birthday. why are these not fully cominu birthday. why are these not fully coming into _ birthday. why are these not fully coming into effect _ birthday. why are these not fully coming into effect until - birthday. why are these not fully coming into effect until 2025? it| birthday. why are these not fully i coming into effect until 2025? it is frustratin: coming into effect until 2025? it is frustrating one _ coming into effect until 2025? it 3 frustrating one for parents, because the story leaked in it seem like it was an immediate offer, but there is more information now and it is a staggered roll—out. if i'm honest, if the policy came in instantly, it would just be unachievable. we have such a fragile system, with years of

underfunding, we have a staffing and recruitment crisis, so if the government said, ok, one in two—year—olds, you have 30 hours, go get them, you have a lot parents going up to nurseries, preschools and childminders as if there hours, and childminders as if there hours, and them saying, i see no way, we have not got the capacity of the staff, and if i'm honest, i'm not entirely convinced that even with the slow roll—out, when the eligibility is extended, they will be able to offer the place is the parents are asking for.- be able to offer the place is the parents are asking for. yeah, they have to get _ parents are asking for. yeah, they have to get a _ parents are asking for. yeah, they have to get a lot _ parents are asking for. yeah, they have to get a lot of _ parents are asking for. yeah, they have to get a lot of things - parents are asking for. yeah, they have to get a lot of things in - parents are asking for. yeah, they have to get a lot of things in place to enable it to all come into force. a couple for you. for last, can my tax—free allowance be backdated? quite a specific question about pensions, _ quite a specific question about pensions, and there's been quite a political— pensions, and there's been quite a political debate today, the day after _ political debate today, the day after the budget. political debate today, the day afterthe budget. basically political debate today, the day after the budget. basically you have an annual— after the budget. basically you have an annual allowance, that is the amount— an annual allowance, that is the amount you can put into a pension

which _ amount you can put into a pension which is _ amount you can put into a pension which is tax—free, after which, if you break— which is tax—free, after which, if you break the threshold, then you -et you break the threshold, then you get an— you break the threshold, then you get an additional tax charge. the annual— get an additional tax charge. the annual limit is currently £40,000 and it— annual limit is currently £40,000 and it is— annual limit is currently £40,000 and it is going up to £60,000, and what— and it is going up to £60,000, and what phil— and it is going up to £60,000, and what phil is — and it is going up to £60,000, and what phil is asking is can you backdate _ what phil is asking is can you backdate if you haven't put any money — backdate if you haven't put any money and in the previous years? yes, _ money and in the previous years? yes. you — money and in the previous years? yes. you can, _ money and in the previous years? yes, you can, for the previous three years, _ yes, you can, for the previous three years. but— yes, you can, for the previous three years. but at— yes, you can, for the previous three years, but at £40,000. this feels like a _ years, but at £40,000. this feels like a world — years, but at £40,000. this feels like a world away from most people, the kind _ like a world away from most people, the kind of— like a world away from most people, the kind of people this would affect, — the kind of people this would affect, may be a business owner who has really _ affect, may be a business owner who has really put any money into their pension, _ has really put any money into their pension, starts to approach pension a-e, pension, starts to approach pension age. such— pension, starts to approach pension age. such a — pension, starts to approach pension age, such a thing, 0k, pension, starts to approach pension age, such a thing, ok, i need to put guite _ age, such a thing, ok, i need to put quite a _ age, such a thing, ok, i need to put quite a lot— age, such a thing, ok, i need to put quite a lot of— age, such a thing, ok, i need to put quite a lot of money into my pension _ quite a lot of money into my pension. it's those kind of people affected _ pension. it's those kind of people affected here. clearly the wider debate — affected here. clearly the wider debate about pension allowances has been quite fiercely fought out today, — been quite fiercely fought out today, in— been quite fiercely fought out today, in terms of whether it is sensible — today, in terms of whether it is sensible policy involved. just how many people _ sensible policy involved. just how many people are _ sensible policy involved. just how many people are really _ sensible policy involved. just how many people are really going - sensible policy involved. just how many people are really going to l many people are really going to benefit from some of them. we will leave it there, thank you both very

much for answering so many questions. the uk health secretary steve barclay has been speaking about that offer to unions involved in strikes in england , here's what he had to say. the government has made a formal offer, just come at a meeting, i'm pleased they've agreed to recommend to their members, it will be for a 5% pay rise next year, 2023 to 24, but also an additional lump sum in terms of this year which is additional to the award through the pay review body, which is on average 1.75%, what that will mean for a newly qualified nurse, for example, is over 1800 this year, on top of the pay award, and a pay rise of £1300 next year, net increases for more senior nurses in higher grades. so, it's a one—off payment, so it

doesn't go a long time into the salaries of those people. you said frequently that you would not look at this year's pay. urn? frequently that you would not look at this year's pay-— at this year's pay. why didn't you do this earlier? _ at this year's pay. why didn't you do this earlier? we _ at this year's pay. why didn't you do this earlier? we have - at this year's pay. why didn't you do this earlier? we have looked l at this year's pay. why didn't you | do this earlier? we have looked at it, we've had medium orfor discussions, the starting position from a number of unions is much higher, and so both sides have work together to reach a settlement, which is both affordable to the wider taxpayer, balances a very real pressures we recognise that nhs workers have been on, so there is balance required on both sides, that is what the talks explored, have a much welcome that we have reached a settlement with the nhs council. that balances our commitment to get inflation down, the to look at the cost of what is affordable to the wider economy, to taxpayers, but that also recognises the very real pressures that nhs had face to the pandemic in the winter. 50.

pressures that nhs had face to the pandemic in the winter.— pressures that nhs had face to the pandemic in the winter. so, how much will it cost and _ pandemic in the winter. so, how much will it cost and how _ pandemic in the winter. so, how much will it cost and how will _ pandemic in the winter. so, how much will it cost and how will it _ pandemic in the winter. so, how much will it cost and how will it be _ will it cost and how will it be funded? ~ ., will it cost and how will it be funded? ~ . , . ., funded? we have been clear it will not come funded? we have been clear it will rrot come at _ funded? we have been clear it will not come at the _ funded? we have been clear it will not come at the expense - funded? we have been clear it will not come at the expense of - funded? we have been clear it will not come at the expense of an - funded? we have been clear it will. not come at the expense of an impact on pensions. obviously, how these things are funded as a matter for the chancellor, we discussed that within government... he the chancellor, we discussed that within government. . ._ within government... he hasn't offered any _ within government... he hasn't offered any new— within government... he hasn't offered any new money, - within government... he hasn't offered any new money, he - within government... he hasn't l offered any new money, he didn't within government... he hasn't - offered any new money, he didn't in the budget. irate offered any new money, he didn't in the budget-— the budget. we are very clear, this will not the budget. we are very clear, this will rrot come _ the budget. we are very clear, this will not come from _ the budget. we are very clear, this will not come from patient - the budget. we are very clear, this will not come from patient facing l will not come from patient facing aspects. we will look at areas of underspend, and we will discuss this with the treasury and the usual way, but the commitment is on the trade unions have recognises meaningful, it reflects very constructive engagement with them, it means there will be a lump sum, additional, follow nhs staff this year, recognising the pressures, and a 5% settlement for next year. recognising the pressures, and a 596 settlement for next year.— recognising the pressures, and a 5% settlement for next year.— settlement for next year. funding is im ortant, settlement for next year. funding is important. their— settlement for next year. funding is important, their hospital _ settlement for next year. funding is important, their hospital trusts - important, their hospital trusts that even if some of this has to come out of existing budgets, it was

