with stuart broad claiming the last two wickets in his final ever test match. honestly, to hit my last ball for six, and take a test wicket that wins an ashes test here at the oval, it was really what dreams are made of. we report on the ghosts of bakhmut — a team of elite ukrainian snipers, conducting dangerous night raids near the russian—held city. and david hunter, convicted in cyprus of killing his seriously ill wife janice, walks free from court. on newsnight at 10:30, the prime minister says he's powering up britain from britain with 100 oil and gas licenses for the north sea. but is he powering down our net zero commitments?

good evening. a summer of extreme weather has shown the dangers posed by climate change, while the war in ukraine has prompted worries about the uk's energy security. today, the prime minister said it was important that britain produces more of its own energy, and announced that oil and gas drilling in the north sea will be expanded. a hundred new licences will be issued this autumn, with more potentially to follow. rishi sunak says that domestic production will cut the carbon footprint of imported gas, but critics say he's backtracking on pledges to cut co2 emissions. the government has also promised new funding for carbon capture projects. our climate editor justin rowlatt reports. powering up britain from britain is today's slogan. the more than 100 licences for companies to explore for and then drill to extract oil and gas are part of a plan to max out production from uk reserves.

i'd say it's entirely consistent with transitioning to net zero that we use the energy we've got here at home because we're going to need it for decades. so far better for our economy, forjobs and for climate emissions that we get it from here rather than shipping it from halfway around the world. but critics say it won't actually add to uk supplies. the north sea oil and gas that he is helping to encourage is actually overwhelmingly exported. so 80% of the oil — and most of what's left in the north sea is oil — goes to international markets and is sold there. so it's not helping us with our energy security and it's not helping to displace imports. it also risks adding to uk emissions, say many climate scientists and environmentalists. they argue the planet—warming carbon dioxide from these new projects will breach the country's climate targets. so are carbon capture and storage projects part of the solution? carbon capture and storage takes c02 from the atmosphere

or industrial plants like this gas—fired power station. when the gas is burned, the c02 is separated out and then it's pumped underground to be stored in empty gas and oil reservoirs. the government has announced today it will fund a project at st fergus, on the north—east coast of scotland, and another on the humber. it's already announced investment in plants on teesside and on the mersey. none of these have been built yet and it will be many years before they will be capable of trapping anywhere near the millions of tonnes of c02 these new oil and gas fields will produce. but government advisers say the technology is vital to meet net zero targets. most sectors we can get to zero emissions but there's a fewer we still expect to have emissions in the future, so think of the steel sector for example, or the cement sector, possibly aviation, even farming, so emissions continuing past 2050 and beyond.

so we need carbon capture to reduce emissions to zero in those sectors. and why is reaching net zero emissions so important? the earth's top 27 hottest days ever recorded have been this month, according to the european climate change service. that is a result of heatwaves climate scientists say would have been virtually impossible without man—made climate change driven by co2 emissions. it's clear, it's present danger. as the head of the un said only this last week, the age of global warming is over, the age of global boiling has arrived, and this sort of policy—making, having called for leaders to lead, is such a disappointment. the government has said it wants to lead the world in the fight against climate change, but critics ask why other countries would listen if the uk urges them to scale back oil and gas production when it is chasing down its last reserves of oil and gas. justin rowlatt, bbc news.

let's assess the impact on communities who'll be affected, and how the different political parties are approaching environment policy. in a moment we'll speak to our political correspondent jonathan blake in westminster, but first let's go to aberdeen, and our correspondent rebecca curran. there should be in theory some economic benefits to the north—east of scotland, but it does raise questions about the uk's climate commitments. how is today's news going down there? for many here in a very wet north—east tonight, this announcement has been a long time coming. the carbon capture and storage scheme planned for st fergus in aberdeenshire would be the first of its kind in scotland and comes with the promise of more than 20,000 jobs, which would be a huge boost. but it is being met with some

