this is bbc news broadcasting in the uk and around the globe. our top stories... disarray in israel after prime minister benjamin netanyahu postpones a speech expected to halt controversialjudical changes. this is the scene at the moment injerusalem. british prime minister rishi sunak outlines new plans to tackle anti—social behaviour following this weekend's announcement to impose a ban on laughing gas. the scottish national party is set to announce a new leader with three contenders in the running to succeed nicola sturgeon. a nationwide strike across germany as unions stage walkouts to support claims for pay rises to meet the cost of living crisis.

the bbc�*s learns more than 1,600 rape and serious sexual assault cases across england and wales have collapsed after the alleged victims withdraw from providing evidence. hello and welcome to bbc news. there have been widespread protests in israel over planned hello and welcome to bbc news. prince harry has arrived at the high court in london in relation to his claim against the daily mail over alleged phone tapping and other breaches of privacy. it is the first hearing in a lawsuit that has been brought by the duke of sussex, the singer sir eltonjohn and other high—profile figures. we will get more on over the next, because of

the next few hours, but the hearing is likely to last around four days, and prince harry is one of the key players in this case, but it is a group litigation and he is only one of the claimants. some of the other names that you might recognise, the actor elizabeth hurley, sadie frost, sir eltonjohn and his husband the filmmaker david furnish, along with baroness lawrence, doreen lawrence, the mother of stephen lawrence, the young black man who was murdered in london in the 1990s. david sherborne is a well—known lawyer representing ince harry and the other claimants as well. we will keep an eye on those proceedings throughout the day. there have been widespread protests in israel over planned changes to the country's judicial system planned by the prime minister benjamin netanyahu. over the weekend mr netanyahu

sacked his defence minister yoav gallant for saying the reforms which would make it easier for politicians to reversejudges�* decisions should be halted. the israeli president, issac herzog, has also urged mr netanyahu to halt the israeli president issac herzog has also urged mr netanyahu to halt the legislation saying the unity of the people of israel was at stake. benjamin netanyahu was due to address the nation earlier but his speech did not take place and it's reported that mr netanyahu is also under pressure not to back down from hardliners in his right—wing government. our middle east correspondent anna foster told me more about these judicial changes many, many people in the country see these changes as really affecting the bedrock of israel's democracy. they are one of a series of laws which this right—wing, nationalist coalition is trying to push through, which is why benjamin netanyahu finds himself in such a difficult position this morning. as he was saying, there was this plan to address the nation which has now been postponed while he holds talks with various

israeli lawmakers. he has got the other members of his own coalition to try and keep happy, some of the most far—right elements in israeli politics, they desperately want this legislation to be pushed through, but then on the streets you have tens of thousands of people, i was with protesters injerusalem until three o'clock here this morning and they were absolutely determined that they would not back down in trying to get this legislation not paused but stopped, and that will be the key thing to watch if and when benjamin netanyahu does have something to say today, he will be perhaps trying to suggest a pause or a freeze, rather than an actual ending of this legislation, and the question will be whether or not that will be enough for the protesters and for the growing levels of dissent here in israeli society. as you say, the demonstrations have spread, more and more people are coming to support those protests, anna, but talk to us about the defence minister, and him leaving office, because he was starting to say

that it was going to become impossible to actually run the israeli defence? the israeli defence force? that's right. there has been real dissent among the idf, and idf reservists in particular. there have been protests for 12 weeks, on thursday night i was with reservists near tel aviv, and they were really frustrated not just with the legislation but actually the ones i was speaking i was speaking to were frustrated with the defence minister, yoav gallant, they felt he was not being strident enough, they felt they were telling him that they were not happy with this, in some cases they were refusing to serve because of it and they felt he was not putting their case forward. he had planned to make his own address to the nation but he had a last—minute meeting with benjamin netanyahu and that address was postponed. then mr netanyahu went to london to meet rishi sunak and while he was away, yoav gallant went ahead

and made that statement, he told the israeli nation that he thought that this legislation if it were to go ahead, if it were to weaken the judiciary in the way that is proposed, would be a danger to the state of israel. he went on tv and made his statement and 2a hours later, he was fired by benjamin netanyahu, and that was what led to these spontaneous protests that we saw on the streets here, notjust injerusalem and tel aviv but right up and down the country last night. and there are calls for a general strike, the biggest union in israel putting their shoulder to the wheel? that's right. and they have stayed out of this so far as well but this morning they have made a statement calling for what would be really an unprecedented general strike. we saw universities as well saying that they were going to strike from this point on, if this legislation continued. in terms of that union that you were talking about, it is the biggest trade union in israel and there were discussions about how that might affect the country. this morning, suggestions

about whether it might affect things as fundamental as travel in and out of ben gurion airport. it could really bring the country to a state of paralysis, which is what the protesters have been trying to do for the last few weeks, and the final day of this session of the knesset is the 2nd of april, and that was the date they had given themselves to try and get the legislation through, and in many ways that i think is why this has come to a head now, because the timing is absolutely critical. let's go tojerusalem now, there have been tens of thousands of people out on the streets, on sunday evening, opted by benjamin netanyahu firing his defence minister, who had called for a pause on the changes to thejudiciary, as anna foster was

just expanding. we were speaking to a political analyst in tel aviv are a political analyst in tel aviv are a little earlier, dahlia scheindlin, she was at the protests in her own city and she said that she could hear protesters chanting about protecting the independence of the judiciary, strengthening democracy, calling for a constitution. she seemed to believe that all of the protesters, whatever their political background, are increasingly unified under the banner of democracy. i'm joined now by yuval shany, legal scholar and senior research fellow at the israel democracy institute. he is currently in london. thank you for finding time to talk to us here on bbc news. talk to us about the changes and how far they have got in legislative terms? 50. have got in legislative terms? 50, the ministry _ have got in legislative terms? so, the ministry of — have got in legislative terms? srr, the ministry ofjustice have got in legislative terms? s57, the ministry ofjustice announced have got in legislative terms? s513, the ministry ofjustice announced on the ministry ofjustice announced on the 3rd of january a the ministry ofjustice announced on the 3rd ofjanuary a comprehensive package of laws that he seeks to

pass through, which, as your correspondent explained, would significantly weaken the powers of the israeli legal system. so far, one law has been approved for passage actually this morning, it has not passed yet, it is the law that actually is supposed to start the process by changing the composition of the judicial selection committee, and allowing the government, the coalition, essentially, to have control over the appointment ofjudges in israel in all instances of the judiciary. this law is now ready for a vote before the knesset and this is why we have seen the protests intensify in the last few days, because as your correspondent said, the knesset is about to disperse for a holiday break next monday, and the idea was that they would try, the coalition, would try to pass this specific law

which would be the first stage of the reform, before that knesset break takes place.— break takes place. what are the opposition _ break takes place. what are the opposition proposing _ break takes place. what are the opposition proposing by - break takes place. what are the opposition proposing by way - break takes place. what are the opposition proposing by way ofl break takes place. what are the l opposition proposing by way of an alternative? 50. opposition proposing by way of an alternative?— opposition proposing by way of an alternative? so, there is of course alternative? so, there is of course a big question _ alternative? so, there is of course a big question as _ alternative? so, there is of course a big question as to _ alternative? so, there is of course a big question as to whether- alternative? so, there is of course a big question as to whether a - a big question as to whether a reform injudicial a big question as to whether a reform in judicial selection a big question as to whether a reform injudicial selection is even necessary, israel has had a system in place since 1953, where professionals, not politicians, have a majority in the judicial selection body, that system has generally worked well, so there is a question as to whether the opposition is even having to do to put up a proposal, when the government is seeking to change a long established status quo. i think there have been voices within the opposition that were willing to reconsider certain aspects of thejudicial willing to reconsider certain aspects of the judicial selection process for the president of israel,

issac herzog, submitted a plan two weeks ago which accepted certain reforms of thejudicial weeks ago which accepted certain reforms of the judicial selection process, but these are relatively minor reforms, they do not give the coalition what it actually wants, and this is why so far they have rejected this and this is having the coalition obtain full control over the process of electing judges in israel. i the process of electing “udges in israel. ,, , the process of electing “udges in israel. ., , ., ,, israel. i am 'ust reading via the reuters israel. i am just reading via the reuters news _ israel. i am just reading via the reuters news agency _ israel. i am just reading via the reuters news agency that - israel. i am just reading via the reuters news agency that mr. reuters news agency that mr netanyahu's coalition government has survived a no—confidence motion which had been fired by the opposition in protest at this planned overhaul of the judiciary. the motion failed by 59—53. to what extent is this battle now about reform as opposed to political survival for mr netanyahu? well, it is obviously — survival for mr netanyahu? well, it is obviously now— survival for mr netanyahu? well, it is obviously now about _ survival for mr netanyahu? well, it is obviously now about political - is obviously now about political survival. the no—confidence vote at this point in time is not meaningful, this is a routine vote