a mean more for patients. irate come out of existing budgets, it was a mean more for patients.— a mean more for patients. we have been cleared _ a mean more for patients. we have been cleared as _ a mean more for patients. we have been cleared as part _ a mean more for patients. we have been cleared as part of— a mean more for patients. we have been cleared as part of the - been cleared as part of the discussions we had this will will not come from areas of the budget that impact on patients, that was part of the terms of the concessions we had, it was part of the mandate i received from the prime minister in the chancellor.— the chancellor. there are many --eole the chancellor. there are many people who _ the chancellor. there are many people who will _ the chancellor. there are many people who will look _ the chancellor. there are many people who will look at - the chancellor. there are many people who will look at this - the chancellor. there are many| people who will look at this and the chancellor. there are many - people who will look at this and say this dispute has been going on for months, there was talk of a one—off payment, several weeks ago, months ago, in fact. payment, several weeks ago, months ago, infact. we payment, several weeks ago, months ago, in fact. we block from that in pursuing that by the treasury? irate pursuing that by the treasury? we take pursuing that by the treasury? - take decisions across government, these are entered into collectively, it's part of myjob to advocate for the nhs within government, in exactly the same way the education secretary will do so for teachers all the transport secretary for train drivers. myjob is to make the case for the nhs within government. that is something i have been doing over recent months, but we make these decisions collectively, we

have reached a settlement that they have reached a settlement that they have been able to recommend their members, it balances are commitment to get inflation down, to guard the interests of the taxpayer, but does so in a balanced that also reflects the very real pressures the nhs has been under in recent years.- been under in recent years. you've been under in recent years. you've been forced _ been under in recent years. you've been forced to _ been under in recent years. you've been forced to the _ been under in recent years. you've been forced to the negotiating - been forced to the negotiating table, haven't you, by the strike action, and by those people who have had operations cancelled and so many years, they will say that you should have done something sooner. {line years, they will say that you should have done something sooner. one of the shading — have done something sooner. one of the shading unions _ have done something sooner. one of the shading unions was _ have done something sooner. one of the shading unions was originally - the shading unions was originally asking for a 90% settlement, so has been movement on all sides... aha, asking for a 9096 settlement, so has been movement on all sides... a move some time ago. _ been movement on all sides... a move some time ago, though, _ been movement on all sides... a move some time ago, though, didn't - been movement on all sides... a move some time ago, though, didn't they? l some time ago, though, didn't they? to the position we are at today. there has been movement on both sides, and that reflects the balance nature of the settlement we have reached. looking after the interests

of taxpayers, getting inflation down, recognising the real pressures the nhs has faced.— the nhs has faced. finally, i know ou'll be the nhs has faced. finally, i know you'll be pleased, _ the nhs has faced. finally, i know you'll be pleased, of— the nhs has faced. finally, i know you'll be pleased, of course, - the nhs has faced. finally, i know you'll be pleased, of course, that l you'll be pleased, of course, that you'll be pleased, of course, that you seem to reach an agreement here, butjunior doctors, this doesn't but junior doctors, this doesn't includejunior doctors, butjunior doctors, this doesn't includejunior doctors, does it? h0. include 'unior doctors, does it? no, and to includejunior doctors, does it? no, and to my door— includejunior doctors, does it? mr, and to my door is open, i'm looking forward to having discussions with them. clearly we entered talks of them. clearly we entered talks of the agenda for change for trade unions suspending there's strikes, respecting engagement principles, i welcome the leadership that the trade unions have shown in those discussions, discussions that have respected confidentiality throughout, both sides of your willing to work in a very constructive way, and i hopejunior doctors will take note of that and reflect that in their approach over coming weeks. reflect that in their approach over coming weeks-— reflect that in their approach over coming weeks. your position is that the need coming weeks. your position is that they need to _ coming weeks. your position is that they need to suspend _ coming weeks. your position is that they need to suspend strike - coming weeks. your position is that they need to suspend strike action, | they need to suspend strike action, is that right?— is that right? yes, that's the rinci - le is that right? yes, that's the principle of _ is that right? yes, that's the principle of the _ is that right? yes, that's the principle of the other - is that right? yes, that's the principle of the other trade | is that right? yes, that's the - principle of the other trade unions accepted, all respected back, we have offered the same terms to the

junior doctors that were accepted by those other trade unions, and that is what i hope junior doctors will respond to, we have had a request them from a pay rise that is not affordable, we need to see from the same sort of leadership we have seen the trade unions on the agenda for change contract. the the trade unions on the agenda for change contract.— change contract. the health secretary — change contract. the health secretary steve _ change contract. the health secretary steve barclay - change contract. the health - secretary steve barclay speaking to vicki young. we are waiting for more reaction from the trade unions that have been involved in those talks to reach the final offer.

this is bbc news — welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. our top stories... nhs unions in england and the uk government have reached an agreement on a new pay deal — further strike action is now suspended as unions recommend the pay offer to their members. european markets rally after the swiss national bank bails out credit suisse as the european central bank raises interest rates despite mounting turmoil in the banking system. the french government has decided to force through its unpopular pension reforms, avoiding a knife—edge vote in the national assembly, prompting accusations of anti—democratic behaviour by the opposition. the united states releases footage of what it claims is the collision between a us drone and a russia jet over the black sea. the chinese—owned social media app

tiktok is banned on phones used by uk government ministers and officials. the uk government has reached an agreement with health unions over a new pay dealfor nhs staff in england. the deal aims to bring to an end to a winter of industrial action which has seen nurses, ambulance staff and physiotherapists all go on strike. the offer includes a rise of 5% for the next financial year starting in april and covers all nhs staff except doctors who are on a different contract. for this year, staff have been also offered a one—off payment. members will now be consulted over the coming weeks

and strike action paused. the uk health secretary steve barclay has been speaking in the last few minutes — here's what he had to say. the government has made a formal offer, just come at a meeting, i'm pleased they've agreed to recommend to their members, it will be for a 5% pay rise next year, 2023—24, but also an additional lump sum in terms of this year which is additional to the award through the pay review body, which is on average 1.75%, what that will mean for a newly qualified nurse, for example, is over 1800 this year, on top of the pay award, and a pay rise of £1300 next year, net increases for more senior nurses in higher grades. so, it's a one—off payment, so it doesn't go a long term into the

