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— owned video sharing app tiktok from government mobile phones. 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 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.

right next of that money for this year means it is right next of that money for this year means it is a right next of that money for this year means it is a one—off right next of that money for this year means it is a one—off pain right next of that money for this year means it is a one—off pain and can it is in a long time 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. 0bviously, 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. you have been forced to the negotiating table by the strike action. forthose negotiating table by the strike action. for those people who have

had operations cancelled or postponed, they are going to say that you should have done something sooner. �* , , , u, sooner. there's been significant movement. _ sooner. there's been significant movement, for _ sooner. there's been significant movement, for example, - sooner. there's been significant movement, for example, other| sooner. there's been significant - movement, for example, other trade unions were suggesting a 19% settlement, so there has been movement on all sides.- settlement, so there has been movement on all sides. they moved sometime ago. _ movement on all sides. they moved sometime ago, didn't _ movement on all sides. they moved sometime ago, didn't they? - looking into the interest of taxpayers, getting inflation down, recognising the real approach is that the nhs has faced. i'm joined now by the uk's shadow health secretary wes streeting. thank you very much for being with us. did you think the unions should accept this offer? that us. did you think the unions should accept this offer?— accept this offer? that is what they are recommending _ accept this offer? that is what they are recommending to _ accept this offer? that is what they are recommending to their- accept this offer? that is what they i are recommending to their members, and i hope that these negotiations bring in and to the disruption,

albeit the government is still to negotiate with the junior doctors, and we had three days of disruption and we had three days of disruption and not dispute this week. we're not quite of the woods. i think where we are today is where he could have been before christmas, frankly. we've paid 140,000 cancelled appointments as a result of the disruption and all because the government point blank refused to negotiate with the nurses, the paramedics, others, before christmas when they were able to do so. well done steve barkley, last minute, he has come along. he has finally negotiated an end to the dispute. he doesn't know how he is going to pay for it. it is an all around, i think, demonstration of the incompetence of this government, even when they arrive at a solution, it causes a new wave of problems. did you support the strike action by the health records? are you on the picket lines? we the health records? are you on the picket lines?— picket lines? we understood why based went _ picket lines? we understood why based went on _ picket lines? we understood why based went on strike, _ picket lines? we understood why based went on strike, but - picket lines? we understood why based went on strike, but it - picket lines? we understood why based went on strike, but it is i picket lines? we understood why| based went on strike, but it is not myjob based went on strike, but it is not my job to based went on strike, but it is not myjob to be staffing the pickets,

it is myjob to make sure we don't end up in this situation under the labour government. you end up in this situation under the labour government.— end up in this situation under the labour government. you could have come out and _ labour government. you could have come out and said _ labour government. you could have come out and said you _ labour government. you could have come out and said you supported i labour government. you could have | come out and said you supported the unions in their bed for more money. we always understood why they were campaigning for higher pay. he only said that if we were in government, we would've sat down to negotiate with them before christmas in order to avert the disruption and see if the solution could be found. that is the solution could be found. that is the responsible way to handle industrial relations. at the conservatives dead, i think, was to assume the nhs staff would back down if the government said no. and that patients would turn on the nhs staff if they went out on strike. can patients would turn on the nhs staff if they went out on strike.— if they went out on strike. can you 'ust if they went out on strike. can you just cannot — if they went out on strike. can you just cannot and — if they went out on strike. can you just cannot and say _ if they went out on strike. can you just cannot and say that _ if they went out on strike. can you just cannot and say that health - just cannot and say that health workers are not paid enough that they need to be paid more? i don't disauree they need to be paid more? i don't disagree with _ they need to be paid more? i don't disagree with that. _ they need to be paid more? i don't disagree with that. i _ they need to be paid more? i don't disagree with that. i think - they need to be paid more? i don't disagree with that. i think i - they need to be paid more? i don't disagree with that. i think i very i disagree with that. i think i very much said things along those lines when the dispute was announced. but i did say back in december when the rcn asked for 19 and half percent,

if we were in government today, we wouldn't be able to meet them at 19 and half percent, but we would sit down and negotiate. that was a reasonable and responsible position for us to take. i think had the government done as we asked in the nurses before christmas, we could have avoided months of disruption and 140,000 cancelled appointments and 140,000 cancelled appointments and operations. that's, by the way, 140,000 before the junior doctors disruption this week. i suspect we are in the next few days and weeks going to see the full extent of disruption there. as i say, the government has got to learn from their experience at the nurses and get around the table with the junior doctors tomorrow. he get around the table with the “unior doctors tomorrowfi doctors tomorrow. he talk about “unior doctors tomorrow. he talk about junior doctors — doctors tomorrow. he talk about junior doctors asking _ doctors tomorrow. he talk about junior doctors asking for- doctors tomorrow. he talk about junior doctors asking for 3596, i doctors tomorrow. he talk about. junior doctors asking for 3596, would junior doctors asking for 35%, would you support that? the junior doctors asking for 3596, would you support that?— junior doctors asking for 3596, would you support that? the same position as with the nurses, _ you support that? the same position as with the nurses, and _ you support that? the same position as with the nurses, and understand i as with the nurses, and understand whyjunior doctors are campaigning why junior doctors are campaigning for whyjunior doctors are campaigning for restoration. i think they deserve it. the state of the public

