live from belfast, this is bbc news. final preparations are under way asjoe biden heads to northern ireland to mark 25 years of the good friday agreement. we will be live in belfast throughout the day, looking ahead to the president's visit and speaking to people here about what the agreement means to them. the other main story today — a doctors�* strike that threatens to be the most disruptive in the history of the nhs begins in england.

welcome to belfast and the lyric theatre where tonight, the play agreement will mark a moment 25 years ago that changed every aspect of life here in northern ireland forever — the signing of the good friday or belfast agreement. it brought peace to northern ireland, but it has been an imperfect peace. the agreement guaranteed power—sharing in government between nationalist and unionist communities. but for more than a third of its lifetime, there hasn't been a sitting government at stormont. these halls at the lyric have captured huge moments of symbolism — both big and small. ten years ago, martin mcguinness, northern ireland's former deputy first minister, a former ira commander, shook hands with queen elizabeth here, a moment that would have once been unimaginable.

and it is moments like that that people will be looking out for this evening when president biden arrives. here in northern ireland, words matter, and people will be looking to president biden�*s speech to see how he will address the political stalemate. with me now is mary kelly, a bbc producer in northern ireland in 1998. jayne mccormack is a bbc northern ireland political correspondent. dr clare rice is a northern ireland politics specialist from the university of liverpool. mary, take us back. all those years ago, it was a knife edge situation. there was a deadline as well. how did it feel? — there was a deadline as well. how did it feel? that _ there was a deadline as well. how did it feel? that was _ there was a deadline as well. how did it feel? that was a _ there was a deadline as well. firm did it feel? that was a deadline. george mitchell, the american senator chairing the talks, insisted on a deadline to make sure he could focus attention and focus people's desire to get things done and get

them to the finish line. all the way through the week that we were on air, programmesjust stayed on. we had guests coming in and out of the studio. any time, it felt like it could have failed. at one stage, you had ulster unionists who were riven. one of the negotiating team for the ulster unionists told reporters he wouldn't touch the agreement with a 40 wouldn't touch the agreement with a a0 foot pole. this was what was happening, and we were getting it day—to—day. the first time i felt that there was going to be a change in the air was when the reverend ian paisley, who was good at whipping up a crowd, firstly took a crowd up to karsten�*s statue at stormont, and he was barracked. they were calling in the grand on duke of york and they

were asking where he was leading us. the short time after that, he staged a press conference with other dup members and loyalist paramilitaries were shouting from the crowd and they disrupted the press conference. at that moment, i felt that things might change, because the old orders were being challenged. marge. might change, because the old orders were being challenged.— were being challenged. mary, what about the moment _ were being challenged. mary, what about the moment that _ were being challenged. mary, what about the moment that you - were being challenged. mary, what about the moment that you saw . about the moment that you saw something through the windows? everyone did, and it was a moment that has been captured.— that has been captured. that's riuht. that has been captured. that's right- the _ that has been captured. that's right. the cameras _ that has been captured. that's right. the cameras were - that has been captured. that's right. the cameras were on i that has been captured. that's . right. the cameras were on castle buildings — right. the cameras were on castle buildings the entire time and everyone was looking for signs that something was happening. through the windows. _ something was happening. through the windows, we could see the sdlp offices — windows, we could see the sdlp offices. ., ., , offices. one of the delegates literally jumped _ offices. one of the delegates literallyjumped up _ offices. one of the delegates literally jumped up for - offices. one of the delegates literally jumped up forjoy - offices. one of the delegates| literallyjumped up forjoy and offices. one of the delegates - literallyjumped up forjoy and was hugged by one of her colleagues. and we were looking at each other in the studio and thinking they must have got it over the line. but it wasn't over the line until the ulster unionists is agreed, and we had to wait until the next day for that. so

