the energy security and net zero committee, made up of members from across political parties, says any announcement of support from the government is long overdue. urgent action is needed to help vulnerable energy customers is long overdue. the group has made a number of recommendations to help those who might struggle as the weather gets colder, as our business reporter noor nanji explains. last winter was hard for many households with soaring energy build seating into thejets. this year's report warns that this winter could be even worse with bills predicted to stay higher, what cost—of—living pressure and accumulated energy debt. it has an announcement from support is long overdue. if they stepped up to the place last year but we want to make sure that the energy companies and consumer groups are looking out for vulnerable consumers. the first thing is that the government needs to give some

sort of surety to vulnerable households about the support they will be. the households about the support they will be-— households about the support they will be. the report makes secific they will be. the report makes specific recommendations - specific recommendations including ensuring that all households are missed out on the energy bill support scheme last winter receive their payment immediately. extending the warm homes discount, considering implementing a form of social tariff, working to replace the current unfair and regressive standing charge structure and accelerating the smart metre rollout. the mps also urged ofjen to take steps to ensure all customers are given time energy and support from their suppliers. the report follows an enquiry on how government and energy companies can prepare for the winter months. mps heard the last year some people were turning to dangerous coping mechanisms and making other significant sacrifices to heat their homes and how excess wintered death caused by living in cold damp homes increased by nearly 50% to 4700. it in cold damp homes increased by nearly 5094. to 4700.—

in cold damp homes increased by nearly 5096 to 4700. it makes me really worried _ nearly 5096 to 4700. it makes me really worried about _ nearly 5096 to 4700. it makes me really worried about this - really worried about this winter. if people are struggling in september when it is quite warm outside, what will it be like in december, january, february? the government _ january, february? the government said - january, february? the government said the i january, february? the government said the energy price guarantee remains in place to protect people until april next year of energy prices rise above £3000 a year and that additional targeted support is available to those most in need. industry body energy uk says suppliers have increased the support they provide and have invested to expand their customer service teams. ofjen says it has shown it will take action when suppliers are not helping those who are struggling. it will keep standing charges under review. nura nanji, bbc news. russell brand has made his first public statement since sexual assault allegations were made against him a week ago. in a video posted on his youtube channel, he did not directly address the claims but thanked supporters for "questioning" the media reports. he also criticised the government and technology companies. our reporter simonjones has more.

hello then. you awakened wonders- _ hello then. you awakened wonders. back _ hello then. you awakened wonders. back on - hello then. you awakened wonders. back on social. hello then. you awakened - wonders. back on social media for the first time in a week. it has been an extraordinary and distressing i thank you very much for your support and for questioning the information you have been presented with. july one, 2012 was when my rape happened~ — july one, 2012 was when my rape ha ened. , ~ july one, 2012 was when my rape happened-— happened. this week, russell brand faced _ happened. this week, russell brand faced allegations - happened. this week, russell brand faced allegations of - happened. this week, russelll brand faced allegations of rape and sexual assault following claims by four women made in an investigation by channel quattro's dispatches on the sunday times, claims he had previously denied. he insisted his relationships had always been consensual. bbc also heard from one woman who said that into thousand and eight in this building in los angeles where russell brand was recording his radio two programme, he allegedly exposed himself to her in a bathroom beforejoking about the incident minutes later now. one comedian who worked with russell brand in the early to thousands said he had concerns about his behaviour, claims that mr brand

has not responded to.— has not responded to. many of the agents _ has not responded to. many of the agents would _ has not responded to. many of the agents would sit _ has not responded to. many of the agents would sit down - has not responded to. many of the agents would sit down and i the agents would sit down and tell them models in their stable, warm them about him. people go back to his house and they filled around and then if they filled around and then if they did not want to go all the way he had a reputation for sometimes getting angry or nasty. if people would not, you know, sleep with him the first time. ., , ., , know, sleep with him the first time. ., , .,, ., know, sleep with him the first time. ., , ., ,,, time. youtube has now suspended russell brand _ time. youtube has now suspended russell brand 's _ time. youtube has now suspended russell brand 's channels - time. youtube has now suspended russell brand 's channels from - russell brand �*s channels from making money from adverts for violating its creating —— create a responsibility policy. the culture media and sport committee have expressed concerns about the comedian being able to monetise its content. ie)? being able to monetise its content. �* , ., being able to monetise its content. j ., being able to monetise its content-— content. by now you are probably _ content. by now you are probably aware - content. by now you are probably aware that - content. by now you are probably aware that the | content. by now you are - probably aware that the british government have asked big tech platforms to censor our online content and that some online platforms have complied. with that request. in platforms have complied. with that request.— that request. in this three minute video, _ that request. in this three minute video, russell - that request. in this three i minute video, russell brand does not directly address the allegations he has been facing

