ido i do understand that it is better than _ i do understand that it is better than tv, — i do understand that it is better than tv, but it is quite difficult to unmute _ than tv, but it is quite difficult to unmute everybody individually so if you _ to unmute everybody individually so if you wait _ to unmute everybody individually so if you wait until the end we can ask questions — if you wait until the end we can ask questions directly, thanks. 0k, ok, so how do you feel about the ioc trying _ ok, so how do you feel about the ioc trying to— ok, so how do you feel about the ioc trying to allow russians to compete as neutrals — trying to allow russians to compete as neutrals despite ukraine were still going on. | as neutrals despite ukraine were still going on— as neutrals despite ukraine were still going on. i think the position ofthe still going on. i think the position of the council _ still going on. i think the position of the council statement - still going on. i think the position of the council statement today i still going on. i think the position of the council statement today is| of the council statement today is very clear. there is no ambiguity about it to stop the primacy for the decision around eligibility rests with the international federation. that is something that was agreed at the court of opposition when we were

last there during the russian doping violations. it is accepted by the international olympic committee and thatis international olympic committee and that is why we have decided today. we felt it was in the best interest of our sports. 50, we determined eligibility and for our world championship events for the foreseeable future, the exclusion remains. ., foreseeable future, the exclusion remains. . ,, . . remains. 0k, regarding russia and belorussia- — remains. 0k, regarding russia and belorussia. his _ remains. 0k, regarding russia and belorussia. his world _ remains. 0k, regarding russia and belorussia. his world as _ remains. 0k, regarding russia and belorussia. his world as the - remains. 0k, regarding russia and belorussia. his world as the pigs i belorussia. his world as the pigs consulting to trying to get the sink out of— consulting to trying to get the sink out of the — consulting to trying to get the sink out of the ioc programme? i think the account— out of the ioc programme? i think the account me today about that what the account me today about that what the ioc— the account me today about that what the ioc was— the account me today about that what the ioc was transitive. is it still world _ the ioc was transitive. is it still world at— the ioc was transitive. is it still world at the next position will need to use _ world at the next position will need to use ukraine in order for its athtetes _ to use ukraine in order for its athletes to be able to compete in world _ athletes to be able to compete in world athletics?—

world athletics? that was my instinct i tore _ world athletics? that was my instinct i tore council- world athletics? that was my| instinct i tore council meeting world athletics? that was my - instinct i tore council meeting when i was asked about it before christmas and it remains my instinct. i think it was for firmly within the remit of the working group that we want to look at that process. i'm keen to establish that working group, the working group that was chaired so ably into the doping violations in russia. it proved to be a really good process. we were much stronger for that process and we got to where we wanted to. when it comes the working group here, clearly, that we want to meet those types of decisions. what are the metrics by which these athletes can come back into competition. the council, on the basis of what we know now, where very clear that this was not the right moment. i do think having a working group chaired independently can now start looking at what that process going forward might look

like and what it would take to remove that exclusion from athletes and officials in russia and belarus. thank you. alex has a question to which _ thank you. alex has a question to which i _ thank you. alex has a question to which i mightjust answer. a bit confused — which i mightjust answer. a bit confused over dst and can they compete — confused over dst and can they compete in the restricted events if test server — compete in the restricted events if test server testosterone levels meet the criteria — test server testosterone levels meet the criteria. in test server testosterone levels meet the criteria. , . , the criteria. in restricted events dst athletes _ the criteria. in restricted events dst athletes need _ the criteria. in restricted events dst athletes need to _ the criteria. in restricted events dst athletes need to take - the criteria. in restricted events dst athletes need to take the l the criteria. in restricted events i dst athletes need to take the test run test was that there is a special provision that does not apply to the restricted events and only applies to the unrestricted. is that clear, alex? i'm sure you'll tell me it's not. ~ alex? i'm sure you'll tell me it's not. ,, ., �* ,, alex? i'm sure you'll tell me it's not. ,, ., �* ~' �* not. mark i don't think you've officially said _ not. mark i don't think you've officially said he _ not. mark i don't think you've officially said he would - not. mark i don't think you've officially said he would run i not. mark i don't think you've| officially said he would run for not. mark i don't think you've i officially said he would run for a third _ officially said he would run for a third ternt~ _ officially said he would run for a third term. | officially said he would run for a third term-— officially said he would run for a third term. . �* , �* . , _ third term. i haven't but i'm happy to net third term. i haven't but i'm happy to get that — third term. i haven't but i'm happy to get that i _ third term. i haven't but i'm happy to get that i will _ third term. i haven't but i'm happy

to get that i will now. _ third term. i haven't but i'm happy to get that i will now. you'll- third term. i haven't but i'm happy to get that i will now. you'll be i to get that i will now. you'll be pleased to know there aren't too many shocks faces are on the table. thank you for making the time to clara by. thank you for making the time to clara b . , , . ., thank you for making the time to clarab. . �*., , clara by. the russian and belarus oli . if clara by. the russian and belarus policy. if russia _ clara by. the russian and belarus policy. if russia and _ clara by. the russian and belarus policy. if russia and belarus i policy. if russia and belarus athtetes _ policy. if russia and belarus athletes are excluded from world athtete _ athletes are excluded from world athlete events like the championships are they in eligible to seek— championships are they in eligible to seek modification to the paris olympics — to seek modification to the paris ol mics. , how is the situation of the paris 2024 _ how is the situation of the paris 2024 mixed race walking events right now? _ 2024 mixed race walking events right now? there _ 2024 mixed race walking events right now? there are only 16 months left and athletes don't know what distance _ and athletes don't know what distance they should change. we will leave that news _ distance they should change. we will leave that news conference - distance they should change. we will leave that news conference from i leave that news conference from world athletics who have tightened

the restrictions on transgender athletes and have also lifted the ban on russian track and field federation for state sponsored doping although its athletes remain barred from client competition while in moscow's invasion on ukraine continues. let's get some reaction to what they been announcing on transit athletes. let's talk more about this with former olympic swimmer, sharron davies. you've campaigned a let's on this issue for trends athletes sharon. you were to today that the where the consulate showed utter cowardice. tell us more about what they've said and what you think of it. i’m and what you think of it. i'm ecstatic- _ and what you think of it. i'm ecstatic. they've _ and what you think of it. i“n ecstatic. they've done the right thing and at long last. they could have followed world athletics from last year and they chose not to. they are working with the science.

