need to drive forward reform that we need to drive forward reform around culture within fire and rescue services.— around culture within fire and rescue services. that culture of courses directed _ rescue services. that culture of courses directed by _ rescue services. that culture of courses directed by the - rescue services. that culture of courses directed by the top - rescue services. that culture of courses directed by the top and | rescue services. that culture of i courses directed by the top and we had a representative from the union on on, saying at lots of these cases, that they experience, are from more senior people with the victims being people of a lower rank, effectively. fairly and squarely putting the blame, in his opinion, on the higher reaches of the organisation. is opinion, on the higher reaches of the organisation.— the organisation. is that they char: e the organisation. is that they charge you — the organisation. is that they charge you accept? - the organisation. is that they charge you accept? i - the organisation. is that they charge you accept? i think. the organisation. is that they | charge you accept? i think our leadership challenges to give everyone the confidence to speak up and the voice being heard. and as leaders within the fire and rescue service, we need to make sure that we have robust policies in place to deal with these behaviours, as well as including more creative and diverse workplace... truth? as including more creative and diverse workplace... why haven't you been able to —

diverse workplace... why haven't you been able to do _ diverse workplace... why haven't you been able to do that _ diverse workplace... why haven't you been able to do that up _ diverse workplace. .. why haven't you been able to do that up until- diverse workplace... why haven't you been able to do that up until now? i been able to do that up until now? the other things being said was the union had been dealing with cases like this for a while. why have you not been able to do it? we like this for a while. why have you not been able to do it?— like this for a while. why have you not been able to do it? we do deal with cases robustly, _ not been able to do it? we do deal with cases robustly, where - not been able to do it? we do deal with cases robustly, where we - not been able to do it? we do deall with cases robustly, where we know that those behaviours are taking place. they are unacceptable behaviours. we don't always know when they are taking place and i would encourage those that have experienced or are experiencing those behaviours to come forward and know that they will be supported. and those recommendations you said you would be accepting in full, accepting a change in culture is needed, but can you point to to give people confidence that things will actually change? what things do you say we can achieve that and this is a reason people should give us a chance and have confidence in us? west midlands fire and rescue service in butter, has a confidential reporting line in place. as i have said previously, we have a robust way of dealing with

and taking action. and around incorporating and creating an inclusive and diverse environment, which comes from the very outset of bringing employees into the service. and then the life—cycle throughout the fire and rescue service. so that we have a more diverse workforce. thank you very much for coming on the programme. i appreciate your time. thank you. the organisers of the wimbledon tennis championship have announced russian and belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete as neutral competitors this summer. our reporter russel fuller is at wimbledon to tell us more... they have decided that the players from russia and from belarus will be able to compete alongside everybody else in the way that they are able to at the other grand slam tournaments, the australian open, french open and the us open.

assuming that these players accept that they will be under a neutral flag, and they will also have to assign a personal declaration which will say that they do not support the war, they will not show their support for the war, they are not receiving state funding, to be able to play. and that for the all england club is the fundamental difference. they are not saying to any extent that the situation in ukraine has improved at all, but they are saying they feel that these personal declarations that the players will make are now viable and enforceable. they do also point to the effect on british tennis is continuing the band. there is a financial element to that. and also the fact they have called into the question the entire viability of the british grass court summer season, given the threats to the various tones that take place by the tours, who are unhappy with the decision made last summer to ban russians and belarusians will the players will be input —— broadly in support of this

because they were always uneasy with the concept that players could be banned because of the actions of their government. they were uneasy, as they are so white, with players being banned on the basis of nationality. they can absolutely understand the circumstances of the terrible events in ukraine over the past 12 months but they will be broadly relieved that the rule is changing for 2023. where of course it will not be at all well received as within the ukrainian playgroup. there are many of them that feel that russians and belarusians should not be able to play tennis., not just at wimbledon and the grass courts of the uk. and there have been a couple of players that have been a couple of players that have been quite vocal over recent days.

aryna sabalenka aryna sa balenka has aryna sabalenka has talked about an ethical conflict. businesses are warning they'll have to cut working hours, due to high energy bills, ahead of government help being scaled back. from saturday, firms will get a discount on wholesale prices, as the government said the current scheme which caps costs was too expensive. our business correspondent, marc ashdown, reports. like thousands of businesses this pizzeria in prestwich is facing rising energy costs, a new contract signed last year saw it rise to 40p, subsidised by the government. when that support ends tomorrow they will be paying all of 70p per unit, five times more than last year. our contract runs out at the wrong time. we were searching around to find the best deal and at the time it was either close or take what was on offer at the time. we wanted to open a year ago but obviously with the prices through the roof we had to stop. so this kitchen and pub in stockport remains a work in

progress. plans to serve food are on hold because of energy bills. it is sad that we have just had to postpone everything in order to get to the point of making it financially viable. since october businesses have been getting support with energy cuts. their bills have been capped, but that scheme has cost the taxpayer {18.4 billion, so from tomorrow a new scheme start, offering a discounted rate instead, estimated to costjust £5.5 billion for the coming year. but with some saying their bills could rocket by more than 400%, it is feared 300,000 small businesses might need to restructure, downsize or even close. there is some good news, official figures confirm today that at the back end of last year the uk economy grew marginally by 0.1%, expelling fears it would tip into recession. as inflation is expected to come down, costs could follow. but to get the economy going businesses need to grow first and at the moment confidence

is in short supply. since 1987 jack masters in leicester have prided themselves on producing low carbon knitwear, like christmas jumpers. but energy prices are expected to triple this year and expansion plans have gone into reverse. to save money we have had to reduce the usage on our gas boiler down from five days to four days and production cut down from five days to four days in some areas. in the next 12 months we need to severely reassess where we need to invest. money spent on gas and electric cannot be set spent on employing new staff or investing in capital assets. some energy intensive industries like steel and glass makers will get a larger discount. there are calls for energy companies to now negotiate with companies if they are trapped in expensive contracts, was for some these next few months could be make or break. the oldham coliseum will have

its final curtain call tonight, as the historic theatre closes after 138 years, because of funding cuts. the venue helped launch many household names, like sarah lancashire and surannejones. special guests featuring in tonight's show, include christopher eccleston and maxine peake. cast members from pantomimes performed at the theatre down the years, will also return to the stage. let's bring you some pictures of king charles and the queen consort in germany on their state visit. this is their meeting people in hamburg. it is a reception taking place there. it has been a reasonably poignant day today, the third and final day of the trip in hamburg. they have been also remembering those who have died in world war ii, laying a wreath by the

spire of the church in hamburg. the city was largely destroyed of course by allied bombing during world war ii. it is seen as an important symbol of reconciliation and a significant gesture but now you can see they are meeting... this is actually something king charles has been doing quite a lot of over the last couple of days, shaking hands with people, meeting people, and he does speak a bit of german as well. that three—day state trip is drawing to a close. social media has spawned many unlikely stars, with their videos going viral right around the world. well now there's a new tiktok sensation, doris a dairy cow from the isle of wight. graham satchell explains why she's become a global phenomenon. you are a character aren't you, doris? this is doris, licking the head of farm hand john brodie. john says she's more human than cow. as nice as it is to see you,

why have you come back in here? the so—called daily doris videos have gone viral on social media. you are a mischief maker. leave my coffee alone, please. everyone's out, everyone's getting ready for milking, except for doris. in this video, doris pretends to still be asleep so she can get out of milking. doris, come on. i can see your ears moving. come on, i can see your eye, yeah. she likes to take it easy, does doris, bless her. she is usually the last one to do anything. i think she thinks by hanging back she'll get a bit more fuss and attention. she really loves a bit of, you know, a bit of fuss, yeah. do you hate... buzzer sounds. ..getting up in the morning? so does doris. the story has gone round the world. this report is from cnn. and online, people have fallen in love with the lazy cow. "i am doris, let that girl sleep". "i identify as doris, my spirit animal".

doris is actually pretending to be asleep. she isn't really asleep. john says he'll continue to post videos from the farm on the isle of wight, milking the attention for all its worth. graham satchell, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with stav. hello, there. it's been a stormy start to the day across southern britain, certainly across the channel islands, a deep area of low pressure has been bringing wet and windy weather here. and as we head into the weekend, this area of low pressure will slowly pull away. things will start to turn a little bit drier, a little bit brighter. but with our air source coming in from the north, it'll turn a little bit cooler too. here it is, then, named by the french met service as storm mathis. it's been blowing across the south of the uk, bringing gales through the channels. very windy for the channel islands, south coast of england. some heavy rain which will continue

through wales, south—west england into northern ireland. heavy showers in towards the south—east of england. further north it will be rather grey. our winds coming in off the north sea. so feeling quite cool here. the best of the sunshine through the afternoon will be across western scotland. as we head through this evening and overnight, little change, but we start to see the strong winds easing down from the south. we'll have further cloud and rain pushing into the east coast and this weather front will continue to bring rain to northern ireland, parts of wales, the south—west of england, rainfall totals really mounting up here. and then as we move into the weekend, we still have this area of low pressure pulling away from the uk, but this weather front will be hanging around almost in situ across west and south—western areas. so, further cloud outbreaks of rain for northern ireland perhaps into wales, south—west england this easterly breeze will be pushing cloud and some light rain into eastern parts of scotland and england as well. so rather grey, rather cool here as well with this onshore easterly breeze. but temperatures will be down across the board on saturday, even further inland, no higher than around ten degrees.

it could be up to 12 across the far south—west where the winds will be a little bit lighter. then as we move out of saturday to sunday, this area of high pressure starts to build in across the country, fewer isobars so the winds will be lighter, starts off breezy in the south—east, those winds will ease down and we'll start to import some slightly drier air across the country. so more sunshine, we think, on sunday, a bit of cloud for northern scotland, perhaps into northern ireland, but it won't really help the temperatures that much with the air still quite cool, highs of 9—12 degrees. it is certainly cooler than what we've had over the last few days. now it's all change as we head into the start of next week. we pick up southerly winds again and a weather front starting to encroach in from the west will start to bring cloud to western areas. but we should still see some sunshine in the east.

this is bbc news. welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. i'm lewis vaughan jones. our top stories... donald trump becomes the first former us president to face criminal charges after an investigation into a payment made to a porn star. the charges relate to breaking the law by falsifying business records — mr trump denies any wrongdoing. south african paralympic athlete oscar pistorius is denied parole — he has served half his sentence for killing his girlfriend. a cricket disciplinary hearing decides it cannot prove the former england cricket captain michael vaughan used racist language against a group of asian players in 2009. president zelensky attends

ceremonies being held in bucha a year since the town was recaptured by the ukrainian army. welcome to the programme. donald trump has become the first former us president to face a criminal prosecution. the precise charges against him have not yet been made public, but they're thought to relate to falsifying business records to hide a payment to a porn star during the 2016 election campaign. it's alleged stormy daniels was paid off in exchange for her silence about an alleged affair. trump denies any wrongdoing, calling the indictment political persecution and election interference. our north america correspondent, john sudworth, reports. the massed ranks of the media say it all.

donald trump's provided plenty of big moments in american politics, but few bigger than this — his own imminent arrest. this is an abc news special. now reporting, david muir. we are coming on the air early because of breaking news at this hour. a grand jury here in new york city has handed up an indictment against former president donald trump. the news was confirmed in an angry statement from the former president, blaming his political opponents. the democrats, he said, have done the unthinkable. the case against him centres on this woman, the porn star known as stormy daniels. ahead of trump's 2016 election win, she was paid $130,000 to stop her going public with claims she had had an affair with him — something he denies. his fixer and lawyer, michael cohen, was convicted over that payment, along with other charges, back in 2018. since out ofjail, he's been giving evidence to the grand jury that's

now decided charges are warranted. this is not revenge, right? what this is is about accountability. i don't want to see anyone, including donald trump, indicted, prosecuted, convicted, incarcerated, simply because i fundamentally disagree with them. this is all about accountability. he needs to be held accountable for his dirty deeds. the big question is whether mr trump knew about the hush money. although his organisation ultimately footed the bill, he's always denied any knowledge. did you know about the $130,000 payment to stormy daniels? - no. unless he refuses to comply, at some point in the next few days, donald trump will have to come here to new york. he'll be booked and fingerprinted in the building behind me there, have the charges read to him and enter a formal plea in front of a judge. it's an extraordinary moment — the first president in us history to be arrested.

the charges have been brought not by federal prosecutors, but by the manhattan district attorney, alvin bragg, a democrat — now a key figure in the trump campaign's claim that this is politics, notjustice at work. as he eyes the white house again, donald trump may see electoral advantage in all this. his opponents, though, will be hoping that a man who's long overridden the usual rules of the political game is about to be brought down with a bump. john sudworth, bbc news, new york. and in the last couple of hours, presidentjoe biden has been asked about donald trump. let's take a listen. i have no comment on the indictment. i'm not going to talk about trump. i

have no comment at all on trump. h0 have no comment at all on trump. no comment, as you gathered from that! however, we did get comment from barry moore, an alabama republican congressman and trump supporter, gave me his reaction. i'm certainly not surprised, the way the left in this country has gone after donald trump, but i'm disappointed. it makes the american people question the fairness of the justice system in our country. it hurts the process going forward to get a fair trial in a lot of cases. people are worried about the weaponisation of the doj against conservatives, and donald trump is the tip of the spear in that respect. the american people see what is happening to him, and they are concerned. what about the other argument that no one is above the law,

these are criminal matters, nothing to do with politics, and he should have to answer for the? if they hadn't spied on his campaign, if they hadn't called russia, russian collusion, accused him of doing things that are well illegal against ukraine. and then hunter biden had a laptop the whole time we knew about it, that was never reported, it kind of falls on deaf ears over here when you say nobody is above the law when it seems like the democrats are always above the law. and what about where this goes, because politically there are those who are saying that what happens next week, the images that come out of that, plays into donald trump's narrative and could potentially help him? i'm glad you mentioned that. you see the prosecutors over here in this part of the country, that mall spot of blue is going to mobilise the entire country of red.