but he does talk about what he calls media corruption and collusion. the bbc has made several requests to speak to mr brand over the past week but he has chosen to talk directly to his followers on social media rather than facing outside scrutiny. russell brand says he will post another video on monday as investigations into his alleged behaviour continue. simonjones, bbc news. the us plans to give ukraine advanced long—range missiles to help with its ongoing counteroffensive against russia, according to reports in the american media. they quote us officials familiar with the issue as saying ukraine will get some atacms missiles — similar to the ones we're seeing here — with a range of up to 190 miles. that would allow kyiv to hit russian targets deep behind the front line. neither the us nor ukraine have officially confirmed the media reports. it comes as the ukrainian military claims it struck the headquarters of russia's black sea naval fleet in occupied crimea

with storm shadow cruise missiles, supplied by britain and france. the building in sevastopol appears to have been hit by at least two missiles, causing extensive damage. black smoke was still rising from sevastopol hours after the attack. russia's ministry of defence said one serviceman was missing. president zelensky has just wrapped up a week—long visit to the us and canada, where he appealed to lawmakers and authorities for further support in the ongoing conflict. on friday, canadian prime ministerjustin trudeau pledged nearly $500 million in aid to ukraine. that includes 50 armoured vehicles as well as training for f16 pilots and engineers to be delivered over a 3—year period. and it's in addition to a $325 million package from the us, announced during mr zelensky�*s visit to washington on thursday. live now to peter zalmayev, who's director of the eurasia democracy initiative. he joins us froim kyiv.

thank you forjoining us on the bbc. there is a lot for us to discuss. starting with the reports in the media about long—range weapons now going to ukraine. long-range weapons now going to ukraine. , , ,., ., ukraine. this is something that ukraine. this is something that ukraine has _ ukraine. this is something that ukraine has been _ ukraine. this is something that ukraine has been waiting - ukraine. this is something that ukraine has been waiting for i ukraine has been waiting for since probably the beginning of this war or at least the beginning of russia's offensive in the east. atacms missiles would be a significant addition to the ukrainian arsenal and the ukraine is showing some success with it with the locally produced missiles just illustrated in crimea but there is nothing like the atacms missiles and what is more important even is that it could open the door to german made missiles which are probably even better for what ukraine needs and ukraine needs to continue hitting on russian infrastructure, the military hub, the resupply lines in

crimea in the south, the as of crimea in the south, the as of c to severely disrupt those supply lines and already they have shown tremendous success in neutralising the russian plexi fleet which is sitting there and preventing ukraine's grain exports from happening. there is talk about that. claims from the ukrainian military that they have struck the headquarters of russia's plexi navalfleet. what do the headquarters of russia's plexi naval fleet. what do you make of that? b, plexi naval fleet. what do you make of that?— make of that? a tremendous demonstration _ make of that? a tremendous demonstration of _ make of that? a tremendous demonstration of the - make of that? a tremendous l demonstration of the ukrainian ability. contrary to what some western experts are saying, telling ukraine not to be die strike by crimea and concentrate on the counteroffensive elsewhere, i think the ukrainian strategy is paying off. the study of war came out on thursday with a report that said quoting elements of the black sea fleets infantry groups are engaged in critical defence

operations in the west and defending positions which is to say that, obviously, these operations are tied together so this has been part of the broader effort by ukraine to go after russian logistics, fuel maintenance centres and essentially disrupting their supply line. in short order they took out a ship repair facility in sevastopol and they took out a very costly is 400 missile defence complex and for the first time since world war ii they destroyed a russian submarine.— ii they destroyed a russian submarine. briefly, though, there has — submarine. briefly, though, there has been _ submarine. briefly, though, there has been widespreadl there has been widespread consensus that the counteroffensive has not really gone as quickly as perhaps ukraine had hoped. it has not been on track. what would you make of these latest developments when we look at the course of that counteroffensive? . ., .,

