the king's speech lays out rishi sunak�*s agenda for the months to come and the election campaign that will follow. also on the programme... a month after the hamas attacks, israel's prime minister says it wants to have overall security responsibility for gaza when the fighting ends. thousands of women in england are to be offered a drug which can help prevent breast cancer. and we'll be live in singapore where this year's earthshot prize recognising new climate change solutions is under way. and coming up on bbc news: ibraham zadran hits a century at the cricket world cup, as afghanistan face australia in mumbai, with both sides chasing a semifinal spot. good afternoon.

king charles has carried out his first state opening of parliament as monarch. the speech, written by the government, has set out the plans for year ahead. proposed laws include tougher sentences for some crimes, a phased ban on smoking and more licensing for oil and gas fields in the north sea. our political correspondent helen catt has more. just before 11.15, the royal carriage drew into the sovereign�* entrance, carrying for the first time in seven decades, the king, to formally open parliament. while the monarch had changed, the pageantry remained the same. as is tradition, black rod went to the commons and had the door slammed shut against her by mps. before she summoned them to the

lords. on the way, the prime minister and the leader of the opposition appeared to be having a friendly chat but this speech, written by the government, was in part about drawing dividing lines between them ahead of an election. but first, the king acknowledged the significance of this moment. it is mindful of a legacy of service and devotion to this country set by my beloved mother, the late queen, that i deliver this, the first king�*s speech in over 70 years. the impact of covid and the war in ukraine have created significant long—term challenges for the united kingdom. that is why my government�*s priority is to make the difficult but necessary long—term decisions to change this country for the better. there was an announcement of a bill toissue there was an announcement of a bill to issue annual extraction licences for oil and gas and a focus on crime, including previously

announced measures. my announced measures. my government will act to keep communities safe from crime, anti—social behaviour, terrorism and illegal migration. a bill will be brought forward to ensure tougher sentences for the most serious offenders and increase the confidence of the victims. there was a promise to make it easierfor there was a promise to make it easier for leasehold homeowners to buy their freehold and tackle service charges and a return for the renters reform bill, which was in the last queen�*s speech. there was also a measure rishi sunak has said as a personal goal. my as a personal goal. my government will introduce legislation to create a smoke—free generation by restricting the sale of tobacco so the children currently aged 1a or younger can never be sold cigarettes. this king�*s speech could be rishi sunak�*s last chance to push through his agenda. labour says the whole speech suggests the government has