it was a knife edge. 25 wait until the next day for that. so it was a knife edge.— it was a knife edge. 25 years on, ja ne, it was a knife edge. 25 years on, jayne. what _ it was a knife edge. 25 years on, jayne. what do _ it was a knife edge. 25 years on, jayne, what do young _ it was a knife edge. 25 years on, jayne, what do young people - it was a knife edge. 25 years on, jayne, what do young people in. jayne, what do young people in northern ireland think of the agreement? do they even know about it? when i was on the streets yesterday talking to an array of different people, when i approached young people, they said, don't know about it, i want to look to the future. . , . , about it, i want to look to the future. . , ., , ., , future. that is a sign of the times. some would _ future. that is a sign of the times. some would say _ future. that is a sign of the times. some would say it _ future. that is a sign of the times. some would say it is _ future. that is a sign of the times. some would say it is a _ future. that is a sign of the times. some would say it is a sign - future. that is a sign of the times. some would say it is a sign of - future. that is a sign of the times. some would say it is a sign of how| some would say it is a sign of how far we _ some would say it is a sign of how far we have — some would say it is a sign of how far we have come in the past 25 years. — far we have come in the past 25 years. that _ far we have come in the past 25 years, that some young people don't know anything about the chapels. there _ know anything about the chapels. there will— know anything about the chapels. there will be other students who wields— there will be other students who wields choose to study these things through— wields choose to study these things through history and politics in their— through history and politics in their school and curriculum, but it's not— their school and curriculum, but it's not always a given that they have _ it's not always a given that they have to — it's not always a given that they have to learn about it. and there are different shades of opinion on that _ are different shades of opinion on that. some people think there should be that. some people think there should he more _ that. some people think there should be more recognition of what happened and it— be more recognition of what happened and it should be required to study for everybody. and it should be required to study for everybody-— for everybody. what was life like before the good _ for everybody. what was life like before the good friday _ for everybody. what was life like i before the good friday agreement, daily life here?— daily life here? well, i was a reporter— daily life here? well, i was a reporter in — daily life here? well, i was a reporter in one _ daily life here? well, i was a reporter in one of— daily life here? well, i was a reporter in one of the - daily life here? well, i was a reporter in one of the local l reporter in one of the local newspapers here throughout the 805,

and every day, you would come in and be told by a news editor, don't take your coat off, because you are going to the house of someone who had been killed the night before to speak to his family. it was a grind of constant death. people can go out in the evening. places were closed. it was a different world, and it's a pity in many ways that people don't realise, for all its faults, the good friday agreement put an end to that. politically, it hasn't been a success, but in ending the violence, it has been. success, but in ending the violence, it has lteen-— it has been. clare, it was seen as a rocess, it has been. clare, it was seen as a process. a — it has been. clare, it was seen as a process, a starting _ it has been. clare, it was seen as a process, a starting point. - process, a starting point. absolutely. i don't think anybody thinks _ absolutely. i don't think anybody thinks the — absolutely. i don't think anybody thinks the good _ absolutely. i don't think anybody thinks the good friday— absolutely. i don't think anybodyl thinks the good friday agreement absolutely. i don't think anybody- thinks the good friday agreement was meant _ thinks the good friday agreement was meant to— thinks the good friday agreement was meant to he _ thinks the good friday agreement was meant to he an— thinks the good friday agreement was meant to be an end _ thinks the good friday agreement was meant to be an end point, _ thinks the good friday agreement was meant to be an end point, it _ thinks the good friday agreement was meant to be an end point, it was - thinks the good friday agreement was meant to be an end point, it was the l meant to be an end point, it was the start of— meant to be an end point, it was the start of something _ meant to be an end point, it was the start of something to _ meant to be an end point, it was the start of something to come. - meant to be an end point, it was the start of something to come. there . meant to be an end point, it was the start of something to come. there a| start of something to come. there a saying _ start of something to come. there a saying that — start of something to come. there a saying that the _ start of something to come. there a saying that the perfect _ start of something to come. there a saying that the perfect is _ start of something to come. there a saying that the perfect is the - start of something to come. there a saying that the perfect is the enemy of the _ saying that the perfect is the enemy of the good, — saying that the perfect is the enemy of the good, and _ saying that the perfect is the enemy of the good, and that— saying that the perfect is the enemy of the good, and that is— saying that the perfect is the enemy of the good, and that is true - saying that the perfect is the enemy of the good, and that is true when. of the good, and that is true when it comes _ of the good, and that is true when it comes to— of the good, and that is true when it comes to the _ of the good, and that is true when it comes to the good _ of the good, and that is true when it comes to the good friday - it comes to the good friday agreement _ it comes to the good friday agreement. it— it comes to the good friday agreement. it was - it comes to the good friday