counteroffensive? once again we have to move _ counteroffensive? once again we have to move from _ counteroffensive? once again we have to move from this - counteroffensive? once again we have to move from this position l have to move from this position that ukraine has a few more weeks to go and they were then they will have to put the offensive on hold. firstly, the russians are not going to negotiate, i don't know who said they are willing to do that. president zelensky said during his visit to canada once again that they will not stop with the coming of the worst weather in the cold. ukraine intends to plough right through the winter and into spring. thank you very much for sharing your insight with us. former prime minister borisjohnson has warned the uk government against delivering a "mutilated" hs2 rail line amid speculation part of the route could be scrapped. it's as dozens of company bosses and business groups in england have signed a letter urging pm rishi sunak to re—commit to the high—speed railway. construction of parts of the link are already well under way but firms, including the manchester airports group

and virgin money, expressed "deep concern" about the delivery of the biggest rail investment ever made in the north of england. there has been speculation that costs for the project are "out of control" but the government says its focus "remains on delivering it". our transport correspondent katy austin has more. it is 0's biggest infrastructure project and a mammoth engineering job. to his mentor cut journey mammoth engineering job. to his mentor cutjourney times and mentor cut journey times and take mentor cutjourney times and take more space on the rail network that the project has faced delays and cuts and cost increases at high inflation though adding to the challenge. construction is well under way on the first part between west london and birmingham with the first services due to run by 2033. a london terminus at euston and spent to come later although work on that has been paused. john birmingham the line would end to crew and in spring construction on that was delayed for two years she spreads spending. it should

then reach manchester. plans to reach leeds was scaled back to only reach the east midlands. recently the prime minister, rishi sunak, and the chancellor jeremy hunt have not willing to say they are committed to hs to being built to manchester, casting fresh doubts over the project future. rachel reeves has also refused to commit. now dozens of business leaders and groups have put their names to a letter calling for clarification and renewed commitment. it expresses deep concern about constant uncertainty over the delivery of hs2 and says repeated mixed signals on hs2 and its related northern powerhouse rail scheme are damaging the reputation of the uk as a place to do business.— the uk as a place to do business. �* , , , _, , business. business community in north of england _ business. business community in north of england and _ business. business community in north of england and the - north of england and the business community in london and across the wider country have been promised by the government on many many occasions including by the current prime minister when he was chancellor that they would deliver this hs2 network for

the whole country and powerhouse rail connected to it. if that is taken away then we will see investment in deterred, we will see international investors put off coming to the uk. fin international investors put off coming to the uk. on thursday, the chancellor _ coming to the uk. on thursday, the chancellor insisted - coming to the uk. on thursday, the chancellor insisted that - coming to the uk. on thursday, the chancellor insisted that no | the chancellor insisted that no decisions had been made but as the journey towards finishing the journey towards finishing the first part of hs2 continues, its final destination once again seems unclear. katy austin, bbc news. people living with long covid after being hospitalised are more likely to have some damage to major organs. a new study looked at mri scans of over 250 patients. analysis showed the patients were three times more likely to have some abnormalities in the lungs, brain and kidneys. researchers believe there is a link with the severity of the illness. it is hoped the uk study will help in the development of more effective treatments for long covid. a veteran us senator has temporarily stepped down as head of the chamber�*s powerful foreign relations committee after being indicted on bribery charges.

justice department prosecutors allege robert menendez and his wife accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for aid to egypt's government. federal agents say they found cash, a luxury car and $100,000 worth of gold bars at mr menendez�*s home. the couple have denied the charges. the newjersey senator has rejected calls from fellow democrats to resign his seat and sought to portray the allegations as politically motivated. local media in nigeria is reporting that six students abducted by gunmen at a university in the north—west state of zamfara have been rescued by the army. students described armed bandits arriving on motorcycles and firing indiscriminately during the incident in gusau in the early hours of friday. the state governor's spokesperson said 35 people were taken, the majority of them female. it's the first major abduction involving students this year in an area that has been heavily targeted by kidnappers in the past.