salaries of those people. you said frequently that you would not look at this year's pay. why didn't you do this earlier? we have looked at it, we've had meaningful discussions, the starting position from a number of unions is much higher, and so both sides have worked together to reach a settlement, which is both affordable to the wider taxpayer, balances a very real pressures we recognise that nhs workers have been on, so there is balance required on both sides, that is what the talks explored, i very much welcome that we have reached a settlement with the nhs council. that balances our commitment to get inflation down, the to look at the cost of what is affordable to the wider economy, to taxpayers, but that also recognises the very real pressures that the nhs staff had faced in the pandemic in the winter. so, how much will it

cost and how will it be funded? we have been clear it will not come at the expense of an impact on pensions. obviously, how these things are funded is a matter for the chancellor, we discussed that within government... he hasn't offered any new money, he didn't in the budget. we are very clear, this will not come from patient—facing aspects. we will look at areas of underspend, and we will discuss this with the treasury in the usual way, but the commitment is one the trade unions have recognised is meaningful, it reflects very constructive engagement with them, it means there will be a lump sum, additional, for nhs staff this year, recognising the pressures, and a 5% settlement for next year. funding is important, there are hospital trusts concerned that even if some of this has to come out of existing budgets, it was mean more for patients.

—— more pain. we have been clear as part of the discussions we had this will will not come from areas of the budget that impact on patients, that was part of the terms of the concessions we had, it was part of the mandate i received from the prime minister in the chancellor. there are many people who will look at this and say this dispute has been going on for months, there was talk of a one—off payment several weeks ago, months ago, in fact. were you blocked from that pursuing that by the treasury? we take decisions across government, these are entered into collectively, it's part of myjob to advocate for the nhs within government, in exactly the same way the education secretary will do so for teachers and the transport secretary for train drivers. myjob is to make the case for the nhs within government. that is something i have been doing over recent months, but we make these decisions collectively, we have reached a settlement that they have been able to recommend to their members, it

balances our commitment to get inflation down, to guard the interests of the taxpayer, but does so in a balanced way that also reflects the very real pressures the nhs has been under in recent years. you've been forced to the negotiating table, haven't you, by the strike action, and by those people who have had operations cancelled over so many years, they will say that you should have done something sooner. unions were originally asking for a 90% settlement, so has been movement on all sides... they moved some time ago, though, didn't they? not to the position we are at today. there has been movement on both sides, and that reflects the balance nature of the settlement we have reached. looking after the interests of taxpayers, getting inflation down, recognising the real pressures the nhs has faced.

finally, i know you'll be pleased, of course, that you seem to reached an agreement here, butjunior doctors, this doesn't include junior doctors, does it? no, and my door is open, i'm looking forward to having discussions with them. clearly we entered talks withthe agenda for change for trade unions suspending there's strikes, respecting engagement principles, i welcome the leadership that the trade unions have shown in those discussions, discussions that have respected confidentiality throughout, both sides willing to work in a very constructive way, and i hopejunior doctors will take note of that and reflect that in their approach over coming weeks. your position is that they need to suspend strike action, is that right? yes, that's the principle the other trade unions accepted, all respected that, we have offered the same terms to the junior doctors that were accepted by

those other trade unions, and that is what i hope junior doctors will respond to, we have had a request from them from a pay rise that is not affordable, we need to see from them the same sort of leadership we have seen the trade unions on the agenda for change contract. the health secretary steve barclay speaking to vicki young. our health correspondent catherine burns is with me. tell us about this deal. to breakdown, this will affect about a million nhs staff in england if they accept it. that is the big question. what is on offer is a one—off payment this year, slightly complicated because it depends on what you do. it will be a minimum for the levy is banned, things like cleaners and porters, they would get £1655, 8.2% increase, one—off for

this year. that varies depending on what they do, nurse consultants, quite a senior front line role, what they do, nurse consultants, quite a seniorfront line role, they would see any increase of over 2400, then top end managers we get about 3718 £9. going ahead next, a 5% increase across the nhs. that is what is being offered, the question now is if it will be accepted. what now is if it will be accepted. what has the reaction _ now is if it will be accepted. what has the reaction beam _ now is if it will be accepted. what has the reaction beam from - now is if it will be accepted. what has the reaction beam from the unions? what if you are involved in this. there has been a joint statement from the government and nhs staff council, it says both sides believe it represents a fair and reasonable settlement that acknowledges the dedication of nhs staff while recognising economic pressures. the royal college of nursing say the government has been forced into these negotiations as a result of pressure from their members, they say this is not perfect but it is a real tangible progress and they are recommended

get to their members. unison, another large union, says it is a shame it takes a long to get here, health workers had to take many days of strike action but they say if the offer was accepted it would boost pay significantly for them. they are recommending it to their members. another one, gmb, calls it a huge pay uplift for the lowest paid. to technologies this offer is far from perfect, it says our nhs workers deserve more, even so they recommend that their members accepted. unite, one of the smaller unions, is not recommending it to its members. it says the government's offer is not one they can recommend but it is important that members make their final decision. what will happen now is the strike action will be put on pause while it goes out to the members. this is breaking news right now, i have spoken to some nhs staff in the last few minutes, one of them is an ambulance worker who has

described it as good sort of, they have said they are sick of striking, they want it to be over, they probably will accept it, but they are worried about the impact it will have on morale on a very low morale nhs workforce. another nurse says this is not good enough, not with the higher inflation or amount of hours they do and care they provide, not tenable. this is the big question over the coming weeks, there are many more who will get their say, we'll have to wait and see what they say. meanwhile, nhs staff represented by one of scotland's health unions have accepted the latest pay offer from the scottish government. gmb scotland, which represents staff in the nhs and scottish ambulance service, said its members accepted the improved pay offer by a majority of 59.7%. a result of a vote by the rcn on the same offer is expected next week.