which, as long as the coalition is still intact, the coalition can easily defeat it, and it seems that it did this time again. i think his real problem that he and his allies have got themselves into a spot where he will be damned whether he does stop the reform, but he will also be damned if he does not stop the reform. i must say that israel, i can update you will ivy the report, israel is now already in general strike, and ben gurion airport has been shut down, so, the country is standing whole, also hospitals are no longer accepting new patients, schools will shut down tomorrow, so the pressure on netanyahu is such that he really has no choice politically but to stop or at least to pause the legislation, but that could lead some extreme right—wing factions who desert the cup addition and maybe is ministry

ofjustice to resign, and he'd really now has to engage in damage control and to try to navigate between these competing pressures. there are also some members within his coalition who are threatening to withdraw support from the government if he does not stop the reform, so he is really between a rock and a hard place politically and i think the reform is the last thing on his mind at this point, the reform itself. ., , ., mind at this point, the reform itself. ., ., ,, ., , ., itself. professor yuval shany from the israel democracy _ itself. professor yuval shany from the israel democracy institute, . itself. professor yuval shany from j the israel democracy institute, we appreciate you talking to us. just to return to the breaking news, that prince harry has arrived at the high court in london, it is for a hearing in his claim against the publisher of the daily mail newspaper. it is over alleged phone tapping and other breaches of privacy it is the first hearing in a lawsuit being brought ijy hearing in a lawsuit being brought by the duke of sussex along with the singer sir eltonjohn and other high—profile figures. the new leader

of the scottish national party will be revealed later. the scottish health secretary humza yousaf, the finance secretary kate forbes and ash regan, a former minister, are the three contenders hoping to become first minister. whoever wins the top job will take on a fractured party and a country facing a number of policy challenges. our scotland editor james cook reports. for the snp, this has been a difficult campaign. splits have emerged on the economy, social issues such as gay marriage and a lack of progress towards independence. so party members have been deciding which candidate they want to sort things out. snp members want a leader who can deliver independence, continue to win elections and deliver competent government. i'm the only candidate that can do all three because i can reach out across the country. i can reach out to labour voters and conservatives. i am trusted on every policy area and more trusted than either of the other two candidates

to deliver competent government. to have and to take on the topjob in scotland, you've got to have experience and i've had ten years in government with some of the toughest jobs, transport, justice and now entrusted with the nhs's recovery through the global pandemic. i think i've got the skills necessary and also because i believe in independence, too. i believe it's the best future for our country and i believe i can be the person that re—energises the independence campaign. i am the candidate for- getting independence done. i am the only candidate - with a published plan on legally achieving independence, i and i am the only candidate with a published plan for what to do if westminster says no. _ the victor will have big shoes to fill. at one point, nicola sturgeon was a rock star politician, feted by adoring crowds, winning eight elections in a row. thank you from the bottom of my heart for the privilege of being your first minister.

but she stands down with her dream of independence still unrealised, leaving her party wondering if someone else can win that place in history. james cook, bbc news, edinburgh. a clean—up operation is under way after about 200 barrels of reservoirfluid including oil leaked into the water at poole harbour in dorset. members of the public have been urged by poole harbour commissoners not to swim in the harbour or nearby until further notice, but the pipeline operators perenco said the situation was under control. earlier, our reporter simonjones was in poole harbour. this has been declared a major incident. a tier two incident, that means it's a medium level requiring a regional response. those 200 barrels�* worth of fluid that leaked, it's around 60 tonnes of material made up of about 85% water but 15% oil. that is why it is causing so much

concern here because this area is very popular with swimmers and also is an area of scientific importance, particularly with wading birds. let's get the latest now from the council leader, phil broadhead. just tell me first of all what the latest is on how bad this is? as you said, it has triggered a multi—agency response. we're the second largest natural harbour in the world. it is an ecologically sensitive area. so we have to make sure we're on top of this. the lead agency are the poole harbour commissioners and we are all working really close together to mitigate any problems that come from it. what we're hearing at the moment is that the leak was caught quickly and boons were put in place to contain and some oil has already been recovered. we are cautiously optimistic that some of it has already been disbursed to see. but in an area like this, the last thing you wanted to do is hit the shore and that is why all of the parties are coming together to make sure we can control this as much as possible. this should never have happened.

absolutely. this is notjust ecologically sensitive area but we are one of the major tourist resorts in the uk as well, so when i got this phone call yesterday, apart from being angry and frustrated, you are also really worried. we will find out more today, but it does look like it's not the huge incident we were worried it could have been at the beginning. but after this, my focus at the moment is working with the partner agencies to get this under control, after which we're going to have to do some serious reflection and some very serious questions are going to have to be answered. potentially, an immediate danger to the wildlife around here that is hugely important? we're advising everyone at the moment, particularly in the harbour area, not to interact with the water whilst the lead agencies are working with the environment agencyjust to ascertain exactly what the situation is. we're not talking about huge quantities and from what we hear it is reservoirfluid, so 15% oil. but to be honest, any oil is always a real concern that is why we have got this multi—agency response to make sure we get on top of it and hopefully mitigate any damage as soon as possible. you say get on top of it,

what do you think is going to have to be done? well, as far as i'm aware there are long—held contingencies in place for this, an oil spill management plan, we've got specialist agencies coming in today. obviously the oil company has to take an active role in that and as i've said we hear that a number are part of it has already been recovered. and some of it is down to the weather as well. if it can be dispersed into sea, it's less of an issue. but as i said, the real worry is if any of it hits shore. we've had no reports that it has hit shore at the moment but again all agencies are working together to make sure we are on top of it. the company responsible for the pipeline, perenco, what are you saying to them? what questions are you going to be asking them? this oil facility has been going for a long time, since before i was born actually. i suppose my focus at the moment with all the other agencies is just dealing with the issue and trying to make sure there are no long—term or even short—term effects of this. after that, there's going to have to be an investigation. they've already announced there is going to be

an investigation and i understand a number of the mps are already raising this in the house today as urgent questions. i'm angry, i'm trying to put my anger to one side at the moment and deal with the issue, but clearly this should never have happened in the first place. rishi sunak has unveiled plans to clamp down on antisocial behaviour. speaking in essex, he announced plans to target hotspots, to force offenders to repair damage within days and to ban nitrous oxide canisters or laughing gas. indie days and to ban nitrous oxide canisters or laughing gas. we need to make sure _ canisters or laughing gas. we need to make sure that _ canisters or laughing gas. we need to make sure that we _ canisters or laughing gas. we need to make sure that we give - canisters or laughing gas. we need| to make sure that we give antisocial behaviour the urgency that this subject deserves. so, what we're going to do is to use far more hotspot policing, where we make sure that our police target the areas that our police target the areas that are of most concern, it has been proven to work in lots of different places. and we are going to have more use of what is called

immediate justice, to have more use of what is called immediatejustice, so to have more use of what is called immediate justice, so that those people who are behaving irresponsibly and poorly will have to repair the damage they are causing, clear up the mess that they've made within days. so that justice can be seen to be done. that is what immediate justice is about. our political correspondentjonathan 0ur political correspondent jonathan blake is 0ur political correspondentjonathan blake is in westminster. likely to be a very popular policy to pursue over antisocial behaviour, jonathan? labour have been talking about it recently as well and i think the fact that we are hearing from the prime minister and the government on this topic now is partly at least to do with the fact that there are local elections coming up next month across large parts of england and this is seen by the government and indeed both main parties here at westminster as an issue which people care about and they need to be seen to be doing something about. and thatis to be doing something about. and that is why we've heard from the prime minister today talking about the government's plan on antisocial

behaviour, measures including swifter justice for people behaviour, measures including swifterjustice for people who are caught, arrested orfined for things including graffiti and other crimes of that nature, increased policing patrols, the government talking about as well, and significantly banning laughing gas or nitrous oxide, making ita banning laughing gas or nitrous oxide, making it a criminal offence to possess nitrous oxide, whereas up until this point it has only been illegal to supply that for human consumption. that is something that the government says it is blighting communities, not least because of the canisters littering parks and other environments, and they say that it can be harmful if people are taking that substance. 0thers disagree, drugs campaigners arguing that actually by making it illegal it will not do anything to address the demand, it will only take the supply of this substance and the trade into criminal hands, and indeed the government is going against the advice of its own misuse of drugs act counsel, the drugs