agreement. it was more i it comes to the good friday i agreement. it was more about it comes to the good friday _ agreement. it was more about getting a deal— agreement. it was more about getting a deal done _ agreement. it was more about getting a deal done forming _ agreement. it was more about getting a deal done forming the _ agreement. it was more about getting a deal done forming the basis- agreement. it was more about getting a deal done forming the basis that i a deal done forming the basis that could _ a deal done forming the basis that could he _ a deal done forming the basis that could be worked _ a deal done forming the basis that could be worked from _ a deal done forming the basis that could be worked from and - a deal done forming the basis that could be worked from and then i a deal done forming the basis that i could be worked from and then seeing how things _ could be worked from and then seeing how things worked _ could be worked from and then seeing how things worked out. _ could be worked from and then seeing how things worked out. over - could be worked from and then seeing how things worked out. over the i could be worked from and then seeing how things worked out. over the last. how things worked out. over the last 25 years. _ how things worked out. over the last 25 years. we — how things worked out. over the last 25 years. we have _ how things worked out. over the last 25 years, we have seen— how things worked out. over the last 25 years, we have seen how- how things worked out. over the last 25 years, we have seen how that- how things worked out. over the last 25 years, we have seen how that has| 25 years, we have seen how that has started _ 25 years, we have seen how that has started to _ 25 years, we have seen how that has started to bed — 25 years, we have seen how that has started to bed in. _ 25 years, we have seen how that has started to bed in. the _ 25 years, we have seen how that has started to bed in. the phrase - started to bed in. the phrase constructive _ started to bed in. the phrase constructive ambiguity- started to bed in. the phrase constructive ambiguity is i started to bed in. the phrase. constructive ambiguity is often associated _ constructive ambiguity is often associated with _ constructive ambiguity is often associated with the _ constructive ambiguity is often associated with the good i constructive ambiguity is oftenl associated with the good friday agreement _ associated with the good friday agreement. those _ associated with the good friday agreement. those issues- associated with the good friday agreement. those issues are i associated with the good friday i agreement. those issues are starting to become _ agreement. those issues are starting to become more _ agreement. those issues are starting to become more challenged, - to become more challenged, particularly _ to become more challenged, particularly around _ to become more challenged, particularly around the - to become more challenged, l particularly around the design to become more challenged, i particularly around the design of the institutions, _ particularly around the design of the institutions, and _ particularly around the design of the institutions, and it _ the institutions, and it demonstrates- the institutions, and it demonstrates the i the institutions, and it demonstrates the fact| the institutions, and it i demonstrates the fact that the institutions, and it - demonstrates the fact that it the institutions, and it _ demonstrates the fact that it isn't an end _ demonstrates the fact that it isn't an and process _ demonstrates the fact that it isn't an end process.— demonstrates the fact that it isn't an end process. there are so many comlex an end process. there are so many complex issues _ an end process. there are so many complex issues and _ an end process. there are so many complex issues and divisions. i i an end process. there are so many. complex issues and divisions. i have covered this story from london for a long time. but being here, one of the things that has struck me is that it the things that has struck me is thatitis the things that has struck me is that it is not black and white, there are all these wonderful nuances. ., . y there are all these wonderful nuances. ., ., , ., , there are all these wonderful nuances. .,. , ., , �*, nuances. totally. politically, it's not black nuances. totally. politically, it's rrot black and — nuances. totally. politically, it's not black and white, _ nuances. totally. politically, it's not black and white, but - nuances. totally. politically, it's not black and white, but even i nuances. totally. politically, it's. not black and white, but even from nuances. totally. politically, it's- not black and white, but even from a societal _ not black and white, but even from a societal perspective, you have all these _ societal perspective, you have all these shades of identity. you can be british, _ these shades of identity. you can be british, irish— these shades of identity. you can be british, irish or both or neither. ifyou _ british, irish or both or neither. ifyou look— british, irish or both or neither. if you look at the different sections we have within stormont,

for so _ sections we have within stormont, for so long — sections we have within stormont, for so long there were these two massive — for so long there were these two massive blocks of unionists versus nationalists. now, at the last assembly election results last year, we saw— assembly election results last year, we saw the — assembly election results last year, we saw the rise of the cross community alliance party, who designate as other stuff they would say they— designate as other stuff they would say they don't pertain to green or orange _ say they don't pertain to green or orange sectarian divides, they are about— orange sectarian divides, they are about trying to make northern ireland — about trying to make northern ireland look to the future. that is what _ ireland look to the future. that is what has — ireland look to the future. that is what has brought them hoards of younger— what has brought them hoards of younger voters who will say, we just want to _ younger voters who will say, we just want to move on from these different arguments _ want to move on from these different ara uments. , ., ., arguments. does that mean the agreement _ arguments. does that mean the agreement is — arguments. does that mean the agreement is not _ arguments. does that mean the agreement is not fit _ arguments. does that mean the agreement is not fit for - arguments. does that mean the agreement is not fit for purpose now, clare? it agreement is not fit for purpose now. clare?— now, clare? it depends what perspective _ now, clare? it depends what perspective you _ now, clare? it depends what perspective you look - now, clare? it depends what perspective you look at i now, clare? it depends what perspective you look at it i now, clare? it depends what i perspective you look at it from. some _ perspective you look at it from. some would _ perspective you look at it from. some would say— perspective you look at it from. some would say the _ perspective you look at it from. i some would say the agreement, perspective you look at it from. - some would say the agreement, from a political— some would say the agreement, from a political respective, _ some would say the agreement, from a political respective, is _ some would say the agreement, from a political respective, is far _ some would say the agreement, from a political respective, is far from - political respective, is far from perfect — political respective, is far from perfect the _ political respective, is far from perfect. the stop _ political respective, is far from perfect. the stop start - political respective, is far from perfect. the stop start naturel political respective, is far from i perfect. the stop start nature of politics — perfect. the stop start nature of politics here _ perfect. the stop start nature of politics here shows— perfect. the stop start nature of politics here shows that. - perfect. the stop start nature of politics here shows that. but- perfect. the stop start nature of politics here shows that. but byl perfect. the stop start nature of. politics here shows that. but by the same _ politics here shows that. but by the same token, — politics here shows that. but by the same token, we— politics here shows that. but by the same token, we have _ politics here shows that. but by the same token, we have seen - politics here shows that. but by thel same token, we have seen numbers bandied _ same token, we have seen numbers bandied about — same token, we have seen numbers bandied about over— same token, we have seen numbers bandied about over the _ same token, we have seen numbers bandied about over the last - same token, we have seen numbers bandied about over the last few i bandied about over the last few weeks — bandied about over the last few weeks around _ bandied about over the last few weeks around the _ bandied about over the last few weeks around the anniversary. bandied about over the last fewl weeks around the anniversary of bandied about over the last few i weeks around the anniversary of the good _ weeks around the anniversary of the good friday— weeks around the anniversary of the good friday agreement _ weeks around the anniversary of the good friday agreement in _ weeks around the anniversary of the good friday agreement in terms i weeks around the anniversary of the good friday agreement in terms ofl good friday agreement in terms of how many— good friday agreement in terms of how many people _ good friday agreement in terms of how many people are _ good friday agreement in terms of how many people are in— good friday agreement in terms of how many people are in theory- good friday agreement in terms of. how many people are in theory living today— how many people are in theory living today who _ how many people are in theory living today who would _ how many people are in theory living today who would otherwise - how many people are in theory living today who would otherwise probably| today who would otherwise probably not he _ today who would otherwise probably not he on _ today who would otherwise probably