our scotland correspondent james shaw has more on the government handling of strike action in the country. it is similarand it is similar and that there has been this push and pressure for pay increases which are going to match inflation but the significant difference in scotland is that looking at the peace in the round, the scottish government has managed to avoid widespread strike action in scotland, certainly it has been threatened, there have been votes by all the major unions in favour of strike action but they have been averted, essentially by negotiations with the scottish government. what this deal means today is 7.5%, this yearfor gmb members, in line with the other unions who have accepted the other unions who have accepted the deal already, and then 6.5% next year. that is in 2023—24. members of

the gmb that i spoke to said the margin of acceptance around 60% is not that high, it does suggest there is still opposition, still concern about pay increases going forward and as you said, we still have a vote outstanding for the rcn, royal couege vote outstanding for the rcn, royal college of nursing in scotland, we expect we will hear the result of their decision, members decision on this pay deal next week. i think i am right in saying the union leaders have recommended they accept but we won't know the outcome until it is announced next week.— won't know the outcome until it is announced next week. because it is not 'ust announced next week. because it is rrot just about _ announced next week. because it is notjust about pay. _ announced next week. because it is notjust about pay, there _ announced next week. because it is notjust about pay, there are - announced next week. because it is notjust about pay, there are other| notjust about pay, there are other issues that unions would like the various governments that are responsible for health across the uk to address. ., , responsible for health across the uk to address. . , . ., , to address. that is true, certainly the case with _ to address. that is true, certainly the case with the _ to address. that is true, certainly the case with the gmb, _ to address. that is true, certainly the case with the gmb, one - to address. that is true, certainly the case with the gmb, one of. to address. that is true, certainly| the case with the gmb, one of the comments they have made after accepting this pay deal was a

warning that the scottish government had to address understaffing if it wanted to retain staff, so that issue of understaffing but also protecting pay increases in the future, those very big issues for all the health unions here and in other parts of the uk. shares in european banks have hit two—month lows, after the eurozone's central bank hiked interest rates by half of one percent. some investors had hoped the current turmoil in the banking sector would have deterred the european central bank from going ahead with the hike, because of the impact of higher rates on the banking sector. shares in the troubled swiss giant credit suisse had stabilised after the swiss national bank offered it a funding lifeline. so how did we get here? credit suisse was already in trouble before its biggest investor saudi national bank announced on wednesday that it could offer no more financial support. that led to its share

price plummetting by 30%. late wednesday the swiss central bank said it would provide financial support to the tune of 54 billion us dollars. that has reassured the markets for now but concerns remain about contagion from the collapse of the two us banks last week. the european central bank's interest rate rise is the sixth successive hike. that's despite wider fears of market uncertainty following credit suisse's bailout. but the ecb's president says the situation is being monitored. we are monitoring current market tensions closely and we stand ready to respond as necessary to preserve price stability and financial stability in the euro area. the euro area banking sector is resilient with strong capital and liquidity positions. in any case, our policy toolkit is fully equipped to provide liquidity support to the euro area

financial system if needed, and to preserve the smooth transition of monetary policy. christine lagarde, the president of the european central bank. the united states has released pictures of what it claims is the incident between a us drone and a russia jet. in these pictures you can see what is claimed to be the russian su—27 jet approaching the drone. the russianjet then begins to release fuel as it passes. it then flies over the top of the drone. the russian jet then repeats this pass. these pictures from the us air force. russia has denied us accusations that its jets acted recklessly in the incident on tuesday over the black sea. our defence correspondent jonathan beale gave us more. what the us has released, and this is edited footage that it has released, they say this interaction was going on for at least 30 minutes, so we are only seeing a snapshot

of the moments when the fuel was dumped, it seems deliberately, on the drone, whether it was to try and make it go down, we don't know, or to disrupt its sensors. but we see the propeller blade being twisted after the second pass being shown, which interrupted the video feed. a drone is operated from the ground, remember, by a ground crew, and there is a live feed of whatever information it is sucking up and it always has a camera. but it looks like this is backing up the us version of events. lord austin said he's confident the story they are giving is accurate, but the russians are saying the downing of the drone was not their responsibility, and the drone made a sharp turn, but the only extraordinary move in this video is by the russian jets and not the drone.

on a different subject, is the provision we are hearing from poland of some mig fighterjets to ukraine, what is the thinking? if you remember, about a year ago, there was a suggestion that poland could send its older soviet era mig jets to ukraine. the polish said they would send them to ramstein air base in germany, and then the us backfilled a donation to ukraine with f—16 jets, but that was not acceptable to the us and the deal fell apart. but what we have seen in the last year is that countries willing to send western tanks, the appeals from ukraine for modern fighterjets, well, they have not got modern fighterjets, but at the moment we are hearing it will be four polish mig 29s that they will give ukraine

and there will be more to come but it crosses a threshold. although it does not mean you will see a flood of western countries like the us and the uk offering to provide modern western jets, as we saw what happened with tanks. first of all, soviet tanks given to ukraine from eastern european countries and eventually the west providing modern main battle tanks has happened but i do not think this signals that the west is going to start giving modern fighterjets to ukraine but this is part of the appeal that ukraine has made and it is going to help them, though not completely change the picture on the battle field, it will still not be air superiority for ukraine. president macron has decided to force through his controversial pension reform without calling a vote in the french parliament. he opted to invoke a controversial article in the constitution

after a frantic series of meetings with close aides and ministers which revealed he'd lose a vote. booing. french prime minister elisabeth borne was booed as she arrived in the national assembly. let's cross to paris and speak to our correspondent hugh schofield. remind us of the background to this and these reforms that president macron needs to push through. this is the pension _ macron needs to push through. tn 3 is the pension reform plan which he promised in his election campaign last year, which would raise the age at which you can get a state pension 64, for the last two months as we reported regularly, france has lived through one of its periodic campaigns of street opposition with demonstrations, strikes, it came to a head today, the day in which there

was to have been a vote in parliament on this measure, and at the government was hoping, it is a minority government, no majority, it was hoping to, assuming it would attract enough votes for this measure from the conservative party which broadly agrees with the principle of raising the retirement age, but india and when they did their numbers this morning and when macron and elisabeth borne were together crunching the numbers, they realised they didn't have it, there were a number of people in the conservative party who were prepared to vote against it. at last minute today, high suspense, the government, macron in particular, decided to avoid a vote in parliament and to push it through using this controversial constitutional procedure. it is like a red rag to the opposition of the left and also the far right who have said all along that if this were to

come to pass, if macron were unable to muster a majority and use this, it would be like an insult to the people who have shown over and again a majority of them are against this bill. forthe a majority of them are against this bill. for the opposition, this is maybe a defeat in the sense the measures are going through but it is a victory that it shows macron is governing for them against the will of the people. governing for them against the will of the people-— of the people. what can they do about it? in _ of the people. what can they do about it? in the _ of the people. what can they do about it? in the first _ of the people. what can they do about it? in the first instance i of the people. what can they do l about it? in the first instance they can do what _ about it? in the first instance they can do what this _ about it? in the first instance they can do what this procedure - about it? in the first instance they i can do what this procedure mandates them, the collie censure motion, there will be one, probably two or three, in parliament next week which theoretically could lead, if a majority votes for it, to the downfall of the government. theoretical possibility. but the opposition is also divided between the far right, very strong, and at the far right, very strong, and at