advisory board, which are there to provide advice to ministers on the misuse of drugs act they say that a ban would be disproportionate and may end up doing more harm than good. but nevertheless, ministers have decided to act in that way. labour today criticising the government's plan saying that there is nothing new here, they have run out of ideas and that unless you commit to significantly increasing the number of police officers which are being recruited and trained and put into force across various parts of the country, then these problems will not be tackled effectively. there is also some news aboutjeremy corbyn, the former leader of the labour party?— corbyn, the former leader of the labour party? corbyn, the former leader of the labour pa ? , , , ., labour party? yes, this is coming to us 'ust in labour party? yes, this is coming to usjust in the — labour party? yes, this is coming to usjust in the last _ labour party? yes, this is coming to us just in the last few _ labour party? yes, this is coming to usjust in the last few minutes, - labour party? yes, this is coming to usjust in the last few minutes, sir l us just in the last few minutes, sir keir starmer will propose a motion at labour's ruling body, the national executive committee, that will effectively stop jeremy corbyn standing as a labour candidate at

the next election in his north london constituency. this was something we knew that had been coming, sir keir starmer has taken various steps towards this move and signalled very recently that he did not want to see jeremy corbyn stand as a labour candidate at the next election. this all goes back to the former labour leader mr corbyn's response to a review into anti—semitism within the labour party and his response to that. i will read you what a senior labour source has told us this morning, and thatis source has told us this morning, and that is that keir starmer has made clearjeremy corbyn will not be a labour candidate at the next general election. the party is now unrecognisable, they say, from the one that lost in 2019 and tuesday's vote will confirm this and ensure we can focus on our five to build a better better britain. so, that is coming to us in the last few minutes, the national executive committee expected to adopt a motion in all likelihood which would preventjeremy corbyn standing as a

labour candidate. germany is feeling the effects of a nationwide strike. two of the country's largest trade unions are staging a co—ordinated walkout for 2h hours to support demands for significant pay rises. the transport sector is expected to be hit particularly hard with airports, rail services and ferries all affected. earlier, i spoke to our berlin correspondentjenny hill and i asked how unusual is it to see these strikes. it is really rare for a dispute over pay to escalate to this level of drama. this is being called the mega strike here, two powerful unions combining their firepower to get their workers out on strike, and attempt to bring the country to a standstill and it looks as though to a degree they are being successful. it is very difficult to get around germany today, planes, trains, ferries, all cancelled, depending on where you are in the country, bus and tram services out, too. i did see earlier on breakfast television here a very cheerful german taxi driver being interviewed saying it is a really good day to be a taxi driver and he is probably

right but even motorists are being warned that workers who normally maintain the roads and motorways, for example, immediately after an accident, are also out on strike and that is before you consider the trafficjams with the extra volume of cars potentially on the roads with commuters choosing to drive rather than try and get a train which has been cancelled. so, a lot of disruption. but we have seen here in recent weeks and months a good number of workers from a variety of sectors going out on strike, all of them saying that they need their wages to reflect the higher cost of living, saying that they are simply struggling to pay their bills and their bills are going up. the two unions involved in today's industrial action are demanding respectively pay increases of 10.5% and 12% for their members. they are high demands but actually if you look back at the last few weeks and months, you can see that postal workers and metalworkers, who also went out on strike,

were able eventually to secure fairly substantial increases in wages as a result of the industrial action they took, so it will be very interesting to see what comes out of today's action. another school year started this weekend in afghanistan but teenage girls were forced to stay at home. the taliban government has barred girls and women from secondary schools and university in afghanistan, the only government in the world to do so. the bbc�*s south asia correspondent yogita limaye reports. women shout. as a new school year begins, afghan women are out on the streets again. risking violence and detention, they're marching for teenage girls... ..who've been denied this, the most basic of human rights — going to school, meeting friends, getting an education.

look what it's doing to them. "when i see my brother going to school, i feel sad and broken," says tamana. "he used to say, i won't go without you. i'd hug him and tell him i'd join later. i had hoped the taliban would change their minds." almost every afghan girl we've spoken to has broken down within minutes of talking about school. habiba says she doesn't believe taliban claims that the closure is temporary. these girls used to be in the same class.

occasionally they forget their grief, when they reminisce about school life, how they pranked a new teacher orjoked in drama class. education has never come easy. mahtab was injured in a school bombing that killed more than 80 before the taliban took over. but she was determined to study. translation: life has no| meaning without education. i think death would be better. if the restrictions on women get more and more intense, i don't think this life is worth living. with each day that goes by, the hopes they had are fading. yogita limaye, bbc news. let's take a look at the latest developments in the war in ukraine. the commander of ukraine's ground forces says his troops are continuing to repel heavy

russian attacks on the besieged city of bakhmut. he described the defence as a military necessity. both sides have suffered heavy casualties around bakhmut which has been bady damaged, as you can see from these drone pictures filmed on sunday. the uk's ministry of defence says ukraine has used flying and water—borne drones to try to attack the russian naval base in sevastopol in occupied crimea. it's understood they were destroyed without causing any damage but the uk analysis suggests the threat of attack may be having an effect on the way russia is deploying its black sea fleet. reports from russia suggest that the government may try to seek compensation for the damage caused to the nord stream gas pipelines. they were broken open by explosives, stopping deliveries of natural gas to germany and onwards to other european markets. the identity of the group behind the attack and their motivations have not been fully established, and it's not clear who russia might seek any damages from.

the bbc has learned that over the last five years more than 1,600 rape and serious sexual assault cases across england and wales have collapsed after the alleged victims withdrew from providing evidence. the data was obtained exclusively by newsnight using freedom of information requests to the crown prosecution service. bbc newsnight�*s uk editor who's been working on the story sima kotecha joins me now. nice to see you. what does your freedom of information request show? apparently from june 2017 to june 2020 to 1612 cases had collapsed because the complainant withdrew their evidence. these cases involve someone having been charged. we have asked lots of barristers including two prominent organisations, the law society and the criminal bar association white these complainants had been dropping out and they say

partly it's because of the delays in the court system. we've heard from alleged victims who told us they have been told the court case starts on monday, then it is moved to another day and there are months in between those time frames and so they are saying a place with their mental health and sometimes they just feel like dropping out is the only answer for them to carry on with their life. we spoke to one woman who has had her court case delayed six times. i woman who has had her court case delayed six times.— delayed six times. i think one of the major _ delayed six times. i think one of the major reasons _ delayed six times. i think one of the major reasons we _ delayed six times. i think one of the major reasons we are - delayed six times. i think one of| the major reasons we are seeing people _ the major reasons we are seeing people pulling out of rape and serial— people pulling out of rape and serial sexual offences prosecutions now is _ serial sexual offences prosecutions now is because of the impact of the delays _ now is because of the impact of the delays we — now is because of the impact of the delays. we are looking at notjust a year or— delays. we are looking at notjust a year or two— delays. we are looking at notjust a year or two years but sometimes for more _ year or two years but sometimes for more fivem — year or two years but sometimes for more five- - -— more five... that was actually harriet johnson, _ more five... that was actually harriet johnson, a _ more five... that was actually harriet johnson, a barrister i more five... that was actually l harriet johnson, a barrister who more five... that was actually - harriet johnson, a barrister who has harrietjohnson, a barrister who has been representing many of these women. who are alleged victims in