science shows us that at the moment we can't remove meal purity advantage and 17 studies, all peer—reviewed, show that we be asking females to race with biological males who have an advantage. that is not fair because you're not giving half the worlds population the right to fair competition and i'm pleased they've done the right thing and then please that he has followed through with what he said in september that he would put fairness first. it is important the sport is inclusive. we need to have a truck categories and make sure everyone has a place in sports but sport must person for must be safe and fair and inclusive. just to clarify. people may have been coming halfway through that news conference. the president of world athletics at the council has agreed to exclude male—to—female transgender athletes who have been through milk purity from female ranking competitions from the end of march stop is that right? it’s

march stop is that right? it's riuht. march stop is that right? it's right- it's — march stop is that right? it's right. it's also _ march stop is that right? it�*s right. it's also talking about dst athletes who are differences with sexual developments and have to reduce their testosterone levels and won't be able to qualify for this world championships as well. he's trying to work on the side of science is what i've always asked for. five years ago when i started campaigning it was through work with the signs we have and all the saints proves if you have gone through milk purity it is not a level playing field. ~ , purity it is not a level playing field. a purity it is not a level playing field. . , . field. as i said, you were twitching on this saying _ field. as i said, you were twitching on this saying don't _ field. as i said, you were twitching on this saying don't to _ field. as i said, you were twitching on this saying don't to the - field. as i said, you were twitching on this saying don't to the right i on this saying don't to the right thing and don't sit on the fence. your view is they haven't set on the fence, they have done the right thing in your view.— fence, they have done the right thing in your view. absolutely. they are the second _ thing in your view. absolutely. they are the second olympic _ thing in your view. absolutely. they are the second olympic sport i thing in your view. absolutely. they are the second olympic sport who l are the second olympic sport who have come along and said they would protect the female classification on the first among was athletics and no athletics has done it i know it is important all the other sports do exactly the same and give female across the world have the right to

fair competition just like them is konsa box. fair competition 'ust like them is konsa box.— fair competition 'ust like them is konsabox. . , ., ., ,, konsa box. trans ethics groups will sa that konsa box. trans ethics groups will say that removing _ konsa box. trans ethics groups will say that removing them _ konsa box. trans ethics groups will say that removing them will- konsa box. trans ethics groups will| say that removing them will amount to discrimination and unfairness? what do you say to that argument question mark they are not excluded. there are excluded from a category they don't qualify for. this category was set up for females and not those who feel like they're females otherwise females would win nothing at the olympic games. that is the importance of the categorisation in sport. if we have a 15—year—old they don't have to quantify as under 12 and i have a weekend quantify as a lightweight. this is just about fear sports and not banning anyone, it is only banning anyone from a category that they don't qualify for. that's why i said we need to ensure there is place for everyone in sport. d0 said we need to ensure there is place for everyone in sport. do you think this example _ place for everyone in sport. do you think this example set _ place for everyone in sport. do you think this example set by - place for everyone in sport. do you

think this example set by the i place for everyone in sport. do you | think this example set by the world athletics council will be followed in other sports now? i athletics council will be followed in other sports now?— athletics council will be followed in other sports now? i very much ho -e so. in other sports now? i very much hone s0- it's _ in other sports now? i very much hope so. it's been _ in other sports now? i very much hope so. it's been difficult i in other sports now? i very much hope so. it's been difficult with l hope so. it's been difficult with the world growing rowing and cycling in particular. i know the world athletics association spoke to their coaches and athletes and all of their athletes for the same way. they are in the majority and they want to female classification protected for females. i think that is what has been missing. talking to the stakeholders and the ones who will be losing out. one of the questions i asked get asked is about the mentor has of the transgender athletes who can't compete but no one is axing about the women who are having to move over in their own sport. it's has nothing to do a trance phobia or banning or human rights, it is aboutjust fairness and hoping it for a respectful debate and trying to find solutions for everyone.

debate and trying to find solutions for everyone-— debate and trying to find solutions foreve one. ., . ,, ., ,, . ., for everyone. good to talk to sharon davis and thank _ for everyone. good to talk to sharon davis and thank you _ for everyone. good to talk to sharon davis and thank you for— for everyone. good to talk to sharon davis and thank you for your - davis and thank you for your immediate reaction to that news. we start in the us, where the head of the controversial social media app tiktok has been giving evidence to congress, where he's faced accusations about the company's alleged links to the chinese state. showjee chew has been grilled for hours by both republican and democrat lawmakers who fear beijing could use tiktok for spying, data harvesting and to secretly push the chinese communist party agenda. government officials in the us, the uk and canada have already been told to delete tiktok from their devices. republican cathy mcmorris rodgers is chairing the hearing, and she discussed the possibility of a nationwide tiktok ban across the united states... i expect today you will say anything to avoid this outcome, like you are, "100% responsible" for what tiktok does, that you suddenly endorse a national data privacy standard,

that project texas is more than a marketing scheme, that tiktok doesn't harm our innocent children, or that your ties to the chinese communist party through bytedance isjust a myth. we are not buying it. however, tiktok�*s chief executive seemed to try to distance both himself and tiktok from any connection to china and its government. us tiktok data is stored by default in oracle servers. only vetted personnel operating in a new company called tiktok us data security can control access to this data. additionally, we have plans for this company to report to an independent american board with strong security credentials. now, there is still some work to do.