haiti's prime minister ariel henry has called for urgent action from the united nations to help stabilise the country. he told the un general assembly that the security council must authorise an international force to help haiti's police and military subdue rampant armed gangs. earlier, the us secretary of state antony blinken promised a further $65 million to help the country's security forces. here in the uk, the liberal democrats' annual conference is getting started in bournemouth. the party will launch its policy agenda ahead of the next general election. the lib dems are the fourth largest party in the uk parliament and are looking to build on recent successes in by—elections in traditionally conservative areas. thousands more auto workers in the us have gone on strike, potentially raising car prices and disrupting an industry that makes up about 3% of the entire us economy. the united auto workers union said strikes are expanding against detroit auto makers general motors and stellantis, but not ford.

the uaw wants pay rises and an end to a system allowing newer hires to be paid less, among other demands. with today's expansion, the auto workers' union is now striking against 38 more plants across the us. the uaw represents more than 140,000 workers at the detroit big three auto makers. in total, there are now 18,300 auto employees on strike. it's as presidentjoe biden announced that he'lljoin workers on the picket line on tuesday, saying "it's time "for a win—win agreement". live now tojosh eidelson, who reports on labour and industrial relations for bloomberg and businessweek. thank you very much forjoining us, josh. firstly, tell us more about what is behind these strikes. ., ~ about what is behind these strikes. ., ,, , ., ., about what is behind these strikes. ., ,, ., ., strikes. thank you for having me. strikes. thank you for having me- these — strikes. thank you for having me. these strikes _ strikes. thank you for having me. these strikes are - strikes. thank you for having | me. these strikes are coming strikes. thank you for having . me. these strikes are coming at a fraud moment for the companies and for the union.

these companies are trying to manage this transition towards electric vehicles, they see a real threat from foreign non—union companies and tesla and non—union domestic company, they know they are already being generous in their proposals so auto workers argue that they gave up a great deal in the great recession that promises were made, that benefits and compensation they were giving up would be paid back and that the company has been very profitable and the decade plus since then and they have not kept good on their promise and the union is in a moment of transition after a series of corruption scandals now has a new president who emerged as a challenger and is taking a more militant and more transparent approach involving workers earlier and more extensively in the process and bargaining with all three of the big three automakers at once, not picking one to go

first but instead trying to put them in competition with each other. ~ , them in competition with each other. ~ _ ., other. we were saying earlier that president _ other. we were saying earlier that president joe _ other. we were saying earlier that president joe biden - other. we were saying earlier| that president joe biden plans that presidentjoe biden plans tojoin strikers on that presidentjoe biden plans to join strikers on the picket line. how much support, though, do these strikes have across america?— do these strikes have across america? ,., , , , america? the polling suggests that the workers _ america? the polling suggests that the workers have - america? the polling suggests that the workers have far - america? the polling suggestsj that the workers have far more public support than the companies do. before the strike and during the strike, polling has shown strong support for these workers among the public and that's something that is bullying some of the workers as they consider how long they could stay out on strike —— boy being. could stay out on strike -- boy beinu. ., . , , ~ , being. how much is this likely to dominate _ being. how much is this likely to dominate and _ being. how much is this likely to dominate and other- being. how much is this likely to dominate and other strikes| to dominate and other strikes perhaps? it to dominate and other strikes erha s? , , to dominate and other strikes --erhas? , , ., perhaps? it depends in part on how lona perhaps? it depends in part on how long this _ perhaps? it depends in part on how long this goes _ perhaps? it depends in part on how long this goes on. - perhaps? it depends in part on how long this goes on. we - perhaps? it depends in part on| how long this goes on. we have seen president biden say that he thinks he's the most prounion president that the years has had, we've seen before the us had had and we have seen the field divided by

people criticising biden for emboldening workers to go on strike and criticising biden for causing issues for workers that cause them to go on strike so donald trump is likely —— his likely competitor in the general election has tried to put himself as an ally as these workers and we are in a moment in the us with the covid pandemic having radicalised workers, exposed them to new risks, tightened the labour market, where the us labour movement, although it has been declining for decades in size, has had some new energy and unexpected wins and a series of major companies where such victories hadn't happened before. ., ~' , ., , victories hadn't happened before. ., ,, , . victories hadn't happened before. ., ~ , . ., before. thank you very much for brinuain before. thank you very much for bringing us _ before. thank you very much for bringing us no — before. thank you very much for bringing us no to _ before. thank you very much for bringing us up to date _ before. thank you very much for bringing us up to date on - before. thank you very much for bringing us up to date on the - bringing us up to date on the story. josh eidelson. thank you. for the past year, italy has had the most right—wing government since world war ii. now, the government is planning to criminalise people who travel abroad to have children via surrogacy, which is already banned at home. while the majority of italians who seek surrogacy abroad are believed to be heterosexual, many same—sex parents fear the new law

