they give. have but the love that they give. and that is why back in october, we announced the expansion of our work on fostering and the trialling of a new care allowance. it's white november i came to this house to sit at the biggest reform for children's social care in a generation and it's why this government backed those changes with a £300 million of investment, including the biggest ever investment in kinship care. to build a children's social care system that is forward—looking and child—centred. ourfirst priority system that is forward—looking and child—centred. our first priority is to keep children together with their families wherever it is safe to do so. the bill mandates all local authorities with the guidance of skilled professionals, families with children at risk of falling into care will be supported to build a plan that works for them. vulnerable

children can live with the people they know and trust wherever possible. but despite the best efforts of all involved, some children will inevitably need to enter care so we must reform the system so it works for them. i know that members right across this house share my outrage at the excessive and exploitative profit—making we have seen from some private providers. it is shameful, it is unacceptable and it will end. i thank my right honourable friend for giving way. i know she has a good head for numbers, will she be doing some evaluation of the cost and benefits of investing in things like kinship care to save the cost to the taxpayer of otherwise expensive child social care? my taxpayer of otherwise expensive child social care?— child social care? my right honourable _ child social care? my right honourable friend - child social care? my right honourable friend is - child social care? my right honourable friend is rightl child social care? my right l honourable friend is right on through my time with her on the public accounts committee i learnt too well the importance of those

principles. what i would say about the work the previous government did in this area is they had work on the way to understand notjust in this area is they had work on the way to understand not just the benefits that come to children where they can stay close to those able to care for their best but also the spiralling costs and the need to take action. what we didn't however see from that government was action and today that is why we are making sure we deliver better for our children. this bill gives government through the secretary of state the power to introduce a profit cap and providers should take note. we won't hesitate to use this power to protect our most vulnerable children. children must always have somewhere to live if private providers collapse and that's why this bill introduces a new financial oversight scheme to increase transparency and strength and forward planning. children need support when they leave care too so with this bill we will require all local authorities to offer emotional and practical support. support to

find a great place to live, support to access the right services, support for care levers to go on to live healthy and happy lives. the children's bill provides a safe and secure foundation that all children need. and it builds on the foundation too with urgent reform to all of our schools so every child can achieve and thrive. that means schools are at the beating heart of their community. that's why this bill legislates full breakfast clubs in every state primary school so children get a welcoming start to the day. schools where children come together to eat, learn and grow. it's good for attendance, attainment and behaviour. can it's good for attendance, attainment and behaviour.— and behaviour. can i thank my right honourable — and behaviour. can i thank my right honourable friend _ and behaviour. can i thank my right honourable friend forgiving - and behaviour. can i thank my right honourable friend forgiving way. . honourable friend forgiving way. before my election i spent nearly 20 years as a secondary school teacher, seeing first—hand the devastating effects of food poverty on children's health, concentration and academic performance. i welcome the

introduction of free breakfast clubs which will improve child health and learning outcomes in england. however, i urge further action to make sure all children can thrive. for the government consider extending free breakfasts to secondary schools and more consideration to be made to access to free school lunches as well? i would say to my honourable friend that of course we will always keep further action under review and it's through the child poverty task force that i am co—chairing the work and pensions secretary that we are considering what further action is required to make sure that families have more money, are able to increase their income and that we take action because the growing numbers of children we have seen in poverty in our country is a source of national shame and members opposite are responsible for that record. madam deputy speaker, school

uniform is as important for building a sense of community as well but too many families tell us the cost remains a heavy burden. our bill limits the number of branded item schools can require pupils to have, putting money back in parents�* pockets. i want children in school, ready to learn, and that's why the plan for change that's a milestone for record numbers of five—year—olds reaching a good level of development. it's vitalfor reaching a good level of development. it's vital for giving every child the best start in life, but that's just the beginning. i want high and rising standards for every child in every school. that is one of the surest ways we can break the link between background and success for millions of children. that matters for every child, not just a lucky few. life shouldn't come down to luck. when governments forget this, it's not the children of members opposite who lose out the children of working class across the country. i'll take no lectures from the party opposite on what it takes