not he on our — today who would otherwise probably not be on our streets _ today who would otherwise probably not be on our streets through - not be on our streets through violence _ not be on our streets through violence and _ not be on our streets through violence and conflict, - not be on our streets through violence and conflict, had i not be on our streets through violence and conflict, had the not be on our streets through i violence and conflict, had the good friday— violence and conflict, had the good friday agreement— violence and conflict, had the good friday agreement not _ violence and conflict, had the good friday agreement not been - violence and conflict, had the good. friday agreement not been reached. we are _ friday agreement not been reached. we are talking — friday agreement not been reached. we are talking significant _ friday agreement not been reached. we are talking significant numbers, i we are talking significant numbers, in the _ we are talking significant numbers, in the thousands. _ we are talking significant numbers, in the thousands. that _ we are talking significant numbers, in the thousands. that is _ we are talking significant numbers, in the thousands. that is a - we are talking significant numbers, in the thousands. that is a huge i in the thousands. that is a huge impact — in the thousands. that is a huge impact so— in the thousands. that is a huge impact so it _ in the thousands. that is a huge impact. so it isn't _ in the thousands. that is a huge impact. so it isn't perfect - in the thousands. that is a huge impact. so it isn't perfect in i in the thousands. that is a huge i impact. so it isn't perfect in terms of the _ impact. so it isn't perfect in terms of the politics _ impact. so it isn't perfect in terms of the politics. there _ impact. so it isn't perfect in terms of the politics. there is— impact. so it isn't perfect in terms of the politics. there is still- impact. so it isn't perfect in terms of the politics. there is still a i of the politics. there is still a lot that — of the politics. there is still a lot that needs _ of the politics. there is still a lot that needs to _ of the politics. there is still a lot that needs to be - of the politics. there is still a lot that needs to be worked i of the politics. there is still a i lot that needs to be worked on, of the politics. there is still a - lot that needs to be worked on, but there _ lot that needs to be worked on, but there is— lot that needs to be worked on, but there is no— lot that needs to be worked on, but there is no denying _ lot that needs to be worked on, but there is no denying that— lot that needs to be worked on, but there is no denying that it - lot that needs to be worked on, but there is no denying that it has i lot that needs to be worked on, but there is no denying that it has had i there is no denying that it has had a hugely— there is no denying that it has had a hugety positive _ there is no denying that it has had a hugely positive impact _ there is no denying that it has had a hugely positive impact on - there is no denying that it has had| a hugely positive impact on people in northern— a hugely positive impact on people in northern ireland. _ a hugely positive impact on people in northern ireland.— in northern ireland. jane, what do --eole in northern ireland. jane, what do people think _ in northern ireland. jane, what do people think of — in northern ireland. jane, what do people think of president - in northern ireland. jane, what do people think of president biden i people think of president biden coming? people think of president biden cominu ? ~ , ., people think of president biden cominu ? ~ i. ., people think of president biden comina? ., , ,,. ., coming? well, you would suspect that there will be — coming? well, you would suspect that there will be a — coming? well, you would suspect that there will be a lot _ coming? well, you would suspect that there will be a lot of _ coming? well, you would suspect that there will be a lot of people _ there will be a lot of people thinking _ there will be a lot of people thinking it's good to have a president in northern ireland. he is going _ president in northern ireland. he is going to _ president in northern ireland. he is going to he — president in northern ireland. he is going to be the seventh president to be here _ going to be the seventh president to be here. you have to compare it with ten years— be here. you have to compare it with ten years ago— be here. you have to compare it with ten years ago when we had president ohama _ ten years ago when we had president obama here for the gs summit. that was when _ obama here for the gs summit. that was when the stormont parliament was working _ was when the stormont parliament was working on— was when the stormont parliament was working on a _ was when the stormont parliament was working on a bigger deal was made of it because _ working on a bigger deal was made of it because we had a functioning government and politicians who wanted — government and politicians who wanted to work together. because president — wanted to work together. because president biden's visit is so subdued, there might be people who might— subdued, there might be people who might not— subdued, there might be people who might not even notice he is going to