lots of people are searching for answers about this story and what the legal ramifications are so we're going to try and answer them with our north america correspondent nada tawfik, who's outside the courthouse in new york. what does it mean to be indicted? a couple of quickfire questions for you. people around the world are not overly familiar with some of the terms, so let's start with indicted. an indictment is just the written, formal accusation that someone is now charged with a crime. it starts with a grand jury that is convened, which is just a with a grand jury that is convened, which isjust a group of with a grand jury that is convened, which is just a group of citizens. they hear testimony from witnesses, they look at pieces of evidence, and then they decide whether there is enough to move forward with criminal charges. it is important for people to understand the difference between a grand jury and a jury in a trial is they don't have to have a unanimous decision. theyjust have to have a majority of citizens in a

grand jury to decide to move forward, then the indictment has the basic information above the charges. that's nice and clear. the next word for you is arraignment. what is that? ., , for you is arraignment. what is that? . , , ., that? that is 'ust the initial court aeampp — that? that isjust the initial court appearance it — that? that isjust the initial court appearance. it is _ that? that isjust the initial court appearance. it is relatively - that? that isjust the initial court appearance. it is relatively brief, j appearance. it is relatively brief, it is where the defendant goes and has the charges read out to them formally, and they can enter a plea. in this case of course with the former president, they could be a little bit of difference in how this plays out, though we do expect mr trump to appear in person like any other defendant to hear those charges. other defendant to hear those char: es. ,, ., other defendant to hear those charaes. ., . , charges. some of the technicalities, that is really — charges. some of the technicalities, that is really clear _ charges. some of the technicalities, that is really clear it _ charges. some of the technicalities, that is really clear it really _ that is really clear it really useful, thank you for that. i'm just going to run you through now some of the big questions that are being posted online by people interested in this story. the next one, the top one, is, is trump going to jail? l one, is, is trump going to jail? i think when you talk to most legal experts, they doubt that. they think it is more likely that he will be hit with fines from this. the reason

is, for example, misdemeanours or low level crimes, like falsifying business records, generally you can get away with paying a fine rather than serving jail time, although it does carry up to a year in prison in certain circumstances. if mr trump is charged with a felony, and much more serious charge, that carries up to four years in prison, but again, many experts are saying until we see those exact charges it is really hard to know, but we expect that he would pay a fine even if found guilty. would pay a fine even if found uuil . �* ., , ., would pay a fine even if found uuil .�* ., , ., guilty. and the last one before i let ou guilty. and the last one before i let you go _ guilty. and the last one before i let you go is _ guilty. and the last one before i let you go is the _ guilty. and the last one before i let you go is the idea _ guilty. and the last one before i let you go is the idea now - guilty. and the last one before i let you go is the idea now that, | guilty. and the last one before i. let you go is the idea now that, can he run for president given these legal proceedings? i he run for president given these legal proceedings?— legal proceedings? i think many eo - le legal proceedings? i think many people will _ legal proceedings? i think many people will be — legal proceedings? i think many people will be surprised - legal proceedings? i think many people will be surprised to - legal proceedings? i think many people will be surprised to hear| people will be surprised to hear that not only can he run for president, after this indictment, but if he is found guilty and convicted, he can still run for president. we have heard mr trump say that nothing will stop him from

running, and there isn't anything in the constitution to stop that from going forward, so it really is up to the voters in this case. if in a republican primary they choose him to represent the party in the 2024 presidential election, that is exactly what he will do, so it could make for some interesting campaign years ahead if he is having to defend himself in this trial while also campaigning.— defend himself in this trial while also campaigning. fascinating stuff. nada, a also campaigning. fascinating stuff. nada. a great _ also campaigning. fascinating stuff. nada, a great help, _ also campaigning. fascinating stuff. nada, a great help, thank— also campaigning. fascinating stuff. nada, a great help, thank you - also campaigning. fascinating stuff. nada, a great help, thank you veryl nada, a great help, thank you very much for answering those questions being asked by so many, thank you. we are now going to take a quick look at how potentially serious this could be from a potential law standpoint. i'm joined now by law professor richard painter in st paul, minnesota. thank you for coming on the programme. thank you for coming on the programme-— thank you for coming on the rorramme. ., ~ i. ., programme. thank you for inviting me. we programme. thank you for inviting me- we got _ programme. thank you for inviting me- we got a _ programme. thank you for inviting me. we got a little _ programme. thank you for inviting me. we got a little hint _ programme. thank you for inviting me. we got a little hint there - programme. thank you for inviting me. we got a little hint there of i me. we got a little hint there of some of the _ me. we got a little hint there of some of the proceedings, - me. we got a little hint there of some of the proceedings, the i me. we got a little hint there of - some of the proceedings, the order, where we are right now. from a legal standpoint rather than the politics of it all, how potentially serious is this? , . .,

of it all, how potentially serious is this? , . . ., , ., ., is this? this charge relates to a falsification _ is this? this charge relates to a falsification of _ is this? this charge relates to a falsification of business - is this? this charge relates to a falsification of business records is this? this charge relates to a i falsification of business records in order_ falsification of business records in order to _ falsification of business records in order to cover up another crime. new york takes_ order to cover up another crime. new york takes falsification of business records _ york takes falsification of business records very seriously. they are a world _ records very seriously. they are a world financial capital, and they cannot— world financial capital, and they cannot tolerate people falsifying records — cannot tolerate people falsifying records in new york businesses in order— records in new york businesses in order to _ records in new york businesses in order to cover up crimes where those crimes— order to cover up crimes where those crimes take _ order to cover up crimes where those crimes take place, whether in london or under— crimes take place, whether in london or under united states federal law, anywhere — or under united states federal law, anywhere. so that is the crime, and it is a _ anywhere. so that is the crime, and it is a felony— anywhere. so that is the crime, and it is a felony if you falsify a business _ it is a felony if you falsify a business record in order to cover up another— business record in order to cover up another crime. the underlying crime, there _ another crime. the underlying crime, there is— another crime. the underlying crime, there is nothing illegal about having — there is nothing illegal about having six with a porn star, and there _ having six with a porn star, and there is— having six with a porn star, and there is nothing illegal about paying — there is nothing illegal about paying her to keep quiet about it, but it— paying her to keep quiet about it, but it is— paying her to keep quiet about it, but it is not— paying her to keep quiet about it, but it is not legal to hide expenses in your— but it is not legal to hide expenses in your campaign trail. the department ofjustice didn't charge

donald _ department ofjustice didn't charge donald trump, they charged michael cohen, _ donald trump, they charged michael cohen, they couldn't charge a sitting — cohen, they couldn't charge a sitting president. it is the falsifying of business records that could _ falsifying of business records that could be — falsifying of business records that could be a — falsifying of business records that could be a felony.— could be a felony. let's get into that a little _ could be a felony. let's get into that a little bit, _ could be a felony. let's get into that a little bit, because - could be a felony. let's get into that a little bit, because there l could be a felony. let's get into | that a little bit, because there is this distinction between misdemeanour and felony, felony being far more serious than a misdemeanour. what is your instinct on where we are going to land? the falsification — on where we are going to land? the falsification of the business records _ falsification of the business records itself in new york is a misdemeanour. but if you falsify the business _ misdemeanour. but if you falsify the business records in order to cover up business records in order to cover up the _ business records in order to cover up the crime, whether it is a crime under— up the crime, whether it is a crime under federal law or perhaps a crime under— under federal law or perhaps a crime under british law, anywhere in the world, _ under british law, anywhere in the world, if— under british law, anywhere in the world, if you are covering up criminal— world, if you are covering up criminal activity, and falsifying business — criminal activity, and falsifying business records in new york to cover— business records in new york to cover up— business records in new york to cover up criminal activity anywhere, that can _ cover up criminal activity anywhere, that can be — cover up criminal activity anywhere, that can be charged as a felony, because — that can be charged as a felony, because new york is not a place for criminals _ because new york is not a place for criminals to — because new york is not a place for criminals to launder their money or to falsify— criminals to launder their money or to falsify business records in order

to falsify business records in order to cover— to falsify business records in order to cover up — to falsify business records in order to cover up their own crimes, and that is— to cover up their own crimes, and that is the — to cover up their own crimes, and that is the charge he is likely to face in — that is the charge he is likely to face in this— that is the charge he is likely to face in this indictment. it is by no means— face in this indictment. it is by no means the — face in this indictment. it is by no means the serious charge. he could be charged — means the serious charge. he could be charged with sedition and insurrection by the united states department ofjustice, and that will disqualify— department ofjustice, and that will disqualify him from public office if he is _ disqualify him from public office if he is guilty. find disqualify him from public office if he is guilty-— disqualify him from public office if he is guilty. and i should say here in relation — he is guilty. and i should say here in relation to _ he is guilty. and i should say here in relation to the _ he is guilty. and i should say here in relation to the events _ he is guilty. and i should say here in relation to the events of - he is guilty. and i should say here in relation to the events of what l he is guilty. and i should say here | in relation to the events of what we expect to happen next week, donald trump has denied any wrongdoing. before you go, just marked our card for us, give us an idea of proceedings now to duration. how long will this take? this proceedings now to duration. how long will this take?— proceedings now to duration. how long will this take? this could take a ear or long will this take? this could take a year or two. _ long will this take? this could take a year or two, and _ long will this take? this could take a year or two, and donald - long will this take? this could take a year or two, and donald trump i long will this take? this could take l a year or two, and donald trump will of course _ a year or two, and donald trump will of course request an extension of the trial, — of course request an extension of the trial, and stir up his political base _ the trial, and stir up his political base that— the trial, and stir up his political base. that is what authoritarians do, base. that is what authoritarians do. he _ base. that is what authoritarians do. he will — base. that is what authoritarians do, he will try to turn this into a political— do, he will try to turn this into a political circus. what really matters _ political circus. what really matters is whether the department of justice _ matters is whether the department of justice is _ matters is whether the department of justice is willing to come in and actually— justice is willing to come in and actually charge in connection with the effects ofjanuary the 6th. sedition— the effects ofjanuary the 6th. sedition and interaction, much more serious _ sedition and interaction, much more serious charge, that would

disqualify him from public office, and if_ disqualify him from public office, and if the — disqualify him from public office, and if the department ofjustice continues to hold back while the new york district attorney is out there handling — york district attorney is out there handling this case on his own, i fear— handling this case on his own, i fear that— handling this case on his own, i fear that the new york ta will be subject— fear that the new york ta will be subject to — fear that the new york ta will be subject to vicious and perhaps racist — subject to vicious and perhaps racist attacks from the extreme right _ racist attacks from the extreme right and — racist attacks from the extreme right and this will be a very difficult _ right and this will be a very difficult situation for the american people _ difficult situation for the american people to — difficult situation for the american people to deal with. donald trump should _ people to deal with. donald trump should be — people to deal with. donald trump should be held accountable for all of the _ should be held accountable for all of the crimes he committed, including _ of the crimes he committed, including sedition and insurrection. alleged, _ including sedition and insurrection. alleged, i— including sedition and insurrection. alleged, i should say, at this point. and those proceedings are not yet under way, even if they do get under way. thank you very much for your time, thank you for coming on the programme, we appreciate it. thank you very much. let's return to some breaking news we brought you earlier. the paralympic star oscar pistorius, who murdered his girlfriend reeva steenkamp in 2013, has been denied parole in south africa. the 36—year—old had been seeking

early release after serving half of his 13—year sentence. live to petoria with our correspondent in pretoria, andrew harding. what has happened in the last couple of hours? it is what has happened in the last couple of hours? , . , , what has happened in the last couple ofhours? , ,~ . of hours? it is a pretty farcical situation. _ of hours? it is a pretty farcical situation, the _ of hours? it is a pretty farcical situation, the south _ of hours? it is a pretty farcical situation, the south african i of hours? it is a pretty farcical- situation, the south african justice system looking like it has made a mess of this. today's parole board hearing we are now learning should never have gone ahead in the first place, because the prison authorities here actually received a letter three days ago, on tuesday of this week, explaining to them that oscar pistorius has not actually served, according to their calculations, half his time in prison, half of his sentence. in fact, that time will come next august, 2024. ispokejust fact, that time will come next august, 2024. i spokejust a fact, that time will come next august, 2024. i spoke just a short while ago to oscar pistorius's uncle arnold who was mystified. he said it was clear to him that he had served half his sentence, and he said he

would be getting legal advice on how this confusion could have arisen. what seems to have happened, though, is because oscar pistorius was initially sentence once, that was appealed that he was sentenced again, he spent some time in prison, he spent some time under house arrest, then he spent another longer period which is currently still doing in prison, so there is confusion about exactly when his sentence should be considered to have started. and it seems like the supreme court of appeal here and the chiefjustice have decided it only began on the last time he began his prison sentence, so they are taking the strictest interpretation of the law, if you like. the strictest interpretation of the law. if you like-— the strictest interpretation of the law, if you like. andrew, that, as ou said law, if you like. andrew, that, as you said right _ law, if you like. andrew, that, as you said right at _ law, if you like. andrew, that, as you said right at the _ law, if you like. andrew, that, as you said right at the beginning i you said right at the beginning there, is not a situation that covers the justice system there with much glory. can we get to the substance of the issue as opposed to the justice system, substance of the issue as opposed to thejustice system, but substance of the issue as opposed to the justice system, but i suppose the justice system, but i suppose the family of reeva steenkamp, and the family of reeva steenkamp, and the reaction there? thea;t the family of reeva steenkamp, and the reaction there?— the reaction there? they have said the reaction there? they have said they welcome _