finances means that if i were the health secretary today, i would not be able to deliver that headline pay demand that they are asking for, but we would be willing to sit around the table and negotiate. what i would say to junior doctors and other nhs staff is when labour was last in government, we were able to deliver a fair pay rises every year in and actually pay restoration over the course of the labour government. why? because we got the economy growing. the reason we are in this mess, the highest tax burden 70 years, high inflation and rock—bottom growth is because of 13 years of failed conservative economic policy. a labour government would prioritise growth in our number one mission per government so that we can invest in our public services and fair pay for public sector workers without having to high cut taxes on working people as the conservatives have done. can i ask ou the conservatives have done. can i ask you about _ the conservatives have done. can i ask you about the _ the conservatives have done. can i ask you about the budget - the conservatives have done. can i ask you about the budget on pensions and the government scrapping the cap

on the lifetime allowance on pensions in order to keep my senior doctors in the national health service. now, you have said that this is, sort of, your party have said this is a giveaway for the right but you were quoted last year saying this cap on pensions was crazy, getting rid of it would save lives. have you gone back on your position? lives. have you gone back on your osition? . , ., ., position? specifically about how the ension position? specifically about how the pension rules _ position? specifically about how the pension rules affect _ position? specifically about how the pension rules affect doctors, - position? specifically about how the pension rules affect doctors, and i l pension rules affect doctors, and i have consistently called for a carve out for doctors similar to the one we have forjudges, actually, which would cost a fraction of the £1 billion government have given away to the wealthy 1% with a blanket scheme that benefits all the very highest earners. now, that is a sledgehammer and all that was needed was a scalpel, and i think we could have reached a sensible resolution for doctors without a massive tax giveaway to the 1% when everyone

else on lower middle incomes are seeing their tax burden rise as a result of this budget. that is not fair. but it's typical of the conservatives. tax rises for the many, tax cuts for the few. thank ou ve many, tax cuts for the few. thank you very much — many, tax cuts for the few. thank you very much for _ many, tax cuts for the few. thank you very much for being _ many, tax cuts for the few. thank you very much for being with - many, tax cuts for the few. thank you very much for being with us. | you very much for being with us. thank you. we can also talk to rachel harrison, the gmb union's national secretary. we have had this path for health records and you are recommending that you are a? yes! path for health records and you are recommending that you are a? yes, we have seen a _ recommending that you are a? yes, we have seen a significant _ recommending that you are a? yes, we have seen a significant movement - have seen a significant movement from the government in making this offer will stop gmb was asking for pay tax, reopening last year's pay offer and negotiate that's moving to a full consult with gmb members working across the nhs and the ambulance service. we will be saying that this is the best we believe can be achieved through negotiations and therefore recommended acceptance, but ultimately will come down to gmb

members to vote whether they accept or reject. members to vote whether they accept or re'ect. ~ , , members to vote whether they accept orre'ect. ~ , , , , or reject. why is it the best you could get? _ or reject. why is it the best you could get? because _ or reject. why is it the best you could get? because actually - or reject. why is it the best you i could get? because actually quite or reject. why is it the best you - could get? because actually quite a lot of that is a one off payment, it is not consolidated year on year. correct, and we would never normally want a non—consolidated offer, but what we have actually got here is we are in the final months of a 12 year pay award that was imposed on nhs workers, and we have been presented with a package which includes trying to settle the dispute that has been around the paint for this year, as well as a negotiated pay offer the next year, so, yes can absolutely agree, we would always want to see consolidated pay awards. it is only by adding real value to people's salaries, you know, do they start to lift up to the standard of living that we are aiming to achieve? at this late today, to get that extra cash on the table is a significant shift, the government has said consistently that there is no more money, that they will not talk to us

and we open this offer, so the fact that we have not been able to secure is an extra cash that will benefit people if this offer is accepted is a significant way in and it is thanks to all the workers that took the move to vote for action and stand on those picket lines. bud stand on those picket lines. and made a lot _ stand on those picket lines. and made a lot of— stand on those picket lines. and made a lot of sacrifices and think it was worth it in the end. we talk to some who support this offer and would vote for this offer, but others who do not think it is nearly enough. others who do not think it is nearly enou:h. , , ~ ., enough. absolutely. and we would su- ort enough. absolutely. and we would support that _ enough. absolutely. and we would support that sentiment. _ enough. absolutely. and we would support that sentiment. went - enough. absolutely. and we would support that sentiment. went to i enough. absolutely. and we would i support that sentiment. went to gmb is consistently asking for is inflation busting pay increases, but most importantly we want to see a restoration package that restores nhs workers standards up to what should've been if they hadn't suffered a decade of real terms losses. we haven't changed our opinion on that. we still want to see restoration of earnings, but this is just one see restoration of earnings, but this isjust one in see restoration of earnings, but this is just one in the see restoration of earnings, but this isjust one in the right direction towards achieving that. just very quickly, we are hearing that the unite union has said it is