we have legacy us data sitting on our servers in virginia and singapore. we are deleting those and we expect that to be complete this year. when that is done, all us data will be under the protection of us law and under the control of the us—led security team. this eliminates the concern that some of you have shared with me that tiktok user data can be subject to chinese law. this goes further, by the way, than what any other company in our industry has done. we also provide unprecedented transparency and security for the source code for the tiktok app and recommendation engine. third party validators like oracle and others will review and validate our source code and algorithms. this will help ensure the integrity of the code that powers what americans see on our app. we will further provide access to researchers, which helps them study and monitor our content ecosystem. we believe we are the only, the only company that offers this

level of transparency. that was a chief executive of tiktok. trying to convince us lawmakers in congress that tiktok really is independent from the chinese state. let's go live to capitol hill in washington, with our business correspondent michelle fleury. we heard a passionate defence of the company from its chief executive. also, quite a lot of scepticism from republicans and democrats. how hard a time did they give him? {line republicans and democrats. how hard a time did they give him?— a time did they give him? one thing that is in scarcity _ a time did they give him? one thing that is in scarcity here _ a time did they give him? one thing that is in scarcity here in _ that is in scarcity here in washington is unity but that was on display this evening to stop lawmakers from the republican party and democrat side both pummeling mr chiu throughout this hearing. so combative that she was unable to give a full response to some

questions he was asked. you heard the points he was making during his prepared remarks. he often try to repeat that in response to some of the questions he was asked. perhaps not as strongly or given as much details as they lawmakers wanted to hear. they came with some pretty pointed questions and use it as an opportunity to try and promote legislation to address data privacy concerns. i think the big take away here is if you are a tiktok rival from meta to google to snapshot, you might be enjoying today and watching this company who is so popular with any americans, in the hot seat. popular with americans but what does it meet for tiktok in the united states, eventually question mark we have seen action taken against them already but what else could lie ahead? . , . already but what else could lie ahead? ., , . . , ahead? not since john donald trump threatened to — ahead? not since john donald trump threatened to bend _ ahead? not since john donald trump threatened to bend the _ ahead? not since john donald trump threatened to bend the app - ahead? not since john donald trump threatened to bend the app back i ahead? not since john donald trump threatened to bend the app back in l threatened to bend the app back in 2020 has a company faced such a

serious threat to its future. one thatis serious threat to its future. one that is very real. the of the treasury department currently reviewing tiktok right now, president biden has said he would like to spend the app. all of this coalescence at the time when us and china relations are deteriorating and there's a serious concern about spr knowledge, national security concerns that we keep hearing again and again. the point that mr chew was trying to make is that 150 million americans use the app and if there is a band, which is would be hard to implement for subs that would presumably be noticed by a lot of people and tiktok is trying to make the point they wouldn't be too happy. make the point they wouldn't be too ha . . _ . ., �* , make the point they wouldn't be too ha--.~ make the point they wouldn't be too ha.--~ ., make the point they wouldn't be too ha--.~ ., ., make the point they wouldn't be too happy. what's he was trained to say is the night — happy. what's he was trained to say is the night this _ happy. what's he was trained to say is the night this allegation, - happy. what's he was trained to say is the night this allegation, the i is the night this allegation, the central allegation, that the company is somehow linked to the chinese state, or could potentially be linked in terms of the data of its tens of millions of users. data riva

tens of millions of users. data privacy clearly _ tens of millions of users. data privacy clearly is _ tens of millions of users. data privacy clearly is an _ tens of millions of users. data privacy clearly is an issue i tens of millions of users. data privacy clearly is an issue that| privacy clearly is an issue that extends beyond just tiktok, you could say that's true for some of its rivals. this sense as you point out is the link to china. that's what lonely said it make it untrustworthy. they feel that the parent company could be forced by china's national security or rules, by the chinese communist party, to hand over data of americans which could be used, as the chair of committee said, for spine and manipulation and surveillance. that is what is at the heart of this action. a few years ago we saw a different app band in the united states and now people are asked and if tiktok is headed the same way. thank you michelle. we can talk more about this now with lindsay gorman, who's a is a senior fellow for emerging technologies at the german marshall fund. what do you think those allegations about tiktok and it could be a arm of the chinese state or maybe is already? are they overblown? are

those anxieties and worries and fears overblown?— those anxieties and worries and fears overblown? they're definitely not overblown _ fears overblown? they're definitely not overblown and _ fears overblown? they're definitely not overblown and i _ fears overblown? they're definitely not overblown and i think - fears overblown? they're definitely not overblown and i think as i fears overblown? they're definitely not overblown and i think as we i fears overblown? they're definitely l not overblown and i think as we head into our four of which is not overblown and i think as we head into ourfour of which is been not overblown and i think as we head into our four of which is been a truly grueling hearing for the tiktok cao here in washington we are seeing how seriously lawmakers are taking those concerns and how prepared they are to really grill at the tiktok ceo on these issues of data access and algorithmic transparency and of the ability of the chinese party to shoot the other them in the content that american users see. that's why we see questions that go into real strong detail on the ownership structure of tiktok and its parent company and asking the ceo about financial compensation that he receives from the chinese company or that employees receive ongoing into detail about individuals within bytedance and the nature of that relationship. i think the concerns

are real and we've seen them in the past and we've seen this committee from the treasury department take action when it came to the date in 3pp, action when it came to the date in app, grinder. so these concerns are not unique to tiktok and it won't go away when it comes to chinese social media and technology platforms. what media and technology platforms. what was the tiktok — media and technology platforms. what was the tiktok chief able to say anything in defence of the company, his company that convince any of those lawmakers?— his company that convince any of those lawmakers? overall, ithink the tiktok ceos _ those lawmakers? overall, ithink the tiktok ceos comments i those lawmakers? overall, ithink the tiktok ceos comments and i the tiktok ceos comments and responses fell flat. he was facing a tough environment and, perhaps, underestimated just how unity there would be from them a republican and democrat side. over slightly different issues but singing from the same sheet of music. i would point out that this is an unprecedented level of preparation that was seen from our lawmakers on technology issues. thinking back to five years ago when facebook was

facing its first grilling before conference in the wake of russian disinformation and we had a slew of technically illiterate lawmakers. that's not what we've seen today. today, we've heard lawmakers talk about byte code and neural network and artificial intelligence, and i don't think the tiktok ceo wasn't repaired to answer that level of detail on these topics. fascinated talk to you- _ detail on these topics. fascinated talk to you. thank _ detail on these topics. fascinated talk to you. thank you _ detail on these topics. fascinated talk to you. thank you lindsay. i the leader of the labour party has been transparent and shown his taxes which shows he made money from the sale of the house he bought with his