the reaction there? they have said they welcome this _ the reaction there? they have said they welcome this delay. - the reaction there? they have said they welcome this delay. they i the reaction there? they have said i they welcome this delay. they argued in the _ they welcome this delay. they argued in the parole board in the prison behind — in the parole board in the prison behind me — in the parole board in the prison behind me here where oscar pistorius is still— behind me here where oscar pistorius is still incarcerated, they argue today— is still incarcerated, they argue today that they didn't believe that he was _ today that they didn't believe that he was genuine in his remorse. they still insist _ he was genuine in his remorse. they still insist that oscar pistorius needs— still insist that oscar pistorius needs to _ still insist that oscar pistorius needs to confess to killing reeva steenkamp, his girlfriend, deliberately. the court has never ruled _ deliberately. the court has never ruled on — deliberately. the court has never ruled on that. it simply ruled that he should — ruled on that. it simply ruled that he should have known that whoever was hiding — he should have known that whoever was hiding behind his bathroom door would _ was hiding behind his bathroom door would die _ was hiding behind his bathroom door would die when he shot three times through— would die when he shot three times through the closed door. but the pistorius — through the closed door. but the pistorius family insist that he has not shown— pistorius family insist that he has not shown remorse, has not admitted the truth, _ not shown remorse, has not admitted the truth, and therefore should stay in prison _ the truth, and therefore should stay in prison. but we also know that pistorius — in prison. but we also know that pistorius and his lawyers argued that he — pistorius and his lawyers argued that he has shown remorse, he has met reeva — that he has shown remorse, he has met reeva steenkamp's father last year and _ met reeva steenkamp's father last year and expressed his remorse again. and — year and expressed his remorse again, and apologised for his actions _ again, and apologised for his actions. we also know that prison officials, — actions. we also know that prison officials, the social workers, have spoken— officials, the social workers, have spoken about his behaviour during

the last— spoken about his behaviour during the last years in prison, and leaked information— the last years in prison, and leaked information from a previous court dispute _ information from a previous court dispute seems to indicate that prison— dispute seems to indicate that prison officials believe that pistorius in general has behaved well, _ pistorius in general has behaved well, and — pistorius in general has behaved well, and that in their view he has ticked _ well, and that in their view he has ticked the — well, and that in their view he has ticked the right boxes to be allowed out on _ ticked the right boxes to be allowed out on parole. but clearly that is not going — out on parole. but clearly that is not going to happen at least for some _ not going to happen at least for some time, as more clarity no doubt is sought— some time, as more clarity no doubt is sought and more lawyers get involved — is sought and more lawyers get involved in trying to work out where and when _ involved in trying to work out where and when pistorius could be eligible for parole — and when pistorius could be eligible for arole. ., ., ., , , , for parole. extraordinary stuff. andrew, thank _ for parole. extraordinary stuff. andrew, thank you _ for parole. extraordinary stuff. andrew, thank you for - for parole. extraordinary stuff. | andrew, thank you for bringing for parole. extraordinary stuff. i andrew, thank you for bringing us right up to date with the latest there in south africa. i'm going to let andrew go, but ijust there in south africa. i'm going to let andrew go, but i just want to bring you one update, backing up effectively what he was just saying there. we have a statement from reeva steenkamp's family, saying while we welcome today's decision, todayis while we welcome today's decision, today is not a cause for celebration. we miss reeva terribly, and we will do for the rest of our lives. we believe injustice and hope that it continues to prevail.

we will leave that news out of south africa, and come back to the uk now. the cricket discipline commission has upheld complaints against five former yorkshire players for using racist or discriminatory language towards teammates. the charges by the england and wales cricket board stemmed mainly from allegations made by azeem rafiq, who in 2020 laid bare the extent of racism in the sport. meanwhile, the former england captain, michael vaughan, has been cleared of using racist language towards a group of asian players, which included rafiq, in 2009. in a statement michael vaughan criticised the procedure saying the england and wales cricket board invited claim and counterclaim. but he said he still wants to continue to fight for change in the sport. he said... "it has been both difficult and upsetting to hear about the painful experiences which azeem has described over the past three years. the outcome of these cdc proceedings must not be allowed to detract from the core message that there can be no place for racism in the game of cricket,

or in society generally." he goes on to say... "the dismissal of the specific charge that concerned me takes nothing away from azeem's own lived experiences." azeem rafiq has been speaking to the bbc about the ecb decision. here's his reaction. i feel vindicated. seven out of the eight _ i feel vindicated. seven out of the eight charges that have been upheld, and most _ eight charges that have been upheld, and most importantly, one of the main _ and most importantly, one of the main reasons i spoke out was to highlight— main reasons i spoke out was to highlight the wider problems across the game, and the institutional racism — the game, and the institutional racism at — the game, and the institutional racism at yorkshire county cricket club, _ racism at yorkshire county cricket club, and — racism at yorkshire county cricket club, and i— racism at yorkshire county cricket club, and i think that has been proven— club, and i think that has been proven over and over again. obviously— proven over and over again. obviously it has been a tough process— obviously it has been a tough process for everyone to go through, but i think— process for everyone to go through, but i think it — process for everyone to go through, but i think it became very clear that it — but i think it became very clear that it was _ but i think it became very clear that it was something that the game had to— that it was something that the game had to go— that it was something that the game had to go through, and hopefully now he will— had to go through, and hopefully now he will start to learn from it, reflect — he will start to learn from it, reflect and really make cricket a game _ reflect and really make cricket a game for — reflect and really make cricket a game for everyone.— game for everyone. does it disappoint _ game for everyone. does it disappoint you _ game for everyone. does it disappoint you that - game for everyone. does it disappoint you that the i game for everyone. does it l disappoint you that the panel game for everyone. does it - disappoint you that the panel found that michael vaughan had not said

the words that you alleged he'd said? ., ., ~' the words that you alleged he'd said? ., ., 4' ., the words that you alleged he'd said? ., ., ~ ., ., the words that you alleged he'd said? ., ., ., said? look, for me from day one, i tried to very _ said? look, for me from day one, i tried to very much _ said? look, for me from day one, i tried to very much make _ said? look, for me from day one, i tried to very much make sure i said? look, for me from day one, i tried to very much make sure thatl tried to very much make sure that this doesn't — tried to very much make sure that this doesn't become about individuals. i spoke about my experiences and what i went through, and i've _ experiences and what i went through, and i've done that openly from day one _ and i've done that openly from day one it's _ and i've done that openly from day one. it's been corroborated by players. — one. it's been corroborated by players, coaches and other people present _ players, coaches and other people present. so from my point of view, i can only— present. so from my point of view, i can only talk — present. so from my point of view, i can only talk about my experiences. look, _ can only talk about my experiences. look, of— can only talk about my experiences. look, of course i'm disappointed. i don't _ look, of course i'm disappointed. i don't agree — look, of course i'm disappointed. i don't agree with the findings. but i respect _ don't agree with the findings. but i respect them. the don't agree with the findings. but i respect them-— don't agree with the findings. but i resect them. , ,., respect them. the panel upheld some ofthe respect them. the panel upheld some of the charges — respect them. the panel upheld some of the charges against _ respect them. the panel upheld some of the charges against five _ respect them. the panel upheld some of the charges against five other i of the charges against five other former yorkshire players. what did you make of that? did that please you, that did that vindicate you? look, i've not really had a chance to go _ look, i've not really had a chance to go through the details of the findings — to go through the details of the findings of the panels. like i said, i've been— findings of the panels. like i said, i've been vindicated over and over

again— i've been vindicated over and over again through several processes, and today— again through several processes, and today seven out of eight charges have _ today seven out of eight charges have been upheld. but one of the core reasons for me speaking out was for the _ core reasons for me speaking out was for the game — core reasons for me speaking out was for the game to get better, and i think— for the game to get better, and i think really that test starts now. i really _ think really that test starts now. i really hope that people can start to come _ really hope that people can start to come together. there has been a lot said. _ come together. there has been a lot said. and _ come together. there has been a lot said. and a _ come together. there has been a lot said, and a lot has gone on over the last two— said, and a lot has gone on over the last two and — said, and a lot has gone on over the last two and a half years. that said, and a lot has gone on over the last two and a half years.— last two and a half years. that was azeem rafiq _ last two and a half years. that was azeem rafiq answering _ last two and a half years. that was azeem rafiq answering questionsl last two and a half years. that was i azeem rafiq answering questions by dan roan. i'm joined now by george dobell, a senior correspondent for the cricketer, and the journalist who broke this story originally. thank you for coming on the programme. mr; thank you for coming on the programme-— thank you for coming on the i programme._ what thank you for coming on the - programme._ what you programme. my pleasure. what you make about — programme. my pleasure. what you make about what _ programme. my pleasure. what you make about what we've _ programme. my pleasure. what you make about what we've learned i programme. my pleasure. what you i make about what we've learned today? it's almost too much to take in, but it's almost too much to take in, but i think the important thing is that azeem rafiq's general experiences have been vindicated. the important thing to click hold of two is that he started a conversation about racism in the game which has been

very valuable and which continues to go on and will hopefully change the game for the better. that will be his long—term legacy. find game for the better. that will be his long-term legacy.— game for the better. that will be his long-term legacy. and what about the fact that — his long-term legacy. and what about the fact that we _ his long-term legacy. and what about the fact that we put _ his long-term legacy. and what about the fact that we put the _ his long-term legacy. and what about the fact that we put the statement i the fact that we put the statement up the fact that we put the statement up from michael vaughan earlier, who was cleared in his instance, and he actually disagreed with the whole process of pitting person against a person, claim against counterclaim, saying it was unhelpful. i person, claim against counterclaim, saying it was unhelpful.— saying it was unhelpful. i thought that was a really _ saying it was unhelpful. i thought that was a really good _ saying it was unhelpful. i thought| that was a really good statement. i've got nothing but praise for that statement. i thought in tone it was similar to azeem �*s, it was about learning, trying to be better, trying to be part of the solution. in terms of the process, it has not been great, but i don't know how else you can do it. that is the way justice works, isn't it, it is adversarial. it tends to be anyway. that is a thorough process. it is muddy, it's messy, it's not perfect,

but i can't think of an alternative thatis but i can't think of an alternative that is better, and it's better surely that people go through the process, have a fair hearing, can be cleared or not, then rather not having that process. i don't know. it's like a democracy. it might not be perfect, but it beats the alternative.— be perfect, but it beats the alternative. �* ., ., alternative. and where are we going from here in — alternative. and where are we going from here in the _ alternative. and where are we going from here in the game, _ alternative. and where are we going from here in the game, like - alternative. and where are we going from here in the game, like you i from here in the game, like you mentioned there several statements today about looking forward, not making it about individuals, looking at change. what kind of change are we talking about? the at change. what kind of change are we talking about?— we talking about? the fact that we are havin: we talking about? the fact that we are having these _ we talking about? the fact that we are having these conversations, i we talking about? the fact that we i are having these conversations, that is valuable, i think. i are having these conversations, that is valuable, ithink. i know are having these conversations, that is valuable, i think. i know it doesn't necessarily feel like it when you are in the middle of it, it feels quite painful and probably quite repetitive to people on the outside, but the fact is i don't think a lot of us realised how bad the situation was for people of colour in the game not very long ago, so now we have a lot more knowledge, and hopefully we can ensure the game is open to people from all communities, and is not

just about ethnicity and race, it is about class, gender, sexuality, and those conversations are going to keep on happening. there are going to be more reports, and i think it really does give us a chance to make the game better. i think good can come of this, i really do believe that. ., , . ., come of this, i really do believe that. ., ,. ., , ' come of this, i really do believe that. ., , , , ., that. fascinating stuff, george dobelll, thank _ that. fascinating stuff, george dobelll, thank you _ that. fascinating stuff, george dobelll, thank you very - that. fascinating stuff, george dobelll, thank you very much l that. fascinating stuff, george i dobelll, thank you very much for your time, we must leave it there. the ukrainian president, volodymyr zelensky, is leading ceremonies in bucha to mark the first anniversary of its liberation from occupying russian troops. he and and several european leaders have listened outside an orthodox church while the names of ukrainians who were killed were read out. the town has come to symbolise atrocities carried out by russian forces. bucha, a suburb in the northwest of kyiv, was the focus of fierce fighting. that's it from me for the moment. thank you for your company. i will

be back injust a thank you for your company. i will be back in just a few minutes. you can get me on social media whenever you like. i'm lewis vaughanjones, and this is bbc news. goodbye. hello there. it has been a stormy start to the day across southern britain and the channel islands, a deep area of low pressure has been wringing wet and windy weather here. as we head into the weekend, this area of low pressure will slowly pull away, things will start to turn drier and brighter, and pull away, things will start to turn drierand brighter, and it pull away, things will start to turn drier and brighter, and it will turn a little cooler too. here it is, then named by the french weather service as storm mathis, it is bringing in gusty conditions that will bring heavy showers and strong winds through the south and east. the best of the sunshine through the

afternoon will be across western scotland. through this evening and overnight, little change, but we start to see strong winds easing down from the south. further cloud and rain pushing into the east coast, and this weather front will continue to bring rain to parts of the country. we still have this low pressure pulling away from the uk, but the weather front will be hanging around almost in situ across west and south—western areas, so further cloud, outbreaks of rain for northern ireland, perhaps into wales and south—west england. this easterly breeze will be pushing cloud and some light rain into eastern parts of scotland and england as well, so rather grey and cool england as well, so rather grey and cool, with this onshore easterly breeze, but temperatures down across the board on saturday, even further inland, around 10 degrees, up to 12 across the far south—west where the wind will be a little lighter. then as we move out of saturday into sunday, this area of high pressure

starts to build across the country, few isobars so the wind will be lighter. it starts off breezy and the south—east, the wind will ease down and we will import drier air across the country, so more sunshine on sunday, a bit of cloud for northern scotland perhaps into northern ireland. but it won't really help the temperatures that much with the air still quite cool, highs of 9—12, much with the air still quite cool, highs of 9—12 , certainly cooler than what we have had in the last few days. all changes we had to the start of next week, southerly winds again and a weather front starting to encroach from the west, bringing cloud to western areas but still some sunshine in the east.