advising its members to vote against the pay offer and falls short of what they're asking for. i can't comment _ what they're asking for. i can't comment on — what they're asking for. i can't comment on other _ what they're asking for. i can't comment on other unions - what they're asking for. i can't - comment on other unions positions, but that is not the information we heard in a staff counsel recently, so i cannot comment on that because i am not aware of that.— i am not aware of that. thank you so much forjoining _ i am not aware of that. thank you so much forjoining us _ i am not aware of that. thank you so much forjoining us at _ i am not aware of that. thank you so much forjoining us at the _ i am not aware of that. thank you so much forjoining us at the latest - i am not aware of that. thank you so much forjoining us at the latest on | much forjoining us at the latest on that government pay offer to health records and staff in england. thank you. records and staff in england. thank ou. ., ~' records and staff in england. thank ou. ., ~ , ., 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 ofjust under 60%. a result of a vote by the rcn on the same offer is expected next week. 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 nationalassembly. let's cross to paris and speak to our correspondent hugh schofield. so controversial for so long and it's becoming even more controversial because of these latest moves by the president. where i am is a latest moves by the president. where i am is a highly _ latest moves by the president. where i am is a highly symbolic _ latest moves by the president. where i am is a highly symbolic scene. - latest moves by the president. where i am is a highly symbolic scene. the l i am is a highly symbolic scene. the parliament behind me across the river and in front of us, the famous concorde demonstration taking place. it's not too massive, but people are arriving here from the left, the left—wing demonstration, students, union members, they are arriving

from across paris because they have heard this news this afternoon that the government has invoked this controversial clause, essentially that it controversial clause, essentially thatitis controversial clause, essentially that it is by passing a vote in parliament, essentially, and for then, at least for activists on the left, and even the far right to oppose this as well, this is a red rag, this is the government saying, well, we cannot get through parliament, so you know what we will not bother with parliament, we will pushit not bother with parliament, we will push it through anyway. that is something which they were expecting, the left, the opponents, it has happened, and of course, it is an excuse to come out and show that they are very unhappy with that situation. it's not a huge demonstration here, but the police are out in force. he can't get across to the river to the national assembly. they are worried. they are worried because the mood in the country is fractious and after what has happened, technically, it allows this reform bill to go through, but the risk is it is going to inflame the risk is it is going to inflame the country. the risk is it is going to inflame the country-—

the risk is it is going to inflame the count . , . ., ., , the country. president micron has been pretty _ the country. president micron has been pretty discerning _ the country. president micron has been pretty discerning to - the country. president micron has been pretty discerning to push - the country. president micron has| been pretty discerning to push this through. do you think of the long run he is likely to succeed when the like the one you are at are happening in the coming days and weeks. ., , ., ., ., weeks. the odds of that going throu . h weeks. the odds of that going through and — weeks. the odds of that going through and becoming - weeks. the odds of that going through and becoming law- weeks. the odds of that going | through and becoming law and weeks. the odds of that going - through and becoming law and the other are the odds of him emerging as an enhanced leader with the possibility of conducting similar reforms in the future and this effect, the repercussions on the country as a whole. i think the odds have to be that the bill will become law. everyone here is talking very bravely about keeping going. there is a moment that this constitutional procedure or triggers, so the opposition parties have a chance now to vote down the government. that would lead to a real crisis with the government having to leave office, possibly new elections, but i think thatis possibly new elections, but i think that is unlikely. the likelihood is that is unlikely. the likelihood is that the measure, this measure raising the age of retirement to 64

from 62 will be coming into effect at some point in the coming months, but the people around me here and across the country who are in a similar demonstrations this evening, spontaneous, they say, no, we have other request, we can up the ante. we can really bring the country to its knees economically. the possibility of maybe having recourse to a referendum, which is another procedure in the constitution. it's never really been used before. they feel pretty chipper here that they can stop it, but certainly, it has been vindicated and what has happened is that president macron has been shown to be incapable of commanding the allegiance, not only of the country but even of the parliament, and therefore what they have been saying all this time that this reform is unpopular and shouldn't go through is correct. to do happy with us. thank you very much indeed. 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. let's take a look at how we got 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 on wednesday the swiss central bank said it would provide financial support of around $54—billion us. that's 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. let's speak to susannah streeter head of money and markets at investment service, hargreaves la nsdown.

the european and london markets have just closed — how has it gone? well, certainly, it has been a calmer day, and actually connect with after he spoke that she seemed to inject the extra bit of steadiness into the market. immediately after the ecb came out with 5% hike, there was a bit of turbulence. it had been thought perhaps they would hold off given what was happening in the banking sector. and given the fact that it is these high interest rates in the way they have shot up or are expected to stay higher for longer that have caused a wobble and have caused a problem with certain banks, particularly in the united states, due to losses on the bond portfolios. then, of course, we had credit spaces. it certainly seems as though investors were hunting out any weakness. confidence has been

restored because of the lifeline that's been made available by the swiss national bank for a credit squeeze, and then you have those comments, and i think the market took that as though she has got a steady hand on the tiller and that very fact that the ecb is standing by and will offer liquidity if needed will go some way to reinsure investors. ~ ., ., , ., ., investors. what has gone wrong there? it investors. what has gone wrong there? it is _ investors. what has gone wrong there? it is one _ investors. what has gone wrong there? it is one of _ investors. what has gone wrong there? it is one of the _ investors. what has gone wrong there? it is one of the biggest l there? it is one of the biggest names in global banking, certainly one of the oldest names as well. what has gone wrong there and what about these theories that its problems could be contagious. mellie problems could be contagious. well, credit squeeze _ problems could be contagious. well, credit squeeze as _ problems could be contagious. well, credit squeeze as paid, _ problems could be contagious. well, credit squeeze as paid, it _ problems could be contagious. well, credit squeeze as paid, it is - credit squeeze as paid, it is considered to be around 30 banks, too big to fail, which is why this is the national bank and has stepped in to offer this big liquidity backstop. the problems, though go way further back than just this week. it is notjust a symptom of

what has rocked the banking sector because of silicon valley banks. they go back further. it has had a string of crises, really. had to go to the market to try to raise funds last year. it has been involved in collapses like the arch chick is funded in the united states, green cell capital which went bankrupt here in the uk, as well as real risk management problems at the top. so, thatis management problems at the top. so, that is cannot really commit has become the focus this week because on tuesday it said that it had identified material weakness in its accounting practices and then a key investors said they wouldn't invest any more in the bank. this set off this concern, but it is certainly because investors, given that they have been shaken by what is happening are moving away from investments they believe are risky, and that is what it has been judged to be right now.