rape and serious sexual assault cases. ~ .., rape and serious sexual assault cases. ~ ., ., ., cases. we can now hear from the erson cases. we can now hear from the person you _ cases. we can now hear from the person you were _ cases. we can now hear from the person you were referring - cases. we can now hear from the person you were referring to - cases. we can now hear from the person you were referring to a i person you were referring to a moment ago. it person you were referring to a moment ago-— person you were referring to a moment ago. person you were referring to a moment auo. ., , _, ._ moment ago. it was the second delay that sent me — moment ago. it was the second delay that sent me over _ moment ago. it was the second delay that sent me over the _ moment ago. it was the second delay that sent me over the edge _ moment ago. it was the second delay that sent me over the edge because l that sent me over the edge because it had _ that sent me over the edge because it had been— that sent me over the edge because it had been 18 — that sent me over the edge because it had been 18 months _ that sent me over the edge because it had been 18 months from - that sent me over the edge because it had been 18 months from a - that sent me over the edge because it had been 18 months from a rest . it had been 18 months from a rest and i_ it had been 18 months from a rest and i could — it had been 18 months from a rest and i could not— it had been 18 months from a rest and i could not see _ it had been 18 months from a rest and i could not see a _ it had been 18 months from a rest and i could not see a way- it had been 18 months from a rest| and i could not see a way forward. it had been 18 months from a rest i and i could not see a way forward. i thought— and i could not see a way forward. i thought twice — and i could not see a way forward. i thought twice i_ and i could not see a way forward. i thought twice i had _ and i could not see a way forward. i thought twice i had prepared - and i could not see a way forward. i thought twice i had prepared to - and i could not see a way forward. i thought twice i had prepared to goi thought twice i had prepared to go to court— thought twice i had prepared to go to court and — thought twice i had prepared to go to court and speak _ thought twice i had prepared to go to court and speak about - thought twice i had prepared to go to court and speak about things i thought twice i had prepared to goi to court and speak about things you do not _ to court and speak about things you do not even — to court and speak about things you do not even want _ to court and speak about things you do not even want to _ to court and speak about things you do not even want to think _ to court and speak about things you do not even want to think about - to court and speak about things you do not even want to think about let| do not even want to think about let alone _ do not even want to think about let alone speak— do not even want to think about let alone speak about _ do not even want to think about let alone speak about and _ do not even want to think about let alone speak about and the - do not even want to think about let alone speak about and the mentall alone speak about and the mental preparation — alone speak about and the mental preparation is _ alone speak about and the mental preparation is horrendous. - alone speak about and the mental preparation is horrendous. and i alone speak about and the mental. preparation is horrendous. and then twice _ preparation is horrendous. and then twice to _ preparation is horrendous. and then twice to know— preparation is horrendous. and then twice to know you _ preparation is horrendous. and then twice to know you are _ preparation is horrendous. and then twice to know you are going - preparation is horrendous. and then twice to know you are going to - preparation is horrendous. and then twice to know you are going to have | twice to know you are going to have to do _ twice to know you are going to have to do that _ twice to know you are going to have to do that again _ twice to know you are going to have to do that again when _ twice to know you are going to have to do that again when you _ twice to know you are going to have to do that again when you don't - twice to know you are going to have i to do that again when you don't know it will— to do that again when you don't know it will be _ to do that again when you don't know it will be again — to do that again when you don't know it will be again or— to do that again when you don't know it will be again or if— to do that again when you don't know it will be again or if it _ to do that again when you don't know it will be again or if it will _ to do that again when you don't know it will be again or if it will be - it will be again or if it will be delayed _ it will be again or if it will be delayed again _ it will be again or if it will be delayed again is _ it will be again or if it will be delayed again is like - it will be again or if it will be | delayed again is like torture. it will be again or if it will be - delayed again is like torture. what is causina delayed again is like torture. what is causing these _ delayed again is like torture. is causing these terrible delays? delayed again is like torture. what i is causing these terrible delays? we know is causing these terrible delays? - know there is a backlog of around 16,000 court cases at the moment and the government wants to reduce that to about 53 in 2025. various reasons why the backlog exists, i have spoken to many barristers and they have said significant delays began

in 2019 when the government put a cap on the number of days judges could work and then we had the pandemic, many courts were closed, even prior to that, some of them didn't open because they were too small and social distancing guidelines could not take place and in recent months, we had the barristers strike which meant hundreds of court cases were delayed so you put all of that into a pot and that has exacerbated an already very stretched system. what is the answer? from having spoken to barristers some of them have suggested they have specialist rape and sexual assault trials with specialist barristers and judges in place who are used to handling these cases. the government says it has already allowed women to record the evidence prior to the trial starting which they say takes some of that anxiety out of having to wait months on end before the trial comes to fruition. there are a couple of examples of what people are suggesting that until that backlog

is reduced, they say the system will continue to be incredibly stretched. thank you so much. i'm joined now by the ceo of rape crisis england and wales, jayne butler, who is in leeds. thank you forjoining us. i am sure a lot of what you heard our correspondent saying will resonate with you but what are your findings? we have released a report today code breaking point which really describes what a disaster the system around courses at the moment for rape and sexual assault victims. we are seeing people who are waiting years and years for their cases to go to court. cases delayed many times. and also talking throughout that, those victims and survivors telling us they feel forgotten and discounted, completely removed from the system because they are not even kept up—to—date with what is happening in their case and when

someone has been through that really traumatic experience of rape or sexual assault or sexual abuse and then they have to go through a court system that is not keeping them informed and is delaying their cases time after time for so many years, of course they feel marginalised and it feels like another injustice on top of what they have experienced. how supportive are you the idea of having specialist courts with specially trained people presiding over them or the cases? �*igg�*zse over them or the cases? 100% su ort, over them or the cases? 100% support. we — over them or the cases? 10096 support, we have _ over them or the cases? 10096 support, we have cofidis - over them or the cases? 10096 support, we have cofidis for i over them or the cases? 10096 support, we have cofidis for a | over them or the cases? 161096 support, we have cofidis for a long time in all of our reports and recommendations and work with the ministry ofjustice and we have heard from the ministry ofjustice before that they consider these things but we are not seeing how thatis things but we are not seeing how that is progressing and it feels like this has to be the moment where things change, that we cannot see this get any worse and we need to see these cases prioritised. what see these cases prioritised. what sins see these cases prioritised. what si . ns are see these cases prioritised. what signs are you _ see these cases prioritised. what signs are you getting _ see these cases prioritised. what signs are you getting from the government that these changes are likely? government that these changes are likel ? ., ., , ., .,

likely? the government has made a commitment _ likely? the government has made a commitment to _ likely? the government has made a commitment to review _ likely? the government has made a commitment to review and - likely? the government has made a commitment to review and reform l likely? the government has made a i commitment to review and reform the system around rape cases. and of course is making changes across the criminaljustice course is making changes across the criminal justice system course is making changes across the criminaljustice system as a whole but i do not think we are seeing these aspects considered together at these aspects considered together at the same time. we are not seeing how they interlink and how changes are made that will support the better system. and it feels like we are a long way away from the day—to—day experience of those victims that report the rape cases, having any kind of change in the system, they are still waiting years and not being talked to so we need to see quicker actions so that day—to—day experience changes. quicker actions so that day-to-day experience changes.— quicker actions so that day-to-day experience changes. thank you very much. a bbc investigation has found a slum landlord in london is making thousands of pounds from former social housing. council estates were built to provide millions of people with decent homes but 40% of right—to—buy properties in the city are now owned by private landlords with some cashing in on the housing crisis.

richard bilton reports. avril used to live on the bampton estate in lewisham. everybody along here were friends. in the �*80s, she bought her house, sold it and moved away. everybody always had a nice show of flowers, everything was clean. it was a lovely place. a lot has changed since. this was your place and now it's six places. gee—whiz. how do they get six? six! how do they get six places in there? her old terraced house now has six tenants, each paying almost £1000 a month, mostly through housing benefit. one, who does not want to be identified, agrees to show her around. oh, itjust stops here. yeah. oh, my god. this was our kitchen, which was...

yeah, the toilet is there. yeah, the whole thing was our kitchen. so there is a little tiny shower in there and a toilet. you like it here? no. one kitchen, six people. how can i like it? your old kitchen is this gentleman's home and he plays 960 quid a month. i think it is disgusting, absolutely disgusting. this is the landlord, joel zwiebel. he owns three other old council houses on the block, each divided into six, earning him hundreds of thousands of pounds. this is an absolute disgrace. it was to get rid of those slum landlords that in the first place we created the social housing, the council housing. so the wheel has turned full circle back to where it came from. this is like the days of victorian slums of yesteryear. we think mr zwiebel should not even be a landlord

or control the property, because he illegally evicted a former tenant. if he had told the council, he would have found it difficult to pass the fit and proper person test. now when we wrote to mr zwiebel asking for his response to these allegations, he said they were inaccurate, but would not say what the inaccuracies were and did not answer our questions. so i caught up with him. mrzwiebel, sir, i'm richard bilton from bbc panorama. sir, are you a slum landlord? and should you be a landlord at all? should you tell the council about your legal conviction? sir, would you just talk to us about those properties? because they seem unfair. sir! we would like to know how you can charge £1000, given your track record. lewisham council say they are now investigating mr zwiebel. britain's old council estates under pressure as the housing crisis bites. richard bilton, bbc news.