sister with his main income was from his role as an mp and leader of the opposition. for more on this let's go to work current political correspondent david wallace knockaert. transparency is en vogue and we have the prime minister and the leader of opposition showing their taxes was up what's the purpose of this?— their taxes was up what's the purpose of this? we're getting summaries _ purpose of this? we're getting summaries of _ purpose of this? we're getting summaries of their _ purpose of this? we're getting summaries of their income i purpose of this? we're getting | summaries of their income and purpose of this? we're getting i summaries of their income and taxes and they've commissioned accountants to do. i guess this is about, as you say, transparency. ithink to do. i guess this is about, as you say, transparency. i think it's one of the situations where if one leader does it it's then, the pressure begins for other senior politicians to do the same thing. we've looked over at keir starmer is income and taxes now and there's nothing that i think particularly surprising or shocking in there. he did get some money for legal work he had been doing before he became labour leader but he stopped doing that once he took on that leadership

role this up as you said, some money in there from the sale of a house he bought with his sister, that his sister and her children were living. beyond that it suggests that keir starmer is just getting his politician salary. rishi sunak, of course, a slightly different beast on this front. we know that rishi sunak is a very wealthy man and we saw from the document he published that the money generated by investments he makes really seem to dwarf the salary he gets as prime minister of the uk. it's perhaps a bit more of an awkward area for rishi sunak because although everyone knows he is a wealthy man, it prompts questions of how you can relate to people who are struggling date today when it comes to heating their homes and buying food but the prime minister answered those questions today and said the policies he has put in like help with energy bills shows that he understands people are struggling with the cost of living. of course,

historically, rishi sunak had a few more awkward issues our own finances when it became public that his wife had non—dumb status and it became apparent that he had been a green card holder in the usa. now, it's important to stress neither of those things are against any rules, no rules had been broken there, but to give the impression to some people that his wealth and his family's wealth allowed certain doors to be opened to them that weren't open to other people. so i think rishi sunak trying to be transparent as possible about his finances and once he published details of his income in taxes, it was hard for keir starmer as a leader of the opposition party to not to the same. i think that's why we are all of a sudden seen these number and figures and pouring over documents from accountant. goad over documents from accountant. good to talk to david. _ over documents from accountant. good to talk to david. her _ over documents from accountant. good to talk to david. her political

correspondent. how can we repaired the nature around us. a plan to do that for weavers and wetlands and improving access to locally grown food. the people's plan as it's called said access to an environment should be a human right. it was backed by several charities as our signs correspondent reports. when she was selected to be part of the people's plan for nature she jumped at the chance. the plan grows our gross lots of different things.

at this hotel in birmingham hundred people from across the uk had been meeting over the past year to share ideas and devise their own plan for bringing wildlife back from the brink. they're calling for a complete overhaul in the way we treat nature and the food we eat and how we use a land to tougher action on preventing pollution. here at the university of reading, scientists have been monitoring the in plants and animals on home soilfor decades. they said nature is in a lamentable state.— decades. they said nature is in a lamentable state. despite a number of lans we lamentable state. despite a number of plans we have — lamentable state. despite a number of plans we have had _ lamentable state. despite a number of plans we have had the _ lamentable state. despite a number. of plans we have had the government hasn't meant targets for restoring nature. there are 70,000 species in the uk from fungi and plants and insects and mamas and around two fifths of those are in decline. people's plan for nature is really important because it allows civil society and business and government to work together towards a shared

goal. to work together towards a shared coal. ~ to work together towards a shared i oal, . ,. , to work together towards a shared coal. ~ , ,,., to work together towards a shared oal. . , ., goal. with sabine message from ordinary people _ goal. with sabine message from ordinary people about _ goal. with sabine message from ordinary people about what i goal. with sabine message from ordinary people about what we l goal. with sabine message from i ordinary people about what we need to be doing to restore nature? just. to be doing to restore nature? just, and little change _ to be doing to restore nature? just, and little change you _ to be doing to restore nature? just, and little change you can help and do, do it i think would be it. no changes to small. fiur do, do it i think would be it. no changes to small.— do, do it i think would be it. no changes to small. our islands are known for their _ changes to small. our islands are known for their natural— changes to small. our islands are known for their natural wonders l changes to small. our islands are i known for their natural wonders from buboes, to badgers. experts say the reversing decades of devastating losses would involve every single one of us on a scale we haven't seen before. helen briggs, bbc news and the thames valley. families and community groups. families and community groups from across the uk went out last night in search of the new moon. from scarborough, dundee and cambridge these are some images from people who managed to see the new crescent.

ramadan, marked by muslims across the world is determined by the lunar calendar — so spotting a fine crescent means the new month has begun. hello, good afternoon. it's still very mild out there. some more sunny spells and showers to come in the forecast and plenty more rainbows to be spotted as well. some very typically spring—like weather. it's very changeable and it will stay unsettled as we head through the rest of the week. so more wet and windy weather at times, but also some sunshine. and then it will turn colder over the course of the weekend. for the rest of the afternoon, there'll be some widespread showers, also some sunny spells, too. it's a bit drier across much of scotland than we saw yesterday. and the winds are lighter, but still some heavy rain across the northern isles and more heavy rain moving towards the south of england by the end of the afternoon, eventually stretching into east anglia. it's blustery with a brisk south—westerly wind, especially for southwest—facing coasts. still some coastal overtopping here at high tide and the air is mild.

temperatures peaking between 12 and 15 degrees celsius, so well above the seasonal average. now, as we head through this evening and overnight, then our area of rain towards the south of england will be pushing its way out of east anglia as we head through the small hours. still some uncertainty to the northern extent of this rain. there will be a lot of closed skies around temperatures, though, frost—free between four and seven degrees celsius. some more showers throughout the night across northern ireland and scotland and they'll continue tomorrow morning. the centre of low pressure is across northern ireland, so these showers could be really rather slow—moving. but elsewhere the showers will blow along really quite swiftly on that brisk south—westerly wind, possibly the windiest day of the week for england and wales. and some of the showers will have some lightning, some thunder and some hail at times. the air is still mild. temperatures will peak between 12 and 14 degrees, but that is about to change as this area of low pressure pours its way out of scotland into the north sea on friday night, we will start to draw in more of a northerly wind, allowing that colder arctic air to push southwards. so some of these showers could turn

out to be a bit wintry. there will be some wind chill. it's a bit of a messy picture on saturday because further south across england and wales, there'll be fewer showers with lighter winds and the air still is mild here with this rain set to push in on saturday night into sunday morning. also on saturday night into sunday morning, we re—enter british summer time with the clocks springing forward by one hour, but it won't feel very summery at all. in fact, it's going to feel an awful lot more like winter, because as our area of low pressure pulls its way eastwards again, we'll see the northerly wind become more widespread, some cold air and a widespread frost.