susanna, thank you. the uk government has banned the social media app tiktok from their phones, amid security concerns there've 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. mr speaker, this is a precautionary move. we know that there is already limited 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. and we'll be discussing this more shortly with tech expert and author, chris stokel—walker. richard branson's virgin 0rbit satellite launch company is pausing all operations with immediate effect. last month, the company said it was investigating the failure of its mission injanuary to send nine small satellites into orbit, from an airfield in newquay. the us space agency nasa has unveiled new spacesuits for the next generation of astronauts landing on the moon. the new design provides improved support for space travellers conducting scientific experiments on the lunar surface. it is also said to be a better fit for female astronauts. the current spacesuits haven't had a full redesign since the 1980s.

well overdue. you have been watching bbc news. 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 11—15c. 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—10c. 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 11—15c. 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—12c.

this is bbc news — welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. our top stories... a fresh payoff of nhs workers has been announced today. —— payoff for. the french government pushes through unpopular pension reforms, prompting protests. this is the scene live in the capital paris. stock markets in europe and america have made gains despite continuing worries about the international banking system. united states releases footage of what it claims is a russianjet

states releases footage of what it claims is a russian jet intercepting a us drone over back seat. —— over at the black sea. rishi sunak has been speaking about the new pay offerjust a few minutes ago. the new pay offer 'ust a few minutes auo. �* ,., ago. i'm delighted the government has reached _ ago. i'm delighted the government has reached agreement _ ago. i'm delighted the government has reached agreement with - ago. i'm delighted the government| has reached agreement with unions representing over a million nhs workers on a fair and reasonable pay settlement. this agreement rightly recognises the fantastic work that our nhs workers like nurses, midwives and paramedics do while also being affordable for the taxpayer and allowing us to deliver on our promises to halve inflation and cut nhs waiting list. it is a good example of this government

getting things done and delivering for the british people. you getting things done and delivering for the british people.— for the british people. you say it is affordable, _ for the british people. you say it is affordable, you _ for the british people. you say it is affordable, you won't - for the british people. you say it is affordable, you won't mind . is affordable, you won't mind telling us how much it will cost and where the money will come from. ida where the money will come from. no one where the money will come from. ito one can doubt our commitment to the nhs, after i became pm we announced £14 billion of more funding, that is because it is the country's number one priority, my number one priority, that is right is well funded and we will make sure that we continue to deliver on our promise to cut waiting list. now we have this agreement, everyone is united in delivering the best possible care for patients up and down the country added that will be our focus. lise added that will be our focus. use with my question, how much it will cost, you site is good for taxpayers, whereby the come from? we will taxpayers, whereby the come from? - will be making sure that we protect all front line services, £14 billion of more funding that we announced that the end of last year, no one can doubt our commitment to making sure the nhs as well funded, that will always remain the case and we have a great plan in place to make

improvements. you are already seeing the results if you look ambulance waiting times, waiting times in a&e, already improving considerably from already improving considerably from a couple of months ago, we are on track to keep bringing them down and wait his pay agreement everyone is going to be united behind that and we can deliver fantastic quality care for patients across the country, which is what everyone wants, they have been backed fully and i look forward to doing it. i tried my best, let me try on whether this is a plan for future negotiations when it comes to strikes, junior doctors still going on strike, rail workers, strikes, junior doctors still going on strike, railworkers, is strikes, junior doctors still going on strike, rail workers, is this idea of a one—off payment the playbook? i idea of a one-off payment the playbook?— idea of a one-off payment the -la book? ., , ., , ., playbook? i am pleased that we reached agreement _ playbook? i am pleased that we reached agreement today - playbook? i am pleased that we reached agreement today with l playbook? i am pleased that we - reached agreement today with unions representing over a million nhs workers and we have always been clear, we want to have constructive dialogue with unions, we are serious about finding fairand dialogue with unions, we are serious about finding fair and reasonable agreements public sector pay stop

today's agreement demonstrates that. i would say to other unions please don't be striking, have those talks with us, today's agreement demonstrates we are serious about it. we don't want disruption for patients or schoolchildren in our classrooms, please come and get around a table, we can find a way through this, today demonstrates we are serious about it and we can find workable solutions. fin are serious about it and we can find workable solutions.— workable solutions. on strike itself, workable solutions. on strike itself. you — workable solutions. on strike itself, you talked _ workable solutions. on strike itself, you talked about - itself, you talked about negotiations, hasn't disproven the government has caved in? nothing better to do than simply go on strike? ., ., f, better to do than simply go on strike? ., ., j, _ ., better to do than simply go on strike? ., ., , strike? today's pay agreement is fair for nhs _ strike? today's pay agreement is fair for nhs workers, _ strike? today's pay agreement is fair for nhs workers, we - strike? today's pay agreement is fair for nhs workers, we want. strike? today's pay agreement is fair for nhs workers, we want to | fair for nhs workers, we want to make sure we reward them and recognise their hard work, whether nurses, paramedics, midwives, but it is also fair to taxpayers. this was important to us, it needs to be affordable and consistent with our promise to halve inflation and get on the cutting nhs waiting list. that is why we have had constructive dialogue, it is fairfor that is why we have had constructive dialogue, it is fair for everyone and it is right we got to this