the left, pretty strong as well. they don't like each other, so it is unlikely that a century of motion would have a majority. the government probably will survive but with this discredited air about it, that it has had to go behind the backs of parliament to post its way through, it is not at all a good image to have the government. at the same time it is going to provoke the unions and the left who feel they have got, they have been proven right, that the government is riding roughshod, they will be pursuing their campaign of strikes and demonstrations with more intensity in the weeks ahead. the uk government has banned the social media app tiktok from their phones, amid security concerns. there have been claims that the user data could be passed on to the chinese government — an allegation the company strongly denies. a number of mps use the app, with 10 downing street launching its own account under former prime minister borisjohnson. there has been pressure from some mps to follow the united states and the european commission in banning the app from government devices, and now

the government are taking action. a short time ago i spoke to our technology correspondent shiona mccallum. we know there is already limiting use of tiktok across government but it is also good cyber hygiene. given the particular risk around government devices which may contain sensitive information, it is both prudent and proportionate to restrict the use of certain apps, particularly when it comes to apps where a large amount of data can be stored and accessed. a short time ago i spoke to our technology correspondent shiona mccallum. the us don't want government officials — the us don't want government officials to have tiktok on their phones. — officials to have tiktok on their phones, we have seen the european commission— phones, we have seen the european commission and council say the same thing. _ commission and council say the same thing. and _ commission and council say the same thing, and the belgian and dutch government has well, so this is

worldwide — government has well, so this is worldwide issue between the west and china, _ worldwide issue between the west and china. and _ worldwide issue between the west and china, and in these concerns we have our phones. — china, and in these concerns we have our phones, we have tiktok on them, our phones, we have tiktok on them, our e-mails — our phones, we have tiktok on them, our e—mails and contacts, our geo— data, _ our e—mails and contacts, our geo— data. is— our e—mails and contacts, our geo— data. is that — our e—mails and contacts, our geo— data, is that going into tick—tock and being — data, is that going into tick—tock and being fed back to chinese government? what can beijing do with it? a law— government? what can beijing do with it? a law was passed in 2017 and china _ it? a law was passed in 2017 and china which— it? a law was passed in 2017 and china which says tech companies must comply— china which says tech companies must comply with _ china which says tech companies must comply with the communist party, so if they— comply with the communist party, so if they were _ comply with the communist party, so if they were to ask for the data from _ if they were to ask for the data from people all across the world, that could — from people all across the world, that could happen. the concern is what _ that could happen. the concern is what that — that could happen. the concern is what that could do, what it would mean. _ what that could do, what it would mean, what the chinese powers would have if— mean, what the chinese powers would have if they _ mean, what the chinese powers would have if they were to access this secure — have if they were to access this secure information that is on government ministers' phones. richard branson company sending

satellites from corals harvesting in. stay with us, in the hours ahead, he and bbc news, plenty more on our website. a lot milder today than yesterday, along with a milder air outcomes wet and with the weather, particularly out towards the west stopped some very soggy ground here, not a lot set to change as we head through the rest of this week and into next, brighter spells around, it will be cloudy, mild and more wet weather to come in the forecast. today, rain from this weather front across much of scotland, cold front pushed eastward slowly across england. the south—westerly wind brisk towards western coast, dragging in mild air, temperatures higher than they were yesterday. still cold across the far north of scotland. outbreaks of rain

this afternoon, sunny spells and showers across northern ireland, it's under, best of the sunshine developing in north—east scotland. sunny spells hanging on for the far south—east of england, to produce between 11 and 15. a lot milder than it was yesterday. this evening and overnight, still got our weather front giving outbreaks of rain across south—east england at times, towards the north and west we will see the clearest of disguise, still showers across much of scotland but largely frost free as we head into the start of the day, generally between 6—10. more rain across the channel islands moving into south—east england as we head through the morning, clearing in the afternoon, elsewhere more sunshine than today, mild, watch out for showers, developing with the sunshine and possibly a rumble of thunder. low pressure always close by as we head through the weekend.

likely to see some outbreaks of rain moving into scotland for western coast, also across northern ireland, rain moving into wales, longer spells here by the end of the day. more showers on saturday than friday, air mild, temperature is peaking at 11—15. south—westerly wind picking up towards the end of the day, turning more north—westerly on sunday which means cooler feeling air. a lot drier on sunday. another weather front approaching, temperatures a little lower, 9—12.

this is bbc news — welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. our top stories nhs unions in england and the uk government have reached an agreement on a new pay deal — further strike action is now suspended as unions put the pay offer to their members. european markets rally after the swiss national bank bails out credit suisse as the european central bank raises interest rates despite mounting turmoil in the banking system. the french government has decided to force through its unpopular pension reforms, avoiding a knife—edge vote in the national assembly, prompting accusations of anti—democratic behaviour by the opposition. the united states releases footage of what it claims is the collision between a us drone and a russia jet over the black sea.

over 300 people are now confirmed to have died across malawi, mozambique and madagascar since cyclone freddy first made landfall last month. some places have been completely cut off and homes swept away leaving thousands displaced. our correspondent rhoda odhiambo is in malawi and sent this from one of the worst hit areas, the city of blantyre. it's the first day of morning here in blantyre, malawi, after the president declared a period to remember those who lost. this

hospital is one of the facilities designated to receive patients and those who have been injured in the aftermath of cyclone freddy, and this is where they are receiving care and treatment.— this is where they are receiving care and treatment. many are not bein: care and treatment. many are not being reached — care and treatment. many are not being reached in _ care and treatment. many are not being reached in the _ care and treatment. many are not being reached in the other i care and treatment. many are notj being reached in the other district because _ being reached in the other district because 36 or so roads have been affected. — because 36 or so roads have been affected, destroyed, some bridges washed— affected, destroyed, some bridges washed up, and so you can't even get there _ washed up, and so you can't even get there we _ washed up, and so you can't even get there. we need helicopters, we need people _ there. we need helicopters, we need people that can drop off supplies to those _ people that can drop off supplies to those communities. he people that can drop off supplies to those communities.— those communities. he was able to visit different _ those communities. he was able to visit different wards _ those communities. he was able to visit different wards such _ those communities. he was able to visit different wards such as i those communities. he was able to visit different wards such as the i visit different wards such as the children's ward, female and made mail wards. translation: j mail wards. translation: ., ., mailwards. translation: ., ., , , , translation: i am worried because my house has collapsed _ translation: i am worried because my house has collapsed and _ translation: i am worried because my house has collapsed and my _ house has collapsed and my neighbours are living in temporary care _ neighbours are living in temporary care i_ neighbours are living in temporary care i don't— neighbours are living in temporary care. i don't know where i will go once _ care. i don't know where i will go once i_ care. i don't know where i will go once i am — care. i don't know where i will go once i am discharged. all patients here have varying _ once i am discharged. all patients here have varying injuries, i once i am discharged. all patients here have varying injuries, and i once i am discharged. all patients l here have varying injuries, and even though doctors are treating what