hello again, you're watching bbc news. the us congress puts the chinese social media app tiktok in the spotlight, asking if it can be trusted not to spy for beijing. world athletics issues new guidance on transgender athletes in elite competition, saying they cannot take part against people born with the female sex. the councils agreed to exclude male—to—female transgender athletes. who have been through male puberty from female competition from march the 315t this year. more angry demonstrations across france against president macron's

new law, raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. a report in london finds again guilty of trafficking a man from nigerian to harvest his kidney. those were headlines and let's get the sports round—up at the bbc sportscenter with laura. hi, the sports round—up at the bbc sportscenterwith laura. hi, good evening, everyone. world athletics have announced the russian federation have been reinstated. russian and belarusian athletes remain excluded because of the ongoing war in ukraine. the sports governing body also announced that transgender female athletes would be banned from competing in the female category and

international events. this is what world athletics president sebastian co. said of moments ago.- co. said of moments ago. custody taken action _ co. said of moments ago. custody taken action to _ co. said of moments ago. custody taken action to protect _ co. said of moments ago. custody taken action to protect the - co. said of moments ago. custody taken action to protect the female j taken action to protect the female category in our sport, and to do so by restricting the participation of transgender athletes. this was taken in consultation with a number of stakeholders, including 40 member federations, our coaches, our athletes into the athletes commission, as well as a range of other community groups, including trans groups, un experts, the international olympic committee and para—athletics. just three months on from the world cup coming to an end, the journey to the next major tournament is under way. the opening round of matches for euro 2024 have begun, with a number of teams in action — including a repeat of the 2021 final as champions italy take on england in naples. our reporterjane dougall

is there for us. jane, england haven't beaten italy in 11 years. one of those losses was the euro �*s final on penalties. will england be out for revenge? {lit england be out for revenge? of course, the side is the holders of the euros against england. i would imagine that playing italy in the euros will hold of some painful memories for england after that final. as you said, england haven't actually beaten italy since 2012, and that was a friendly, so not a great record against them. all of the matches between the two in recent years has been pretty tight and local scoring. if england to score tonight, many will hope it is harry can get cycle because that would take him past wayne rooney's record tally of 53 goals —— harry

kane. he would become england's record goal—scorer. only the top two in group c will qualify for next year's euros. there is multi, north macedonia and ukraine. england would hope to be in the top two, but of course they have a very tough start —— malta. there's a pretty intimidating place for them to come here at the diego armando o'mara donna stadium. you can sense that the atmosphere is already starting to build. ., ., ., i. ~ to build. how important do you think the home advantage _ to build. how important do you think the home advantage will _ to build. how important do you think the home advantage will be - to build. how important do you think the home advantage will be tonight i the home advantage will be tonight given england have not won in 62 years? do you think there'll be a psychological to italy?— psychological to italy? well, it's interesting because _ psychological to italy? well, it's interesting because italy - psychological to italy? well, it's| interesting because italy haven't played here for ten years, but the italian football federation does like to take the national team on a

tour of the grounds. a lot of people in naples don't feel much of an infinity with the rest of italy, and many actually support argentina. that is because of the legacy of diego merritt donna, but they all willjoin together in member of gianluca theology. he died at the age of 58. italy will be winning a special message on their shirts for the former chelsea layer. there will be a lot of gathering and emotion and, as you can hear, lots of atmosphere.— and, as you can hear, lots of atmoshere. , . ., ., ~ and, as you can hear, lots of atmoshere. , . ., ., ,, ,. atmosphere. jane dougall, thank you ve much atmosphere. jane dougall, thank you very much for— atmosphere. jane dougall, thank you very much for that _ atmosphere. jane dougall, thank you very much for that update _ atmosphere. jane dougall, thank you very much for that update and - atmosphere. jane dougall, thank you very much for that update and you i very much for that update and you can follow happens in the match on bbc sport website. we'll be back with you at 6.30. bye for now.

you, laura. cities and towns across france are seeing further large—scale demonstrations against a new law by president emmanuel macron's government to raise the retirement age. the largest protest has been in paris. this is the live scene there. most are peaceful, but there have been clashes in places. you can see some you can see some of you can see some of the riot police there with helmets and shields out in force. in places like nantes and rennes in the west, where police have used tear gas and water cannon. demonstrators also blockaded an airport terminal in paris, and train tracks and stations. let's get the latest from our paris correspondent, hugh schofield. these protests just keep going on and

correspondent, hugh schofield. these protestsjust keep going on and on. president macron has said he doesn't mind if these pension reforms make him unpopular, he's doing what is right for the country.— right for the country. indeed. you 'oin me right for the country. indeed. you join me just _ right for the country. indeed. you join me just to — right for the country. indeed. you join me just to set _ right for the country. indeed. you join me just to set the _ right for the country. indeed. you join me just to set the scene i right for the country. indeed. you join me just to set the scene on i right for the country. indeed. you i join me just to set the scene on the historic opera behind me here. it's at the end of the demonstration where the hundreds of thousands of... tens of thousands or more of a converging. it's been mostly peaceful, but streets around here have pockets of protesters and rioters that are seeking to confront the police. there's been stonethrowing and fires a satellite. —— set alight. there is tension going on and what macron is saying is it's in the interest of the country. he doesn't mind if he's unpopular. his legacy would be the