a former president of taiwan, ma ying—jeou, will today become the first current or former leader of the island to visit the chinese mainland in more than 70 years. ma ying—jeou says his visit is designed to reduce tensions and he intends to promote student exchanges and pay tribute to his ancestors. whilst no meetings have been announced with the chinese government, beijing has welcomed the visit. however he's faced criticism at home with taiwan's ruling democratic progressive party saying it was unacceptable for a retired head of state to become what it called "a pawn in beijing's plans for unification." i'm joined now by howard zhang — our news editor at bbc news chinese. just how divisive might this visit

be? ,, , just how divisive might this visit be? quite divisive. people in taiwan, be? quite divisive. people in taiwan. the _ be? quite divisive. people in taiwan, the topic _ be? quite divisive. people in taiwan, the topic of - be? quite divisive. people in - taiwan, the topic of reunification and independence is a very divisive topic, not only at state level but in each household, sometimes you see generational gaps when older people will lean towards unification one day and the younger generation are very strong supporters of taiwan's south identification and independence so when tensions are so high for a former president to visit the mainland comes as a surprise. he sa s the mainland comes as a surprise. he says it is to reduce tensions, how likely is that given that he has faced criticism at home? this likely is that given that he has faced criticism at home? this is the million dollar _ faced criticism at home? this is the million dollar question. _ faced criticism at home? this is the million dollar question. many - faced criticism at home? this is the. million dollar question. many people are saying especially on the pro—independence science, this is exactly playing into the communist government pro unification plan but also, on the other side, slightly

more prone unification camps are saying the current government have been trying to ease tensions but have so far but so maybe you should allow other people to try another way. allow other people to try another wa . ~ ., allow other people to try another wa . . ., ., allow other people to try another wa , ~ ., ., , way. what other weight might be acce table way. what other weight might be acceptable to _ way. what other weight might be acceptable to both _ way. what other weight might be acceptable to both sides? - way. what other weight might be l acceptable to both sides? because --eole acceptable to both sides? because people point _ acceptable to both sides? because people point out— acceptable to both sides? because people point out back _ acceptable to both sides? because people point out back in _ acceptable to both sides? because people point out back in 2015 - acceptable to both sides? because | people point out back in 2015 when ma ying—jeou was still president, he met with the chinese president in singapore as part of historical meetings that both sides hurt and they should can centigrade on serious economic and trade integration plans and of course, these things got overturned by a new government citing security risks and other risks. the nationalist side are still arguing more trade and more exchange of people are still the way to go.

more exchange of people are still the way to go— more exchange of people are still the way to go. help has started pouring into one of the most deprived areas of the united states after it was devastated by the violent tornado that smashed through around a hundred miles of mississippi. recovery crews have begun digging through and dismantling the twisted piles of wood and metal, that only days ago were homes and businesses. from rolling fork here's our north america correspondent sophie long from the air, you can see the direct path of destruction cut by the tornado. people who survived it say it was as big as the town itself and turned the whole sky black. some trees have been stripped of their branches and uprooted. others are totally untouched. as you drive into rolling fork, you can see the extent to which this community has been devastated. salvage what i can. as survivors sift through what remains of their homes in the hope of salvaging something, they're still coming to terms

with what's happened here. i sit here and... seeing little kids, seeing little kids hurting, you know, seeing little kids... seeing all them people hurt. so i did what i could, you know, helped move a couple of trees, helped pull a couple of people from tight spots. daryl wasn't able to save his own uncle, who was in his trailer home when it was picked up and smashed to the ground. he'd be hollering, "come on, my favourite nephew." he'll tell you that, "come on, my favourite nephew." he going to be missed, he going to be missed by all of rolling fork. everybody knew him. and even though he got on their nerves, they loved him. in the immediate aftermath of the tornado, rolling fork was eerily quiet.

people were visibly dazed, trying to comprehend what had happened to their town. now there is activity everywhere, with people just starting to try to clear some of the debris, get trees off cables so they can hopefully restore some power. this is the very beginning of the recovery operation. but as you can see, the task is enormous. this was the most deadly tornado to hit mississippi in half a century. president biden has promised to provide the support they need to rebuild, but there are fears there could be more ahead. we see extreme weather events increasing, only increasing in gravity, in severity and in frequency. and we have to build our communities to be best prepared for them to prevent the devastation to the extent possible, to be able to quickly respond and recover, to prove ourselves resilient.

the thunderstorm that followed was a prescient reminder of that. it will be a long road to recovery for rolling fork. sophie long, bbc news, mississippi. let's get some of the day's other news. south korea's military says north korea has fired at least one unidentified ballistic missile into the sea, the latest in a series of weapons tests in recent weeks. the launch comes just days after seoul and washington wrapped up their largestjoint military drills in five years. in response, pyongyang carried out military drills of its own. the actorjonathan majors, best known for his role in the movie creed iii, has been arrested on charges of strangulation, assault and harassment. the new york police department said the actor was involved in a domestic dispute with a 30—year—old woman over the weekend. she suffered minor head and neck injuries, and was treated in hospital. mr majors was briefly taken into custody but lawyers for the actor deny any wrongdoing.

in the uk, a major incident has been declared after about 200 barrels of reservoir fluid, including oil, leaked into the water at poole harbour on the south coast. the pipeline has since been shut down and the company that runs it says there is no risk of further leaks. the head of myanmar�*s military government has promised to deal decisively with what he called acts of terror, and accused countries critical of his human rights record of being terror supported. the event commemorates the founding of the country's army in 1945 to fight against the japanese invasion during the second world war. our correspondent has been given rare access and census this report.

the man who has been presiding over this ceremony once the world and his own people to know his army are strong and that he will not stop, whatever the cost. general min aung hlaing, wants the world and his own people to know that his army is strong and that he won't stop whatever the cost. now, we do know that less than 50 kilometres away, behind the hills over there, there is still serious fighting. there have been reports of massacres. the soldiers who've been parading here have been accused of unspeakable atrocities, of war crimes, of setting their country back decades by seizing power. and yet here in their citadel, inside the capital, their fortified citadel, they remain defiant, unyielding and confident that with brute force and enough time, they will be able to cement their regime.

returning to the protests in jerusalem. the prime minister benjamin netanyahu has promised to reform the legal system. the israeli president has called on the prime minister to revoke the plans, mr netanyahu sacked his defence minister for saying the reforms should be sacked, that there are tens of thousands of people to the streets last night and as you see, the protests continue today. we were expecting benjamin netanyahu to make a statement to the country today. but so far, that has not happened. he is under, as you can see, immense pressure, a lot of people on the streets from all parts of the political spectrum saying this is about defending the democracy of israel. and they are sending him a powerful message that these reforms,

that appeared to give more power to lawmakers instead ofjudges, our meeting with dissent. is there someone in your day to day life who just managers to brighten up your daily routine? one bus driver in east yorkshire is doing just that. simon deakin is known in the community for greeting every single one of his passengers with a smile — and for his growing rubber duck collection! our reporter crispin rolfe went to meet him. what are you doing at this stop, you? if every single driver was like simon, we would have full buses all the time. he is our favourite bus driver. get in my box. he is always jolly and friendly. sensational. _ he is a very friendly guy. is this east yorkshire's most popular bus driver? how are we doing, love? all right, are you? well, i don't want you thinking i'm ignoring you.

yes, meet simon deakin from pocklington. he is famous for being friendly. ta—ra, darling. see you later, my love. and for his bath toy ducks who go with him on everyjourney. that is some serious duckage. oh, it certainly is, mate. my regulars know my ducks. but when you get into york, you are not necessarily going to get your regulars. you get the odd ones that come on and are like, oh! they are taken by surprise. i say, you weren't expecting that, kind of thing. it all started through this one duck here. my wife got this for our first valentine's day, pre—covid, and that was the second one. a viking duck. every single one of them has been bought by passengers. the bus company that employs simon says it is not all about his ducks. a good service is all about getting people back on the buses. it's that happy, smiling face. it's the pleasant greetings and the ducks are just something completely different. simon says this is his dream job. and for some of his passengers,

he is their dream driver. see you later, ladies, take care. mind how you go, take it easy. it's the fame. i know, famous, love. take care, darling. crispin rolfe, bbc news. and we all need someone like simon. nina has been speaking to other people about their experiences with dementia following a report we did some weeks ago. i dementia following a report we did some weeks ago.— some weeks ago. i need to be so careful speaking _ some weeks ago. i need to be so careful speaking to _ some weeks ago. i need to be so careful speaking to my _ some weeks ago. i need to be so careful speaking to my husband. | careful speaking to my husband. anything that i think is careful, he saysis anything that i think is careful, he says is nagging and i cannot show any negative emotions because it's got to the stage he gets very aggressive and he will punch. and he will lash out. that aside,