solution. i am and it is right we got to this solution. iam pleased and it is right we got to this solution. i am pleased that with this behind us we are united in delivering high quality patient care, that is what the country wants. ., , ., , wants. relating this to the budget, one of the reasons _ wants. relating this to the budget, one of the reasons people - wants. relating this to the budget, one of the reasons people went - wants. relating this to the budget, one of the reasons people went on | one of the reasons people went on strike as the cost of living crisis, thatis strike as the cost of living crisis, that is linked to inflation, but it be! linked to increased taxes, millions of workers paying more tax, taking money out of their pocket, including nurses and doctors, do you accept that those tax rises is going to add to the cost—of—living crisis, the government is making things worse? , ., . ., worse? the number one challenge with the cost of living _ worse? the number one challenge with the cost of living is _ worse? the number one challenge with the cost of living is inflation, _ the cost of living is inflation, particularly with energy bills, so if there is one measure from the budget that i'd asked people to take away with them it is our continued plan to support people with the cost of energy. what we did last year was taxi windfall profits of energy companies and use that money to help cut energy bills, because of those

actions people will receive £1500 of direct support of their energy bills last year and there is, that is the right thing to do and this government is doing everything it can to help you with the cost of your energy. but can to help you with the cost of your energy-— your energy. but there are also millions of— your energy. but there are also millions of people _ your energy. but there are also millions of people paying - your energy. but there are also millions of people paying a - your energy. but there are also millions of people paying a lot | your energy. but there are also - millions of people paying a lot more tax, £1000 if you are a top taxpayer, that means less money in their pockets, the government is adding to the cost—of—living crisis. the government is helping a typical family in our country to the tune of £1500 off their energy bill, we have been able to do that because we decided to tax the windfall profits of energy companies and we are using that money to take people's energy bills down, that is what we're doing, helping people with the cost of living, particularly energy, and we are using that money to discount energy bills, it is worth £1500 for a typicalfamily, i think energy bills, it is worth £1500 for a typical family, i think that demonstrates this country is on

people's side, we keep supporting you. people's side, we keep supporting ou. ~ , people's side, we keep supporting ou. �* , , , ., " you. the prime minister speaking in the last two — you. the prime minister speaking in the last two minutes. _ 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. 0ur defence correspondent johnathan bealejoins me now in the studio. tell us more about the wider significance.— tell us more about the wider sianificance. ~ ., ., , significance. what you have seen their is a russian _ significance. what you have seen their is a russian jet _ significance. what you have seen their is a russian jet flying - their is a russian jet flying extremely close, doing a number of

passes extremely close to the us drone, we are told this incident lasted 30—40 minutes, we are seeing and edited highlights, two of the closest passes, it packs a pot the americans say, it is why they have released this video, they have a narrative, the russians say it is a drone that did an extreme manoeuvre, they alone to do that at a much faster russian jets, that is why they've released it. they have declassified it, taking off these secret information and it is a video from the drone itself, it would have been a live feed to the operators on the ground. you do see that fuel being dumped on the first pass. 0n the second pass, you then see the video going black like it is now, then the camera comes back up, what we see exactly thailand of the

drone, where the propeller is —— the tail end. you can see one of the blades is bent, this confirms what the us has said that the russian jet clipped drone —— seems to confirm. you can ask questions about they were dropping fuel over the drone, was that an attempt to down eight? what was the drone doing there? we do what was the drone doing there? - do know it was a surveillance drone, not an armed drone, everyone knows that these have been used in places like afghanistan, iraq, to take out the high—value targets, to do surveillance, monitoring the battlefield, but in this case i think it had a surveillance board on, not hellfire missiles that it would sometimes carry on a war zone. the americans say it was in

international airspace. that is all we can see around his seed. the russians say was approaching their territory and that is why it was intercepted. that information will be sucked up, what the americans then do with it, we know they are helping ukraine with weapons, clearly also helping with intelligence.— clearly also helping with intelligence. clearly also helping with intelliaence. .,~ ., , clearly also helping with intelliaence. ., , ., intelligence. speaking of help for the ukrainians _ intelligence. speaking of help for the ukrainians in _ intelligence. speaking of help for the ukrainians in terms _ intelligence. speaking of help for the ukrainians in terms of- intelligence. speaking of help for i the ukrainians in terms of weapons, let's talk about polling to giving the ukrainians some jets. let's talk about polling to giving the ukrainians somejets. which is what the ukrainians had been begging forfour ages. you what the ukrainians had been begging forfour ages-— for four ages. you may remember there was a _ for four ages. you may remember there was a deal— for four ages. you may remember there was a deal on _ for four ages. you may remember there was a deal on the _ for four ages. you may remember there was a deal on the table - for four ages. you may remember. there was a deal on the table about a year ago, almost a year ago when poland said they would provide them with their older survey and a one jets, the same that ukraine's air force operates, if the americans help with the delivery, to fly them to ramstein air base in germany and