to deliver better life chances for working class kids.— to deliver better life chances for working class kids. reported figures for 2022 and — working class kids. reported figures for 2022 and 2023 _ working class kids. reported figures for 2022 and 2023 show _ working class kids. reported figures for 2022 and 2023 show an - working class kids. reported figures for 2022 and 2023 show an increase | for 2022 and 2023 show an increase in the proportion of children living in the proportion of children living in low income families and no change in low income families and no change in the proportion of children living in the proportion of children living in absolute low income families. does the minister agree this legislation will actually improve the household finances of families and the life chances of children in my constituency?— and the life chances of children in my constituency? absolutely. it will ut my constituency? absolutely. it will put hundreds _ my constituency? absolutely. it will put hundreds of— my constituency? absolutely. it will put hundreds of pounds _ my constituency? absolutely. it will put hundreds of pounds back - my constituency? absolutely. it will put hundreds of pounds back into i my constituency? absolutely. it will. put hundreds of pounds back into the families' finances by cutting the cost of school uniform, introducing breakfast clubs in every state funded primary school. but we recognise that there is so much more that we need to do because child poverty scores the life chances of too many in our country. i

poverty scores the life chances of too many in our country.- too many in our country. i would like the secretary _ too many in our country. i would like the secretary of _ too many in our country. i would like the secretary of state - too many in our country. i would like the secretary of state to - like the secretary of state to comment if she could on the issue of falling rolls in some parts of this country, particularly in london, which means that most local authorities take the option of unfortunately closing the school which is very damaging to the children and to local communities. the bill appears to give her powers to do some degree of intervention where we could perhaps downsize schools to keep that sense of community school which is so important, particularly in the poorest parts of many london boroughs. is she able to give us some hope of intervention to make sure we keep community schools? what sure we keep community schools? what i would say to — sure we keep community schools? what i would say to the _ sure we keep community schools? what i would say to the right honourable gentleman is there are a number of provisions that deal precisely with that challenge that he raises. we recognise that in london but shortly across the country there are challenges that come of falling roles and making sure we manage the process properly. it will require

schools to work together with local councils to manage admissions and place planning and also require decisions about how we make best use of the schools estate. it's why we started a process of encouraging primary schools to bid into, the recent pilot programme closed and we were delighted to see so many application but there is also an opportunity to see how we can create additional provision for children with special medical needs and disability so they can go to school much closer to home —— special educational needs. there has been a welcome consensus that a high—quality state education should be the right of all that consensus has had innovations from ofsted to the national curriculum, to academies to stand the test of time. academies introduced by the last labour government and expanded by the party opposite have been instrumental in raising standards in

our school system. they have delivered brilliant results particularly for the most disadvantaged children and will continue their record of excellence under this labour government. yet this consensus must not stifle progress and what the party opposite did make some progress over the past 14 years, it must reckon with its many failures. one in four children leaving primary school without meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths. tens of thousands of children not securing good maths or english gcses. one in five children regularly absent from school, unable to learn if they aren't there, holding back their classmates when they return. hundreds of thousands of children in schools that perform poorly year after year. schools that perform poorly year afteryear. protecting schools that perform poorly year after year. protecting the foundations should not mean that we don't build on them. and after a decade, and i say a decade because i know members opposite will remember a time when they too had an

education secretary determined to deliver reform, a decade of stagnation, now is the time to press on and once again deliver for our children. that is what members will see in this bill, respect for the fundamentals twinned with the drive to go further to deliver high and rising standards for each and every child because, madam deputy speaker, we inherited a system that was too fragmented, but too often incentivised harmful competition over helpful collaboration and i give way to the honourable ladies. you talk about a lot of important statistics about how our children are developing but also their mental health and well—being is very important. so with the secretary of state consider a national well—being measurement to help look at those and really look at how we can improve the well—being of our children? i improve the well-being of our children? . ., , children? i welcome the interest in this area because _ children? i welcome the interest in this area because i _ children? i welcome the interest in this area because i share _ children? i welcome the interest in this area because i share the - this area because i share the concern about the growing numbers of children in a country who are deeply

unhappy and about the growing challenge we see around mental ill health and well—being. there are far too many children who are not receiving access to the timely support we need and we are looking very carefully at the issue that she has identified. i will give way. i thank the secretary of state for giving way. on the point about children's welfare and making sure that children start the school day in the best position to learn, i want to thank her for bringing forward the plans for breakfast clubs. not only say that children can be ready to learn because they've had a good meal but also say they've had a good meal but also say they have that ease into the school day so they can be setup to learn. does she agree with me that this will benefit young children to learn better, particularly kids with special educational needs? i agree and we've been _ special educational needs? i agree and we've been led _ special educational needs? i agree and we've been led by _ special educational needs? i agree and we've been led by the - special educational needs? i agree | and we've been led by the evidence which is very clear, not only is this a measure that provides real