they're able to see, the biggest concern is the mental health. some patients here are the only surviving members of their family after most of them have died. some of the relatives have not been found, the doctors are keen to ensure the support for the people the president is saying also includes the mental health getting the psychological support they need so they are able to move forward after they have been discharged from the facilities. to the netherlands now where early exit polls from elections to 12 provincial parliaments suggest an astounding victory for the recently formed farmer—citizen movement. formed in 2019 in the wake of widespread farmers protests, with most votes counted they are due to win 15 seats of the senate's seats with almost 20% of the vote. that's ahead of prime minister mark rutte's liberal conservative people's party for freedom and democracy. our correspondent at the hague,

anna holligan told us more. one woman in her party responsible for an earthquake in dutch politics. expectation—breaking gains for the right—wing farmer—citizen movement are being seen as an unequivocal revolt against the ruling coalition. translation: what is happening? what is happening here? we knew that we were going to win, but this is indescribable. the party promised to fight government plans to slash nitrogen emissions to reach 2030 climate targets by dramatically reducing livestock numbers and buying out thousands of farms, but the party's appeal has spread rapidly beyond the farmers, on a populist platform that represents traditional conservative values. a key question now is, will they be able to create a blockade in the senate to prevent the forced expropriation of high polluting farms? translation: you can see among farmers that there l is a sense of powerlessness.

we don't know what to do. we feel restless and feel that something is being imposed on us. decisions are made based on desk studies, but what is really going on? how can we influence it? on the other side of the political spectrum, a left—wing green—labour alliance is also on course to win 15 senate seats. these newly powerful forces on the left and right are at odds on key challenges facing the netherlands, including the climate and asylum system. this political polarisation is reflected on the streets. last weekend, climate activist called for the government to stop fossil fuel subsidies and invest more in renewable energy, while farmers gathered to protest against measures designed to reduce pollution. the netherlands' longest serving prime minister mark rutte's for party coalition could turn to the left—wing parties to push policy through,

but bypassing the big winners in these provincial polls discs going against the apparent wishes of huge swathes of the country and feeding into allegations the government isn't listening. more now on the news that the uk government has reached an agreement with health unions over a new pay dealfor nhs staff in england which aims to bring to an end a winter of industrial action which has seen walk—outs from nurses, ambulance staff and physiotherapists. let's speak now to onay kasab, national lead officer of the union unite. thank you very much forjoining us. your secretary general seems rather dismissive of what has been put of the unions. why is that?— the unions. why is that? well, we have had a — the unions. why is that? well, we have had a long _ the unions. why is that? well, we have had a long period _ the unions. why is that? well, we have had a long period of- the unions. why is that? well, we have had a long period of delay i the unions. why is that? well, we i have had a long period of delay from the government until we got to this

point, and i think it's a great shame that we couldn't be here a long time ago. we were told they would not negotiate, they could negotiate, surprise, surprise, they are now having to negotiate. that happened only because our members took strike action to force the government to negotiate, and it's worth pointing out that the proposal for 2022 is a non—consolidated payment, and by that we mean, it's not going to form part of the pay scale, so the fear, the danger, is that it's not really going to help people, it's not really going to help recruitment in the nhs, its non—consolidated, so in the current staff members will get it, but let's not forget we have had to take strike action to get to this position, where we are. what we will

do, we will put it to our members and our members will decide. we are not going to recommend acceptance, because if all is short of what we are asking for. ml because if all is short of what we are asking for.— are asking for. i'll come back to that in a moment, _ are asking for. i'll come back to that in a moment, but i are asking for. i'll come back to that in a moment, but yours i are asking for. i'll come back to that in a moment, but yours is| are asking for. i'll come back to i that in a moment, but yours is the only union, from what i've read, that has been involved in these talks were not going to recommend it. why is it so much more acceptable to the others are not to you? acceptable to the others are not to ou? ~ , ., acceptable to the others are not to ou? . , ., ., acceptable to the others are not to ou? ~ , ., ., ., ., acceptable to the others are not to ou? . y., ., . ., . you? well, you would have to ask the other unions — you? well, you would have to ask the other unions why _ you? well, you would have to ask the other unions why they _ you? well, you would have to ask the other unions why they chose i you? well, you would have to ask the other unions why they chose to i you? well, you would have to ask the other unions why they chose to make | other unions why they chose to make their decision. our reps met today and made the decision based on the points i made earlier on. a full short of what we were asking for, we want something that is genuinely going to help recruitment and retention in the nhs, and there are some doubts among some of our reps that are non—consolidated one of some is going to be able to do that. that is a problem for us, but ultimately our members will make the decision, no members will decide.

they will decide, but what more is there to discuss? how much further did you want the government to move? well, we wanted a consolidated payment. what our members wanted, what our members were telling us is that they wanted the 2022, because that's what the dispute was about, 22 payout, our members were making they did not want a one non—an unconsolidated sum, so what we wanted was something that was going to permanently change from 2022 onwards. when you look at it, you don't take account of the non—consolidated payment, so it doesn't have a follow through, so it would have wanted, what would have been better is a consolidated payment for 2022, but of course what would have been better is if the government would have sat down earlier with us and actually negotiated instead of telling us time and time again that

negotiations were not possible. i negotiations were not possible. i believe you are one of the smaller unions involved in these talks, if all of the others recommend this deal to their members of the members vote for it, how much leverage will unite really have?— unite really have? well, perhaps it's a matter _ unite really have? well, perhaps it's a matter of _ unite really have? well, perhaps it's a matter of us _ unite really have? well, perhaps it's a matter of us punching i unite really have? well, perhaps it's a matter of us punching well| it's a matter of us punching well above our weight. we've had more than 600 disputes, winning 80% of those, and put a huge amount of money into the pockets of our members, so we are clear that we are union that is capable of taking the effective action. the other unions will consult their members, they work alongside our members as well, but let's see what those consultation exercises come back with. plans for the world's first octopus farm in spain have been leaked to the campaign organisation eurogroup for animals and seen by the bbc. scientists have told the bbc

that the proposed way of slaughtering the octopuses in icy water is inhumane. the 22—page document was submitted by spanish multinational nueva pescanova to the general directorate of fishing of the government of the canary islands as part of its planning application. it reveals the octopuses will be killed by being put in large tanks of water kept at —3 degrees. octopuses are really unique and intelligent animals. they have complex behaviours, they are able to deal with other aquatic animals, they have memories, they are really complex animals, and they usually live in the rocks in the marine environment.— live in the rocks in the marine environment. ., ., , environment. there are often served, thourh, in environment. there are often served, though, in restaurants _ environment. there are often served, though, in restaurants around i environment. there are often served, though, in restaurants around the i though, in restaurants around the world, many people like to eat octopus. what makes farming them any