the americans we do the delivery. the american said they would not do that. it was a time when people were concerned about delivering more sophisticated weaponry. it is only in the last few months that we have seen western countries, poland at the vanguard, delivering modern tanks, poland has now gone eight alone and is giving format of its old mig jets, which will be replaced by modern americanjets old mig jets, which will be replaced by modern american jets eventually, possibly more to come. it breaks down the taboo... possibly more to come. it breaks down the taboo. . ._ possibly more to come. it breaks down the taboo... there was worry about provoking — down the taboo... there was worry about provoking russia. _ down the taboo... there was worry about provoking russia. to - down the taboo... there was worry about provoking russia. to what i about provoking russia. to what extent, zelensky has been saying he needs planes, but would that make that much difference on the battlefield?— that much difference on the battlefield? �* ., , ., ., battlefield? again, it is a more secific battlefield? again, it is a more specific than _ battlefield? again, it is a more specific than we _ battlefield? again, it is a more specific than we just _ battlefield? again, it is a more specific than we just want - battlefield? again, it is a more i specific than we just want planes, we want modern western plains, specifically f—16s, so they know what they want, but certainly in the

western military senior officials i have spoken to are sceptical as to how much a difference it would make giving fast jets how much a difference it would make giving fastjets in large numbers. because if you look at the front line, it is saturated with air defence systems, which have been delivered by the west, as well as russia put my own air defence system, and russia has a much bigger air force and still hasn't been able to gain control of the sky. i think western officials believe that the figure should be on giving them weapons for the ground, like tanks, and not on aircraft. that is not to say that at some future date, we know they will be trained here in the uk, there will be a willingness to provide them with more modern jets but not for now.— an undercover investigation by bbc news arabic has found clinics in russia, the us and the middle east offering bogus and potentially dangerous

treatments for a genetic eye condition affecting millions of people. the clinics charge up to £16,000 to treat retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that can eventually lead to blindness. bbc�*s ramadan younes has the story. from sudan to the united states, the bbc has gone undercover to reveal how doctors around the world are offering false hope to patients. they charge thousands of us dollars and prey on patients who could go blind. translation: now! can only see light and shapes. - this man has retinitis pigmentosa, an incurable genetic disorder that can lead to blindness. he has been receiving a treatment in russia at a well—respected institute.

but doctors in sudan tell us there is no sign that treatment is working. translation: | think | that the many injections that you had may have caused damage. this office in sudan organises travel to russia for the treatment. translation: the treatment consists i of vitamins and medicine that helps i increase the amount of blood that reaches the retina and optic nerve. no, not at all. everyone sees improvements. but there is no evidence to back up these claims. why notjust have a pill? you don't need to have an injection. the second thing that worries me a little bit is there is no real evidence that vitamins will be of any benefit. in the united states, we have found a clinic offering a more alarming treatment. so we are using the patient�*s own bone marrow as a source of this themselves.

as a source of the stem cells. 0ur retinal surgeon, he injects under the lid, into the back of the eye. the treatment is completely safe? yes, it's safe. we have zero adverse effects. we have had no complications. but after being charged 20,000 us dollars for it, some patients tell us their eyesight got worse. translation: when i opened my eyes, i found that i could _ no longer see with my left eye. and experts say the treatment should stop. he is using his position as a doctor, a position of authority, to talk about science in a way _ that the patient can't understand. this is not a valid clinical trial, this is a very worrying treatment that is potentially damaging for the patients. neither the us doctors nor the russian institute have responded to our findings, but they continue to sell a dream to many patients, a

dream which could easily turn into a nightmare. israeli protesters pressed ahead thursday with demonstrations against a contentious government plan to overhaul the judiciary, pushing back against prime minister benjamin netanyahu after he rejected a compromise proposal that was meant to defuse the crisis. the prime minister has warned of bloodshed. this is part of the demonstration in tel aviv. hundreds of women are dressed as handmaids from the novel the handmaid's tale. this is their expression of what they fear is a patriarchal, totalitarian, theocratic society. this is all a warning as these protests now enter their 11th week. what some of the organisers of the event are saying

is this is the intensification of resistance. we've seen a series of events, this being one of them, but also protests taking place outside foreign embassies including the us, german and the uk embassy today. that is as benjamin netanyahu continues visits abroad. the protesters are urging foreign governments to try to put pressure on the israeli government over this issue ofjudicial reform, which has created these weeks and weeks of protests. what is the issue all about? well, the government, the most nationalistic, right—wing government in israel's history, is attempting to make a series of changes to the judicial system. it would see the government have full control over appointing judges and it would see, crucially, the supreme court was stripped of its ability to strike down what it sees as laws that are effectively unconstitutional. that's why most legal analysts say that these measures would end the independence

of the judiciary in israel. now, there was a significant moment on wednesday night when israel's president isaac herzog came up with a plan. he said a plan for compromise, a new form ofjudicial reform, and he put it to both the government and the opposition. the opposition have accepted it. mr netanyahu has immediately rejected it and said it would not solve the ultimate issue for him, for these parties of the right in israel because they say that there is an imbalance of forces between the judiciary and the government, the executive in israel. that has been immediately dismissed out of hand. we then saw the israeli president go on to warn of blood on the streets over this issue over these escalating protests, over the increasing division, the fault lines within israeli society. he had a warning, he said he thought that people thought civil war was a red line that could not be crossed. he told those people they were wrong and he said that israel was in