be here _ might not even notice he is going to be here he — might not even notice he is going to be here. he is flying back out to duhlin— be here. he is flying back out to dublin tomorrow and i will be people who feel_ dublin tomorrow and i will be people who feel this isjust dublin tomorrow and i will be people who feel this is just a box ticking exercise — who feel this is just a box ticking exercise. this is a president who is coming _ exercise. this is a president who is coming in — exercise. this is a president who is coming in to— exercise. this is a president who is coming in to welcome the fact that the good _ coming in to welcome the fact that the good friday agreement has lasted 25 years _ the good friday agreement has lasted 25 years and will be moving on. the fun for— 25 years and will be moving on. the fun for him — 25 years and will be moving on. the fun for him will come when he had south _ fun for him will come when he had south of— fun for him will come when he had south of the border.— fun for him will come when he had south of the border. mary, there are other countries _ south of the border. mary, there are other countries around _ south of the border. mary, there are other countries around the _ south of the border. mary, there are other countries around the world i south of the border. mary, there are| other countries around the world who often look at the agreement as a model because it is extraordinary, what happened. what would you say to people about the agreement and what it has given northern ireland? it it has given northern ireland? it has given northern ireland a breathing space. it has given it an end to violence. it has given a template. you showed those pictures earlier of the queen and martin mcguinness. that would have been unthinkable. he was also unthinkable to see the reverend ian paisley sitting down alongside gerry adams and forging a warm relationship with martin mcguinness. so the

unthinkable can be achieved. but it's not over then, and that was what was wrong. the work didn't continue. the british and irish governments were both too hands off, and that needs to change because some heads need not get parliament back working. some heads need not get parliament back working-— some heads need not get parliament back working. jayne, mary says heads should be knocked _ back working. jayne, mary says heads should be knocked together. - back working. jayne, mary says heads should be knocked together. i- back working. jayne, mary says heads should be knocked together. i have i should be knocked together. i have heard that phrase a few times on the streets of belfast. there was a huge amount of frustration. you streets of belfast. there was a huge amount of frustration.— amount of frustration. you will hear that wherever _ amount of frustration. you will hear that wherever you _ amount of frustration. you will hear that wherever you go _ amount of frustration. you will hear that wherever you go in _ amount of frustration. you will hear that wherever you go in northern i that wherever you go in northern ireland _ that wherever you go in northern ireland over the next few days. we have had _ ireland over the next few days. we have had more than a year now in the current— have had more than a year now in the current stormont crisis. but we had three _ current stormont crisis. but we had three years — current stormont crisis. but we had three years prior to that between 2017 and — three years prior to that between 2017 and 2020. we get an overwhelming sense that even if stormont — overwhelming sense that even if stormont was to come back tomorrow, and the _ stormont was to come back tomorrow, and the dup_ stormont was to come back tomorrow, and the dup is holding up because it wants— and the dup is holding up because it wants to _ and the dup is holding up because it wants to wait to see what the government in london might do with the windsor framework which helps reduce _ the windsor framework which helps reduce checks on goods coming from gb into— reduce checks on goods coming from gb into northern ireland. but even if stormont came back tomorrow, it

would _ if stormont came back tomorrow, it would not _ if stormont came back tomorrow, it would not solve all the problems around _ would not solve all the problems around the health service and the economy— around the health service and the economy and jobs, but many people would _ economy and jobs, but many people would just— economy and jobs, but many people would just like to see something happening. would just like to see something ha eninu. ., would just like to see something haueninu. . ., happening. those are the other thins happening. those are the other things peeple _ happening. those are the other things people talk _ happening. those are the other things people talk about, - happening. those are the other things people talk about, the l happening. those are the other- things people talk about, the same issues facing people all over the world — cost of living and concerns about health and education. it's been lovely to get your thoughts. we will bring you the thoughts of many people here today as we look back at the good friday agreement and what it has meant to people in northern ireland, and we look ahead to president biden's visit. so many generations with different stories to share. some people are just grateful that they don't have to remember, but it's about how you respect history and how you can look ahead to the future, all things we will be looking at through the day from belfast. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. why are capybaras taking over the internet again? videos of these friendly rodents have had millions of views