is targeting lgbt families by making it harder for them to have children. a recent ipsos poll shows that 45% of italians oppose the idea of surrogacy but that 45% were also in favour of granting legal recognition for children born via surrogacy. our correspondent sofia bettiza has this report. since giorgia meloni swept to power as italy's first female prime minister, lgbt families have felt under attack. a few months ago, the government ordered city councils to stop the registration of most children with same—sex parents. this has left hundreds of children in legal limbo. like mauro and maurizio's twins. they were born in america through surrogacy. when a woman carries a pregnancy for another

couple. carries a pregnancy for another coule. ., ,, carries a pregnancy for another coule. ., , , ., couple. something happened and we have to _ couple. something happened and we have to go — couple. something happened and we have to go to _ couple. something happened and we have to go to the _ couple. something happened and we have to go to the hospital, . we have to go to the hospital, we have to go to the hospital, we legally cannot take a decision for them. we should call thejudge under the decision for them. we should call the judge under the eye of the italian law we have no initiatives whatsoever with these children now. the ideological battle of the government actually is damaging the children. pond government actually is damaging the children.— the children. and now, the italian government - the children. and now, the italian government is - the children. and now, the . italian government is planning to make surrogacy a universal crime. that means that couples who go abroad to countries where it is legal could face a 1 million euros fine and up to two years injail. so, what is a universal crime? it's a crime so serious that it's prosecuted evenif so serious that it's prosecuted even if committed abroad. but thatis even if committed abroad. but that is normally human trafficking, paedophilia or war crimes. it feels odd that surrogacy, which is legal in many countries, would fall under this category. many people feel that this is about ideology. it is a political

attack and it is personal. translation: i asked the mp who desiuned translation: i asked the mp who designed the _ translation: i asked the mp who designed the bill _ translation: i asked the mp who designed the bill if _ translation: i asked the mp who designed the bill if this _ translation: i asked the mp who designed the bill if this is _ translation: i asked the mp who designed the bill if this is an - designed the bill if this is an attack on the lgbt community. absolutely false. most people who use surrogacy are heterosexual. this is a law that protects women from being exploited. we are not discriminated against children. this bill only targets the parents who commissioned a baby. parents who commissioned a bab . ~ �* ., ., parents who commissioned a bab .~�* ., ., parents who commissioned a bab.�* ., ., ., baby. we're on our way to meet two men who — baby. we're on our way to meet two men who are _ baby. we're on our way to meet two men who are expecting - baby. we're on our way to meet two men who are expecting a i two men who are expecting a baby through surrogacy. they are really scared of what could happen to them and their baby and so, they have asked us not to reveal their identities. they may be forced to leave

italy for a more gay friendly country. i italy for a more gay friendly count . ., ., ., italy for a more gay friendly count . . . ., ., italy for a more gay friendly count . . ., ., ., ., country. i am afraid that our child won't _ country. i am afraid that our child won't have _ country. i am afraid that our child won't have his - country. i am afraid that our child won't have his parents| child won't have his parents because of their parents are in jail. because of their parents are in “ail. because of their parents are in 'ail. , a, because of their parents are in 'ail. , ., ~ because of their parents are in 'ail. ,, ~ ,, jail. so, did you feel like you are having — jail. so, did you feel like you are having to _ jail. so, did you feel like you are having to seek _ jail. so, did you feel like you are having to seek political l are having to seek political asylum? are having to seek political as lum? , ., ~' asylum? yes, i do. ifeel like we have _ asylum? yes, i do. ifeel like we have to — asylum? yes, i do. ifeel like we have to do _ asylum? yes, i do. ifeel like we have to do be _ asylum? yes, i do. ifeel like we have to do be ready - asylum? yes, i do. ifeel like we have to do be ready to i we have to do be ready to escape as quick as possible. the lgbt community is fighting back. but the proposal to make surrogacy a universal crime is likely to become law. chipping away at the already fragile places of italy's same—sex families. sofia bettiza, bbc news. there is more on that story on the bbc news website. and some small signs of hope sprouting in hawaii after wildfires devastated an iconic banyan tree on the island of maui. this is what the 150—year—old tree looked like after deadly