run out of ideas. this is in a legislative programme for a _ this is in a legislative programme for a year. — this is in a legislative programme for a year, we could get all of this done _ for a year, we could get all of this done in _ for a year, we could get all of this done in a — for a year, we could get all of this done in a fortnight and then have a general— done in a fortnight and then have a general election. we done in a fortnight and then have a general election.— done in a fortnight and then have a general election. we haven't talked about the crime _ general election. we haven't talked about the crime and _ general election. we haven't talked about the crime and justice - general election. we haven't talked about the crime and justice bill, - about the crime and justice bill, which _ about the crime and justice bill, which is — about the crime and justice bill, which is in — about the crime and justice bill, which is in a1_ about the crime and justice bill, which is in a1 clause _ about the crime and justice bill, which is in a1 clause or- about the crime and justice bill, which is in a1 clause or two - about the crime and justice bill, i which is in a1 clause or two clause bill. which is in a1 clause or two clause biii~ it_ which is in a1 clause or two clause biii~ it will— which is in a1 clause or two clause biii~ it will be _ which is in a1 clause or two clause bill. it will be a — which is in a1 clause or two clause bill. it will be a substantial- which is in a1 clause or two clause bill. it will be a substantial piece. bill. it will be a substantial piece of legislation _ bill. it will be a substantial piece of legislation setting _ bill. it will be a substantial piece of legislation setting out - bill. it will be a substantial piece of legislation setting out how- bill. it will be a substantial piece of legislation setting out how we will protect — of legislation setting out how we will protect the _ of legislation setting out how we will protect the public. _ of legislation setting out how we will protect the public. the - of legislation setting out how we will protect the public.— will protect the public. the snp thinks it sends _ will protect the public. the snp thinks it sends the _ will protect the public. the snp thinks it sends the wrong - will protect the public. the snp i thinks it sends the wrong message will protect the public. the snp - thinks it sends the wrong message on oil and gas. it is thinks it sends the wrong message on oil and as. , ., ., ~' oil and gas. it is not working, there are _ oil and gas. it is not working, there are real— oil and gas. it is not working, there are real issues, - oil and gas. it is not working, there are real issues, the - there are real issues, the government needs to be clear that it is absolutely behind its climate change commitments and give confidence to the renewables industry. confidence to the renewables indust . , ., , ., , industry. the liberal democrats say there was not _ industry. the liberal democrats say there was not enough _ industry. the liberal democrats say there was not enough on _ industry. the liberal democrats say there was not enough on the - industry. the liberal democrats say there was not enough on the nhs i industry. the liberal democrats say| there was not enough on the nhs or sewage and criticise the crime bills. . ., g , . sewage and criticise the crime bills. . , . ~ ., bills. on criminaljustice, we know that system _ bills. on criminaljustice, we know that system is _ bills. on criminaljustice, we know that system is creaking _ bills. on criminaljustice, we know that system is creaking at - bills. on criminaljustice, we know that system is creaking at the - bills. on criminaljustice, we know. that system is creaking at the seams but the _ that system is creaking at the seams but the government seem to want to add more _ but the government seem to want to add more to— but the government seem to want to add more to it than necessarily helping — add more to it than necessarily helping the police and criminal justice — helping the police and criminal justice system deliver. it seems like they— justice system deliver. it seems like they are waiting for a general election. — like they are waiting for a general election, maybe they should just get on and _ election, maybe they should just get on and deliver one. this election, maybe they should “ust get on and deliver one.* on and deliver one. this beach is certainly part _

on and deliver one. this beach is certainly part of— on and deliver one. this beach is certainly part of preparing - on and deliver one. this beach is certainly part of preparing the i certainly part of preparing the ground for that election, as well as setting out what mps will be focusing on in the run up to that. our chief political correspondent is henry zeffman. a huge occasion for the king — and a chance for the government to set out its plans for the parliamentary year. that is right. for all of the pomp and pageantry, and there has certainly been a lot of that today, todayis certainly been a lot of that today, today is really about politics. it is a rare opportunity for the prime minister, for the government to pause and say, this is what we want to do, these are our priorities and we have a list. 21 pieces of legislation that the government wants to get passed over the coming months or year or so, ultimately before that general election that we all know is hurtling down the track. i have to admit, there was very little in the speech, in these pieces of legislation, that is surprising to us. that is not to diminish the significance of individual proposals for change but they are things the government has

been talking about before, or in some cases has begun the legislative process for. one theme is the government seeking clear dividing lines with the labour party. that is what they want to do on oil and gas, thatis what they want to do on oil and gas, that is what they think they will be able to do on crime. of course, the labour party will fight back hard on that. you will hear sir keir starmer later today and the house of commons arguing only labour can deliver the long—term reform, the king used that phrase eight times in a speech, he will argue only labour can do that rather than the fifth consecutive conservative prime minister sensed that the party took office in 2010. i think that is the debate we will be hearing in the house of commons later but it is also the kind of debate we will be hearing a lot in the run—up to the general election. henry, thank you very much indeed. so health and crime were two of this big themes in the king�*s speech. in a moment, we�*ll speak

to our health correspondent nick triggle, but first let�*s speak to our home editor mark easton. mark, what is your big take away? i think as henry was saying, with the general election likely within a year, the tories have put crime and punishment at the heart of their policy agenda. more whole life or death of her murderous, more jail time for sex offenders and rapists. they will force convicts to be in the docks when victim statements are read in court. none of these ideas are new, there is very little in the way of new detail. we don�*t know how much is really going to change or how much they are going to cost. what we do know is that there are record numbers of people already locked up in england and wales, sentences have never been longer. the jails are overcrowded, staff are dealing with record levels of self—harm, rising violence. actually being tough on crime is easy to say but there are always practical, social and economic consequences. nick, help very much a focus of the agenda as well?—