worldwide on tiktok. but did you know there is a group of capybaras who call west london their home? they're like toddlers. they really like brightly coloured foods and sweet foods. their favourite is sweet potato and carrot. at hobbledown heath in hounslow, you can see the internet sensations for yourself. so we've got andre, this one. then we've got cory here, and this one is sunny. sunny is the easiest to tell the difference of, because he's the lightest colour and he's the smaller. cory�*s the biggest. they are so sweet. everyone loves them. that's one thing that all ages have in common. they come away loving the capybaras. you're live with bbc news.

the boss of one of britain largest business groups, the cbi, has been fired after an investigation into complaints about his conduct at work. tony danko will leave the group with immediate effect. he apologised in the wake of the allegations over his behaviour towards a female employee. we have just heard a statement from him saying he was shocked to learn this morning that he had been dismissed from the cbi. that is his reaction. the former boss, tony danker, has been dismissed from his role instead of being invited to put his position forward, he says. as we get any more reaction, we will bring that to you. thousands ofjunior doctors in england have started a four—day strike that threatens to bring the worst disruption in the history of the health service. it runs all the way through to saturday morning, and could mean more than a quarter of a million appointments and operations. the doctors' union is in a row

with the government over pay forjunior doctors, with the british medical association sticking to its demand of a 35% pay rise and the government refusing to negotiate until what it sees as a more reasonable pay demand is met. now, to step us through the finer details of this story is our health reporter, jim reed. it's worth starting by talking about exactly whojunior doctors are. if you want to become a doctor in the uk, you have to do between four and eight years' worth of training at a medical school. and it's after going to medical school that you become a junior doctor for another four to eight years, so it can involve people with a fair chunk of experience. about 75,000 doctors across england will be considered junior doctors, about half the doctors in a hospital and a quarter of those in gp surgeries. so how much dojunior doctors earn? let's have a look at this. these are the different pay scales,

because there is such a wide variety in experience, it's a wide variety, a big gap in some of these pay scales. in the first year as a junior doctor, your basic salary will be roughly £30,000. by the fifth year, it's up to £60,000. then these light—coloured blue boxes show amounts for things like unsocial hours, working at weekends, overtime, and that would lift salary in the first year to roughly £40,000 on average. the argument that the bma, the british medical association, makes is that these pay scales have fallen dramatically behind inflation, the cost of living, over the last 15 years or so. that is why they are asking for a 35% rise in wages to make up for what they say is a gap, because of inflation, in the cost of living, in the real wages that doctors get. as a result of this, that is why you're seeing 10,000 members, roughly two thirds ofjunior doctors are members of the british medical association, 10,000 doctors are expected to go

on strike in england this week. how, then, could patients be affected by this four—day strike? let's have a look. nhs trusts expect there to be between 250,000 and 350,000 appointments and operations cancelled. the biggest impact is likely to be in these pre—booked appointments. that's because in emergency care, what hospitals will generally try to do is to move over more experienced consultant doctors to coverfor thejunior doctors who are striking. as a result, the kind of senior doctors that would normally be responsible for cancer scans, for hip operations, for outpatient appointments and other consultations, won't be able to do those, which is where you see this big gap in operations that might be delayed or cancelled this week. elsewhere in the uk, we've been talking a lot about england today. this strike is england—only, but other parts of the uk are affected. in scotland, junior doctors there are currently being asked their opinion

on whether to take industrial action. that ballot is going to close on 5th may. in wales, the welsh government has made a commitment to pay restoration, to restore pay to that 2008 level. but doctors in wales would like to see a firmer commitment and they haven't ruled out strike action. in northern ireland, doctors say they're also watching the situation closely. it's complicated in northern ireland by the fact that at the moment, there's no functioning government or executive, so that complicates the situation. so this week, the strike is very much england—only, but other parts of the uk could be affected in the future. this is what the health secretary has said in the last couple of minutes. i deeply regret the strikes and in particular the timing, which has been time to deliberately coming straight after easter. the fact that the bmajunior doctors have asked

their members not to tell nhs managers whether they intended to go on strike or not to make contingency planning more difficult, and also their refusal to agree any national exemptions. other health unions like the royal college of nursing is agreed national exemptions, particularly for cancer patients so that those patients were not impacted. thejunior that those patients were not impacted. the junior doctors committee has refused any national exemptions, and obviously, that puts patients at greater risk. live now to our news correspondent sanchia berg, who's outside the university college london hospital. it's been pretty noisy where you are, what is happening?- it's been pretty noisy where you are, what is happening? well, the icket has are, what is happening? well, the picket has been _ are, what is happening? well, the picket has been here _ are, what is happening? well, the picket has been here for _ are, what is happening? well, the picket has been here for several i picket has been here for several hours. thesejunior picket has been here for several hours. these junior doctors are preparing to move down to trafalgar square for a big rally. as you said, it's been very noisy. there have been lots of hoots of support, lots of people applauding the doctors