right one because he will have instituted this reform, but that is not at all how it is seen from here on the streets, where there have been big demonstrations here and across the country among the majority of people who form this part of the population who say that macron has it wrong, this is not necessary and it's unjust. dare macron has it wrong, this is not necessary and it's unjust. necessary and it's un'ust. are these rotests, necessary and it's un'ust. are these protests. do _ necessary and it's un'ust. are these protests. do you — necessary and it's unjust. are these protests, do you think— necessary and it's unjust. are these protests, do you think they're i necessary and it's unjust. are these protests, do you think they're just l protests, do you think they're just going to keep going on and on? or are people going to get tired, because it's been going on for a while now?— because it's been going on for a while now? ~ , ,., , �* ., because it's been going on for a while now? ~ , , �* ., ., while now? absolutely, we'll have to see- that's — while now? absolutely, we'll have to see. that's the _ while now? absolutely, we'll have to see. that's the big _ while now? absolutely, we'll have to see. that's the big question. - while now? absolutely, we'll have to see. that's the big question. in i while now? absolutely, we'll have to see. that's the big question. in a i see. that's the big question. in a way, battle's been won. he got the bill through, but the protesters say it doesn't matter. it's still possible to get overturned, or the —— they bring the government down.

but nonetheless, it has to be stated that the law is now going ahead and the government is banking on there being a certain loss of momentum as a result. maybe also banking on the fact that if the movement radicalise is, which it may well do now, as there are outburst of violence on there are outburst of violence on the streets, people will turn away and say it's no longer there fight. we have no way really of knowing what's going to happen. i think the unions need to devise some kind of strategy rather than promising more and more. inevitably, they will lose their point. and more. inevitably, they will lose their oint. ., and more. inevitably, they will lose their point-— their point. good to see you there. huh their point. good to see you there. hugh schofield _ their point. good to see you there. hugh schofield in _ their point. good to see you there. hugh schofield in the _ their point. good to see you there. hugh schofield in the thick - their point. good to see you there. hugh schofield in the thick of i their point. good to see you there.

hugh schofield in the thick of it. i if you follow footballers on social media, you've probably seen... and investigation has seen how often these flights are happening and what it means for commitments to being environmentally sustainable. here's our sport editor dan roan. everton arriving by coach for their match against chelsea at the weekend. but this was just the final step of theirjourney to stamford bridge, having flown to london for the fixture 24 hours earlier, and they're far from alone. the bbc�*s uncovered evidence that in just two months there were 81 domestic flights by premier league clubs across just 100 matches, including cup competitions, and that the shortest flight was just 27 minutes. one top manager admits it's an issue the game must now tackle. i think it's something we have to do better with, is my personal opinion. that's not to say it's

straightforward, because there's factors, but i think it's an area we can improve. but it's notjust the planes that take teams to fixtures. a positioning flight, as it's known, arriving at liverpool airport last week to pick up everton forjust a 35—minute journey south for that game against chelsea, one of 37 such flights, often largely empty, that we found evidence of in the two—month window. premier league teams taking short domestic flights like this one to and from matches, despite it being worse for the environment than travelling by road or rail, has raised serious questions overjust how committed the top of the sport truly is to sustainability. last weekend, a positioning flight came all the way from inverness to take bournemouth to birmingham for a match against aston villa, the plane going on empty to liverpool. the next day, another positioning flight from aberdeen picked the team up and took them home before returning back to scotland. league one forest green rovers are known as the country's most sustainable club and its owner told me he was dismayed by our findings.

i think it's shocking data injust two months. it's an illusion to think there is a gain for a flight of that duration. you know, modern coaches are very comfortable and aren't going to impair the performance of a player over that relatively short distance. the carbon impact is one thing and it might not be the biggest thing, but the optics, you've got premier league teams setting a very bad example for the rest of the country. the fa says it's the responsibility of each club to make their own travel choices and some in the game point out these flights make up a small proportion of domestic air travel. in a statement, the premier league said it... so, what did these fans at stamford bridge feel about the issue? the plane's just easier, isn't it? you know, the train, sometimes trains get cancelled much more than planes, and then people get piled on. if climate change is a big topic for people, then they should be trying to set an example

like lots of other organisations in the world. a generation ago, it was all very different. what's the theory, then, i behind hiring a plane to fly bournemouth to an away match? it's a bit extravagant. yeah, it's only a one—off, though, tony. but these days, with more money and more matches in football than ever, persuading top clubs to remain grounded could be a challenge. dan roan, bbc news. we can talk now to david lockwood, bbc sport's lead for sustainability, who did this investigation. i suppose fans get used to the idea of top players flying around the country, but when you do think of it, some of these flights are very short stocky although the average was around 43 minutes. fans might get used to the idea, but it's also interesting get used to the idea, but it's also interestint ., get used to the idea, but it's also interestin: ., ., ., , ~ get used to the idea, but it's also interestin: ., ., ., , ,, j~' interesting what non-fans think. 81 fithts interesting what non-fans think. 81 fit hts were interesting what non-fans think. 81 fights were found _ interesting what non-fans think. 81 fights were found over _ interesting what non-fans think. 81 fights were found over 100 - interesting what non-fans think. 81 fights were found over 100 games | interesting what non-fans think. 81. fights were found over 100 games in two months. crucially, it's the idea of these put positioning flights.

they use the example of bournemouth. there was actually a much shorter one. i think that would surprise a lot of people. there's suggestion that the clubs had any idea that these position flights were going on. but it's clear that they will have a significant impact on the overall emissions of the travel. what's the alternative? they have these luxury coaches, but i remember pep guardiola saying it was tiring. the trip to london was three or four hours. . the trip to london was three or four hours, , ., the trip to london was three or four hours. , ., ., , hours. so, these are elite athletes in the clubs _ hours. so, these are elite athletes in the clubs and _ hours. so, these are elite athletes in the clubs and the _ hours. so, these are elite athletes in the clubs and the players i hours. so, these are elite athletes in the clubs and the players are i in the clubs and the players are under huge pressure to deliver results. these players have a very short window in their careers, and they're focused on these things, but i think there is a growing sense and clothes are trying to do their bit