agenda as well? yes, it is. legislation _ agenda as well? yes, it is. legislation has _ agenda as well? yes, it is. legislation has been - agenda as well? yes, it is. - legislation has been promised to tackle _ legislation has been promised to tackle smoking. the aim is not to criminalise — tackle smoking. the aim is not to criminalise smoking but gradually increase — criminalise smoking but gradually increase the age at which tobacco products— increase the age at which tobacco products can be bought. it will kick in in 2027i — products can be bought. it will kick in in 20271 mean anyone aged 14 or under_ in in 20271 mean anyone aged 14 or under today— in in 20271 mean anyone aged 14 or under today would never legally be able to _ under today would never legally be able to buy cigarettes and tobacco. that is _ able to buy cigarettes and tobacco. that is if— able to buy cigarettes and tobacco. that is if it — able to buy cigarettes and tobacco. that is if it is passed because mps will be _ that is if it is passed because mps will be given a free vote on the issue — will be given a free vote on the issue it — will be given a free vote on the issue. it mirrors a scheme that is already. — issue. it mirrors a scheme that is already. in— issue. it mirrors a scheme that is already, in the process of being introduced in new zealand. currently introduced in new zealand. currently in the _ introduced in new zealand. currently in the uk, _ introduced in new zealand. currently in the uk, around 13% of adults smoke — in the uk, around 13% of adults smoke and _ in the uk, around 13% of adults smoke and four in five start before the age _ smoke and four in five start before the age of— smoke and four in five start before the age of 20. a crackdown on vaping has also _ the age of 20. a crackdown on vaping has also been promised. this is more complex— has also been promised. this is more complex because e—cigarettes are considered an important tool to help people _ considered an important tool to help people stop smoking. they carry a fraction _ people stop smoking. they carry a fraction of— people stop smoking. they carry a fraction of the risk of cigarettes but are — fraction of the risk of cigarettes but are not entirely risk—free and there _ but are not entirely risk—free and there is— but are not entirely risk—free and there is concern about the number of young _ there is concern about the number of young people taking up vaping so the government is currently consulting on whether to restrict the sale of

flavoured — on whether to restrict the sale of flavoured rates as well as displays in shops — flavoured rates as well as displays in shops. we will have to wait for that consultation to finish before we know — that consultation to finish before we know exactly what the government is planning _ we know exactly what the government is planning. nick we know exactly what the government is ”lannin. w' we know exactly what the government is ”lannin. w ., ,, is planning. nick triggle and mark easton, thank _ is planning. nick triggle and mark easton, thank you _ is planning. nick triggle and mark easton, thank you both. _ there have been fresh explosions in the southern gazan cities of khan younis and rafah as israeli air strikes continued overnight. health officials in hamas—run gaza say 23 people were killed in two blasts there. they say 10,000 people have been killed since the conflict began when hamas, designated a terrorist organisaion by the uk government, killed more than 1,400 people. israel�*s prime minister benjamin netanyahu has resisted calls for a ceasefire, but now says shorter "humanitarian pauses" might be a possibility. yolande knell has the latest from jerusalem. a warning, you may find some of her report distressing. emerging alive from the ruins of his home. for one month, palestinians have been underfire. all of

home. for one month, palestinians have been under fire. all of gaza home. for one month, palestinians have been underfire. all of gaza is a battlefield, even here in khan younis in the south. after israel told people to flee here. thea;r younis in the south. after israel told people to flee here. they show their mi . ht told people to flee here. they show their might and _ told people to flee here. they show their might and power _ told people to flee here. they show their might and power against - their might and power against civilians. babies inside, kids inside. , , inside. this little girl survived the niuht inside. this little girl survived the night time _ inside. this little girl survived the night time attack. - inside. this little girl survived the night time attack. others| the night time attack. others didn�*t. a grim milestone has been passed, with over 4000 children among the more than 10,000 people who have been killed, according to local health officials. explosions in the north, israeli forces are advancing they say, in their mission to dismantle hamas after it launched its deadly attacks on the 7th of october. and now, the israeli prime minister is also giving his first clue as to what might happen here after the war. i clue as to what might happen here after the war-— after the war. i think israel will for an indefinite _ after the war. i think israel will for an indefinite period - after the war. i think israel will for an indefinite period have i after the war. i think israel willl for an indefinite period have the overall security responsibility because we had seen what happens when we don�*t have it, when we don�*t