support to parents but it also delivers real benefits for children in terms of their learning, their development, academic outcomes and behaviour and i'm delighted that in april we will start rolling out the first pilot schools, including school serving children with special educational needs to demonstrate the difference we will make to children's life chances. i’m difference we will make to children's life chances. i'm sure everyone _ children's life chances. i'm sure everyone in _ children's life chances. i'm sure everyone in this _ children's life chances. i'm sure everyone in this house - children's life chances. i'm sure everyone in this house shares l children's life chances. i'm sure i everyone in this house shares her objective of making sure that children get the best education and have the best education possible but why then is she dismantling the infrastructure which has delivered improvements? special schools, school is able to attract the best teachers, school is able to tailor the curriculum, why does she want to dismantle that? if the pointer she

wants to educational standards? i just have to say to the honourable gentleman that just just have to say to the honourable gentleman thatjust isn't the case and i would invite him to read the bill and i will come onto further measures that we are setting out. madam deputy speaker, if we believe that every child deserves the best, but every class deserves a top teacher, that every state school must be a great school, then we can't have excellence for some and just ok for the rest. we need all schools working together to deliver national, high quality offer for all children with the flexibility to innovate beyond that. so that parents know whatever their local school, this government is their child's greatest champion. the best schools in trusts do incredible work and i pay tribute to them. they are engines of innovation, civic leaders, collaboration and improvement central to their success. they prove excellence already exists in the system, now is the time to spread it to all

schools. that doesn't mean no competition. competition can the healthy but competition that encourages schools to hoard best practice or to export problems to others must be replaced by collaboration, by schools working together to solve problems and put children first. i don'tjust mean collaboration within trusts, true collaboration within trusts, true collaboration looks outward. a shared purpose, in communities. so that every child in every school can benefit from best practice. so, this bill brings reform, it demands high and rising standards across the board. we will restore the principal established by lord baker that every child will benefit from the same core national curriculum following the curriculum and assessment review.

but conservative national curriculum review was beneficial to me. every child will be told and taught by an excellent and qualified teacher who has undertaken statutory induction, supported by giving every school the flexibility to create attractive pay condition offers to recruit and retain excellent teachers. and backing the schools to do this and to keep it going. i will give way. thank you very much indeed. i agree, as with everybody, that we want excellent standards for all schools. can i ask why are one of the ideas that this side of the house have is that this side of the house have is that it that this side of the house have is thatitis that this side of the house have is that it is a failing school new management would going to increase the standards and yet the opposite sides in the secretary of state now wants to dismantle that? i call that

vandalism and our education system. no and i would invite the right honourable need to look carefully at the measures that are here. we will not hesitate to intervene in failing schools but actually we will intervene a lot sooner than they did intervene a lot sooner than they did in schools that are hosting or those that fall short of the statutory level of intervention and they will see regional improvement teams in their schools driving up standards. this madam deputy speaker, where there is failure in the system, where schools are not delivering the standards that every child deserves, we will act, but that action will always be guided by what's best for children in those schools. that may well be a canonisation, it may be targeted intervention to drive change in practice and drive up standards rather than structure and

this bill will convert the duty to issue academy orders into a power to better deliver high and rising standards for all children, strengthening the range of ways in which failure can be tackled and can be no excuse for fixating on structures not on because what matters is what works. this bill also ends the presumption that new schools should be academies, giving local authorities the freedom to deliver the schools that their communities need and that includes the ability to open new special schools, something members right across this house know is a major challenge we face in this government will work tirelessly to make sure all children with special educational needs and disabilities receive the support they need to achieve. the last government left this for too long and we will tackle it and make sure all of our children

get a great education. i’m it and make sure all of our children get a great education.— get a great education. i'm grateful for the secretary _ get a great education. i'm grateful for the secretary of _ get a great education. i'm grateful for the secretary of state - get a great education. i'm grateful for the secretary of state for - for the secretary of state for giving way and she mentioned special schools and all members across this chamber will have people not getting support they need such as the mental health or support of other types. once you consider putting a mental health professional in all of our schools, including special schools, so that our children's well—being can be improved, including a mental health? i can be improved, including a mental health? , ., ., ., ., , health? i share the honourable lady lasma health? i share the honourable lady plasma concern _ health? i share the honourable lady plasma concern about _ health? i share the honourable lady plasma concern about the _ health? i share the honourable lady plasma concern about the mental. plasma concern about the mental health challenges that many of the young people are experiencing and we are committed to rolling out mental health support across our schools. i would also say in the wider challenge that we see around support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, i want to make clear to this house that the reform we need to engaging in this area, the change required is complex and it will take time and i invite members across this house to work with us on the change that is required, her party and others in