incredibly hard, but i have found, you search yourself, the wonderful singing group that may go to, two hours together and that is the highlight of our week. as a killer, you are the one that has to find these things. you are the one that has to find these things-— these things. that is the thing i read for these things. that is the thing i ready for it. — these things. that is the thing i ready for it, the _ these things. that is the thing i ready for it, the person - these things. that is the thing i ready for it, the person who - these things. that is the thing i i ready for it, the person who would make _ ready for it, the person who would make sure — ready for it, the person who would make sure that i was ok. that ready for it, the person who would make sure that i was ok.— make sure that i was ok. that i sle -t make sure that i was ok. that i slept well _ make sure that i was ok. that i slept well and _ make sure that i was ok. that i slept well and ate _ make sure that i was ok. that i slept well and ate well, - make sure that i was ok. that i slept well and ate well, that. make sure that i was ok. that i slept well and ate well, that is| slept well and ate well, that is gone now, and it is a big adjustment when it is a parent. it is gone now, and it is a big ad'ustment when it is a parenth when it is a parent. it is a role reversal. _ when it is a parent. it is a role reversal, nothing _ when it is a parent. it is a role reversal, nothing prepares- when it is a parent. it is a role| reversal, nothing prepares you when it is a parent. it is a role - reversal, nothing prepares you for that moment when your parents turn around _ that moment when your parents turn around and _ that moment when your parents turn around and asking who you are. that moment— around and asking who you are. that moment for— around and asking who you are. that moment for breaking. she became frustrated — moment for breaking. she became frustrated and that projected into violence. — frustrated and that projected into violence, that led to the demise of our caring — violence, that led to the demise of our caring relationship because it came _ our caring relationship because it came to — our caring relationship because it came to much for me, there were suicidal— came to much for me, there were suicidal thoughts. about how i've let her_ suicidal thoughts. about how i've let her down. and then you lose your

purpose. _ let her down. and then you lose your purpose, completely. it isjust gone — purpose, completely. it is 'ust one. . ., ~ purpose, completely. it is 'ust ione, . ., 4' purpose, completely. it is 'ust one. , ., ~ , ., ., purpose, completely. it is 'ust cone. . ., o’ , ., ., , ., . purpose, completely. it is 'ust gone. work has started to protect a vulnerable stretch _ gone. work has started to protect a vulnerable stretch of— gone. work has started to protect a vulnerable stretch of coastline - gone. work has started to protect a vulnerable stretch of coastline in i vulnerable stretch of coastline in the east of england severely damaged by erosion in the last few weeks. about 2000 tonnes of granite is being placed along a 40 metre section of the clip in hair must be in norfolk. five homes at risk of falling into the sea there were recently demolished and another was moved inland. great yarmouth borough council said the rock was a temporary solution. northern hemisphere spring as well and truly under way! as these pictures from washington show. the cherry trees are the tidal basin or info loss and even attracting some early insects in search of pollen. this particular trace around 3000 of them were given as a friendship gift from japan in 1912 were cherry blossom festivals

are a popular part of the calendar. here in london, spring means a lot of rain! you are watching bbc news! hello again. it was a cold and a frosty start to the day, but for many of us, we're going to hang on to a fair bit of sunshine and dry conditions as high pressure is firmly in charge of our weather. it's breezy today, but again, a lot of dry weather, a few wintry showers peppering the east coast at times. we could catch the odd one inland, but they'll be the exception rather than the rule with some fairweather cloud bubbling up through the day. later, the cloud thickening across northern ireland, but a top temperature around about 11 degrees. so into this evening and overnight, under clear skies, the temperature will fall away. but as the cloud and rain come in from the southwest, you'll find the temperatures will rise. but as the rain engages with the cold air ahead of it in scotland and northern england on higher ground, we could see some snow for a time.

but it won't last because as the weather fronts continue to drift northwards and eastwards taking their cloud and rain with them, what you'll find is the milder air will win out. so tomorrow, fairly cloudy again, quite a blustery day, particularly so with exposure in the west. the rain continues to push northwards and eastwards behind it. in northern ireland, it will brighten up for you to sunshine and showers, but some of the showers will be heavy and thundery. and again tomorrow, top temperatures, 10 or 11 degrees. now from tuesday into wednesday. we've got this clash of fronts coming in from the atlantic. they're going to drag in all this milder air as represented by the yellows and the ambers on the charts. but on wednesday, it's going to be a fairly cloudy day. again, another blustery one. and as our weather fronts move across the country, bringing the rain with them, some of that will be heavy, perhaps a little bit more showery in the southeast. but temperatures on the rise. we could have 16, 15, possibly 16. and in fact, on thursday, we could hit 17 degrees

as we continue with this mixture of bright spells, sunshine and showers. again, a blustery day with some of the showers being heavy and thundery. so as i mentioned, temperatures could get up to 17 degrees somewhere along the east coast. but as we head from thursday into friday, we've got this potent area of low pressure crossing us that looks like it's going to bring in some wet and some windy conditions. the strongest winds likely to be across southern parts of the country. the timing and position of that may yet change. so do make sure you keep in touch with the forecast.

this is bbc news — welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. our top stories: israel's government is in disarry after prime minister benjamin netanyahu postpones a speech expected to halt controversialjudical changes. this is the scene live at the moment injerusalem where those protests continue for another day. prince harry has arrived at a high court hearing in london; he's among several high—profile figures bringing a privacy case against the publisher of the daily mail. the scottish national party is set to announce a new leader with three contenders in the running

to succeed nicola sturgeon. british prime minister rishi sunak outlines a zero tolerance approach towards tackling anti—social behaviour. a nationwide strike across germany — as unions stage walk—outs to support claims for pay rises to meet the cost of living crisis. reports from israel say the prime minister, benjamin netanyahu, has delayed an announcement about his plans to reform the system of appointing judges. the changes have sparked nationwide protests and the prime minister sacked his defence minister last night after he spoke out against the law.

one of israel's largest unions is calling for a general strike. so why have these reforms proved so contentious? these are the 11th week of protests over prime minister netanyahu's plans to overhaul the justice system. his reforms would give the government decisive control over the committee which appoints judges. it would also make it harder for courts to remove a leader deemed unfit for office. mr netanyahu says that the reforms would in fact stop the courts over—reaching their powers. but others say it's a threat to democracy which serves only to benefit the prime minister who's facing an ongoing corruption trial. the defense minister yoav gallant

was sacked after he became the first member of the cabinet to call for a pause to controversial plans to overhaul the country's court system. president herzog has also called for a halt on the plans. our middle east correspondent anna foster is injerusalem. it has been quite hard to keep track of what has been happening. give us an update if you would. it of what has been happening. give us an update if you would.— an update if you would. it has, heafina an update if you would. it has, hearing you — an update if you would. it has, hearing you that _ an update if you would. it has, hearing you that you _ an update if you would. it has, hearing you that you can - an update if you would. it has, hearing you that you can of. an update if you would. it has, | hearing you that you can of the situation facing the country and the developments shows you what a swirling maelstrom israel finds itself in. the situation is unprecedented, there have been regular protests and demonstrations in israel, but this reached a tipping point last night when binyamin netanyahu, the israeli prime minister, fired his defence minister, yoav gallant. he is a fellow member of the likud party and that sent people on to the streets.