fires ripped through the town on lahaina in august, some residents fearing it might die altogether. but now the tree is showing fresh signs of life. you can see green leaves shooting up along what is believed to be the largest banyan tree in the country, giving a signal of hope to those still recovering from the devastating fires. and before we go, let's bring you this story. a man's been arrested after being spotted climbing a london skyscraper known as the cheesegrater. these pictures show a free—climber making their way up the 225m leadenhall building in the centre of the city without any climbing equipment. police say a suspect was met by officers on the roof and taken into custody. i shouldn't need to say it but please, don't try this at home. and a reminder of our top story, that is that there are calls for urgent action to help the uk's most vulnerable energy customers as a group of mps has

warned of high costs heading into the winter week. we have more on that story and the rest of the day's news of course on the bbc news website. stay with us here on the bbc. hello. it's the autumn equinox on saturday morning, so the first day of autumn, officially. how about the weather? it's looking a little mixed this weekend and quite an interesting headline there — the tail end of a hurricane is expected to bring us some warm weather to some parts of the country but also a dose of wind and rain. and here it is. hurricane nigel soon to become an ex—hurricane, also being absorbed by the weather systems in the mid latitudes and all of that is heading our way and also, a south—southwesterly wind ahead of it will develop ahead of this large area of low pressure and that means somewhat warmer weather streaming in from the south. so, it's a tale of two halves, quite literally. so, the forecast, then, through the early morning shows clear skies across most of the uk. having said that, it is

going to be quite chilly, despite this remnant storm heading our way. temperatures will be around eight degrees even in the south of the country and close to freezing, if not below, in the sheltered glens of scotland. now, here it is, that weather front, by this stage bringing cloud, a shield of cloud, to northern ireland, wales, and the south—west. within it, some outbreaks of rain. but out towards the east and the north, it's a cracking day both in the morning and the afternoon. we're expecting sunny spells. temperatures around 18 in london, a bit fresher there in scotland. and then, it's saturday night into sunday that that weather front sweeps across the uk. the winds will freshen and we are expecting some rain. some of the rain will be heavy at times. so, here's the forecast, then — out towards the west and the north, increasing winds, gale force winds around some of the coasts, and some heavy rain at times. the further east and south—east you are, the sunnier and warmer it will be — in fact, 20 degrees in london.

but even further north where it's cloudy and rainy, temperatures will be close to 20. but let's take a closer look. and here are the gusts of wind, 50 to even 60 miles an hour. now, that is a strong wind blowing out of the south. and then, all of that rain sweeping across the country as well sunday evening into the early hours of monday. now, here's the outlook into the week ahead. those temperatures remain in the low 20s across the south of the country but be warned — at times, we could be seeing some pretty gusty, rainy, windy weather in the week ahead. bye— bye.

this is bbc news, the headlines: us media reports washington plans to supply ukraine with advanced long—range missiles to help with its ongoing counter offensive. it comes as a ukrainian strike hits russia's black sea naval headquarters in occupied crimea. calls for urgent action to help the uk's most vulnerable energy customers — as a group of mps warn of high energy costs heading into winter. they say an announcement of support from the government is overdue. russell brand speaks out after being accused of rape and sexual assault. in a video posted to youtube — he didn't directly address the allegations, but thanked supporters for �*questioning' media reports. and here in the uk —

the former prime minister boris johnson has urged the government not to scale back plans to build the hs2 high—speed rail line — amid speculation part of the route could be scrapped. now on bbc news, the travel show. my name is lucy edwards, and this is my first time injapan. yay! oh, it's a latte! i'm experiencing it through sound, taste, smell and touch. all the colours taste different. different, yes. i'm a content maker, activist and broadcaster. hi, guys, this is my first blind vlog. ten years ago, i lost my eyesight. and since then, i've been on a mission to prove that having a disability doesn't have to hold me back. i've come a long way, learning to live with sight loss.