order to get this right because for far too long children with special educational needs and disabilities have been failed by the system, parents have lost trust and confidence in it and it is bankrupting local councils. can i thank my honourable _ bankrupting local councils. can i thank my honourable friend for giving way? she spoke about academies and various forms of schools. can she confirm there is nothing at all in this bill that will result in a teacher in any school getting a pay cut? mr; school getting a pay cut? my honourable friend brings a wealth of experience to this house is a teacher and i know that teachers will want to hear what this will mean for their pay and so i will reiterate today that the measures in this bill and the changes we will bring forward to the school teachers pay and conditions document is in the following remit will not cut teacher's pay. i the following remit will not cut teacher's pay-— teacher's pay. i will give way. thank you — teacher's pay. i will give way. thank you for _ teacher's pay. i will give way. thank you for giving - teacher's pay. i will give way. thank you for giving way. - teacher's pay. i will give way. j thank you for giving way. she teacher's pay. i will give way. - thank you for giving way. she spoke about her focus on standards but the free schools programme has drawn up

standards across the country so i was one of the first actions to threaten 44 preschool project developer parents, pupils and communities and wishy lifts that veil of uncertainty over them? we are looking carefully at the schools that are in the pipeline but what i will say to the honourable gentleman is that we need to make sure that in every case there is a strong case for the need for the school and that there is good value for the taxpayer and we have inherited an enormous challenge where it comes to the public finances and we have had to make difficult decisions because of the £22 billion black hole that he and his party left behind in the right honourable lady opposite who is shunting away and was in cabinet and in the treasury and responsible for overseeing all of this as chief secretary. madam deputy speaker, returning to support the children with special educational needs and

disabilities, we will improve inclusivity in mainstream schools while ensuring the specialist provision can cater for those with the most complex of needs. the changes this bill brings are underpinned by a wider reforms to drive improvement and new school report cards give a full picture of a school's performance, new regional improvement rise teams to draw on the excellence in our system and bring schools together to spread good practice and to challenge underperformance. accountability in inspection should be a galvanising force for improvement, a catalyst force for improvement, a catalyst for quality, raising the floor of success, not lowering the ceiling of ambition. not to drag schools down but to do lift children up is about them and always about them. i will rive wa . them and always about them. i will give way- i— them and always about them. i will give way- i am _ them and always about them. i will give way. i am grateful— them and always about them. i will give way. i am grateful for- them and always about them. in ii. give way. i am grateful for the speech my right honourable friend is giving, not we will come out of that debate now.

you can continue to follow that debate in the commons over on the bbc iplayer but for now, we are going to away from that debate. it is a piece of legislation that the government had promised to introduce, a very wide—ranging piece of legislation including a number of measures to protect vulnerable children. it takes in a tougher rules around home—schooling, support for children in care, changes to school inspections, changes to academies. there are a number of changes giving parents the rights, parents rights of children primary schools access to breakfast clubs, so i really wide—ranging piece of legislation there, but it has taken on added significance today because the conservative party had tried to amend that piece of legislation in order to call for a public inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal.

they had tried to attach an amendment onto that piece of legislation on this issue, which has risen rapidly up the political agenda. we heard the education secretary talk about that at the start of her statement, saying that voting against that bill was a vote against the safety of children, boating against their future because of that amendment was supported, then the whole bill would for. let's talk now to our political correspondent. he has been watching that debate. we have not heard yet from laura trott, the shadow education secretary but it was clear that bridget philipson wanted to stress that that bill should not be interfered with in order to try and make some progress, pretty good progress on the grooming issue? aha, progress on the grooming issue? masterful summary of what is contained in this bill because as you say, it is important to remember it is a two—pronged bill. one is

about childcare, making sure that children are not the victims of abuse, of course extremely topical at the moment. the other, and again, huge area, is about education. how britain's schools works. so far, absolutely at the start of her speech, bridget used the opportunity to say whatever you think about the need for another inquiry or not, for goodness' sake, get onside with this particular bill because it does address safeguarding measures for children. so far, most of the debate has been around provisions about education where opposition mps, couple of conservative mps are questioning the idea of limiting the independence of academies, which they say were originally an idea from tony blair, anybody remember him? actually they have been doing a good job. him? actually they have been doing a goodjob. d0 him? actually they have been doing a aood 'ob. ~ �*, ., good 'ob. do we think there's going to be good job. do we think there's going to be a vote — good job. do we think there's going to be a vote now— good job. do we think there's going to be a vote now on _ good job. do we think there's going to be a vote now on that _ to be a vote now on that conservative amendment made with the saturn? the