caution. there is a sense that we have been here before, there have been proposals and plans for similar schemes in this part of the country, that for one reason or another have not got off the ground. so while this announcement has been welcomed by people and the business community here, it has been welcomed with some caution. and it hasn't been universally welcomed. some environmental groups describe carbon capture schemes has a bit of a distraction and they have been highly critical of plans to issue new north sea oil and gas licenses and that criticism over licenses has been echoed by scotland's first minister humza yousaf, who has said that those plans show the uk government is in his words not serious about tackling the climate emergency. but this evening here in the north—east i think people will be digesting this news tonight, perhaps looking for a little more detail around the time scale and will be wondering if these millions

of pounds worth of investment will actually lead to a carbon capture and storage facility finally coming to fruition here in the north—east of scotland. jonathan blake in westminster, the critics say this is the government going soft on the green agenda. is it? ,, , , , going soft on the green agenda. is it? ,, ,,, ., , it? downing street insists not but if the policy _ it? downing street insists not but if the policy hasn't _ it? downing street insists not but if the policy hasn't changed - it? downing street insists not but if the policy hasn't changed then l if the policy hasn't changed then the language surely has. in recent days we heard rishi sunak talking about being on the side of drivers, enthusiastically embracing these new oil and gas drilling licences for the north sea, and in general is saying he wants to be pragmatic about cutting carbon emissions. he clearly thinks there are votes in that approach. but other conservatives disagree. former energy minister chris skidmore said today this decision was on the wrong side of history. labour are critical too, they say if they came to power they would grant no new oil and gas licences in the north sea. but there

are signs of nerves about that position in scottish labour and in trade unions as well. but while labour has scaled back its ambition to invest in green energy that is still very much at the heart of its pitch to voters. so climate change is sure to be a big part of the next general election campaign and already clear dividing lines are emerging between the main parties and the way they would attempt to tackle this defining issue. jonathan blake in westminster and rebecca curran in aberdeen, thank you. their faces say it all — a thrilling victory over australia at the final test at the oval mean england have levelled the ashes series 2—2. australia were bowled out for 334, handing england a 49—run win. stuart broad — in his final match before retirement — took the last two wickets in front of a packed crowd. 0ur sports correspondentjoe wilson was watching the action. perfect endings are beautifully rare, so let's trace the tale of how stuart broad reached this one. it began with another bowler,

chris woakes, with early wickets at the oval to give england belief. but australia had their goal, they were aiming for 384 to win the match. with steve smith and with travis head, it certainly seemed reachable. they were 264—3. england had serious work to do. so did the ground staff. for hours we watched the rain and reflected. and then, mayhem. moeen ali wasn't really fit. he got rid of head for a3. smith made 5a and no more. chris woakes's role pivotal. still two more to take. who's that young man? yeah, pretty good, but stuart broad could make them scream even louder. one last time for the legs, the arms and the headband. his final delivery, his last act, was to win the match. i think when i made the decision on friday night, you know, you start thinking, what will your last ball be and how will that sort of be remembered.

and it was really what dreams are made of, to be honest. i'll miss the competitiveness. i'll miss the changing room. and i'll miss putting on an england shirt and putting on my england floppy hat. but ultimately it's up to someone younger and fresher to take it on. broad's great friend james anderson plays on, but england need new recruits on the field and in the stands behind them. we obviously want to win games of cricket but we want to win those games in a manner which people can look back on and say, like, "wow, what a day i've had, or what a week i've had." and i think we've been able to do that throughout this whole series. well, let's remember the series finishes 2—2, so australia retain the ashes and of course that was marked here, if not with a full sense of australian celebration. they should feel proud of their performances. the fact is the two teams have been so competitive, and that has revived the interest and the intrigue in this historic series. for stuart broad, well,

there are new responsibilities and other headbands to consider. joe wilson, bbc news, at the oval. members of all four teaching unions in england have accepted a 6.5% pay rise, meaning there will be no further strike action in schools this autumn. the head of the largest union described the deal as a significant achievement. the education secretary said the unions�* decision was good news for teachers, parents and children. a man from northumberland who suffocated his seriously ill wife at their home in cyprus has walked free from court. david hunter was convicted of the manslaughter of his wife janice and sentenced to two years in prison, but released today because of the time he's already spent in custody. mr hunter had told the court that janice, who was suffering from blood cancer, had begged him to end her life. the judge said that taking human life was a crime, but that this was a unique case based on "feelings of love". from cyprus, fiona trott reports.