have the security responsibility what we have is the eruption of hamas terror on a scale we couldn�*t imagine. across israel, it is an unofficial day of mourning. manyjoined a minute�*s silence. singing. then singing the national hunt them to remember the bloodiest day in their history, when some 1400 people were killed. with 240 hostages still missing in gaza, a table was laid out, their loved ones hoping these symbols would get attention. we are so sad and we can�*t feel other feelings. we are so sad and we can�*t feel otherfeelings. we we are so sad and we can�*t feel other feelings. we can�*t smile. everything that we saw, we lose our happiness. because of this situation. that is why we came here.

even after decades of conflict between israel and the palestinians, the past month has seen unprecedented suffering and for now, there is no end in sight. yolande knell, bbc news, jerusalem. in a moment, we can speak to rushdi abualouf who is in gaza for us but first, let�*s go our correspondent mark lowen who�*s in southern israel for us. you can see their pressure on the israeli government for a ceasefire but also from the families of those hostages still in gaza. yes, indeed, and the grief here in israel and the grief in gaza continues to intensify because one month on, the israeli military is continuing to tighten its grip around gaza city. it has said that it has taken control of a hamas stronghold and detonated a hamas

weapons depot as well. the main road travelling from north to south inside the gaza strip, about a mile away from where we are speaking, has been opened once again today to allow some of the civilians in the north to evacuate south. but to give you an idea of the numbers we are talking about, is estimated about 350,000 civilians are still sheltering in the north of gaza and at the weekend, the un said only 2000 took that road. there are still air strikes happening in the south of gaza as well. the world health organization has now said 160 children a day are dying and that some medics are having to carry out operations, including amputations, without anaesthetics because of the shortage of medical aid and food and fuel as well. just to leave you with a glimmer of hope, though, after... israel�*s prime minister has been ruling out any humanitarian pause is until there was movement on those hostages. his latest remarks are a little bit more hopeful. he said

that they will look into tactical little pauses, that could potentially provide an opportunity for some aid to get in where it is so desperately needed.- for some aid to get in where it is so desperately needed. mark, thank ou ve so desperately needed. mark, thank you very much _ so desperately needed. mark, thank you very much indeed. _ so desperately needed. mark, thank you very much indeed. let's - so desperately needed. mark, thank you very much indeed. let's cross i you very much indeed. let�*s cross live to rushdi abualouf who is in khan younis. there has been more israeli air strikes overnight? yes, there were three deadly air strikes. — yes, there were three deadly air strikes, more than 30 people were killed _ strikes, more than 30 people were killed in— strikes, more than 30 people were killed in khan younis and rafah. these _ killed in khan younis and rafah. these areas in the south, it is the area _ these areas in the south, it is the area israel— these areas in the south, it is the area israel asked people to flee to, they said _ area israel asked people to flee to, they said it— area israel asked people to flee to, they said it was safe. today, we are having _ they said it was safe. today, we are having more — they said it was safe. today, we are having more people coming from gaza city into _ having more people coming from gaza city into the _ having more people coming from gaza city into the south. in fact, they were _ city into the south. in fact, they were walking about five kilometres because _ were walking about five kilometres because the road leads to gaza city was damaged, which israel were advising — was damaged, which israel were advising people to take into the south — advising people to take into the south i— advising people to take into the south. i have met some people who were walking a very long way to make