touching distance, in his words, of the abyss. let's get more now on the news that the uk has become the latest country to ban ministers and civil servants from having the social media app tiktok on their phones and devices for security reasons. it's been claimed the chinese—owned video—sharing app passes information about users to the chinese government — something the owners, bytedance, deny. joining me now is journalist and author chris stokel—walker, who wrote tiktok boom, a book which explores the app and the company behind it. are these security concerns are valid in your opinion, these concerns that we hear from mps and many other campaigners saying that

tiktok is potentially dangerous? irlat tiktok is potentially dangerous? not reall . i tiktok is potentially dangerous? itot really. i have spent a good number of years trying to find that smoking gun because it would be the scoop of a lifetime and the breaking story that would make my career. and not the worst journalist that would make my career. and not the worstjournalist in the world but i do think we have seen no real evidence of theirs, lots of cyber security experts i talk to go through tiktok source code, the bit of data that is used to decide what we watch and where the data goes, they haven't been able to define that either, it is notable that the government today said this was a theoretical threat rather than an actual one. theoretical threat rather than an actual one-— actual one. let's say it is a theoretical _ actual one. let's say it is a theoretical risk, _ actual one. let's say it is a theoretical risk, does - actual one. let's say it is a theoretical risk, does that | actual one. let's say it is a - theoretical risk, does that justify theoretical risk, does thatjustify this ban on government officials and ministers having tiktok on their devices? i ministers having tiktok on their devices? ~ , ., , .., devices? i think it is a significant ste and devices? i think it is a significant step and one _ devices? i think it is a significant step and one we _ devices? i think it is a significant step and one we should - devices? i think it is a significant step and one we should maybe i devices? i think it is a significant. step and one we should maybe be devices? i think it is a significant i step and one we should maybe be a little bit worried about. because not least the fact it is almost the

first step towards a slippery slope to a wider band. we have seen the us instigating a federal device ban for their employees and moving today to try and talk about having to get tiktok to have its chinese ownership sell their stakes in the company in order to continue to exist. my concern is this is a very tightly drawn issue at the moment, one that some government ministers seem like label flout, grant shapps has said so, although whether on not you can make the distinction between government business on a private device and a personal one, i'm not sure. but it does run the risk of making people think twice about the safety of their apps on their phones, as every day users. you say some of these _ phones, as every day users. you say some of these concerns _ phones, as every day users. you say some of these concerns may - phones, as every day users. you say some of these concerns may be i some of these concerns may be overblown but clearly intelligence officials in the us, uk, canada, eu

commission, other countries, are very worried, all of them, about tiktok. they must have some justification for what they were worried about.— justification for what they were worried about. ., ., ., , ,., worried about. you would hope so, but i worried about. you would hope so, but i haven't _ worried about. you would hope so, but i haven't heard _ worried about. you would hope so, but i haven't heard any _ worried about. you would hope so, but i haven't heard any of - worried about. you would hope so, but i haven't heard any of them i but i haven't heard any of them actually being said yet, and i asked the european commission, when they asked employees to remove the device, as i asked if i should remove it, they declined to answer, i contacted the cyber security centre this past weekend when this ban was rumoured with government devices and said, should i be worried, is there something that i'm missing that i don't know about? they didn't say yes, there is something there that you should be worried about, you should be diluting your app. theyjust said the opposite, one of the people in charge of cyber security technology in the government, a minister earlier this week said she saw no risk to the general public, this was

a tightly drawn... risk to the general public, this was a tightly drawn. . ._ risk to the general public, this was a tightly drawn... sorry, we are out of time, a tightly drawn... sorry, we are out of time. thank _ a tightly drawn... sorry, we are out of time, thank you _ a tightly drawn... sorry, we are out of time, thank you for _ a tightly drawn... sorry, we are out of time, thank you for your - of time, thank you for your analysis. relatives of a world war i soldier are reunited with his medal after it was found in a field in northallerton. it belonged to fred brown of the 4th battalion the yorkshire, the detectors to found it had traced the descendants and were able to reunite them. it is a military honour that was issued during the first world war, a silver medallion found in this field last week by dave batchelor, a detector from durham. i week by dave batchelor, a detector from durham-_ from durham. i got along and got a aood from durham. i got along and got a good signal. _ from durham. i got along and got a good signal, pinpointed _ from durham. i got along and got a good signal, pinpointed it, - from durham. i got along and got a good signal, pinpointed it, and i from durham. i got along and got a good signal, pinpointed it, and out| good signal, pinpointed it, and out she popped. in good signal, pinpointed it, and out she popped-— she popped. in the days that followed. — she popped. in the days that followed, dave _ she popped. in the days that followed, dave and - she popped. in the days that| followed, dave and anthony, she popped. in the days that l followed, dave and anthony, a she popped. in the days that -