here. it's only the first day of a four day action at this point, there is a lot of energy in the doctors. i am joined by one of their representatives. it must be difficult for doctors, not being able to attend to their patients, knowing they might be putting patient safety at risk? this knowing they might be putting patient safety at risk?- knowing they might be putting patient safety at risk? this is not a decision that _ patient safety at risk? this is not a decision that any _ patient safety at risk? this is not a decision that any doctor- patient safety at risk? this is not a decision that any doctor has . patient safety at risk? this is not i a decision that any doctor has taken lightly~ _ a decision that any doctor has taken lightly~ we — a decision that any doctor has taken lightly. we have been trying to negotiate with the government for over six— negotiate with the government for over six months. we have written letters— over six months. we have written letters to — over six months. we have written letters to the health secretary asking — letters to the health secretary asking him to meet us and listen to our concerns. unfortunately, these have fallen — our concerns. unfortunately, these have fallen on deaf ears. we have only met — have fallen on deaf ears. we have only met mr barclay twice, the first time, _ only met mr barclay twice, the first time, he _ only met mr barclay twice, the first time, he told us we didn't have a mandate — time, he told us we didn't have a mandate to — time, he told us we didn't have a mandate to discuss pay and second time he _ mandate to discuss pay and second time he wouldn't give us an opening offer~ _ time he wouldn't give us an opening offer~ we _ time he wouldn't give us an opening offer. we care tremendously for patient — offer. we care tremendously for patient safety. it is our first priority _ patient safety. it is our first priority. we haven't taken this decision— priority. we haven't taken this decision lightly and we know that our senior—

decision lightly and we know that our senior clinicians will be able to provide — our senior clinicians will be able to provide patient care whilst we are on— to provide patient care whilst we are on strike.— to provide patient care whilst we are on strike. ., .,, ., ., , ., . are on strike. that was an ambulance hootina , are on strike. that was an ambulance hooting. very — are on strike. that was an ambulance hooting, very noisy. _ are on strike. that was an ambulance hooting, very noisy. four— are on strike. that was an ambulance hooting, very noisy. four days - are on strike. that was an ambulance hooting, very noisy. four days is - are on strike. that was an ambulance hooting, very noisy. four days is a i hooting, very noisy. four days is a long time, but are you and your colleagues prepared to have another strike? ., , , ., colleagues prepared to have another strike? ., , ., ., ., strike? four days is an escalation from our previous _ strike? four days is an escalation from our previous 72 _ strike? four days is an escalation from our previous 72 hour- strike? four days is an escalation from our previous 72 hour strike. | strike? four days is an escalation i from our previous 72 hour strike. we need _ from our previous 72 hour strike. we need this— from our previous 72 hour strike. we need this escalation to bring mr barclay— need this escalation to bring mr barclay to the table to negotiate with us — barclay to the table to negotiate with us. we need to see what happens with us. we need to see what happens with the _ with us. we need to see what happens with the government prior to deciding _ with the government prior to deciding what the next stage will be, but _ deciding what the next stage will be, but we are hoping this set of strikes _ be, but we are hoping this set of strikes will — be, but we are hoping this set of strikes will be enough to bring him to the _ strikes will be enough to bring him to the table with an opening offer so we _ to the table with an opening offer so we can— to the table with an opening offer so we can finally start to negotiate. so we can finally start to negotiate-— so we can finally start to neuotiate. ~ so we can finally start to neuotiate. i. ~ ~, , ., negotiate. do you think acas should be brouaht negotiate. do you think acas should be brought in? _ negotiate. do you think acas should be brought in? acas_ negotiate. do you think acas should be brought in? acas is— negotiate. do you think acas should be brought in? acas is a _ negotiate. do you think acas should be brought in? acas is a great i be brought in? acas is a great organisation. _ be brought in? acas is a great organisation. we _ be brought in? acas is a great organisation. we are - be brought in? acas is a great organisation. we are happy i be brought in? acas is a great organisation. we are happy to be brought in? acas is a great i organisation. we are happy to meet mr barclay— organisation. we are happy to meet mr barclay at any point. whenever he is available, — mr barclay at any point. whenever he is available, he can meet us without preconditions. we are hoping he will meet _ preconditions. we are hoping he will meet us _ preconditions. we are hoping he will meet us without any preconditions. thank— meet us without any preconditions. thank you — meet us without any preconditions. thank you very much, dr sumi manirajan. from university college