it because _ were walking a very long way to make it because no access to the road. one month — it because no access to the road. one month on, still hamas are able to fire _ one month on, still hamas are able to fire rockets, still fighting going — to fire rockets, still fighting going on in a different france in gaza, _ going on in a different france in gaza, especially in the north—west and south—west of gaza, where the israel— and south—west of gaza, where the israel ground operation has been expanding and the grip around gaza city is _ expanding and the grip around gaza city is tightening. i was talking to a father— city is tightening. i was talking to a father of— city is tightening. i was talking to a father of people there, communication is very hard but from time to— communication is very hard but from time to time — communication is very hard but from time to time we catch someone there. he said _ time to time we catch someone there. he said i_ time to time we catch someone there. he said i have no food, i have no money— he said i have no food, i have no money and — he said i have no food, i have no money and i_ he said i have no food, i have no money and i have no water. there is no clean _ money and i have no water. there is no clean water because all of the aid that— no clean water because all of the aid that is— no clean water because all of the aid that is coming from egypt, which is very— aid that is coming from egypt, which is very little — aid that is coming from egypt, which is very little according to the un, is very little according to the un, is not _ is very little according to the un, is not reaching those people living in gaza _ is not reaching those people living in gaza city on the north. in the south, — in gaza city on the north. in the south, the _ in gaza city on the north. in the south, the situation is quieter, less— south, the situation is quieter, less air— south, the situation is quieter, less air strikes that they are struggling to find food and water and the — struggling to find food and water and the struggle for the hospital to

find medicine is also continuing. thank— find medicine is also continuing. thank you — find medicine is also continuing. thank you both. thejustice secretary alex chalk has joined calls for organisers to postpone pro—palestine protests this weekend. the met police, who are under political pressure to ban any protest marches, said it fears it could spark disorder and potential disruption to armistice day commemorations. thousands took to the streets last weekend to call for a ceasefire in gaza. tens of thousands of women in england could benefit from a drug that helps prevent breast cancer, after it was approved for use. it�*s estimated it could help save the nhs millions of pounds in cancer treatment costs. our health correspondent michelle roberts is here. tell us more. this drug was already used to treat _ tell us more. this drug was already used to treat breast _ tell us more. this drug was already used to treat breast cancer- tell us more. this drug was already used to treat breast cancer but - tell us more. this drug was already used to treat breast cancer but now it�*s being used for prevention. the news is it is the first one that has gone through this new scheme to

re—purpose existing drugs for new things. it is cheap, affordable and effective, it costs less than £80 to treat one woman for five years, she takes it daily and it could cut her risk in half over a decade or so. it will not necessarily be suitable for everyone, if a woman is concerned she should speak to her gp about whether it is for her.— whether it is for her. thank you, michelle- _ the time is 1:18. our top story this afternoon: the king�*s speech — as king charles announces the government�*s plans for the year ahead in his first state opening of parliament as monarch and coming up, unlocking some of the biggest mysteries of the universe — the euclid telescope releases its first images. coming up on bbc news: erling haaland faces a late fitness test ahead of manchester city�*s champions league tie against young boys tonight. victory for city will see them qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.

the awards ceremony for the prince of wales�*s earthshot prize is currently under way in singapore today. five environmental innovations will each win £1 million prizes so they can be expanded. prince william has spoken of his personal pride at what the project has achieved. our royal correspondent daniela relph reports from the ceremony. this way, please, both. at the earthshot prize awards ceremony, they�*ve ditched the red carpet — it�*s a green one here. for the guests, it is a chance to support environmental innovations that will benefit from the million pound prize and a bit of star power. there are so many people out there of all age groups and demographics, from all cultures, actually doing things within their own communities, in their own regions to tackle issues caused by the very rapidly changing climate. you know, what we all need in the climate space is both action and hope.

and the finalists that we see, they provide both. you know, these are tangible ideas to accelerate climate action. the guest of honour, the creator of the earthshot prize, the prince of wales, whose vision is to scale up the best climate solutions. before the ceremony, prince william spent time with this year�*s nominees, hearing about their projects, understanding more about their work, and chatting about his own ambitions for ea rthshot. last year, we had two companies. both have expanded by eight times and are moving into different countries. so it�*s all about scale now. myjob is to really kind of bring the money in, the capital and the private sector, into the earthshot and meet the solutions and go, come on, how can we scale, how can we do more? past winners talk of a prize that turbo—charges their ideas. those who triumph today each get that £1 million and the support of a prince. cheers. daniela relph, bbc news, singapore.