conservative amendment made with the saturn? . , ., , ., saturn? the latest we heard is that the amendment _ saturn? the latest we heard is that the amendment has _ saturn? the latest we heard is that the amendment has been - saturn? the latest we heard is that the amendment has been selected | saturn? the latest we heard is that i the amendment has been selected by the amendment has been selected by the speaker so it is certainly there to be voted on and to judge the speaker so it is certainly there to be voted on and tojudge by the speaker so it is certainly there to be voted on and to judge by what happened at prime and it is question is, the leader of the conservative party made it clear that it was her view that there should be another inquiry into grooming gangs. it would seem likely that they are going to push that to a vote. when i say likely, who knows? it is there to be voted on. we say likely, who knows? it is there to be voted on.— say likely, who knows? it is there to be voted on. we shall see what ha--ens to be voted on. we shall see what happens later— to be voted on. we shall see what happens later at _ to be voted on. we shall see what happens later at westminster. - happens later at westminster. we will keep you up—to—date on the iplayer for anyone who wants to follow that debate in the commons. rescue teams say they have found a body. the two from london had

travelled to northern italy on the 29th of december. they spend new year's eve in a remote hut near lake garda but had not been heard from since sending a whatsapp message on the 1st of january. they did not checkin the 1st of january. they did not check in for their flight home today days ago. our reporter has the latest. the last video sent on new year's day. the two had spent the night in this hut at the base of the dolomites and they were getting ready for the day ahead. the two were experienced hikers and had spent several days exploring the mountains. they had tracked up to the hut on new year's eve and messaged home to say they had carried mugs to the hot for a fire to see the new year in. he spoke to his girlfriend on new year's morning and said his battery was dying. later that day, messages she sent

were not being received. after that, no contact at all from the two did not check—in for their flight home january six. specialist alpine search and rescue teams had to call off their operation yesterday as the weather and his ability was too bad. but this morning, they reached the hut where they find the equipment and shortly afterwards confirmed they had found a body buried under they had found a body buried under the snow. ., ., , .., ., the snow. unfortunately we cannot make hypotheses _ the snow. unfortunately we cannot make hypotheses because - the snow. unfortunately we cannot make hypotheses because we - the snow. unfortunately we cannot| make hypotheses because we don't really know what has happened. we only know where we found him and we found that in this place, it was really rocky and steep. although it is too early — really rocky and steep. although it is too early to _ really rocky and steep. although it is too early to know _ really rocky and steep. although it is too early to know what - really rocky and steep. although it i is too early to know what happened, he says this is a difficult place to explore. we he says this is a difficult place to exlore. ~ . , ., ., ., explore. we have snow, wind, fog and we have really — explore. we have snow, wind, fog and we have really steep _ explore. we have snow, wind, fog and we have really steep places _ explore. we have snow, wind, fog and we have really steep places with - we have really steep places with rocky cliffs, so if you don't know where to go, if you don't know where

to go, it is really easy to get lost. , ., , ., lost. his partner and friends are in the area as _ lost. his partner and friends are in the area as the _ lost. his partner and friends are in the area as the search _ lost. his partner and friends are in the area as the search using - lost. his partner and friends are in the area as the search using a - lost. his partner and friends are inj the area as the search using a that specialise in avalanche rescue continues. nhs bosses are warning that this first week of 2025 has been exceptionally difficult. high rates of flu combined with cold weather and issues such as flooding has caused a surge in demand. patients in part of england have been facing waits of up to 50 hours in a&e units and a number of nhs trusts have declared critical incidents because of the very high demand. rising cases of flu combined with the bad weather and flooding has led to a host of hospitals, around a

dozen, we believe, declaring critical incidents. it is notjust hospitals. ambulance services as well east midlands ambulance service has declared a cortical incident for the first time in its history. this is a fast changing situation, some just to care for a few hours, others for several days. just to care for a few hours, others forseveral days. it just to care for a few hours, others for several days. it is not unusual at this time of year to see critical incidents called. it allows services to recall staff from leave, to stop doing some of that nonurgent work, as well as a signal to nearby hospitals that they may need support, for example, anne since to be diverted elsewhere. when we look back to two years ago, there were around 30 services are declared critical incidents. more than twice the number that we have seen so far this week, but nhs bosses say it is still a very challenging situation. the flu has not yet peaked, it could be a week or two so we will see the pressures get worse before they get