—— clubs. i think they were tired of stories emerging on social media and always focusing on one club. perhaps they wanted a more honest conversation. there is an appetite to try and do better, but equally, when there are so many games and so much money and so much at stake, it is hard to see a way around this or some guidance at the top of the game. some guidance at the top of the name. , .,, some guidance at the top of the tame. , ., some guidance at the top of the name. , s,, ., , game. some people might say that why can't the to game. some people might say that why can't they go by — game. some people might say that why can't they go by train? _ game. some people might say that why can't they go by train? what will- game. some people might say that why can't they go by train? what will be i can't they go by train? what will be the argument against that? they would be surrounded by other passengers. would be surrounded by other passengers-— would be surrounded by other passengers. would be surrounded by other ”asseners_ , ., , ., ., ,' passengers. many teams do go by train, passengers. many teams do go by train. let's — passengers. many teams do go by train. let's be _ passengers. many teams do go by train, let's be clear, _ passengers. many teams do go by train, let's be clear, but _ passengers. many teams do go by train, let's be clear, but i - passengers. many teams do go by train, let's be clear, but i think. train, let's be clear, but i think this year, more than any other, it's the disruption on the railway networks. i don't think a club can be saying sorry, we can't get there until three o'clock because we won't make it. there is the issue of player safety. trains and coach travel as well is being looked at as

an option. d0 travel as well is being looked at as an otion. ,, an option. do think the premier leatue an option. do think the premier league and _ an option. do think the premier league and the _ an option. do think the premier league and the football- an option. do think the premier. league and the football authorities are worried by the look of this, that it doesn't look very environmentally—friendly? after your revelations and investigation, they might want to take some action. it’s might want to take some action. it's that might want to take some action. it�*s that terrible word, optics. it's this idea that a lot of the clubs are doing some good work around their stadiums and matched a emissions, but it doesn't really look good to see players taking selfies with it. we've seen marcus rashford speaking up on issues. we've seen the black lives matter movement. we haven't really seen players speaking up around the environment. maybe that's because of the fights like these —— flights. maybe some sort of open conversation might encourage players to talk on the environment.— the environment. good to talk to ou. the environment. good to talk to you- thank _ the environment. good to talk to you- thank you _ the environment. good to talk to you. thank you very _ the environment. good to talk to you. thank you very much. i the environment. good to talk to you. thank you very much. mike | the environment. good to talk to i you. thank you very much. mike to the news that's been breaking the last hour. we've heard from the world athletics for track

and field that announce it will exclude trans women from elite female competition. regardless of levels of testosterone. the president of track and field governing body made the announcement. we can talk to this —— about this with joanna harper. what's your reaction to this news? i'm disappointed but not surrised. this news? i'm disappointed but not surprised- just _ this news? i'm disappointed but not surprised. just explained _ this news? i'm disappointed but not surprised. just explained a - this news? i'm disappointed but not surprised. just explained a bit i surprised. just explained a bit more? i surprised. just explained a bit more? i was _ surprised. just explained a bit more? i was part— surprised. just explained a bit more? i was part of— surprised. just explained a bit more? i was part of the i surprised. just explained a bit more? i was part of the group surprised. just explained a bit - more? i was part of the group that came u- more? i was part of the group that came up with _ more? i was part of the group that came up with the _ more? i was part of the group that came up with the preferred - more? i was part of the group that came up with the preferred option| more? i was part of the group that l came up with the preferred option of keeping testosterone based regulations but decreasing the testosterone level and increasing the time, but i thoughtjust as the working group did, that was the preferred option. clearly things

have changed, and the executive has decided to go in this direction. i'm disappointed because i don't think it's necessary. there's no trans woman who has competed at international levels of athletics, and in those exports that continue to allow trans women to compete, trans women are not taking over and are hugely underrepresented. we were talkin: to are hugely underrepresented. we were talking to sharon _ are hugely underrepresented. we were talking to sharon davies, _ are hugely underrepresented. we were talking to sharon davies, who - are hugely underrepresented. we were talking to sharon davies, who said - talking to sharon davies, who said it is necessary because otherwise, female athletes can't have competition that is fair. but this is a debate between fairness and inclusivity. is a debate between fairness and inclusivi . ~ , ., inclusivity. well, . .. these two ideas are _ inclusivity. well, . .. these two ideas are not _ inclusivity. well, . .. these two ideas are not mutually - inclusivity. well, . .. these two i ideas are not mutually exclusive, although there is a certain tension between them. i think the preferred

option would have allowed 90 something percent of fairness and 90 something percent of fairness and 90 something percent of fairness and 90 something percent of inclusion. i5 something percent of inclusion. is this decision by world athletics, do you think, going to set a trend? i hope not, but it's certainly possible. hope not, but it's certainly possible-— hope not, but it's certainly possible. hope not, but it's certainly ossible. �* , ., possible. and will there be a campaign — possible. and will there be a campaign against _ possible. and will there be a campaign against that - possible. and will there be a - campaign against that happening? 0h, campaign against that happening? oh, i'm sure campaign against that happening? oi, i'm sure there campaign against that happening? i>i, i'm sure there will. campaign against that happening? i>i i'm sure there will. there campaign against that happening? i>i, i'm sure there will. there will be numerous activists open arms and we will see this with —— where this goes. one thing i think is important to note is this decision was not driven primarily by transgender athletes, but rather by intersex or dsb athletes were conditioned. these athletes have substantial success at

world athletics, and i think it will certainly be incumbent on world athletic to come up with a viable third category. i think given the number of dsb athletes, world athletics does have a chance to do this. we'll see what develops in the next three months or so.— this. we'll see what develops in the next three months or so. you've been doin: next three months or so. you've been doing research — next three months or so. you've been doing research on _ next three months or so. you've been doing research on this. _ next three months or so. you've been doing research on this. what - next three months or so. you've been doing research on this. what sort - next three months or so. you've been doing research on this. what sort of. doing research on this. what sort of research are you doing and what does it show? i’m research are you doing and what does it show? �* ., ., ., ., , ., it show? i'm not allowed to share our findings _ it show? i'm not allowed to share our findings with _ it show? i'm not allowed to share our findings with you, _ it show? i'm not allowed to share our findings with you, but - it show? i'm not allowed to share our findings with you, but we - it show? i'm not allowed to share our findings with you, but we will| our findings with you, but we will be publishing. we have three studies looking at different aspects of transgender athletic performance. it tra nsgender athletic performance. it details transgender athletic performance. it details why. mag transgender athletic performance. it details wh . �* ., ,, ., transgender athletic performance. it detailswh. �* ., «i details why. may we'll talk to you when we are _ details why. may we'll talk to you when we are they _ details why. may we'll talk to you when we are they are _ details why. may we'll talk to you when we are they are public. - details why. may we'll talk to you i when we are they are public. joanna when we are they are public. joanna harper, thank you very much for your time. ., �* . ., a