worse than that? do octopus. what makes farming them any worse than that?— worse than that? do you mean which ones of the — worse than that? do you mean which ones of the problems _ worse than that? do you mean which ones of the problems with _ worse than that? do you mean which ones of the problems with the i worse than that? do you mean which ones of the problems with the farm, | ones of the problems with the farm, which ones are our concerns? if which ones are our concerns? if people have been eating octopus for a very long time, how is it any different if they are formed? i different if they are formed? i mean, if we fish octopus in the wild, it has ethical concerns because the slaughter method that we're using right now is completely inhumane, but if we are planning to farm them, the ethical concerns increase, because these animals are solitary by nature and territorial, solitary by nature and territorial, so if we keep them in high densities on the farms it's going to very stressful, and this can lead to their aggression, stressful, and this can lead to theiraggression, cannibalism, mutilation. also, these animals are going to be slaughtered using inhumane methods in farms, as you mention, the companies are planning

to slaughter them using ice with water, and this is a cruel method that causes pain, suffering and fear for the animals.— for the animals. what would be a humane way _ for the animals. what would be a humane way of — for the animals. what would be a humane way of slaughtering i for the animals. what would be a humane way of slaughtering an i humane way of slaughtering an octopus? humane way of slaughtering an octous? ., , ., ., octopus? right now there is not a humane way _ octopus? right now there is not a humane way to — octopus? right now there is not a humane way to filter _ octopus? right now there is not a humane way to filter them. i octopus? right now there is not a humane way to filter them. not i humane way to filter them. not scientifically proven method to humane the source of these animals. so what would your advice be to those who are planning this farming project in spain? it’s those who are planning this farming project in spain?— pro'ect in spain? it's very clear, we project in spain? it's very clear, we want a _ project in spain? it's very clear, we want a band _ project in spain? it's very clear, we want a band of— project in spain? it's very clear, we want a band of the _ project in spain? it's very clear, we want a band of the octopus i we want a band of the octopus farming. we think the animals are not suitable forfarming farming. we think the animals are not suitable for farming conditions, these plans should be rejected by these plans should be rejected by the spanish authorities. we also think the eu should take part here and ban octopus farming right now, because the current legislation on farm animal welfare.— because the current legislation on farm animal welfare. when we are t in: to farm animal welfare. when we are trying to produce _ farm animal welfare. when we are trying to produce different i farm animal welfare. when we are trying to produce different types i farm animal welfare. when we are| trying to produce different types of

protein that are healthy for human beings, is this not even vaguely a sensible thing to do? i beings, is this not even vaguely a sensible thing to do?— beings, is this not even vaguely a sensible thing to do? i don't think this is a sustainable _ sensible thing to do? i don't think this is a sustainable way - sensible thing to do? i don't think this is a sustainable way to i sensible thing to do? i don't think. this is a sustainable way to produce protein. we know that there are environmental issues, these animals are carnivorous, they will need to be fed with animal protein, so we are going to fish wild caught fish, wild fish, to feed his animals, so this is completely unsustainable, because the species that we are catching to feed the octopus, they could be consumed by human beings. so i think if agriculture wants to be more sustainable, we should be forming other kinds of species. a piano teacher who once taught catherine, princess of wales has written a song for the nation to sing at king charles' coronation. daniel nicholls is in touch with schools across the country, and hopes the day before the coronation they'll all come together to sing. here's fiona lamdin. # thejubilation... # of the nation.

excellent. composers daniel and sandra have written a song celebrating king charles iii�*s coronation, and they want every school singing it. # the central orb of all that's just. # in you, our king, we place our trust. what's your favourite bit of the song? it's really good and easy to learn. the chorus, because it's very happy and lively. # the jubilation of the nation. # unconcealed in celebration. sandra and daniel came up with the idea a few weeks ago in the pub. that's enough, that's enough. we don't want to go too far. obviously we're not all going to get to the coronation — we'll be watching on tv — but with this we can all feel part of it. # something i'll never do again... and it's not their first brush with the royal family. kate middleton came for piano lessons from the age of about 11 to 13. she was very bright and bubbly.

and she got grade three piano and grade five theory. we sent it to king charles and haven't heard anything back but kate's sister pippa has heard it and said she liked the jubilant nature of the chorus. hundreds of schools have been in touch with the composers, including hill house in central london — which happens to be where the king started his education six decades ago, when he was eight. this was him arriving on his very first day, being greeted by my mother at the door. this is his nanny, this was the policeman. and he came in. it was the first time any member of the royalfamily had been educated outside of the palace. so he's coming to a normal school, mixing with normal children. and he had a wonderful day. and at the end of the day, here he is going home. my father seeing him off, and he went off back to the palace in an ordinary zephyr — a ford zephyr. and he came every day in that. they chose here — the queen chose here? yes. yes, my father went to buckingham palace for tea and was grilled by the queen

and the duke of edinburgh. and afterwards they said, "yes, right, he's coming." this is the composer — and he's not dead! laughter. # the central orb of all that's just... current students are excited about the coronation of a former pupil, and are keen to show their support. # ..celebration. # robed in splendour... much better! # defender of us all #. fiona lamdin, bbc news. let's catch up on the latest business news now. we will start with news from europe. tackling inflation is the ecb�*s most pressing concern. that's the message sent by the european central bank as it ploughs ahead with plans to raise rates, despite sluggish growth in the eurozone, and turmoil in the banking sector. the ecb's main interest rate was hiked by 50 basis points to 3.5% — as it tries to keep a lid on rising prices.

but the language from policymakers has begun to strike a new note: dropping a reference, used in previous statements, to the need to raise rates "significa ntly" going forward. i've been speaking to agnese ortalani from the economist intelligence unit. she explained the ecb's thinking. the ecb decided to go ahead with a 50 basis point hike because it is concerned about inflation in the eurozone and especially core inflation. so we have core inflation that excludes food and energy prices, rose to 5.6% in february which is a record high and the ecb is still concerned that inflation remains too high and the ecb expect it to remain too high for too long, according to their latest projections that have been revised upwards for core inflation in particular. and lagarde said the majority of the countries were in favour of that decision. essentially, lagarde didn't precommit to any further hikes in the future.