this is bbc news. the headlines... donald trump becomes the first former us president to face criminal charges after an investigation into a payment made to a porn star. the charges relate to breaking the law by falsifying business in new york — mr trump denies any wrongdoing. oscar pistorius, the former paralympic champion jailed for murdering his girlfriend, has been denied an early release from a prison in south africa. the cricket discipline commission has upheld complaints against five former yorkshire players for using racist language. but the former england captain, michael vaughan, was cleared of using racist language towards a group of asian players in 2009.

ceremonies are being held today in the town of bucha to mark one year since it was recaptured by the ukrainian army. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, the former england cricket captain michael vaughan has been cleared — on the �*balance of probabilities' — of using racist language towards former yorkshire players, including azeem rafiq during his time at the county side. the allegations brought by rafiq prompted an inquiry by the england and wales cricket board, which saw charges levelled at vaughan with bringing the game into disrepute. for me, from day one, i have tried very much to make sure

it is not a battle of individuals. for me, from day one, i have tried to very— for me, from day one, i have tried to very much — for me, from day one, i have tried to very much make sure that this does _ to very much make sure that this does not — to very much make sure that this does not become about individuals. i spoke _ does not become about individuals. i spoke about my experiences and what iwent— spoke about my experiences and what i went through and i have done that openly— i went through and i have done that openly from day one. and it has been corroborated by players, coaches and other— corroborated by players, coaches and other people present. from my point of view. _ other people present. from my point of view. i_ other people present. from my point of view. i can— other people present. from my point of view, i can only talk about my experiences. of course, i am disappointed, i don't agree with the findings _ disappointed, i don't agree with the findings. but i respect them. the bbc has findings. but i respect them. tue: bbc has released findings. but i respect them. tte: bbc has released a statement. michael vaughan was formerly a pundit on several cricket programmes. it says...

lets get some more on the news that wimbledon will allow russian and belarusian players to compete this summer but under a neutral flag. belarusian players to compete this summer but under a neutralflag. the ban was imposed last year in response to the invasion of ukraine. we are now moving towards a situation where the international olympic committee have indicated strongly they want to allow russian and belarusian athletes to compete at the olympic games in paris next year. and it means that wimbledon and the other warm up events on the

grass in the uk before the championships will also be able to invite russians and belarusian players. there were some that have spoken out very strongly. they have been talking about panic attacks before matches. barcelona manager xavi hernandez has confirmed that he would be delighted to have lionel messi back at the club. barcelona vice president rafa yuste says the club has been in contact with lionel messi about a possible return to the camp nou. messi is yet to sign a new contract with paris st—germain, with his current two—year deal due to expire in the next couple of months. he made a tearful farewell to barcelona in 2021 after they were unable to offer him a new deal because of

financial problems. fernando alonso topped second practice ahead of the australian grand prix this weekend after rain affected the session in melbourne. the spaniard had to contend with gloomy skies and the wet conditions to finish nearly half a second quicker than ferrari's charles leclerc. and that's all the sport for now. inspectors have found widespread bullying, harassment and discrimination, in every fire service in england. a new report includes examples of male firefighters telling a female colleague they would rape her, and a senior officer using a racial slur. the home office has described the findings as "deeply concerning". our home affairs correspondent, june kelly, has that story. the majority of firefighters are dedicated to helping the public, says today's report. but the inspectors also found bullying, harassment and discrimination in all of the 44 fire and rescue services in england. and in a quarter of them, there was racist, homophobic and misogynistic behaviour. the scale of the problem is no surprise to gareth dawes. he served for 21 years with london fire brigade which was criticised

in a previous report. it says it has already brought in changes. the problems came from the top, it came from a lack of awareness, it came from a lack of ability to self reflect and see how they played their part within the harm that is caused. it came from again pointing downwards and looking for bad apples instead of looking how the part they played in the system allowed this behaviour and sometimes promote this behaviour to happen. the report, which covers areas across england, found that in one case a senior officer used a racially offensive word when talking about a colleague, describing it as having a laugh. in what was said to be anotherjoke, two male firefighters told a female colleague they were going to rape her and the three of them acted out a rape together. and homophobic abuse was written on one firefighter�*s locker. we found that people felt unable to report those sorts of things.

they were worried that if they did report poor behaviour or they raised concerns, they would be ostracised or vilified or their careers would be limited. better background checks, tougher penalties for offenders and a more diverse workforce are just some of the changes the inspectors want to see. the home office described the report as deeply concerning and said reform was urgently needed. june kelly, bbc news. earlier we spoke to karen gowreesunker, assistant chief fire officer at west midlands fire service. i asked what her reaction was to the report. personally and as a fire and rescue service, condemn the appalling behaviour highlighted in the report. and it is a really difficult read around the concerns that have been raised within the fire sector and in particular with the impact on those who have experienced this

behavioural may be experiencing this behavioural may be experiencing this behaviour now. the fire service fully accepts the 35 recommendations outlined in the report added as further evidence that we need to forward reform around culture within fire and rescue services. the environment agency has found large amounts of raw sewage were discharged into england's rivers and seas last year, but the volume was down on the year before. untreated effluent, including human waste, wet wipes and sanitary products was released into waterways more than 300,000 times. that's a 34% reduction in the duration of spills since 2021, due to drier weather, not the actions of water companies. our science and environment correspondent, victoria gill, has more from west yorkshire. braving the chilly water of the river wharfe. do you do this every day? for the wild swimmers here in ilkley this river is a lifeline. we don'tjust swim together, we talk together, we drink together, we eat together,

we go away together. the whole network of swimming is very, very important to my life. that was so much fun. but beneath the surface there is a problem. we are keeping our heads above the water. i wouldn't want to put my head in this because i think the risks are too great. just half a mile away raw, untreated sewage is regularly released into the river. so this is where it comes out, down here. it'sjust a grill so it means that solids can come out as well. in an effort to have their river cleaned up, campaigners are lobbied to have this stretch of the water officially designated as a bathing site. that means the environment agency has to test and monitor the quality of the water. members of the public when they come to ilkley, because it is designated as bathing water they think the water is clean. the tests actually show that the water quality is poor. how do you feel then about the state of this river now? it is very frustrating we should be

seeing the quality of the river come before the profits of companies. the water company is investing in the wharfe. this £13 million pipe will divert much more rain water and sewage away from the river and store it underground ready for treatment. have water companies done an unacceptable amount of ecological damage to the rivers? i don't think any water company can say that their activities don't do harm to a river, but what we are trying to do is to do less. would you swim in the river around here? i would swim in the river when i think that it's a sensible time to do so. when is a sensible time. when it has just rained i wouldn't think it was a good time to go swimming. pollution in the river wharfe isn't hidden under the surface any more, it's a problem that runs through the heart of this community. victoria gill, bbc news, ilkley. i'm joined now by izzy ross who is a campaigns manager for surfers against sewage — a marine conservation charity working with communities to protect oceans, waves, beaches and marine life.

thank you very much for coming on the programme. this problem, we are getting kind of used to hearing about it now. what in your eyes is the problem that is not being fixed? yeah, i think everyone knows about the sewage scandal, as we call it now, but i think it is still shocking every time results like this come out. over 300,000 times where the public, families, children, you know, using these spaces for recreation and for their mental health and they could actually be unknowingly swimming in raw sewage and the problem really is widespread. regulators need to enforce the powers they have. the government needs to create better legislation and fund the regulators. most of all, the water companies need to invest in the infrastructure that they need to protect the environment and not divert that

money into million pound bonuses and the billion pounds that went out to shareholders last year. thea;t the billion pounds that went out to shareholders last year.— shareholders last year. they say the are shareholders last year. they say they are making _ shareholders last year. they say they are making the _ shareholders last year. they say they are making the right i they are making the right investments.— they are making the right investments. , ., ., ~ ,., investments. they are making some investments- _ investments. they are making some investments. they _ investments. they are making some investments. they are _ investments. they are making some investments. they are not _ investments. they are making some investments. they are not making i investments. they are not making enough. this problem that we have with sewage discharges is widespread and severe over the whole of the uk and severe over the whole of the uk and that is primarily because of this persistent lack of investment in the last 20 years. they cannot make up for that in just a few million or billion pounds, we are talking about a lot of money that needs to go into this. it is their statutory obligation to do that to maintain the network and to make it safe for humans to enter the water. what about people who will say it is either going into the rivers, which is not great, but it is either that or in peak times, backs up and ends up or in peak times, backs up and ends up rosetta street and homes and businesses?—

up rosetta street and homes and businesses? , ., , ., businesses? yes, of course, and we do not want — businesses? yes, of course, and we do not want sewage _ businesses? yes, of course, and we do not want sewage backing - businesses? yes, of course, and we do not want sewage backing up i businesses? yes, of course, and we do not want sewage backing up into| do not want sewage backing up into homes. these sewage overflows that we are talking about with the data thatis we are talking about with the data that is out today is really talking about mechanisms that were put in place for emergency exceptional circumstances of heavy rainfall. but actually they are being used far more often than that, so it is the water companies' responsibility to make sure they have systems in place that can hold amounts of sewage so they do not back up into homes and they do not back up into homes and they don't have to open them in times of dry conditions, which actually is a direct contradiction to the legislation we have had in place for years. we to the legislation we have had in place for years-— place for years. we will leave it there. thank _ place for years. we will leave it there. thank you _ place for years. we will leave it there. thank you very - place for years. we will leave it there. thank you very much i place for years. we will leave it there. thank you very much forj place for years. we will leave it i there. thank you very much for your time. new figures from the nationwide building society, suggest house prices have fallen at their fastest annual rate in 14 years. the lender says they were down by 3.1% in march, compared to 2022. the figures, based on the lender's own data, show that property prices have now fallen for seven months in a row.

the prime minister's been out campaigning in darlington, ahead of local elections next month. he's highlighting more funding to tackle potholes, and new powers to try and ensure utility companies, repair roads, after they've carried out works. great to be out today meeting all our local council candidates for the local elections here. the conservatives locally are delivering for the north—east, and teesside in particular, and today we are announcing more money for potholes. we all hate them, the government is putting more money into fixing them, tens of millions of pounds across teesside to fix potholes and repair roads and actually some new powers we are announcing today to clamp down on utility companies who are not repairing the roads. businesses are warning they'll have to cut working hours, due to high energy bills, ahead of government help being scaled back. from saturday, firms will get a discount on wholesale prices, as the government said the current scheme which caps costs was too expensive. our business correspondent, marc ashdown, reports. like thousands of businesses, this pizzeria in prestwich is facing rising energy costs,

a new contract signed last year saw it rise to 40p, subsidised by the government. when that support ends tomorrow they will be paying all of 70p per unit, five times more than last year. our contract runs out at the wrong time. we were searching around to find the best deal and at the time it was either close or take what was on offer at the time. we wanted to open a year ago but obviously with the prices through the roof we had to stop. so this kitchen and pub in stockport remains a work in progress. plans to serve food are on hold because of energy bills. it is sad that we have just had to postpone everything in order to get to the point of making it financially viable. since october businesses have been getting support with energy costs. their bills have been capped, but that scheme has cost the taxpayer £18.4 billion, so from tomorrow a new scheme

starts, offering a discounted rate instead, estimated to costjust £5.5 billion for the coming year. but with some saying their bills could rocket by more than 400%, it is feared 300,000 small businesses might need to restructure, downsize or even close. there is some good news, official figures confirm today that at the back end of last year the uk economy grew marginally by 0.1%, expelling fears it would tip into recession. as inflation is expected to come down, costs could follow. but to get the economy growing businesses need to grow first and at the moment confidence is in short supply. since 1987 jack masters in leicester have prided themselves on producing low carbon knitwear, like christmas jumpers. but energy prices are expected to triple this year and expansion plans have gone into reverse. to save money we have had to reduce the usage on our gas boiler down from five days to four days and production cut down from five

days to four days in some areas. in the next 12 months we need to severely reassess where we need to invest. money spent on gas and electric cannot be set spent on employing new staff or investing in capital assets. some energy intensive industries like steel and glass makers will get a larger discount. there are calls for energy companies to now negotiate with companies if they are trapped in expensive contracts, was for some these next few months could be make or break. the oscar winning actress, gwyneth paltrow, has been awarded a symbolic sum of one dollar, after winning a two—week court battle over a skiing collision in utah, in 2016. terry sanderson, who's 76, had accused her of crashing into him at a resort, and sued for nearly a quarter of a million pounds. sophie long reports from utah. the oscar—winning actress has been present throughout this trial that's been streamed around the world

like a reality tv courtroom drama. a "he said, she said, who hit whom" on the slopes of a luxury ski resort — and at what cost? this is hard because i don't like going through this scene. he said he broke four ribs and has permanent brain damage, but she said she suffered, too. he has deterred you from enjoying the rest of what was a very expensive vacation? well, i lost half- a day of skiing, yes. right, 0k. he said he was hit from behind. i heard something i've never heard at a ski resort and that was a bloodcurdling scream. just can't do it, it was... aaagh... and then, boom. but she gave a different version of the collision. i was skiing, and two skis came between my skis, i forcing my legs apart. and then there was a body pressing against me, i and there was a very.