harper, thank you very much for your time._ a senior - time. you're welcome. a senior wealthy nigerian _ time. you're welcome. a senior wealthy nigerian politician - time. you're welcome. a senior wealthy nigerian politician in i time. you're welcome. a senior| wealthy nigerian politician in his wife and a medical middlemen have been found guilty of an organ trafficking plot. it saw them bring a 21—year—old man to the uk from lagos for his kidney. prosecutors told the old bailey the organ was to be removed here's our home affairs correspondent, tom symonds. a young nigerian man walks into a west london police station with a remarkable story. he's run away because people want to take his kidney. weeks before, daniel — not his real name — had been selling mobile phone accessories in the markets of lagos. at the other end of the nigerian social scale, ike ekweremadu, a powerful senator, and his wife, beatrice. their daughter, sonia, has a debilitating kidney condition. she needs a transplant. for help, ekweremadu turned to this man, dr obinna obeta... i'm fine, i'm 0k. ..who'd posted his own transplant on facebook afterfinding

a young nigerian donor. obeta suggested his donor's friend, daniel. in lagos, the young market trader was told to get some tests. he thought a wealthy man was helping him travel to britain for a better life. the impression that i have is that he was told that there would be some form of employment for him in a manner, some form of assistance. was he told that he would be required to give a kidney? my understanding is that that was never a subject of discussion. he flew to britain, there was nojob. while waiting for meetings with doctors, he slept on a sofa at a flat where dr obeta lived here in south london and he was taken for lunch at this restaurant — and there was a reason for that. sonia ekweremadu was there and her picture was taken with daniel. while she was acquitted, the court heard her parents and obeta were falsely claiming

daniel and sonia were cousins. when daniel met a kidney specialist here at the royal free in london, he says he suddenly realised the real reason he was in britain. the doctor called a halt to the transplant. this kidney trafficking expert says all donors need to have an emotional connection with the recipient, or be a family member. for individuals that come over, we would assume that they've come for a particular purpose and they've given consent and they are willing to engage in that process, so clearly, at some point, that alarm bell will ring that this is not a valid consent and this person is under duress. sonia ekweremadu's transplant never happened but obinna obeta's happened, but obinna obeta's did at the royal free, and a key figure in both cases was an nhs doctor from cambridgeshire. chris agbo runs a side business helping foreign patients get treatment in britain.

dr agbo... the court heard he even examined daniel at the flat in south london. i wonder if i could ask you some questions about the role you played in arranging or helping to arrange the donor. so, did he know the young donor was being exploited? did you see the donor yourself? any idea why he ended up in this country without realising why he was here? no answers. he's being investigated by the police and general medical council. this unusual case demonstrates what can happen when seriously ill patients are desperate for a cure. tom symonds, bbc news. a 20—year—old man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after two elderly men were set a light outside of mosques in birmingham and london. west midlands police said mohammed africa is being keptin police said mohammed africa is being kept in custody before appearing at a magistrates' court in the city. phil mackie reports from that

magistrate court. it was a very brief hearing at birmingham magistrates' court today. mohammed abbkr, who's originally from sudan, but gave his address as being in edgbaston in birmingham, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address in the hearing that lasted less than ten minutes. he faces two charges of attempted murder relating to two separate incidents. in the first, a man called hashi odowa was set alight when returning home from evening prayers at the west london islamic centre in ealing on february the 27th. the second alleged attack took place earlier this week here in birmingham. in that, mohammed rayaz, 70 years old, was also set alight on his way home from evening prayers at his nearby mosque, also in edgbaston in birmingham. we've spoken to his family, who say that he's still in a serious, but stable condition in hospital. they said that he suffered

life—changing injuries, he was burnt on his chest, face, and hands. he has been able to speak briefly to the police, but can't open his eyes at the moment. mr abbkr was remanded in custody, for another month, when he's due to appear before birmingham crown court. phil mackie reporting there. let's take you back to what's happening in paris. we don't have time for that. you've been watching bbc news. let's get a look at the latest weather forecast. it's been a very changeable day of weather with sunny spells, but also blustery showers around. lots of rainbows as captured by our weather watchers.

lots of rainbows as captured by our weatherwatchers. it's lots of rainbows as captured by our weather watchers. it's a very similar looking day tomorrow. blustery showers and sunshine and the air stays miles until we get to the weekend. —— mild. the rain will gradually clear a way to leave behind clearing skies. it does stay rather breezy. temperatures dropping between 4—7 celsius. it's another frost free start to the day. low pressure becomes a lot more centred over northern ireland, so the showers are likely to become heavy and slow—moving to the day, but a tight squeeze on the isobars. it should be a largely dry start for most with sunshine. all possible, sunny spells in between. the windiest day of the week for england

and wales. also still mild, temperatures between 12—14 c, but mild air is not set to last. some of the showers could turn out to be wintry. furthersouth, the showers could turn out to be wintry. further south, should be a drier picture. on saturday night, into sunday morning,. allowing this cold arctic air to spill southwards across the whole of the uk, so all into much cooler feeling air by the time we get to sunday evening. widespread frost and may be some icy stretches on sunday night into monday. here's the outlook for our capital city.

at 6pm: another rise in interest rates — the 11th in a row — piling on the pressure for many people with mortgages or loans. interest rates now stand at ii.25% — the highest level for iii years — as the bank of england keeps trying to slow inflation. our other main story on the programme tonight is from right up on the front line in ukraine. explosions. we have a special report, as quentin sommerville ukrainian troops fighting trench warfare there. one, two, three, four... we can't take it any more! junior doctors in england escalate their strike action — they'll walk out for four days next month. and back to school — the headteacher whose