she said, though, that the ecb is determined to return to 2% inflation target over the medium term and given the current ecb inflation projections, which has inflation still above 2% until 2025, we think that the ecb will still go ahead with a couple of smaller hikes, 25 basis points, in both may and june. the bank reiterated that it will evaluate the situation, how it goes, with a meeting by meeting approach, on the basis of the data they have available in terms of inflation outlook, in terms of dynamics of core inflation and also the strength of monetary policy transmissions. now as we've been saying one of the biggest headaches for the ecb is the turmoil in the banking sector — with the problems facing credit suisse currently at the fore. but the problems began with last week's collapse of the silicon valley bank in the us. prompting words of calm today from

the treasury secretary janet yellen. i can reassure the members of the committee that our banking system is sound and that americans can feel confident that their deposits will be there when they need them. this week's actions demonstrate our resolute commitment to ensure that our financial system remains strong and that depositors' savings remain safe. here's samira hussain in new york. it so interesting, isn't it? there has been no shortage of central—bank leaders, bank bosses, industry figures, trying to reassure investors everything is ok, dissolve and hang, they're trying to stop the contagion that we have talked a lot about. ~ , ,., , contagion that we have talked a lot about. ~ ,,., , about. absolutely, the same time we are seeinu about. absolutely, the same time we are seeing janet _ about. absolutely, the same time we are seeing janet yellen _ about. absolutely, the same time we are seeing janet yellen make - about. absolutely, the same time we are seeing janet yellen make that - are seeing janet yellen make that same to lawmakers that keep

hammering her, saying, look, this looks like essentially yet another bank bailout, which obviously the message she is peddling is that this is not, it is been out of customers, we are putting customers and the american people first. all of this is being done to try and contain any sort of knock—on effects on other banks, while all this is unfolding, we see all of this regional bank continue to get hammered, it even. they're halting of trading because of all of the volatility, there has been some easing of that, they are starting to get back up in terms of their share price, because there are now reports that some big banks in the united states are looking to try and put money into infrastructure to try and help them out. i and put money into infrastructure to try and help them out.— try and help them out. i know you are follow— try and help them out. i know you are follow that, _ try and help them out. i know you are follow that, thank _ try and help them out. i know you are follow that, thank you - try and help them out. i know you are follow that, thank you for - try and help them out. i know you | are follow that, thank you for that. a ripple effect on the startup scene far away from california. let's take stock of the impact

with our colleagues in asia, both in singapore an in india. let's go first to mumbai. here in india, start—ups are breathing a collective sigh of relief. "we havejust dodged a big bullet," one entrepreneur told me. but that does not mean the cloud of worry has entirely lifted. svb is reported to have around 800 employees in india and theirfuture remains uncertain. also, this was the bank of choice for many indian entrepreneurs because of their easy and friendly start—up procedures. banking with a traditional institution may be different and perhaps a more difficult affair, some entrepreneurs have told me. in his meeting earlier this week with start—up bosses to take stock of the situation, india's it minister rajeev chandrasekhar said this was perhaps time for indian banks to step up and fill the void and for entrepreneurs to begin using their operational frameworks.

the immediate uncertainty may be over but the world's third largest start—up ecosystem is heavily dependent on silicon valley business. amid a funding crunch, this is a setback that could further derail that growth story. analysts we have been speaking to say that whilst some small start—ups may have their funds parked with svb, the numbers are very few. the advisory firm aletheia capital has crunched the company report of the names in big tech here in southeast asia, the likes of grab, go—jek and sea, and it has found they have little if any direct exposure. silicon valley used to be a really critical piece. covid has defnitely changed that. some of the shine of silicon valley is maybe coming off. it gives folks in asia confidence that they are on a very level playing field, that the things they are doing here out of singapore or bangkok orjakarta, actually they can be done here. start—ups generally burn through cash and for some it can be months if not years

before they turn a profit. it is what made silicon valley bank so attractive — it backed them from the start and its collapse could see a liquidity crunch across the entire tech sector, meaning that tech companies here in asia will struggle to get the cash they need. it is a situation that governments say they are monitoring closely. in other news: britain has banned the use of the video sharing app tiktok from government employees' mobile devices — citing concerns for the security of data. the move follows calls from the us that tiktok should be sold as it poses a national security risk. the white house added the chinese tech giant could face a possible ban from the country if a sale wasn't made. the chinese authorities and tiktok owner bytedance have denied widely misusing data. russia's trade minister says he sees car sales rebounding this year by at least 30% — according to reports in the russian media. russia's auto industry was one of the worst hit sectors from western lead sanctions over russia's invasion of ukraine. with sales down by 59% last year.

john lewis has axed its staff bonus for a second time after losses grew during a "very tough year". the department store firm, which also owns waitrose supermarkets, reported a 235 million pound pre—tax loss. the company said it faced with a "more challenging environment" and was tripling its target to make savings from 300 million pounds to 900 million pounds by january 2026. bankruptcy court filings made by the new management of the collapsed crypto—currency exchange ftx say the former boss — sam bankman—fried — received more than $2 billion from entities linked to the company. his lawyers declined to comment. mr bankman—fried is facing a number of federal charges related to the collapse of ftx — accusing him of securities fraud and looting the platform for personal gain. much more of all those stories on

the website. whether in headlines coming up phoenix. it's a lot milder today than it was yesterday, temperatures than it was yesterday, a lot higher, the warmest temperatures a lot higher, the warmest day of the year so far in northern ireland, there are plenty of wet weather around as well, particularly towards the west. lancashire, soggy ground here, here in surrey some of the best sunshine, no big changes of the next few days, generally a lot of cloud, mild and wet weather at times, low pressure set to dominate the weather as we go through the next few days into the start next week, but some very mild air, you see it flow through in the

bristol susae went throughout the day, korda still hanging on for the far north of maine in scotland in the northern isles in particular. overnight tonight we will see our weather fronts just fizzle out, it would be invigorated tomorrow morning, a lot of dry weather elsewhere, that she frost—free as we kick—off the day tomorrow, temperatures generally between six and 9 celsius. friday morning i weather front starts to pep up, you will reinvigorate across the channel islands for a while, also south—east england and east anglia for a while, they will clear away as we head through the afternoon. elsewhere a lot more sunshine around than we are seeing today, but the daytime heating will spark off some heavy, possibly thundery downpours, temperatures mild, may be a localised 16 somewhere, so feeling perhaps a little woman tomorrow, the breeze may be a bit lighter as well. low pressure never too far away as we had through the weekend, in fact

it will push its way eastwards as we head into saturday, bringing weather fronts with it. longer spells of rain for west of scotland, touching north west england by the afternoon, will be running all the time, still mild, breezy towards western coast, but the wind turns from the south—westerly lead to more of a north—westerly really, as we had three saturday night and into sunday, so cool are the day. sunday looking lashes dry in spite of a lot of cloud in the morning, we should see brighter skies formants we go into the afternoon, temperatures a little bit lower in the north—westerly wind, peaking between nine and 12 celsius, maybe a 13 towards the south—east, with this weather front approaching from the west, then it will turn unsettled against the start of next week a milder once

this is bbc news — welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. our top stories... a fresh pay offer for nhs staff in england, including nurses and ambulance workers has just been announced. the french government is to push through unpopular pension reforms without a vote prompting protests. this is the scene live at a protest in paris. stock markets in europe and america have made gains — despite continuing worries about the international banking system. the united states releases footage of what it claims is the collision between a us drone and a russia jet over the black sea.

britain becomes the latest country to ban the chinese—