let�*s speak to our correspondent in singapore, sura njana tewari. have the winners being announced yet? have the winners being announced et? , , ., yet? yes, they have. the five winners are — yet? yes, they have. the five winners are a _ yet? yes, they have. the five winners are a hong _ yet? yes, they have. the five i winners are a hong kong-based yet? yes, they have. the five - winners are a hong kong-based based winners are a hong kong—based based start—up building and recycling lithium ion batteries for electric cars, an indian company producing solar powered drivers to help small farmers preserve their crops —— solar powered dryers. and also to combat food waste. a scheme to protect forest ecosystems in the south american andes, and anti—illegalfishing movement in south american andes, and anti—illegal fishing movement in the us which works to strengthen ocean conservation under us company uses modern technology to help farmers remove emissions and boost profits. i had the opportunity to speak to all of the winners, they are very excited to get the money and be injected into the ecosystem that the

earthshot prize offers so they can help develop and scale up their projects to achieve the dreams and prince william because my dreams too. prince william because my dreams too, ,, ., ., ., prince william because my dreams too. ,, ., ., ., ., ~ , prince william because my dreams too. ,, ., ., ., ., ~' , . too. suran'ana, thank you very much indeed. the family of captain sir tom moore have lost a planning application appeal against the demolition of an unauthorised home spa in their garden. captain sir tom raised more than £38 million for the nhs in 2020 during the covid pandemic. his family say no charity money had been used in the construction of the spa. let�*s speak to our correspondentjo black. the late captain sir tom moore became a lockdown icon, giving people much—needed cheer during the pandemic as he walked 100 laps of his bedfordshire garden. but now, in that very same garden, stands this new c—shaped block — a building set up in his name which has been at the centre of a highly publicised planning row. permission was granted for this back in 2021,

for an l—shaped structure, for use of the occupiers and the late fundraiser�*s charity, the captain tom foundation. but what emerged was slightly larger, with an added wing and a spa pool, not popular with some. it�*s not been great living here because there�*s obviously people that are for it and people that are against it. revised planning permission sought by captain sir tom�*s family was turned down and the local council ordered that the building be demolished. when the family appealed, they said the building would enable the public to enjoy captain sir tom�*s work, and the pool would offer rehabilitation sessions to elderly people in the local area. i�*m really pleased. i think it�*s a load off everyone�*s mind and, to be honest, i think now people can start to move forward. the inspector said the scale and massing of the partially built building had resulted in harm to the old rectory, the grade ii listed family home.

the planning notice said the new building should be demolished within three months. jo black, bbc news. the office sharing company wework has filed for bankruptcy in the united states. the firm was known for renting on flexible terms to start—ups and freelancers. it expanded rapidly but struggled during the covid pandemic, when offices closed around the world. the company says its offices in the uk remain open and operational. for the first time in its history, the post office will soon let people send packages from their branches with a company other than royal mail. customers in selected stores will be able to choose dpd or evri instead. the post office said the new service will begin in time for the peak christmas delivery season. sport england has announced what it�*s called one of the biggest shake—ups of funding in decades, in an attempt to tackle inequality in sport. it says it�*s redirecting £250 million over the next five years

towards deprived areas with the worst levels of physical inactivity — as our sports editor dan roan reports. keep those arms and legs going. despite suffering from early onset dementia, these pensioners in canvey island are benefiting from a ground—breaking participation programme, designed to keep them moving — regardless of the barriers they face. the idea — to make sport and physical activity accessible to all. this pilot�*s been really successful. so we�*ve seen a reduce of ambulance call outs, reduced attendance at gp practices. we�*ve also seen people saying that they reported wellbeing in how they feel after being physically active. i think we need to be more innovative. we need to be a bit braver when we think about physical activity. for those not tempted by traditional sport, there�*s kin—ball, as it�*s known, part of another pilot programme here designed to get local kids more active. these are the kind of projects set to benefit from a £250 million of funding redirected towards 100 places across the country with the highest levels of inactivity.