strange grunting noise. so, my brain was trying to make sense of what was happening, i i thought, "am i...? is this a practicaljoke? is someone, like, doing something perverted? i this is really, really strange." late—night hosts turned the case into comedy. he's a bumbling optometrist. she's a celebrity mogul. they collide on a ski mountain and neither one can remember what happened? this christmas, see hallmark�*s newest hit, goopsy daisy, a ski accident of the heart! applause and cheering. thank you. but no—one was laughing here. mr sanderson's lawyers tried to paint a picture of an entitled celebrity lacking in care for the little people. and ms paltrow�*s legal team said he wanted to hold her accountable for the unwanted effects of ageing and exploit her high profile and wealth. was gwyneth paltrow at fault? no. after a trial lasting nearly two weeks, it took the jury just two hours to decide that it was not ms paltrow but mr sanderson who had been responsible for the crash.

as the actress and influencer left court she went to see the man whose accusations had brought her here and said, "i wish you well." sophie long, bbc news, park city, utah. 15 minute cities, where everything you need is within a 15 minute walk or bike ride — are an idea being explored around the world. but the concept has ignited fierce debate and conspiracy theories. anna holligan has been looking at why. the 15— minute city... 15—minute cities — they've become a magnet for protests around the world, from canada to the uk, with conspiracy groups claiming, without evidence, they're designed to imprison us in our neighbourhoods and limit ourfreedoms. yet the idea seems pretty pragmatic — to have everything we need from doctors and supermarkets to work and schools within easy reach, by foot or bicycle. the misinterpretation has roots in the uk,

where two separate plans to cut carbon emissions, one involving low traffic neighbourhoods and another based on the 15—minute city, were blended together. in oxford, those have been mixed up and things have been added and it has become a way larger thing which i think has also made it more difficult to actually look at what's really going on. what i've seen is that this really is part of a larger trend where something that would seem very positive, like sustainable development goals, environmental concerns, that get really twisted into something negative. we sat down to get some insight from the architect of the 15—minute city. this is just a concept for improving the quality of life of a city and to develop more local economies, shorter circuits, more ecological activities, more shopping, and to work without a daily long commute.

lots of people are now wondering what it might be like to live and work in a 15—minute city. well, here in the netherlands, pretty much the entire country is covered with them, so i thought it might be usefuljust to take you out for a spin on my bicycle to see what that looks like in reality. within 15 minutes, i can reach my daughter's school, the supermarket, doctors and all the other essentials for daily life. and despite the people objecting to the 15—minute idea, saying, in order to get this, we will be locked down in our neighbourhoods, there's no evidence of any boundaries or restrictions here. which might explain why so many dutch people are so bemused by these claims. when i heard about the conspiracies,

i thought it was kind of ironic, because i feel like if you don't live in a 15—minute city, you are locked up somewhere. so much time gets lost in commute, and if you do live in a 15—minute city you can go anywhere you want, you feel so much more freedom. the disinformation could make it trickier for cities to pave the way to bring people and life's necessities closer together. anna holligan, bbc news, in the hague. one of britain's oldest theatres, the oldham coliseum will have its final curtain call tonight, as the historic theatre closes after 138 years, because of funding cuts. the venue helped launch many household names, like sarah lancashire and suranne jones. special guests featuring in tonight's show, include christopher eccleston and maxine peake. cast members from pantomimes performed at the theatre down the years, will also return to the stage.

social media has spawned many unlikely stars, with their videos going viral right around the world. well, now there's a new tiktok sensation, doris a dairy cow from the isle of wight. graham satchell explains why she's become, a global phenomenon. you are a character aren't you, doris? this is doris, licking the head of farm hand john brodie. john says she's more human than cow. as nice as it is to see you, why have you come back in here? the so—called daily doris videos have gone viral on social media. you are a mischief maker. leave my coffee alone, please. everyone's out, everyone's getting ready for milking, except for doris. in this video, doris pretends to still be asleep so she can get out of milking. doris, come on. i can see your ears moving. come on, i can see your eye, yeah. she likes to take it easy, does doris, bless her. she is usually the last one to do anything. i think she thinks by hanging back she'll get a bit

more fuss and attention. she really loves a bit of, you know, a bit of fuss, yeah. do you hate... buzzer sounds. ..getting up in the morning? so does doris. the story has gone round the world. this report is from cnn. and online, people have fallen in love with the lazy cow. "i am doris, let that girl sleep". "i identify as doris, my spirit animal". doris is actually pretending to be asleep. she isn't really asleep. john says he'll continue to post videos from the farm on the isle of wight, milking the attention for all its worth. graham satchell, bbc news. a us court has dismissed a defamation case brought against the duchess of sussex by her half—sister, samantha markle. the duchess was accused of spreading "demonstrably false and malicious lies" to a "worldwide audience"

in the royal couple's televised interview with oprah winfrey in 2021. a florida judge has dismissed the lawsuit, saying the former suits actress was expressing "an opinion about her childhood and her relationship with her half—sibling" and a statement of pure opinion was "not capable of being proved false". now it's time for a look at the weather with stav. hello there. it's been a stormy start to the day across southern britain, certainly across the channel islands, a deep area of low pressure has been bringing wet and windy weather here. and as we head into the weekend, this area of low pressure will slowly pull away. things will start to turn a little bit drier, a little bit brighter. but with our air source coming in from the north, it'll turn a little bit cooler too. here it is, then, named by the french met service as storm matthis. it's been blowing across the south of the uk, bringing gales through the channels. very windy for the channel islands, south coast of england. some heavy rain which will continue through wales, south—west england into northern ireland. heavy showers in towards the south—east of england. further north it will be rather grey. our winds coming in off the north sea. so feeling quite cool here.

the best of the sunshine through the afternoon will be across western scotland. as we head through this evening and overnight, little change, but we start to see the strong winds easing down from the south. we'll have further cloud and rain pushing into the east coast and this weather front will continue to bring rain to northern ireland, parts of wales, the south—west of england, rainfall totals really mounting up here. and then as we move into the weekend, we still have this area of low pressure pulling away from the uk, but this weather front will be hanging around almost in situ across west and south—western areas. so, further cloud outbreaks of rain for northern ireland perhaps into wales, south—west england this easterly breeze will be pushing cloud and some light rain into eastern parts of scotland and england as well. so rather grey, rather cool here as well with this onshore easterly breeze. but temperatures will be down across the board on saturday, even further inland, no higher than around ten degrees. it could be up to 12 across the far south—west where the winds will be a little bit lighter. then as we move out of saturday to sunday, this area of high

pressure starts to build in across the country, fewer isobars so the winds will be lighter, starts off breezy in the south—east, those winds will ease down and we'll start to import some slightly drier air across the country. so more sunshine, we think, on sunday, a bit of cloud for northern scotland, perhaps into northern ireland, but it won't really help the temperatures that much with the air still quite cool, highs of 9—12 degrees. it is certainly cooler than what we've had over the last few days. now it's all change as we head into the start of next week. we pick up southerly winds again and a weather front starting to encroach in from the west will start to bring cloud to western areas. but we should still see some sunshine in the east.

this is bbc news. welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. i'm lewis vaughan jones. our top stories. donald trump becomes the first former us president to face criminal charges after an investigation into a payment made to a porn star. the charges relate to breaking the law by falsifying business records. mr trump denies any wrongdoing. south african paralympic champion oscar pistorius has been denied an early release from a prison in south africa. a cricket disciplinary hearing decides it cannot prove that the former england cricket captain, michael vaughan, used racist language against a group of asian players in 2009. president zelensky attends ceremonies being held in bucha — a year since the town was recaptured by the ukrainian army.

king charles's state visit in germnay comes to an end — spending his final day remembering those who died in world war ii. hello and welcome to the programme. donald trump has become the first former us president to face a criminal prosecution. the precise charges against him have not yet been made public, but they're thought to relate to falsifying business records to hide a payment to a porn star during the 2016 election campaign. it's alleged stormy daniels was paid off in exchange for her silence about an alleged affair. trump denies any wrongdoing, calling the indictment "political persecution and election interference". our north america correspondent, john sudworth, reports.

the massed ranks of the media say it all. donald trump's provided plenty of big moments in american politics, but few bigger than this — his own imminent arrest. this is an abc news special. now reporting, david muir. we are coming on the air early because of breaking news at this hour. a grand jury here in new york city has handed up an indictment against former president donald trump. the news was confirmed in an angry statement from the former president, blaming his political opponents. the democrats, he said, have done the unthinkable. the case against him centres on this woman, the porn star known as stormy daniels. ahead of trump's 2016 election win, she was paid $130,000 to stop her going public with claims she had had an affair with him — something he denies. his fixer and lawyer, michael cohen, was convicted over that payment, along with other charges,

back in 2018. since out ofjail, he's been giving evidence to the grand jury that's now decided charges are warranted. this is not revenge, right? what this is is about accountability. i don't want to see anyone, including donald trump, indicted, prosecuted, convicted, incarcerated, simply because i fundamentally disagree with them. this is all about accountability. he needs to be held accountable for his dirty deeds. the big question is whether mr trump knew about the hush money. although his organisation ultimately footed the bill, he's always denied any knowledge. did you know about the $130,000 payment to stormy daniels? i no. unless he refuses to comply, at some point in the next few days, donald trump will have to come here to new york. he'll be booked and fingerprinted in the building behind me there, have the charges read to him and enter a formal plea in front of a judge.

it's an extraordinary moment — the first president in us history to be arrested. the charges have been brought not by federal prosecutors, but by the manhattan district attorney, alvin bragg, a democrat — now a key figure in the trump campaign's claim that this is politics, notjustice at work. for a media savvy populist eyeing the white house again, donald trump may see electoral advantage in all this. his opponents, though, will be hoping that a man who's long overridden the usual rules of the political game is about to be brought down with a bump. john sudworth, bbc news, new york. and presidentjoe biden has been asked about donald trump let's hear what he had to say. i have no comment on the indictment. have you any comment in the wake of the indictment? i'm not going to talk about trump.

i have no comment on trump. of the charges against trump politically motivated? | of the charges against trump politically motivated?- of the charges against trump politically motivated? i have no comment on — politically motivated? i have no comment on trump. _ politically motivated? i have no comment on trump. so, i politically motivated? i have no comment on trump. so, no i politically motivated? i have no i comment on trump. so, no comment there. barry moore, an alabama republican congressman and trump supporter, gave me his reaction. i'm certainly not surprised, the way the left in this country has gone after donald trump, but i'm disappointed. it makes the american people question the fairness of the justice system in our country. it hurts the process going forward to get a fair trial in a lot of cases. people are worried about the weaponisation of the doj against conservatives, and donald trump is the tip of the spear in that respect. the american people see what is happening to him, and they are concerned. what about the other argument that

no one is above the law, these are criminal matters, nothing to do with politics, and he should have to answer for the? if they hadn't spied on his campaign, if they hadn't called russia, russia collusion, accused him of doing things that are well illegal against ukraine. and then hunter biden had a laptop the whole time we knew about it, that was never reported, it kind of falls on deaf ears over here when you say nobody is above the law when it seems like the democrats are always above the law. and what about where this goes, because politically there are those who are saying that what happens next week, the images that come out of that, plays into donald trump's narrative and could potentially help him? i'm glad you mentioned that. you see the prosecutors over here in this part of the country, that small spot of blue is going to mobilise the entire country of red. our thanks to barrymore for giving

me the pro—trump reaction. i'm joined now by ronald chapman ii, a federal defense attorny and author of �*fight the feds: unraveling federal criminal investigations' thank you for coming on the programme. can you start really simply by telling me where we are with the legal proceedings right now. what has happened, and what is going to happen next week? right now a rand 'u going to happen next week? right now a grand jury has _ going to happen next week? right now a grand jury has voted _ going to happen next week? right now a grand jury has voted to _ going to happen next week? right now a grand jury has voted to indict - a grand jury has voted to indict donald trump. the indictment is currently sealed, and it will be unsealed likely when he is arraigned at some point next week. the grand jury at some point next week. the grand jury vote essentially means that roughly half of the grand jury members or more determined that donald trump should be indicted for a range of felony offences. i think we've heard reports that there are 30 or 34 charges in this case. he will go and visit in front of the judge next week and plead guilty or not guilty, likely it would be not guilty, to these charges, and the case would be set for trial. interesting. and we have been

hearing this phrase the perp walk, tell us about that phrase and what it involves. tt tell us about that phrase and what it involves. . . tell us about that phrase and what it involves. , ., . ., ,, . it involves. it is a classic american _ it involves. it is a classic american tradition i it involves. it is a classic| american tradition where it involves. it is a classic _ american tradition where somebody who has to be arraigned, they are initially fingerprinted and photographed identification processes, and that they walked all the way out of the courthouse in order to stand before a judge for arraignment. that has been an opportunistic moment for photographers to snap a picture, bernie made off and others have had to go through that process unlikely trump well trump well as well. i believe the perp walk in this case will happen inside of the courthouse, set may not be as public, but he will have to undergo that process. find public, but he will have to undergo that process-— public, but he will have to undergo that rocess. �* ., ., that process. and when that through, then we finally _ that process. and when that through, then we finally hear— that process. and when that through, then we finally hear from _ that process. and when that through, then we finally hear from the - that process. and when that through, then we finally hear from the judge i then we finally hear from the judge what the details are, what the legal details are about what charges there are. i know clearly we don't know them, because we won't until next week, but what is your best guess information about what they will revolve around? mr; information about what they will revolve around?—