followed, dave and anthony, a fellow detectors, searched military records and discovered the medallion was a patch given to soldiers injured and discharged from the army. 0n the back unique number that led them to its rightful owner. back back unique number that led them to its rightful owner.— its rightful owner. back in those da s, its rightful owner. back in those days. then _ its rightful owner. back in those days, then walking _ its rightful owner. back in those days, then walking around i its rightful owner. back in those days, then walking around at i days, then walking around at enlistment age would have had these opinions cast on them, said this was unique to that individual to say i have served and i have been injured. since the medallion was found, the detector is tos have become detectives, this week they have travelled to the field named atherton where the find was made. hgppy atherton where the find was made. happy to reunite the badge with its rightful owners. this happy to reunite the badge with its rightful owners.— rightful owners. this is what i have found in the _ rightful owners. this is what i have found in the field. _ rightful owners. this is what i have found in the field. your _ rightful owners. this is what i have found in the field. your great i rightful owners. this is what i havej found in the field. your great great uncle's silver war badge. thank you. where it belongs. 50 uncle's silver war badge. thank you. where it belongs.— where it belongs. so you are fed's treat where it belongs. so you are fed's great great _ where it belongs. so you are fed's great great niece, _ where it belongs. so you are fed's great great niece, wanted - where it belongs. so you are fed's great great niece, wanted to i where it belongs. so you are fed's great great niece, wanted to is i where it belongs. so you are fed's great great niece, wanted to is it i great great niece, wanted to is it like to get this back?—

like to get this back? incredible, not something _ like to get this back? incredible, not something that _ like to get this back? incredible, not something that when - like to get this back? incredible, not something that when i i like to get this back? incredible, i not something that when i started doing _ not something that when i started doing the — not something that when i started doing the family tree online, it is not something that i ever imagined possible _ not something that i ever imagined possible i— not something that i ever imagined ossible. ., ., ., ., . possible. i have found a great uncle that i possible. i have found a great uncle that i didn't — possible. i have found a great uncle that i didn't know _ possible. i have found a great uncle that i didn't know about. _ possible. i have found a great uncle that i didn't know about. now i i that i didn't know about. now i have, — that i didn't know about. now i have, i— that i didn't know about. now i have, iwant_ that i didn't know about. now i have, i want to _ that i didn't know about. now i have, i want to take _ that i didn't know about. now i have, i want to take for- that i didn't know about. now i have, i want to take for a - that i didn't know about. now i have, i want to take for a pinti that i didn't know about. now i i have, i want to take for a pint but i have, i want to take for a pint but i can't. _ have, i want to take for a pint but ican'l. he's— have, i want to take for a pint but ican'l. he's not— have, i want to take for a pint but i can't, he's not with— have, i want to take for a pint but i can't, he's not with us. - have, i want to take for a pint but i can't, he's not with us.— have, i want to take for a pint but i can't, he's not with us. fred park relatives say _ i can't, he's not with us. fred park relatives say the _ i can't, he's not with us. fred park relatives say the lost _ i can't, he's not with us. fred park relatives say the lost medal - i can't, he's not with us. fred park relatives say the lost medal may l i can't, he's not with us. fred parki relatives say the lost medal may now be to yorkshire museum, a reminder of fred's sacrifice and bravery during the first world war. the us space agency nasa has unveiled spacesuit support the next generation of astronauts landing on the moon. the moon. the new design provides improved support for space travel is conducting scientific experiments on the lunar surface. it is also said to be a rather better fit for female astronauts. the current spacesuit have not had a full redesign since the 1980s. well

overdue. new spacesuits from nasa. thank you for your company, you have been watching bbc news. it was a lot milder today than yesterday. also some rain around at times, particularly for western sports, some soggy footpath recorded by a weather watcher in lancashire. across northern ireland, sunny spells, heavy showers, here it was the warmest day of the year so far with temperatures 16 celsius. not a lot changing for the rest of the week, mild across—the—board, wet and windy, low pressure remains dominant, sending atlantic front spinning our way. still very mild air coming through on a south—westerly wind, marked in yellow. across the far north ma

still in the blue, in the colder air and will remain to the rest of the week. tonight, mild air, staying largely first free, weather fronts and the self fizzling out, showers moving into western scotland at times. this temperature is generally between seven and nine celsius. friday, our weather front across the channel islands through the night stretches into south—east england and east anglia, reinvigorating. we see the rain get up, possibly heavy downpours, clearing in the afternoon, elsewhere dry weather, plenty of sunshine, more sunshine on friday than we saw today but daytime heating could help to spark off one or two heavy possibly thundery downpours, temperatures on a power today, 14—15, localised 16 celsius somewhere, the breeze will be lighter. low pressure continues to dominate as we head through the

weekend, moving eastwards towards us bringing rate weather fronts, weekend, moving eastwards towards us bringing rate weatherfronts, longer spells of rain, art was northern ireland and for western coastal areas of scotland, gradually moving eastwards, showers springing up for england and wales, not staying dry. by england and wales, not staying dry. by two spells, tipped as 13—15, where we see the best of the brightness. when turning north—westerly, cooler start the day on sunday, largely dry, plenty of cloud, brighterspells on sunday, largely dry, plenty of cloud, brighter spells developing later, temperatures a little lower, our next weather front into the start of next week.

today at 6:00pm, hopes of an end to the nhs pay dispute in england, with a new offer to hundreds of thousands of staff. after months of strike action by nurses, ambulance workers and other staff, the new offer involves a one—off payment and a 5% pay rise. it is a reasonable offer. it certainly isn't all that we would have asked for. but it is an offer that we can put to our members. the winter of industrial action has led to higher waiting lists, and health workers accuse the government of missing past opportunities. this agreement rightly recognises the fantastic work that our nhs

workers — the fantastic work that our nhs workers like nurses, midwives and paramedics— workers like nurses, midwives and paramedics do, whilst also being