this represents a really significant, probably unprecedented level of investment, actually, into specific places up and down the country who are characterised by levels of inactivity and often as a result of a lower socio economic circumstance. so our ambition here is to rebalance that. this comes as new research reveals the most active place in england has almost double the participation level of the least active. a person�*s life span could vary by up to nine years depending on where they live, and that people living in some places are twice as likely to have a disability or health condition than in other areas. despite britain hosting some of the biggest sports events in recent years, turning inspiration into participation has proved a major challenge — with 25% of adults in england deemed to be inactive. and the government says it wants millions more to be exercising regularly by 2030. the hope is that this new funding approach finally tackles the high levels of physical inactivity that

often occur in areas of deprivation, like here in this part of canvey island. but some others believe a lot more needs to be done. 80 to 100 places is fantastic, but it is only 80—100 places. we need to take that further. we need to take that wider and we need to get organisations and departments working together with that common goal. and with a significant drop in the amount of pe and sport in schools in england over the past decade and concerns over both facilities and the cost of living crisis, many feel much more investment is needed if inactivity is to finally be tackled. dan roan, bbc news. the euclid telescope, which is trying to unlock some of the biggest mysteries of the universe, has released its first images. these show that the telescope can cover vast swathes of the sky as it starts to build up a detailed 3d map of the cosmos. it�*s going to help astronomers understand phenomena called dark energy and dark matter —

they make up most of the universe but we know virtually nothing about them. our science editor rebecca morelle reports. a stunning new view of the cosmos. the horsehead nebula — a place where stars are born, more than 1,300 light years away, and the spiraling arms of what�*s nicknamed the hidden galaxy, usually obscured by the dust and clouds of the milky way. and this is a cluster of hundreds of thousands of stars bound together by gravity. these are the first images from the euclid space telescope. we can see how good euclid is going to be at detecting distant galaxies and how good its image quality is. so it�*s really a huge breakthrough. and we�*re really pleased just to see these images, but to see how beautiful they are as well, itjust adds that, you know, the icing on the cake, really. the telescope, nearly a million miles from earth, is attempting to shed light

on what lies beyond the stars and galaxies, because everything we can see makes up a tiny fraction, just 5%, of what�*s out there. the rest is known as the dark universe. there�*s dark matter, a ghost—like substance that pervades the cosmos. but no—one has ever seen it or really knows what it is. and dark energy, a force that�*s causing the universe to expand at an ever faster rate. the power of the telescope is to take razor sharp images across great swathes of the sky to build up an immense 3d map of the cosmos. scientists will be searching for the tiniest distortions amongst the galaxies. this giant camera, with billions of pixels, is now ready to go and survey the distant universe and see these kinds of objects over a vast range of the sky, a vast volume of the sky, in space and in time. and it�*s by looking at huge numbers of galaxies that we�*ll be able to tease out those subtle signals for dark energy and dark matter, which is what euclid is all about. every one of euclid�*s images is packed with galaxies.

this one contains more than 100,000, some more than 10 billion light years away. but these celestial snapshots are just the start. it will take six years to complete this survey of the heavens. the hope is that by the end, it will solve the mystery of the missing 95% of our universe. rebecca morelle, bbc news. absolutely amazing. from space back down to earth. time for a look at the weather. here�*s helen willets. just a little less vast, the atlantic to the west is already showing us our next wall of cloud, the next area of wind and rain coming in tonight and for tomorrow. 0f coming in tonight and for tomorrow. of concern, because we still have at least a dozen flood warnings in force, and with another 20 or 30 millimetres of rain from the weather

system that is around an inch. sunshine and showers, some wonderful weather watcher pictures have been sent in, lovely sunshine between those downpours but they are becoming fewer and further between a head of the rain you can see gathering behind me. it feels a little on the chilly side, particularly close to the showers, but temperatures aren�*t far away from where they should be at this time of year. soon after dark the winds will escalate, clouds gathering a rain coming into northern ireland this side of midnight and then into the mainland after midnight, into the small hours. and they belted strong, even gale force winds for a time, initially we will see some frost in scotland but by morning of the mist and fog will be sitting underneath this bunch of cloud and rain with gusty winds for a time and fairly unpleasant travel conditions. it would have cleared from northern ireland already, following suit across scotland except shetland and taking its time to clear southern