information about what they will revolve around? my best guess is that he is being _ revolve around? my best guess is that he is being accused - revolve around? my best guess is that he is being accused of i that he is being accused of fraudulently altering business documents to cover up several hush money payments. hush money payments are not inherently illegal, but when you make it look as if it was a business expense to avoid the irs having to tax the funds, that can actually be a felony if it is used to cover up other criminal activity, and a felony in the united states is punishable by more than one year in jail, which donald trump could potentially be facing. the interesting thing about this case, though, and the reports that we've heard, is that there are 30 charges, and obviously we only have, i believe, three hush money payments, so it appears the grand jury has indicted on other offences, potentially obstruction of justice for his involvement in the investigation or his statements that he made, and may be other tax —related offences that they have investigated. find -related offences that they have investigated.— investigated. and one of the big cuestions investigated. and one of the big questions in _ investigated. and one of the big questions in the _ investigated. and one of the big questions in the search - investigated. and one of the big questions in the search engines| questions in the search engines today, people asking the simple question, is he going to jail? i know it is way too early, and we are

getting ahead of ourselves and the fact that he denies any wrongdoing, but what do you think the chances of that are? mr; but what do you think the chances of that are? ~ , , , but what do you think the chances of that are? p ,, , ., but what do you think the chances of thatare? g ,, , ., ., that are? my guess is that donald trum is that are? my guess is that donald trump is unlikely _ that are? my guess is that donald trump is unlikely to _ that are? my guess is that donald trump is unlikely to spend - that are? my guess is that donald trump is unlikely to spend a i that are? my guess is that donald trump is unlikely to spend a day i that are? my guess is that donald | trump is unlikely to spend a day in jail. i believe the accounts that he may be charged with are either four or five year felony offences, meaning that is the maximum that the worst potential offender could spend in jail for those offences. typically people with those low level would receive a probation type sentence, a fine, and given that the conduct isn't particularly egregious in this case, i don't believe that he would see the inside of a jail cell at all. he would see the inside of a “ail cell at and he would see the inside of a “ail cell at artfi he would see the inside of a “ail cell at all. ., ,. ., , , cell at all. 0k, fascinating stuff, thank you _ cell at all. 0k, fascinating stuff, thank you very _ cell at all. 0k, fascinating stuff, thank you very much _ cell at all. 0k, fascinating stuff, thank you very much for - cell at all. 0k, fascinating stuff, thank you very much for your i cell at all. 0k, fascinating stuff, i thank you very much for your time. thank you. let's go to my colleague katty kay, one of the hosts of the bbc podcast america. we havejust run through some of the legal technicalities there, marking our card for what is going to happen next week from a

legal perspective. from the political perspective, how do you rate what's going to happen next week? . . rate what's going to happen next week? , , . ., , rate what's going to happen next week? ,_ ., , ..y week? this is clearly politically important. _ week? this is clearly politically important, but _ week? this is clearly politically important, but i _ week? this is clearly politically important, but i think- week? this is clearly politically important, but i think anyone i week? this is clearly politically i important, but i think anyone who told you _ important, but i think anyone who told you that they knew how this was going _ told you that they knew how this was going to _ told you that they knew how this was going to pan out, i'd be sceptical of having — going to pan out, i'd be sceptical of having that kind of knowledge. we are in_ of having that kind of knowledge. we are in uncharted waters, sol of having that kind of knowledge. we are in uncharted waters, so i don't trust _ are in uncharted waters, so i don't trust anyone — are in uncharted waters, so i don't trust anyone who says to me right now that — trust anyone who says to me right now that this will pan out one way or another. — now that this will pan out one way or another, and now that this will pan out one way oranother, and i'm hearing for now that this will pan out one way or another, and i'm hearing for both republicans — or another, and i'm hearing for both republicans and democrats who are both equally convinced that this is going _ both equally convinced that this is going to _ both equally convinced that this is going to be either bad for donald trump _ going to be either bad for donald trump on — going to be either bad for donald trump on the democratic side or republicans who are telling me that is going _ republicans who are telling me that is going to _ republicans who are telling me that is going to be good for donald trump politically _ is going to be good for donald trump politically. i take is going to be good for donald trump politically. itake both is going to be good for donald trump politically. i take both of those with a — politically. i take both of those with a pinch of salt, because we 'ust with a pinch of salt, because we just don't— with a pinch of salt, because we just don't know. we don't know what the political— just don't know. we don't know what the political ramifications are going — the political ramifications are going to _ the political ramifications are going to be. we don't know what the charges _ going to be. we don't know what the charges are — going to be. we don't know what the charges are or what would happen in the trial— charges are or what would happen in the trial or— charges are or what would happen in the trial or when we get to it, it may— the trial or when we get to it, it may not— the trial or when we get to it, it may not be _ the trial or when we get to it, it may not be until the middle of next year or— may not be until the middle of next year or so — may not be until the middle of next year or so. soto may not be until the middle of next year or so. so to try and determine how this _ year or so. so to try and determine how this would have an impact is hard _ how this would have an impact is hard but— how this would have an impact is hard but it — how this would have an impact is hard. but it will have an impact. there _ hard. but it will have an impact. there are — hard. but it will have an impact. there are some parameters we know.

we know _ there are some parameters we know. we know that donald trump's baysse do feel— we know that donald trump's baysse do feel that he has been the victim of a political and judicial witchhunt in the united states. there _ witchhunt in the united states. there are — witchhunt in the united states. there are trump supporters who are saying _ there are trump supporters who are saying that — there are trump supporters who are saying that this was just a case of trying _ saying that this was just a case of trying to— saying that this was just a case of trying to find a crime that democratic prosecutors had already determined he was guilty and now they are _ determined he was guilty and now they are just trying to find a crime to fit— they are just trying to find a crime to fit that — they are just trying to find a crime to fit that. there are equally democrats who are saying, look, anyone _ democrats who are saying, look, anyone who is going through a criminal— anyone who is going through a criminal indictment and trial during a political— criminal indictment and trial during a political campaign, which is what donald _ a political campaign, which is what donald trump will be doing next year. _ donald trump will be doing next year. this— donald trump will be doing next year, this is an election year, he is an— year, this is an election year, he is an election candidate for the white — is an election candidate for the white house and he will be going for this trial. _ white house and he will be going for this trial, that this is bound to be bad for— this trial, that this is bound to be bad for him _ this trial, that this is bound to be bad for him. there are arguments that are _ bad for him. there are arguments that are valid on both sides of that. — that are valid on both sides of that. and _ that are valid on both sides of that. and i_ that are valid on both sides of that, and i can see some of the arguments— that, and i can see some of the arguments quite clearly from both sides. _ arguments quite clearly from both sides. but— arguments quite clearly from both sides, but ijust don't think you can way— sides, but ijust don't think you can way out— sides, but ijust don't think you can way out the balance of those, which _ can way out the balance of those, which way — can way out the balance of those, which way it will swing, whether this will— which way it will swing, whether this will hurt him or help it.

interesting. can i ask you about the timing of this, because one of the big questions online that people are searching for right now is, why now? wise on happening now? tt searching for right now is, why now? wise on happening now?— wise on happening now? it takes a lona time, wise on happening now? it takes a long time. the _ wise on happening now? it takes a long time, the wheels _ wise on happening now? it takes a long time, the wheels of _ wise on happening now? it takes a long time, the wheels ofjustice i long time, the wheels ofjustice turn slowly. sometimes too slowly for democratic liking. and there are a series— for democratic liking. and there are a series as — for democratic liking. and there are a series as we know of legal cases against _ a series as we know of legal cases against donald trump, and this seems to be the _ against donald trump, and this seems to be the one where a grand jury or a prosecutor— to be the one where a grand jury or a prosecutor decided that he had enough — a prosecutor decided that he had enough evidence and in order to try and bring _ enough evidence and in order to try and bring an— enough evidence and in order to try and bring an indictment with the grand _ and bring an indictment with the grand jury — and bring an indictment with the grand jury. and it picked up speed after— grand jury. and it picked up speed after donald trump left office, because — after donald trump left office, because a sitting president can't be indicted _ because a sitting president can't be indicted and so donald trump has only been— indicted and so donald trump has only been out of office for a couple of years. _ only been out of office for a couple of years, and that is part of the reason — of years, and that is part of the reason that you are starting to see this come — reason that you are starting to see this come through. the other cases i guess— this come through. the other cases i guess against donald trump are a bit more _ guess against donald trump are a bit more legally complicated. they are bigger— more legally complicated. they are bigger cases, and democrats would perhaps— bigger cases, and democrats would perhaps be hoping they'll first cases —

perhaps be hoping they'll first cases brought, and although it is legally— cases brought, and although it is legally unprecedented, and the arcane — legally unprecedented, and the arcane nature of the actual charges is complicated and hasn't really been _ is complicated and hasn't really been used before, in a way it is a simpler— been used before, in a way it is a simpler case _ been used before, in a way it is a simpler case that is reallyjust about— simpler case that is reallyjust about this payment to stormy daniels and weather that broke the law. so i think that _ and weather that broke the law. so i think that is — and weather that broke the law. so i think that is why you are seeing this one. — think that is why you are seeing this one, for the others, but i'm not legal— this one, for the others, but i'm not legal experts i'm not going to pretend _ not legal experts i'm not going to pretend i— not legal experts i'm not going to pretend i know what the legal ins and outs — pretend i know what the legal ins and outs are around this in terms of the details — and outs are around this in terms of the details of this. but i think one thing _ the details of this. but i think one thing that— the details of this. but i think one thing that we should remember is that the _ thing that we should remember is that the fact that there has been an indictment — that the fact that there has been an indictment in this case does not mean _ indictment in this case does not mean that— indictment in this case does not mean that they want to be an indictment in the three other cases of investigations against donald trump — of investigations against donald trum. . , of investigations against donald trum. ., , , of investigations against donald trum-. ., , , of investigations against donald trum. ., , , ., of investigations against donald trum. . , ., , trump. katty, 'ust as we have been chattin: , trump. katty, 'ust as we have been chatting. in — trump. katty, just as we have been chatting. in the _ trump. katty, just as we have been chatting, in the last _ trump. katty, just as we have been chatting, in the last few _ trump. katty, just as we have been chatting, in the last few minutes i trump. katty, just as we have been chatting, in the last few minutes orl chatting, in the last few minutes or so, we havejust heard chatting, in the last few minutes or so, we have just heard from vice president mike pence. could you stay there for us, and we will both take a listen to this and just get you to put a bit of context after we've heard it, let's listen in no. first let me just say, i think the unprecedented indictment of the former president of the united

states for finance issues is an outrage, and i think it is clear to the overwhelming majority of the american people that this is nothing short of a political prosecution being affected by a manhattan da who literally campaigned on bringing charges against one particular american. and i must tell you that that should be offensive to every american, left, rightand that should be offensive to every american, left, right and centre. what every american deserves, equal treatment under the law, and i believe the american people will see this for what it is. but your point, the answer is not to become like them. the answer is to return to a commitment to the foundations of the rule of law enshrined in the constitution of the united states. applause so, former vice president mike pence they're saying it is an outrage, and this is a political prosecution.

what you make of that? he this is a political prosecution. what you make of that? he is laying out their some _ what you make of that? he is laying out their some of _ what you make of that? he is laying out their some of what _ what you make of that? he is laying out their some of what i _ what you make of that? he is laying out their some of what i was - what you make of that? he is laying out their some of what i was talking | out their some of what i was talking about. _ out their some of what i was talking about. that — out their some of what i was talking about, that there is this sense among — about, that there is this sense among republicans that this has been among republicans that this has been a witch— among republicans that this has been a witch hunt ever since donald trump announced _ a witch hunt ever since donald trump announced his candidacy back in 2015 and democrats have been trying to find a _ and democrats have been trying to find a way — and democrats have been trying to find a way to bring charges against him. _ find a way to bring charges against him. and _ find a way to bring charges against him, and that this is unfair against the former— him, and that this is unfair against the former president. i think it is very— the former president. i think it is very important, and by the way you have _ very important, and by the way you have seen— very important, and by the way you have seen other republican candidates, and mike pence has not declared _ candidates, and mike pence has not declared his candidacy for the presidency in 2024, but he is expected _ presidency in 2024, but he is expected to do so. you have seen other— expected to do so. you have seen other people who are expected to be republican candidates for the white house. _ republican candidates for the white house. it. _ republican candidates for the white house, it, and senior republicans across— house, it, and senior republicans across the — house, it, and senior republicans across the board come out in similar terms _ across the board come out in similar terms saying — across the board come out in similar terms saying this is an outrage. ron desantis. _ terms saying this is an outrage. ron desantis, the governor of florida, says this — desantis, the governor of florida, says this is — desantis, the governor of florida, says this is un—american, that is the kind — says this is un—american, that is the kind of— says this is un—american, that is the kind of language being used about— the kind of language being used about this. but i do think it is incredibly— about this. but i do think it is incredibly important for the united states— incredibly important for the united states that this is seen as a legal process— states that this is seen as a legal process and not a political process. as this— process and not a political process. as this case — process and not a political process. as this case unfolds and this trial unfolds. — as this case unfolds and this trial unfolds, and there will be a trial

now. _ unfolds, and there will be a trial now. it — unfolds, and there will be a trial now. it is — unfolds, and there will be a trial now, it is very important that the prosecutors — now, it is very important that the prosecutors office manages to show that they _ prosecutors office manages to show that they were not bringing this against — that they were not bringing this against donald trump because he is donald _ against donald trump because he is donald trump, the republican former president— donald trump, the republican former president who was hated by so many democrats — president who was hated by so many democrats. it would be very damaging for the _ democrats. it would be very damaging for the united states. it would also i think— for the united states. it would also i think lead to, and may do anyway, it potentially opens the floodgates to other _ it potentially opens the floodgates to other prosecutors bringing charges — to other prosecutors bringing charges against former presidents in the future _ charges against former presidents in the future. it is not unlikely, perhaps. _ the future. it is not unlikely, perhaps, that a conservative prosecutor in another state in the future _ prosecutor in another state in the future might decide to bring charges against _ future might decide to bring charges against presidentjoe biden for, for example. _ against presidentjoe biden for, for example, allowing a lot of migrants along _ example, allowing a lot of migrants along the _ example, allowing a lot of migrants along the southern border. does this then lead _ along the southern border. does this then lead to an unravelling of the american — then lead to an unravelling of the american political system, where presidents are one after the other in a kind _ presidents are one after the other in a kind of— presidents are one after the other in a kind of tit—for—tat away being prosecuted — in a kind of tit—for—tat away being prosecuted after they leave office. that would be very undermining of america. _ that would be very undermining of