slowly and steadily, the pensioner who once feared a life sentence walked free. but the 19 months he'd already spent in custody had clearly ta ken its toll. it's been such a long old journey for you, david. i mean, how do you sum up your feelings right now? i can't describe it, i'm sorry. i wish i could. i wish i could find words to describe it. i can't. when you're under pressure for two years, wondering which way it's going to go, you don't know what to think. i hope i'm feeling the same as my family. when i'm talking about that, i'm talking about all my lads. we're all a family. when you work in a colliery, we're a family. and down at the colliery, this is the davey they knew — the lucky man who retired to cyprus with the wife he adored. but inside their home, janice was suffering. she had blood cancer, so david suffocated her and tried to take his own life. the moments afterwards captured on a personal video call

to his daughter back in the uk. daddy, you love me, you know you do, i'm your gift _ we spoke to lesley at the very start of this trial. dad was making nappies for her out of towels. she had frequent accidents. my dad was carrying her into the shower and cleaning her up. he said, you know, she hated that kind of loss of dignity. that just... she hated it, it destroyed her. you know, she would be crying as he cleaned her, saying, "i'm sorry, i'm sorry." that's why david hunter said janice begged him to kill her. he was found guilty of manslaughter last week. we think it was a fair. decision, and one in line with the interests ofjustice. it's a pity he spent so long - in prison, but he is really looking forward to getting out, - and now this allows for him and his family to properly grieve. i would like to say thank you to all the people who have donated to me, and especially my mates, my workmates.

i don't know where i would be without them. and that emotion was shared thousands of miles away in northumberland. that's brilliant. are you all right? yeah. his mining family overjoyed that david hunter was finally free. absolutely ecstatic. i couldn't... you know, if i won the lottery tomorrow, i wouldn't feel any better than i felt when i got that call today. it is just absolutely brilliant. i mean, everybody, you know, you could sense the emotion in the whole group. today, david hunter is walking into a world and into a life without the woman he loved. his friends say that's punishment enough. fiona trott, bbc news, paphos. if you go out late at night on the streets of central london, you are likely to see significant numbers of people sleeping rough — and new figures do show an increase

of 9% on the same period last year. there were 3,272 people sleeping outside in the three months between april and june. over 1,600 were found to be rough—sleeping for the first time — that's a 12% rise on the year before. the situation in london is being seen in some other parts of the country too, as our social affairs correspondent michael buchanan reports. london. july, 2023. 3am on britain's most famous shopping street. along a small section of oxford street, dozens of people rough sleeping. most of them we're told are romanian. some havejobs, some are begging,

some are illegal, all are homeless. there are at least 62 people sleeping in this small area, mainly men but women as well, including couples. one of britain's most famous streets being used as a bed by scores of people. as we were filming, 24—year—old fernando woke up. it's not an easy life on the street, because sometimes no have eating, no have money. some people is drugs, drinking, come here, push like this. no speak nice. after rough sleeping was significantly reduced during the pandemic, it's been rising in several areas in the past year, casting doubt on whether the problem will be solved in this parliament, as ministers promised. this is home. so i move the front forward and then, that, then i can sleep completely flat.