i was outside the prime minister's home as protesters waved flags and chanted. they were fired on by water cannon and they moved to the israeli parliament, where they stayed, saying they would not stop until this legislation was not paused, but halted altogether. they see it as a fundamental threat to democracy. it is important to say there are also the other side, you were talking about some of the the far right elements in israeli politics that are part of binyamin netanyahu's coalition. and swathes of this country back them and these moves, mainly the ultraorthodox ofjewish israeli society. what binyamin netanyahu has to do today is track a course through this. he has two different group of people and he has to please both of them, but they want very different things. it is difficult this, — want very different things. it is difficult this, because we thought

of binyamin netanyahu as one of the most extraordinarily clever politicians, in modern israeli history. he has been in power on and off for years s, but he appears to have overreached himself. what do you think the explanation is for that? i you think the explanation is for that? 4' , ., ., ., , that? i think the explanation is that? i think the explanation is that having _ that? i think the explanation is that having had _ that? i think the explanation is that having had a _ that? i think the explanation is that having had a period - that? i think the explanation is that having had a period in - that? i think the explanation is i that having had a period in recent times out of power, there have been to many elections in israel, to regain power in november, he needed to form a coalition, because that is the way things work in israeli politics, it is always a coalition that comes together to command more than 61 seats, half of the parliament. for binyamin netanyahu to return to power and be prime minister again, to return to power and be prime ministeragain, he to return to power and be prime minister again, he needed to put together a group of people who would enable him to have that ruling majority. and that was why he had to bring in those far right elements of israeli politics and keep them

happy. because if he doesn't have that coalition, he is not in power. he will not be the prime minister. he will not be the prime minister. he may be age to limp on with a minority government. but you touched on he is in the middle of a corruption trial. it is extraordinary to think you have a serving prime minister who is in the middle of a very long trial for bribery, fraud and breach of trust, charges that he denies. but he has one eye on what happens when that trial ends on his future. he doesn't want to go to prison, if he is convicted, there is still a long way to go in the trial, he is thinking of hi future. that has come to a head together, universities have gone out on strike, we are seeing a general strike from israel's biggest trade union which started this morning with departures from the airport being halted. we are waiting

to hear what binyamin netanyahu will say. we are expecting a statement for the nation. we know talks are going on and it would be fascinating to know what the content of those talks and how much horse trading, how many different and delicate discussions are going on. {line how many different and delicate discussions are going on. one last thou:ht, discussions are going on. one last thought. we _ discussions are going on. one last thought, we had _ discussions are going on. one last thought, we had an _ discussions are going on. one last thought, we had an intervention i thought, we had an intervention overnight from the president of israel, isaac herzog, he is a former member of labour party and therefore was an opponent of binyamin netanyahu, but it is unusual for a head of state in what is largely a ceremonial role, to intervene in politics? it ceremonial role, to intervene in olitics? , ., politics? it is. he said though in the last few _ politics? it is. he said though in the last few weeks _ politics? it is. he said though in the last few weeks as _ politics? it is. he said though in the last few weeks as well - politics? it is. he said though in the last few weeks as well he i politics? it is. he said though in - the last few weeks as well he thinks that something needs to be done. because these pro—tes that we talk —— protest that we talked about have rocked this nation. they have been happening regularly on thursdays and saturdays, with increasing numbers

and increasing intensity. ithink saturdays, with increasing numbers and increasing intensity. i think he in his position as president felt the need to try and unify the country, to try and encourage the two sides to have some sort of dialogue and to reach some sort of consensus. that i think will be difficult. the fulop position at the —— full opposition is against binyamin netanyahu, you have people like the former prime minister who tweeted that binyamin netanyahu himself was a threat to the security of the state of israel. those talks are going to be very difficult, they will be incredibly delicate and the wording of them as well will be crucial. when binyamin netanyahu does speak, people will be looking at the finer details of vocabulary. will it be a pause in the legislation, oran will it be a pause in the legislation, or an agreement that that legislation will be scrapped? that is what the demonstrators want and now they have reached this head of steam, i think the wording of this, what is agreed, whether or not

it is a wholesale ending of the bill, of the move to push this legislation through, or whether it is an attempt to try and put it on ice until things calm down, will the opposition agree to that? i'm not sure they will. it is a crucial day notjust in isli politics —— in israeli politics, but in the future of the nation.— israeli politics, but in the future of the nation. thank you. we may well need to _ of the nation. thank you. we may well need to talk _ of the nation. thank you. we may well need to talk to _ of the nation. thank you. we may well need to talk to you _ of the nation. thank you. we may well need to talk to you again. i i'm joined now by uri dromi, formerfounding director—general of the jerusalem press club. thank you for being with us. what do you expect to hear from the thank you for being with us. what do you expect to hearfrom the prime minister when this statement comes?

well, first of all sean, thanks for having me and i apologise for any noises. we tried to find a calm spot injerusalem, but it is difficult today. what i expect from binyamin netanyahu, he will have to announce a halt on the legislation, because otherwise he is in a big crisis. which is, he is already in. he needs to appease both poles of the coalition. he has and if this is not enough, then he has... his own family members, who shall i put it, are not... as into his piece of mind. i expect him to halt the legislation. of course, he will accuse everybody around for doing

it, the protesters etc, but i don't see any option other than halting this crazy legislation. what see any option other than halting this crazy legislation.— this crazy legislation. what is surprising — this crazy legislation. what is surprising to _ this crazy legislation. what is surprising to me _ this crazy legislation. what is surprising to me observers, l this crazy legislation. what is i surprising to me observers, and this crazy legislation. what is - surprising to me observers, and may not be surprising to you, it may be we haven't had ourfinger on the pulse on this, how he has ignited the strength of feeling among those who are normally supportive of his party, the likud, if not some of the perhaps more fringe parties that he is in coalition with?— is in coalition with? right. first of all, is in coalition with? right. first of all. he _ is in coalition with? right. first of all, he unleashed _ is in coalition with? right. first of all, he unleashed a... - is in coalition with? right. first of all, he unleashed a... hugel of all, he unleashed a... huge volcano of energy among israelis who until now were come placent about things, people who abstained or didn't vote on election day, but suddenly they felt somebody is

threatening the core of their democracy. and they took to the strets. last night —— streets. last night i was in tel aviv and people were pouring in. binyamin netanyahu overreached. he didn't understand. i think he... for a long time ago he lost touch with reality. look how he accepted abroad with cold shoulders every where, not invited to washington which is the biggest prize. also getting the wrath of the israelis. he is called the magician, he is called the wizard, as you said, he is the longest and most experienced politician around. this time he overreached and this time he threw too many balls in the air and can't catch them all. its, threw too many balls in the air and can't catch them all.— can't catch them all. a brief last iuestion

can't catch them all. a brief last question if _ can't catch them all. a brief last question if i _ can't catch them all. a brief last question if i may _ can't catch them all. a brief last question if i may ask, _ can't catch them all. a brief last question if i may ask, is - can't catch them all. a brief last question if i may ask, is he - question if i may ask, is he finished? i question if i may ask, is he finished?— question if i may ask, is he finished? ~ . , ., , finished? i think last night was the bearinnin finished? i think last night was the beginning of— finished? i think last night was the beginning of the _ finished? i think last night was the beginning of the end _ finished? i think last night was the beginning of the end for _ finished? i think last night was the beginning of the end for binyamin| beginning of the end for binyamin netanyahu. because he's only put people will understand he switched from being an asset to becoming a liability. and if an election is called they're going to lose big time. it is not the end, but it is the beginning of the end. prince harry is in london for the first hearing of a lawsuit brought by him, singer eltonjohn and other high—profile figures against the publisher of the daily mail newspaper over alleged phone—tapping and other breaches of privacy. the duke of sussex made a surprise appearance at the high court this

morning where a hearing into the case which alleges the media group bugged people's calls, cars and homes, and paid police for sensitive information. associated newspapers, publisher of the daily mail, the mail on sunday and the mail online, has said it "utterly and unambiguously" denies the allegations. the new leader of the scottish national party will be revealed this afternoon, six weeks after nicola sturgeon announced her resignation. the scottish health secretary humza yousaf; the finance secretary kate forbes and ash regan — a former minister — are the three contenders hoping to become first minister. whoever wins the top job will take on a fractured party and a country facing a number of policy challenges. our scotland editor james cook reports. for the snp, this has been a difficult campaign. splits have emerged on the economy,

social issues such as gay marriage and a lack of progress towards independence. so party members have been deciding which candidate they want to sort things out. snp members want a leader who can deliver independence, continue to win elections and deliver competent government. i'm the only candidate that can do all three because i can reach out across the country. i can reach out to labour voters and conservatives. i am trusted on every policy area and more trusted than either of the other two candidates to deliver competent government. to have and to take on the topjob in scotland, you've got to have experience and i've had ten years in government with some of the toughest jobs, transport, justice and now entrusted with the nhs's recovery through the global pandemic. i think i've got the skills necessary and also because i believe in independence too. i believe it's the best future for our country and i believe i can be the person that re—energises the independence campaign. i am the candidate for- getting independence done. i am the only candidate - with a published plan on legally

achieving independence, i and i am the only candidate with a published plan for what to do if westminster says no. _ the victor will have big shoes to fill. at one point, nicola sturgeon was a rock star politician, feted by adoring crowds, winning eight elections in a row. thank you from the bottom of my heart for the privilege of being your first minister. but she stands down with her dream of independence still unrealised, leaving her party wondering if someone else can win that place in history. james cook, bbc news, edinburgh. former labour leader jeremy corbyn will be blocked from standing as a labour mp at the next general election. his successor sir keir starmer will put forward a motion at a party meeting later preventing him from standing. mr corbyn was suspended from being a labour mp and sits as an independent