america, and i think mike pence is pointing _ america, and i think mike pence is pointing at— america, and i think mike pence is pointing at something there, and republicans and donald trump supporters believe that this is a political— supporters believe that this is a political process. the challenge for this trial— political process. the challenge for this trial will be to show that it is a legal— this trial will be to show that it is a legal process and not about political— is a legal process and not about political retribution.— is a legal process and not about political retribution. katty, thank ou ve political retribution. katty, thank you very much — political retribution. katty, thank you very much indeed _ political retribution. katty, thank you very much indeed for - political retribution. katty, thankj you very much indeed for coming political retribution. katty, thank- you very much indeed for coming on. south african paralympic star oscar pistorius has been denied parole in south africa. that's according to the department of correctional services, but now there is confusion about whether he was even eligible to apply for it in the first place. i spoke to our africa correspondent andrew harding a little while earlier about what has happened. it is a pretty farcical situation, the south african justice system looking like it has made a big mess of this. today's parole board hearing we are now learning should never have gone ahead in the first place, because the prison authorities here actually received a letter three days ago, on tuesday of this week, explaining to them that oscar pistorius has not actually

served, according to their calculations, half his time in prison, half of his sentence. in fact, that time will come next august, in 2024. i spoke just a short while ago to oscar pistorius's uncle arnold who was mystified. he said it was clear to him that he had served half his sentence, and he said he would be getting legal advice on how this confusion could have arisen. what seems to have happened, though, is because oscar pistorius was initially sentenced once, that was appealed that he was sentenced again, he spent some time in prison, he spent some time under house arrest, then he spent another longer period which he is currently still doing in prison, so there is confusion about exactly when his sentence should be considered to have started. and it seems like the supreme court of appeal here and the chiefjustice have decided it only began on the last time he began his prison sentence, so they are taking the strictest interpretation of the law, if you like.

andrew, that, as you said right at the beginning there, is not a situation that covers the justice system there with much glory. can we get to the substance of the issue as opposed to the justice system, but i suppose the family of reeva steenkamp, and the reaction there? they have said they welcome this delay. they argued in the parole board in the prison behind me here where oscar pistorius is still incarcerated, they argue today that they didn't believe that he was genuine in his remorse. they still insist that oscar pistorius needs to confess to killing reeva steenkamp, his girlfriend, deliberately. the court has never ruled on that. it simply ruled that he should have known that whoever was hiding behind his bathroom door would die when he shot three times through the closed door. but the pistorius family insist

that he has not shown remorse, has not admitted the truth, and therefore should stay in prison. but we also know that pistorius and his lawyers argued that he has shown remorse, he has met reeva steenkamp's father last year and expressed his remorse again, and apologised for his actions. we also know that prison officials, the social workers, have spoken about his behaviour during the last years in prison, and leaked information from a previous court dispute seems to indicate that prison officials believe that pistorius in general has behaved well, and that in their view he has ticked the right boxes to be allowed out on parole. but clearly that is not going to happen at least for some time, as more clarity no doubt is sought and more lawyers get involved in trying to work out where and when pistorius could be eligible for parole. and to add to what was said there,

reeva steenkamp is my family released the following statement. while we welcome today's decision, today is not a cause for celebration. we miss reeva terribly and will do so for the rest of our lives. we believe injustice and hope that it continues to prevail. in the uk, the cricket discipline commission has upheld complaints against five former yorkshire players for using racist or discriminatory language towards teammates. the charges by the england and wales cricket board stemmed mainly from allegations made by azeem rafiq, who in 2020 laid bare the extent of racism in the sport. meanwhile, the former england captain, michael vaughan, has been cleared of using racist language towards a group of asian players, which included rafiq, in 2009. in a statement michael vaughan criticised the procedure, saying the england and wales cricket board invited claim and counterclaim. but he said he still wants to continue to fight for change in the sport. he said: "it has been both difficult and upsetting to hear about the painful experiences

which azeem has described over the past three years. the outcome of these cdc proceedings must not be allowed to detract from the core message that there can be no place for racism in the game of cricket, or in society generally." he goes on to say... "the dismissal of the specific charge that concerned me takes nothing away from azeem's own lived experiences." azeem rafiq has been speaking to the bbc about the ecb decision. here's his reaction. i feel vindicated. seven out of the eight charges that have been upheld, and most importantly, one of the main reasons i spoke out was to highlight the wider problems across the game, and the institutional racism at yorkshire county cricket club, and i think that has been proven overand overagain. obviously it has been a tough process for everyone to go through, but i think it became very clear that it was something that the game had to go through, and hopefully now he will start to learn from it, reflect and really make cricket a game for everyone.

does it disappoint you that the panel found that michael vaughan had not said the words that you alleged he'd said? look, for me from day one, i tried to very much make sure that this doesn't become about individuals. i spoke about my experiences and what i went through, and i've done that openly from day one. it's been corroborated by players, coaches and other people present. so from my point of view, i can only talk about my experiences. look, of course i'm disappointed. i don't agree with the findings. but i respect them. the panel upheld some of the charges against five other former yorkshire players. what did you make of that? did that please you, did that vindicate you? look, i've not really had a chance to go through the details of the findings of the panels.

like i said, i've been vindicated over and over again through several processes, and today seven out of eight charges have been upheld. but one of the core reasons for me speaking out was for the game to get better, and i think really that test starts now. i really hope that people can start to come together. there has been a lot said, and a lot has gone on over the last two and a half years. that was azeem rafiq answering questions by dan roan. some tech news now, as italy has become the first western country to block the advanced chatbot the italian data—protection authority said there were privacy concerns relating to the model, which was created by us start—up openai and is backed by microsoft. the regulator said it would ban and investigate openai with immediate effect. millions of people have used chatgpt since it launched in november 2022 as it can answer questions using natural human—like language.

that's it. i'm lewis vaughanjones. this is bbc news. hello there. it has been a stormy start to southern britain, an area of low pressure wringing wet and windy weather here, and as we head into the weekend, this area of low pressure will slowly pull away and things will start to turn a little drier and brighter, and a little cooler too. drier and brighter, and a little coolertoo. here drier and brighter, and a little cooler too. here it is, named by the french met service as storm mathis, it has been blowing across the south of the uk, bringing gales through the channels, very windy for the channel islands and the south coast with heavy rain that will continue through wales, south—west england into northern ireland, heavy showers towards the south—east. further north, rather grey with winds coming in off the north sea so feeling quite cool, the best of the sunshine

through the afternoon will be across western scotland. as we head through this evening and overnight, little change but we start to see the strong winds easing down from the south, further cloud and rain pushing into the east coast in this weather front will continue to bring rain to northern ireland and parts of wales. the rainfall totals really mounting up. as we move into the weekend, we still have this area of low pressure pulling away from the uk, but the weather front will be hanging around almost in situ across west and south—western areas, so further outbreaks of rain for northern ireland, perhaps into south—west england. this easterly breeze will be pushing cloud in light rain into eastern parts of scotland and england as well, so rather grey and cool with this onshore easterly breeze. but temperatures will be down across the board on saturday, even further inland no higher than 10 degrees, but could be up to 12 across the far south—west where the winds will be a little lighter. then as we move out of saturday and into sunday, this area of high pressure starts to

building across the country. fewer isobars, so the winds will be lighter. it starts breezy in the south—east, those will ease and we start to import slightly drier air across the country. more signage —— sunshine, but it won't really help that much with the temperatures, still quite cool, highs of 9—12, cooler than what we have had in the last few days. all change into the start of next week, we pick up southerly winds again and a weather front started to encroach on the west bringing cloud to western areas. but we should still see some sunshine in the east.

this is bbc news. the headlines... donald trump becomes the first former us president to face criminal charges after an investigation into a payment made to a porn star. the charges relate to breaking the law by falsifying business in new york — he denies any wrongdoing. oscar pistorius, the former paralympic champion jailed for murdering his girlfriend, has been denied an early release from a prison in south africa. the parole board said he hadn't completed his minimum detention period. the cricket discipline commission has upheld complaints against five former yorkshire players for using racist language. but the former england captain, michael vaughan, was cleared of using racist language towards a group of asian players in 2009.

president zelensky has been leading ceremonies in bucha on the first anniversary of its recapture by ukrainian forces. the suburb north—west of kyiv has come to symbolise russian atrocities. you're watching bbc news. the ukrainian president, volodymyr zelensky, is leading ceremonies in bucha, to mark the first anniversary of its liberation from occupying russian troops. he and and several european leaders have listened outside an orthodox church, while the names of ukrainians who were killed were read out. the town has come to symbolise atrocities carried out by russian forces. bucha, a suburb in the northwest of kyiv, was the focus of fierce fighting. our reporter, hugo bachega, is in bucha today. president zelensky came to bucha to mark this day one year since the

town was recaptured by ukrainian forces. it will be forever remembered as one of the sites of the worst atrocities committed here in ukraine by russian forces. this is the street where bodies were found after the russian forces left and people were killed year as they were trying to visit relatives, as they were trying to flee this town and russian forces are accused of executing, torturing, raping civilians here and despite the evidence that has emerged, moscow has denied that russian forces committed crimes here. there is no massive effort to collect this evidence, international investigators have come to bucha to interview survivors and collect the evidence of possible war crimes. —— there is a massive effort. shops and rows have been rebuilt but one thing cannot be rebuilt and that is the

trauma of the memories of the events that happened here and i think president zelensky earlier today said that the victims will not be remembered, that those who are behind those crimes will be brought to justice. the oscar winning actress, gwyneth paltrow, has been awarded a symbolic sum of one dollar, after winning a two—week court battle over a skiing collision in utah, in 2016. terry sanderson, who's 76, had accused her of crashing into him at a resort, and sued for nearly a quarter of a million pounds. sophie long reports from utah. the oscar—winning actress has been present throughout this trial that's been streamed around the world like a reality tv courtroom drama. a "he said, she said, who hit whom" on the slopes of a luxury ski resort — and at what cost? this is hard because i don't like going through this scene. he said he broke four ribs and has permanent brain damage, but she said she suffered, too.

he has deterred you from enjoying the rest of what was a very expensive vacation? well, i lost half- a day of skiing, yes. right, 0k. he said he was hit from behind. i heard something i've never heard at a ski resort and that was a bloodcurdling scream. just can't do it, it was... aaagh... and then, boom. but she gave a different version of the collision. i was skiing, and two skis came between my skis, i forcing my legs apart. and then there was a body pressing against me, i and there was a very. strange grunting noise. so, my brain was trying to make sense of what was happening, i i thought, "am i...? is this a practicaljoke? is someone, like, doing something perverted? i this is really, really strange." late—night hosts turned the case into comedy. he's a bumbling optometrist. she's a celebrity mogul.

they collide on a ski mountain and neither one can remember what happened? this christmas, see hallmark�*s newest hit, goopsy daisy, a ski accident of the heart! applause and cheering. thank you. but no—one was laughing here. mr sanderson's lawyers tried to paint a picture of an entitled celebrity lacking in care for the little people. and ms paltrow�*s legal team said he wanted to hold her accountable for the unwanted effects of ageing and exploit her high profile and wealth. was gwyneth paltrow at fault? no. after a trial lasting nearly two weeks, it took the jury just two hours to decide that it was not ms paltrow but mr sanderson who had been responsible for the crash. as the actress and influencer left court she went to see the man whose accusations had brought her here and said, "i wish you well." sophie long, bbc news, park city, utah. in the uk, the labour leader sir keir starmer has responded to the news that the british

government has signed a trade deal with 11 asian and pacific nations which will cut tariffs on a number of goods. speaking to the bbc in plymouth, sir keir said that whilst he welcomed any trade deal, the public should be aware of the projected returns and that more could be had from better relations with closer neighbours. i welcome any trade deal but i have to say we need to bear in mind that the net contribution to our economy will be somewhere in the order of .08%. so, welcome but recognise the proportion it actually impacts on our economy. what we need along side that is a closer trading relationship with the eu. businesses across the country are crying out for a better deal than the one the government has put in front of them. so, yes, good to have a new trade deal but better to have a closer relationship with the eu to go alongside it and help businesses. grow our economy and take us out of a cost—of—living crisis.

inspectors have found widespread bullying, harassment and discrimination, in every fire service in england. a new report includes examples of male firefighters telling a female colleague they would rape her, and a senior officer using a racial slur. the home office has described the findings as "deeply concerning". our home affairs correspondent, june kelly, has that story. the majority of firefighters are dedicated to helping the public, says today's report. but the inspectors also found bullying, harassment and discrimination in all of the 44 fire and rescue services in england. and in a quarter of them, there was racist, homophobic and misogynistic behaviour. the scale of the problem is no surprise to gareth dawes. he served for 21 years with london fire brigade which was criticised in a previous report. it says it has already brought in changes. the problems came from the top, it came from a lack of awareness,

it came from a lack of ability to self reflect and see how they played their part within the harm that is caused. it came from again pointing downwards and looking for bad apples instead of looking how the part they played in the system allowed this behaviour and sometimes promote this behaviour to happen. the report, which covers areas across england, found that in one case a senior officer used a racially offensive word when talking about a colleague, describing it as having a laugh. in what was said to be anotherjoke, two male firefighters told a female colleague they were going to rape her and the three of them acted out a rape together. and homophobic abuse was written on one firefighter�*s locker. we found that people felt unable to report those sorts of things. they were worried that if they did report poor behaviour or they raised concerns, they would be ostracised or vilified or their careers would be limited. better background checks,

tougher penalties for offenders and a more diverse workforce are just some of the changes the inspectors want to see. the home office described the report as deeply concerning and said reform was urgently needed. june kelly, bbc news. the environment agency has found large amounts of raw sewage were discharged into england's rivers and seas last year, but the volume was down on the year before. untreated effluent, including human waste, wet wipes and sanitary products was released into waterways more than 300,000 times. that's a 34% reduction in the duration of spills since 2021, due to drier weather, not the actions of water companies. our science and environment correspondent, victoria gill, has more from west yorkshire. braving the chilly water of the river wharfe. for the wild swimmers here in ilkley this river is a lifeline.