this man has been rough sleeping in nottingham since february. i can just level it out and sleep as i would in a bed. that's ingenious. is it comfortable? it's very comfortable, yeah. it's only a bit of an issue because it's a bit cramped from the shoulder sides, so you don't have much room to move. a former well—paid it consultant. when his landlord unexpectedly evicted him, the 41—year—old says he didn't have the money for another property. keeping things organised in a tight space is quite important because it still needs to be functional. in fact, now is the time when i need to be most functional and most organisde to try to get myself out of this situation. it's a lot different to what you used to have, huh? yeah, i used to have a mattress that cost me £1,000. in yourflat? yeah. it's a bit of a downgrade. in nottingham, rough sleeping has increased by a1% in a year. we do outreach seven days a week, 365 days a year. sam lane says the rising cost

of housing is driving people to the streets. we've got an increase of people that are working, landlords have increased their rents, so even though they're working, they're unable to afford that rent any more. an increase in people that were sofa surfing that can no longer do that. the household can't afford that extra running water, that extra food because times are really difficult. ministers say they are spending £500 million over three years tackling rough sleeping, but the rising cost of rents and mortgages may overwhelm their efforts. michael buchanan, bbc news. ukrainian forces have been praised by president zelensky as they continue to make advances around the city of bakhmut in the east of the country. russia captured the city earlier this year after months of intense fighting, turning the battle for bakhmut into one of huge symbolic importance. 0ur defence correspondent jonathan beale and camera operator

moose campbell have been given exclusive access to a team of elite ukrainian snipers, known as the ghosts of bakhmut, who are conducting night raids close to the city at great personal risk. we're on our way to a secret location, a place they call the edge of existence. behind the wheel, the man simply known as ghost. he tells me his team of snipers are all known as the ghosts of bakhmut because they silently bring death. their base is already well within range of russian artillery. explosion that was close. very close. but they'll be going even closer towards enemy lines. translation: you can hide from artillery, - but not from snipers. and their work is more

precise than the shelling. do you know how many russians your team have killed? translation: yes, - the confirmed number is 524. 76 of those are mine. the ghosts have been operating on the edges of bakhmut for the past six months, often looking for high—value russian targets. they record every kill through their sights. kusia will be the marksman for tonight's mission. before the war, he worked in a factory. translation: when i was a civilian, i didn't like weapons, but now - i've had to take up arms to defend my country. of course i'm scared. only a fool wouldn't be. a quick blessing. music plays we leave with dusk approaching.

the music to lift the mood and mask the sound of artillery. several times, the driver, kuz, warns "incoming". they wear british—supplied uniforms. the insertion of the team can often be the most dangerous part of the mission. from here, they'll have to walk another mile to reach their target. explosion and that's a big explosion. we soon discover that shrapnel has torn through one of the back tyres. it's a long, nerve—racking limp home. metallic clunking now the anxious wait for the team's return. ghost says he hand—picked each man for their patriotism.

while he waits for news he calls his seven—year—old daughter. he's already taught her how to strip a gun. seven hours later, the two—man team are extracted, early morning, just before the shelling resumes. the relief is palpable. kusia, the sniper, says the mission was a success. just one shot. "one shot, one target," he says. the commander, ghost, is just relieved they're safe. translation: every trip could be our last. but we are doing a noble deed. it's also part of ukraine's psychological warfare. killing from a place that can't be seen and with a sound that can't be heard. jonathan beale, bbc news, bakhmut.

rishi sunak has called for the immediate release of the prominent russian dissident, vladimir kara—murza, who has lost an appeal against his 25—year prison sentence. mr kara—murza was arrested soon after russia's invasion of ukraine, and found guilty of treason and spreading false information about the war. our russia editor steve rosenberg reports from moscow. applause. he came to court with little hope, but lots of support. and for that, vladimir kara—murza was clearly grateful. in april, the kremlin critic had been convicted of treason and sentenced to a quarter of a century in prison. this was his appeal hearing. the result, as expected — appeal rejected. vladimir kara—murza is one of russia's most prominent opposition politicians. for a long time a thorn in the kremlin's side.

he'd lobbied western governments to impose sanctions on russian officials for corruption and human rights abuses. he denounced the war in ukraine. he holds russian and british citizenship. his supporters condemned the ruling. it's very painful because 25 years is something unbelievable. he's a strong man, which want to make the better future for russia. so the conviction stands. the 25—year prison sentence remains unchanged. but in a country where the crackdown on dissent is accelerating the failure of vladimir kara—murza's appeal comes as little surprise. over the weekend, vladimir putin made it clear what he thinks of dissent. a reporter asked whether it was normal for people to be arrested for things they've written or said.