london, back to you. the us and the philippines are holding their largest—everjoint military drills a day after china concluded large—scale exercises around taiwan. beijing simulated attacks on taiwan in response to the island's leader meeting the us house speaker last week. plans for the joint exercises between the us and philippines pre—dated china's activities but won't do anything to calm already simmering tensions in the region. our correspondent shaimaa khalil has more details. security personnel will remain in their posts, they will continue to defend the nation, that's what the taiwanese president tsai ing—wen has said. and even though china announced that these military exercises which started on saturday right after she came back from the united states, have ended on monday, we have at least eight warships still in taiwanese water, eight chinese warships. so the drills may have concluded but the presence, the chinese presence is still there,

the tension is still there. we have had three days of military exercises, chinese military exercises around taiwan, operationjoint sword where china simulated or practised precision attacks on taiwanese targets, simulated surrounding taiwan, but also we've had jets flying into taiwanese airspace to taiwan's east and this dramatic animation video that showed china attacking taiwan by sea, air and hitting some targets in taiwan with explosions. so quite dramatic exercises there. a day after that, another set of drills, this time between the us and the philippines, the balikatan exercises. they announced that they're going to be the biggest ever. they're going to involve 17,000 troops and a live fire exercise on a sunken ship in the south china sea.

now, we knew these were going to happen, they were agreed on after the us secured a defence deal with the philippines earlier this year, so we knew they were happening, we knew they were going to be big, but this large—scale, if you will, display of american air power in the region could not have come at a more sensitive time in the indo—pacific. we know they're going to happen around philippine waters, but also the south china sea. two things you need to know about this area, well, three — it's tense, it is a very, very busy trading route and it's highly contested by china. and already, beijing has expressed that it is not happy, even though manila has reassured them that this is to bolster the country's military capabilities. so you've got two sets of drills happening, one after another, at an increasingly tense time here in the region, increasingly

heightened tension between the us and china as those two powers are trying to bolster their military power here in the indo—pacific. here in the uk, anne keast—butler has been appointed as the director of gchq - the uk's intelligence, security and cyber agency. she will be the first woman to hold the top position at gchq. anne keast—butler is currently serving as deputy director general at mi5 and will be the first woman to hold the top position at gchq. she will succeed sirjeremy fleming, who injanuary announced his decision to step down after six years in the role. beijing has been shrouded in a layer of thick dust after sandstorms hit the chinese capital. authorities have issued a yellow alert warning, that's the third—highest of china's four—tier colour—coded weather warning system. the city's air quality index also showed levels of serious pollution. beijing has regular sandstorms in march and april as it is near the gobi desert. a dozen provinces across the country are also forecast to experience

sandstorms in the coming days. stay with us here on bbc news. we have got some windy weather on the way tonight and into wednesday. an area of low pressure is developing under the heart of a powerful atlantic jet stream was that this is causing the pressure to drop explosively. it drops the pressure by over 30 millibars in 2a hours. these areas of low pressure are sometimes referred to as weather bombs. it was certainly bringing strong winds our way today we have already had the best of the sunny weather. through the afternoon, outbreaks of rain will be encroaching from the west, with the winds picking up. but we will hold onto the dry and sunny weather for the north—east of scotland all day. tonight, we start to get strong

winds. the first bout of windy weather will affect wales and western england with gusts of wind may be over 70 miles an hour in the most exposed locations. that could bring areas of localised disruption. overnight, we will see rain blow northwards and eastwards across the country, the becoming blustery everywhere and showers were following two western areas later in the night. temperatures will be similar to those of last night. tomorrow, a very unsettled day. blustery winds for all of us, outbreaks of rain and plenty of showers around, but we will see further zones of strong winds. gusts of up to 70 miles an hour in some places, strong enough to bring some disruption. and the winds will get very gusty for northern ireland, again strong enough to bring issues here. aside from the very windy weather, we will have outbreaks of rain, some thunder mixed in putting eastwards across all parts of the country. it will be cold enough even for a bit of snow mixed in,

particularly across the higher ground in northern scotland, mostly above 400 metres elevation. a cold day, but feel even colder given the strength of the winds. by thursday, the area of low pressure will be working out into the north sea, still close enough to bring plenty of showers, some heavy and thundery, maybe wintry over the higher ground in scotland, and temperatures continue to struggle, below par for the time of year. we have more unsettled weather to come through friday at the weekend, with rain and showers. but through sunday and monday, it becomes drier and eventually warmer, the first 20 of the year on the charts in london into monday.

this is bbc news. the headlines: final preparations are underway, asjoe biden heads to northern ireland to mark 25 years of the good friday agreement. the head of the uk's largest business lobby, tony danker, has been sacked over "misconduct" claims. a day after china wraps up military drills, the us and philippines start their biggestjoint exercises. ukraine says 174,000 square kilometres, that's roughly the same area as syria, has been contaminated by landmines since russia's full—scale invasion. most have been found

in the north—eastern kharkiv region