we don'tjust swim together, we talk together, we drink together, we eat together, we go away together. the whole network of swimming is very, very important to my life. that was so much fun. but beneath the surface there is a problem. we are keeping our heads above the water. i wouldn't want to put my head in this because i think the risks are too great. just half a mile away raw, untreated sewage is regularly released into the river. so this is where it comes out, down here. it'sjust a grill so it means that solids can come out as well. in an effort to have their river cleaned up, campaigners are lobbied to have this stretch of the water officially designated as a bathing site. that means the environment agency has to test and monitor the quality of the water. members of the public when they come to ilkley, because it is designated as bathing water they think the water is clean. the tests actually show that the water quality is poor. how do you feel then about the state of this river now?

it is very frustrating we should be seeing the quality of the river come before the profits of companies. the water company is investing in the wharfe. this £13 million pipe will divert much more rain water and sewage away from the river and store it underground ready for treatment. have water companies done an unacceptable amount of ecological damage to the rivers? i don't think any water company can say that their activities don't do harm to a river, but what we are trying to do is to do less. would you swim in the river around here? i would swim in the river when i think that it's a sensible time to do so. when is a sensible time? when it has just rained i wouldn't think it was a good time to go swimming. pollution in the river wharfe isn't hidden under the surface any more, it's a problem that runs through the heart of this community. victoria gill, bbc news, ilkley. earlier i spoke to izzy ross, campaigns manager at surfers against sewage, who started by telling me what the hidden problems are.

well, yeah, i think everyone knows about the sewage scandal, as we call it now, but i think it's still shocking every time results like this come out. that's still over 300,000 times where the public, families, children, you know, using these blue spaces for recreation and for mental health they could be unknowingly swimming in raw sewage. and really, the problem is widespread. regulators need to enforce the legislation they have. the government needs to create better legislation and fund the regulators. but most of all, the water companies really need to invest in the infrastructure that they need to protect the environment and not divert that money into million pound bonuses and the billion pounds that went out to shareholders last year. well, we heard just there, they said they are making the right investments. they're making some investments. they're not making enough. this problem that we have with sewage discharges is widespread and severe over the whole of the uk,

and that is primarily because of this persistent lack of investment in in the last 20 years. they can't make up for that in, you know, just a few million or billion pounds. we're talking...we need a lot of money going into this. and it is their statutory obligations to do that, to maintain the network and to make it safe for humans to enter the water. and what about people who say, well, actually, you know, it's either going into the rivers, which isn't great, but it's either that or in peak times itjust backs up and ends up kind of closer to streets and people's homes and businesses, which is much worse? yeah, of course. we don't want sewage backing up into people's homes. these sewage overflows that we're talking about with this data that's come out today is really talking about mechanisms that were put in place for emergency, exceptional circumstances of heavy rainfall. but actually they're being used far more often than that.

so it's the water company's responsibility to make sure that they have systems in place that can hold amounts of sewage so they don't back up into people's homes and they don't have to open them in times of dry conditions, which actually is a direct contradiction to the legislation we've had in place for years. the organisers of the wimbledon tennis championship have announced russian and belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete as neutral competitors this summer. our reporter, russell fuller, is at wimbledon to tell us more... they have decided that the players from russia and from belarus will be able to compete alongside everybody else in the way that they are able to at the other grand slam tournaments, at the australian open, the french open and the us open. assuming that these players accept that they will be under a neutral flag, they will also have to assign a personal declaration which will say that they do not support the war, they will not show their able to compete alongside everybody

else in the way that they are able say that they do not support the war, they will not show their support for the war, they are not receiving state funding to be able to play, and that, for the all england club, is the fundamental difference 12 months on. they are not saying to any extent that the situation in ukraine has improved at all. they are saying that they feel these personal declarations that the players will make are now viable and enforceable. they do also point to the effect on british tennis of continuing the ban. there is a financial element to that. and also the fact that they have called into question the entire viability of the british grass court summer season, given the threats to the various tournaments that take place by the tours, who are so unhappy with the decision made last summer to ban russians and belarusians. the players are going to be very broadly in support of this because they were always uneasy with the concept that players could be banned because of the actions of their government. they were uneasy, as they saw it, with players being banned on the basis of nationality. the tour has called that discrimination.

they can absolutely understand the circumstances and the terrible events in ukraine over the past 12 months, but they will be broadly relieved that the rule is changing for 2023. where of course it will not be at all well received as within the ukrainian player group. there are many of them who feel the russians and belarusians should not be able to play tennis full stop, not just at wimbledon and on the grass courts of the uk. and there have been a couple of players who have been quite vocal in the last few days. one of them, lesia tsurenko, has spoken about a panic attack she said she had before playing aryna sabalenka at a tournament in indian wells and california earlier this month. she has also talked about an ethical conflict every time a ukrainian has to come up on the match court against somebody from russia or belarus. the killing of nine—year—old olivia pratt korbel, who was shot dead at her home in liverpool last august, was a murder that shocked the country.

the killer, a drug dealer, thomas cashman, was found guilty yesterday. but guns and gangs on the streets of merseyside is an ever present curse. our reporter, phil cooper, has been looking into the city's history of gun violence. a warning his report contains some distressing images. this rally against gun crime recently united hundreds of people, horrified by increasingly brazen shootings, often in broad daylight. gunshots. communities want an end to shootings like this one when people ran for their lives as a gunman repeatedly fired at a man's back and legs. somehow the victim survived. that shocking incident took place here, half a mile from where olivia pratt—korbel lived, seven weeks before she was shot dead. police say it's not linked to her murder, but the video clearly shows why people in this community were already frightened. and sadly, olivia was not the first

child to die during decades of gun violence in the northwest. in 2007, 11—year—old rhstones was shot dead in liverpool. exactly 15 years to the day before olivia died. his football coach was just yards away when rhys was hit by crossfire between rival gangs. he's not surprised another child has been killed. i weren't surprised that it's happened again. i was shocked, obviously, and saddened. but there's that many guns out on the streets now. it's a free for all. and these people have no respect for anyone or anything. they don't. to me, there isn't enough being done. and you know what? sadly, it's probably going to happen again. shootings fell from 125 in 2007 to 49 last year. but the force's intense efforts have failed to stop fatal shootings.

back in 2007, when rhys was killed, four people were shot dead. last year, in just over four months, there were five victims. sam rimmer, ashley dale, olivia, jacqueline rutter and elle edwards. it's still happening because we've got individuals who have got no regard for the rest of society. they've got no regard for the consequences of their actions. they have got no moral compass. police have been piloting a new strategy they believe provides hope. police! called clear, hold, build, officers remove criminals from an area and stop new gangs moving in while the local authorities work to make the neighbourhood more prosperous. now, we have seen that work really, really successfully in places like speke, in places like croxteth and norris green, in parts of liverpool eight. and we know that that actually is successful. gun crime has scarred merseyside

for generations and the police acknowledge they can't arrest their way out of the problem. they say the only long term solution is to work together with councils and communities, businesses and charities to offer young people positive alternatives to crime. businesses are warning they'll have to cut working hours, due to high energy bills, ahead of government help being scaled back. from saturday, firms will get a discount on wholesale prices, as the government said the current scheme which caps costs was too expensive. our business correspondent, marc ashdown, reports. like thousands of businesses, this pizzeria in prestwich is facing rising energy costs, a new contract signed last year saw it rise to 40p, subsidised by the government. when that support ends tomorrow they will be paying all of 70p per unit, five times more than last year.

our contract runs out at the wrong time. we were searching around to find the best deal and at the time it was either close or take what was on offer at the time. we wanted to open a year ago but obviously with the prices through the roof we had to stop. so this kitchen and pub in stockport remains a work in progress. plans to serve food are on hold because of energy bills. it is sad that we have just had to postpone everything in order to get to the point of making it financially viable. since october businesses have been getting support with energy costs. their bills have been capped, but that scheme has cost the taxpayer £18.4 billion, so from tomorrow a new scheme starts, offering a discounted rate instead, estimated to costjust £5.5 billion for the coming year. but with some saying their bills could rocket by more than 100%, it is feared 300,000 small

businesses might need to restructure, downsize or even close. there is some good news, official figures confirm today that at the back end of last year the uk economy grew marginally by 0.1%, expelling fears it would tip into recession. as inflation is expected to come down, costs could follow. but to get the economy growing businesses need to grow first and at the moment confidence is in short supply. since 1987 jack masters in leicester have prided themselves on producing low carbon knitwear, like christmas jumpers. but energy prices are expected to triple this year and expansion plans have gone into reverse. to save money we have had to reduce the usage on our gas boiler down from five days to four days and production cut down from five days to four days in some areas. in the next 12 months we need to severely reassess where we need to invest. money spent on gas and electric cannot be set spent on employing new staff or investing

in capital assets. some energy intensive industries like steel and glass makers will get a larger discount. there are calls for energy companies to now negotiate with companies if they are trapped in expensive contracts, was for some these next few months could be make or break. new figures from the nationwide building society suggest uk house pope francis has baptised a newborn in the paediatric ward of the gemelli hospital in rome where he is receiving treatment for bronchitis. the pope appeared in good physical condition and paid visit also to young patients of the oncologic ward, bringing them chocolate eggs and copies of the book "jesus was born in bethlehem ofjudea". francis is expected to leave the hospital on saturday pending the results of his latest medical tests and is scheduled to take part in a palm sunday service the following day, the vatican said on friday.

social media has spawned many unlikely stars, with their videos going viral right around the world. well now there's a new tiktok sensation, doris a dairy cow from the isle of wight. graham satchell explains why she's become, a global phenomenon. you are a character aren't you, doris? this is doris, licking the head of farm hand john brodie. john says she's more human than cow. as nice as it is to see you, why have you come back in here? the so—called daily doris videos have gone viral on social media. you are a mischief maker. leave my coffee alone, please. everyone's out, everyone's getting ready for milking, except for doris. in this video, doris pretends to still be asleep so she can get out of milking. doris, come on. i can see your ears moving. come on, i can see your eye, yeah. she likes to take it easy, does doris, bless her. she is usually the last one to do anything.

i think she thinks by hanging back she'll get a bit more fuss and attention. she really loves a bit of, you know, a bit of fuss, yeah. do you hate... buzzer sounds. ..getting up in the morning? so does doris. the story has gone round the world. this report is from cnn. and online, people have fallen in love with the lazy cow. "i am doris, let that girl sleep". "i identify as doris." "my spirit animal". doris is actually pretending to be asleep. she isn't really asleep. john says he'll continue to post videos from the farm on the isle of wight, milking the attention for all its worth. graham satchell, bbc news. king charles' three day tour of germany has come to a close. the last event of the trip for the monarch and queen consort was a reception with hamburg residents and members of the local british community, they were accompanied by germany's president frank—walter

steinmeier. hello there. the start of april, things becoming drier and brighter and more settled. we should start to see more sunshine on sunday. this area of low pressure has been pulling away, taking the strong winds with it but leaving a legacy of cloud and further showers. this weather front bringing further rain to northern ireland and parts of wales. some of that rain heavy at times. further north, a lot of cloud along north sea coasts. temperatures

may take a bit of a temple. saturday, we still have the area of low pressure pulling away very slowly to the continent. some showers being pushed in on the east north—easterly wind. this weather front bringing further rate in northern ireland and parts of wales and the south—west. we could see skies brightening up a touch but it will be chilly compared to the last few days. further west, will be chilly compared to the last few days. furtherwest, highs will be chilly compared to the last few days. further west, highs of 11, maybe 12 or 13 degrees in sunny spells across the south—west. as we head through saturday night, staying rather cloudy for most. this weather ensured peter out and turn drier across northern ireland, south—west england. many places dry, variable cloud, dipping. sunday, this area of high pressure building in overhead.

the wins will be much lighter. importing some slightly dry air from the east. early on, we should start to see any cloud beginning to break up to see any cloud beginning to break up and then the sunshine will become abundant into the afternoon for much brighter part two of the country. still quite cool, nine to 12 celsius. pretty reasonable for early april. and then into next week, it looks like high—pressure continues to bring dry unsettled weather. some rain in the north and west but it will be turning milder as we go through the week.

this is bbc news — welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. our top stories. donald trump becomes the first former us president to face criminal charges. the charges are thought to relate to falsifying business records to hide hush money payments to a porn star. the unprecedented indictment of a former president of the united states for a campaign finance issue is an outrage. states for a campaign finance issue is an outrage-— is an outrage. former paralympic chamion is an outrage. former paralympic champion oscar _ is an outrage. former paralympic champion oscar pistorius - is an outrage. former paralympic champion oscar pistorius was i champion oscar pistorius was convicted of murdering his girlfriend and is denied an early release from prison. a cricket disciplinary hearing upheld charges against several players over the use of a racial slur. former yorkshire cricketer, azeem rafiq, says the sport needs to end institutional racism for good.