translation: the russian federation - is in a state of armed conflict - with her neighbour. i think there should be a certain attitude towards those people who are causing harm inside the country. back in court, "friends," he says, "everything will be ok." "freedom ! " they shout. that's optimistic. for vladimir kara—murza, freedom feels a long way off. steve rosenberg, bbc news, moscow. people have a right to wild camp in dartmoor without the permission of landowners after a ruling by the court of appeal. it means the national park in devon will return as the only place in england where people are allowed to pitch their tents overnight without prior agreement. the move reverses a court decision made injanuary.

to the women's world cup, and co—hosts australia have kept their dream of winning the tournament alive by trouncing canada 4—0. england will be playing in their final group game tomorrow, knowing they'll qualify for the knock—out stage, provided they avoid defeat by china tomorrow. our sports correspondent katie gornall reports. adelaide is a city of surprises. every corner reveals something new. england are hoping to steer clear of danger here. in their last match they found some much—needed creativity. now it's time to build something perhaps even more important — momentum. it's lauren james! 0h! against denmark, laurenjames gave england lift off — the finish a little slicker than the celebration. just one more point will guarantee them a place in the knockout stages but that task has been complicated by the loss of keira walsh in midfield. such is her talent, some say she's irreplaceable. england will have to adapt.

it's always difficult in that moment to see your team—mate, but my best friend as well, go down in such pain. that's the most embarrassing thing for her, the fact that she got stretchered off. she wasn't necessarily thinking about the knee — she was more bothered about the whole nation watching her. there's 22 of us now that have got to step up and, yeah, we're just excited for tomorrow and she will be watching. china are ranked ten places below sarina wiegman's side, so england would be expected to beat them in adelaide, but with this shaping up to be the most open world cup yet, nothing is certain. with wang shuang in their side, the steel roses are a threat. they have to go on the attack in adelaide, while england could draw and still top the group. first now we have to qualify and we want to do well and, yes, we want to win the group just because we want to win the group, because we don't know what happens after. there is a chance australia could be next for england. it's catley. it's four. facing elimination, the hosts roared

to a 4—0 win over canada. the matildas waltzing into the round of 16. they'll hope their party is just getting started. katie gornall, bbc news, adelaide. time for a look at the weather. here's chris fawkes. that is a lovely image behind you but what has happened to the summer? not my fault. the red sky at night, shepherd's delight, may be the shepherds are onto something because tomorrow doesn't look bad at all across parts of england. but then we are back to unsettled weather and just to remind us how grim it has been for some of us, preston three times thejuly rainfall. cool and cloudier than average. there is today's weather system working its way out. the next one is developing and will be coming our way

wednesday. at the moment we have the dregs of today's rain left over. gradually it will turn lighter and patchy. across southern wales, the midlands, for the most part it is dry, temperatures 12 to 1a degrees. this central swathe of the country will have the figures cloud with rain in southern and eastern scotland come into north—east england. a few showers into north—west england wales. otherwise sunshine across southern wales and southern counties of england, the chance of staying dry with sunny spells. howeveras chance of staying dry with sunny spells. however as we head into wednesday that area of low pressure is this one coming in. it will bring widespread outbreaks of rain across the uk on wednesday and gusty winds but particularly so it the south coast, gusts of around a0 to 50 mph but may be 60 in the channel islands. wind is strong with large

waves could bring localised disruption with ferries running with cancellations or delays. brighter weather for scotland. sunny spells and a few showers but temperatures staying below average for this time of year. beyond that, the area of low pressure works its way to the continent. the winds get stronger in northern ireland but will ease elsewhere for thursday. thursday is a day of sunshine and showers and that continues for the first week of august. the uk is now pumping up oil and gas in pursuit of what the prime minister called a proportionate transition to net zero, and the promise of energy security, but will the announcement achieve either?