because of a row over antisemitism. our political correspondent david wallace lockhart joins me now. he would hardly be the first sitting labour mp to be denied readoption, but there can't be more high profile that have been dumped than a former leader. ., ., , �* ., ., that have been dumped than a former leader. ., �* ., ., ., ., leader. no, it wasn't that long ago when jeremy _ leader. no, it wasn't that long ago when jeremy corbyn _ leader. no, it wasn't that long ago when jeremy corbyn was _ leader. no, it wasn't that long ago when jeremy corbyn was all- leader. no, it wasn't that long ago i when jeremy corbyn was all dominant whenjeremy corbyn was all dominant within the labour party and few had predicted a few years down the line that keir starmer, a man who sat in his shadow cabinet and was an important member ofjeremy corbyn's top team when he was labour leader

would be blocking his predecessor from even becoming an mp in the next election. this development, that there will be a motion in keir starmer�*s name saying that the nec will not endorsejeremy corbyn as a labour candidate, that is not moving things on from what we already knew. it was last month that keir starmer told us thatjeremy corbyn wasn't going to be a labour candidate at the next election. this broadens it out and will show that the nec, the governing body of the whole, rather than just keir starmer himself, is backing this decision. it means jeremy corbyn, who is still a labour party member, although he doesn't sit as an mp, locally can still put forward his name in islington north to try and become the mp. but it does appear that the route is

blocked, because if you can't get an endorsement from the nec you won't be able to become the candidate. in the statement that keir starmer will put forward tomorrow, the motion, at the nec, it says that labour's electoral prospects broadly speaking across the country would be in keir starmer�*s words diminished ifjeremy corbyn is a labour candidate. it may well not be the case locally, where jeremy corbyn has enjoyed for decades very strong, very comfortable majorities in islington north. but the argument keir starmer is trying to put forward is that across the country it would damage labour to have corbyn as a labour candidate. there are plenty people within the labour party, membership at large, and even a chunk of mps, who will be very angry about this, who will be very angry about this, who thinkjeremy corbyn has managed

to inspire parts of the electorate that parts of the the institution have failed to reach and to ensure he is not an mp is a backward step. keir starmer says he thinks it shows that labour is serious about getting into power. we have approached jeremy corbyn for comments, the latest we heard when keir starmer said he wouldn't be a labour candidate isjeremy corbyn still planned to try every avenue to be selected. i suspect he won't go down quietly on this. selected. i suspect he won't go down quietly on this-— quietly on this. thank you. i'm struggling _ quietly on this. thank you. i'm struggling to _ quietly on this. thank you. i'm struggling to think— quietly on this. thank you. i'm struggling to think of - quietly on this. thank you. i'm struggling to think of a - quietly on this. thank you. i'm. struggling to think of a previous example of a deselected mp who held on to their constituency. and there was davies who was well into his 80s and was dumped by his local party because he was too old and won the

by—election by 7,500. that was 1970 and it is a long way apart. we will see how those things develop. most of germany's public transport network has been paralysed, in a strike over pay by two of the country's largest trade unions. staff at airports, railways, ports and bus and metro lines are staging a 24—hour walk—out. the unions want pay rises of more than 10% to help their members cope with the rising cost of food and energy. ealier i spoke to our berlin correspondent, jenny hill and i asked her whether such strike were unusual. it is really rare for a dispute over pay to escalate to this level of drama. this is being called the mega strike here, two powerful unions combining their firepower to get their workers out on strike, and attempt to bring the country to a standstill and it looks as though to a degree they are being successful. it is very difficult to get around germany today, planes, trains, ferries, all cancelled, depending on where you are in the country,

bus and tram services out, too. i did see earlier on breakfast television here a very cheerful german taxi driver being interviewed saying it is a really good day to be a taxi driver and he is probably right but even motorists are being warned that workers who normally maintain the roads and motorways, for example, immediately after an accident, are also out on strike and that is before you consider the trafficjams with the extra volume of cars potentially on the roads with commuters choosing to drive rather than try and get a train which has been cancelled. so, a lot of disruption. but we have seen here in recent weeks and months a good number of workers from a variety of sectors going out on strike, all of them saying that they need their wages to reflect the higher cost of living, saying that they are simply struggling to pay their bills and their bills are going up. the two unions involved in today's industrial action are demanding respectively pay increases of 10.5% and 12% for their members.

they are high demands but actually if you look back at the last few weeks and months, you can see that postal workers and metalworkers, who also went out on strike, were able eventually to secure fairly substantial increases in wages as a result of the industrial action they took, so it will be very interesting to see what comes out of today's action. a clean—up operation is under way after about 200 barrels of reservoirfluid including oil leaked into the water at poole harbour in dorset. the area on england's south coast is a site of specific scientific interest home to diverse wildlife and a popular tourism spot, but members of the public have been urged by poole harbour commissoners not to swim in or nearby the harbour until further notice. myanmar�*s military has been celebrating army day — with a promise to �*deal decisively�*

with what it says are acts of terror. that�*s a reference to the ongoing uprising against the military regime, after the generals seized power from aung san suu kyi�*s civilian—led administration two year ago. the regime says it will end the state of emergency, and hold free and fair elections — but only once it establishes what it describes as �*stability.�* our correspondentjonathan head has been given rare access to myanmar, — and sent this update from the capital naypyidaw. this pageant has been going on since dawn. it�*s been colourful, extravagant, sometimes comical. but it does send a serious and sinister message. and all the russian and chinese supplied hardware that they�*ve been showing to us and it�*s been flying overhead, has been used increasingly to crush opposition to the military regime. and the man who�*s been presiding over this ceremony, the coup leader, general min aung hlaing, wants the world and his own people to know that his army is strong and that he won�*t stop whatever the cost. now, we do know that less than 50

kilometres away, behind the hills over there, there is still serious fighting. there have been reports of massacres. the soldiers who�*ve been parading here have been accused of unspeakable atrocities, of war crimes, of setting their country back decades by seizing power. and yet here in their citadel, inside the capital, their fortified citadel, they remain defiant, unyielding and confident that with brute force and enough time, they will be able to cement their regime. now let�*s leave you with more of the live protests from jerusalem. the latest is we were expecting a statement from the prime minister, binyamin netanyahu. it has not been confirmed the statement, or that it was delayed. there were reports of intense conversations. some accuse

the chairman of the committee of achieving as threat to israel what groups like hezbollah have failed to do. hello, it was a cold and frosty start, but for many we are going to hang on to a fair bit of sunshine and dry conditions as high pressure is in charge of our weather. it is breezy today, but again a lot of dry weather. a few wintry showers peppering the east coast. we could catch the odd one inland. with some fair weather cloud through the day. later cloud thickening in northern ireland. a top temperature around 11 degrees. tonight under clear skies the temperature will fall, but as the temperature will fall, but as the cloud and rain come in from the south—west, you will find the temperatures will rise. but as the rain engages with the cold air in

scotland and northern england on higher ground we could see some snow. it won�*t last, because as the fronts drift north and east, taking the cloud and rain with them, the mild irairwillwin the cloud and rain with them, the mild irair will win out. tomorrow cloudy, again a blustery day, particularly in the west. the rain continues to push north and east. behind it, northern ireland p it will brighten up. to sunshine and showers, but some of the shower will be heavy. tomorrow, top temperatures 10 or 11. from tuesday until wednesday, we have got this clutch of fronts coming in. they will drag in this milder air. but on wednesday, it will be a cloudy day. again another blustery one. as the fronts move across the country, bringing the rain with them, some will be heavy and perhaps more showersy in the south—east. but temperatures on the rise. we could

have m, to 16. on thursday we could hit 17 degrees as we continue with bright spells, sunshine and showers. blustery, but some of the showers heavy. temperatures could get up to 17 somewhere along the east coast. as we head from thursday into friday we have this area of low pressure crossing us, that will bring some wet and some windy conditions. the strongest winds across southern parts. the timing and position of that may yet change, so do make sure you keep in touch with the forecast.

germany grinds to a halt, hit by massive transport sector strikes. the collapsed silicon valley bank has found a buyer for its assets, including its hefty loan book. welcome to world business report, i�*m tadhg enright. we start in germany where the public transport network has come to a near standstill today as workers strike in an ongoing dispute over pay. staff at airports, ports, railways, buses and subways walked out shortly after midnight for a 24—hour stoppage. it�*s the biggest strike in germany for decades. two of the country�*s largest unions, which are demanding significant

pay rises for their workers, want to increase the pressure