better. the latest on the pressures on hospitals across the country this winter. we have been discussing the debate that has been happening in the house of commons where mps are discussing the children's well—being and schools bill. that has taken on added significance because of a conservative attempt to change it to add a request for a public inquiry into grooming gangs. that debate is still going on. if you want to follow that debate, you can join the bbc iplayer which is taking that debate live. it is anti—rigour, anti—choice and anti—accountability. {line it is anti-rigour, anti-choice and anti-accountability.— it is anti-rigour, anti-choice and anti-accountability. one of the most imressive anti-accountability. one of the most impressive aspects _ anti-accountability. one of the most impressive aspects of _ anti-accountability. one of the most impressive aspects of the _ anti-accountability. one of the most impressive aspects of the previous l impressive aspects of the previous government was the work instituted lry government was the work instituted by michael gove to build on the reforms — by michael gove to build on the reforms of tony blair carried on by successive — reforms of tony blair carried on by successive secretaries of state like my right _ successive secretaries of state like my right honourable friend. will she

commit _ my right honourable friend. will she commit the — my right honourable friend. will she commit the next conservative government to reverse these changes and ensure — government to reverse these changes and ensure there are more choices in the curriculum, so we bring competition to firefighters are battling through the night to contain wildfires in los angeles. several evacuation orders are in place, go ahead and that 30,000 people have been forced from their homes. ukraine says it has had a russian oil depot that supplies fuel to an important military air base. —— has hit. firefighters in california are battling three different blazes in and around los angeles that

are being fuelled by a ferocious windstorm — and the devastation we're seeing is quite extraordinary. these are live pictures now of a fire which has grown to 1000 acres in a matter of hours. we have been talking about these three life—threatening fires, but understanding the fire service now it has grown up to four. the number has gone up and it is because of a fire in riverside county, the fourth fire, it has now consumed about 15 acres and taken up about 15 acres of land there. so we are now talking about four life—threatening fires that are destroying homes and racing across los angeles. let's just take you through some of the pictures that we have seen in the past few hours. this footage gives you an idea of how fierce the files are. it was found beside the pacific coast highway. and look at those firefighters there in silhouette just in front of the flames. a

number of buildings have been destroyed, the emergency teams are telling us they are unable to stop the flames at the moment. they have created huge plumes of smoke billowing over the city. this footage was filmed on tuesday afternoon. if you watch this time—lapse footage taken right by the coast, there is the beach, you can see just how much of the smokers covering parts of aloe. it shows how the smoke increased during the day. this video is from the pacific palisades area, one of the areas most at risk from the wildfires. it shows how the flames had spread into residential areas as well, consuming a number of homes. very tricky for the fire teams there, they are pretty tired already. a battalion chief at the department of forestry and fire protection took a break and told me about what they are dealing with. ~ . �* told me about what they are dealing with. . . �* ., with. what we're dealing with here is very significant _ with. what we're dealing with here

is very significant wind _ with. what we're dealing with here is very significant wind event, - is very significant wind event, winds of 60 to 100 mph. unlike most times, it has been stronger all night long, we have had no relief, and so our numbers that we had four acres burned has not changed in the last couple of hours. we should shortly have some significant increase in acreage. i5 shortly have some significant increase in acreage.- shortly have some significant increase in acreage. is this the worst you _ increase in acreage. is this the worst you have _ increase in acreage. is this the worst you have ever _ increase in acreage. is this the worst you have ever seen, - increase in acreage. is this the i worst you have ever seen, david, increase in acreage. is this the - worst you have ever seen, david, and all of your experience? so many people are telling us that in california have never seen quite like it. . ., california have never seen quite like it. . . , california have never seen quite like it. . , , ., california have never seen quite likeit. . , ., , california have never seen quite like it. . . , , ., , ., like it. what is so unusual is that it is fire in _ like it. what is so unusual is that it is fire in january, _ like it. what is so unusual is that it is fire in january, so _ like it. what is so unusual is that it is fire in january, so early - like it. what is so unusual is that it is fire in january, so early in i it is fire injanuary, so early in the year. we don't even refer to a fire season any more now, it is just a fire year, because there's so much going on. we have severalfires on the last day of 2024, and now clearly in the first week, just over a week, 2025, we now have significant wildfires.- a week, 2025, we now have significant wildfires. what does that mean for— significant wildfires. what does that mean for your _ significant wildfires. what does that mean for your team? - significant wildfires. what does that mean for your team? they significant wildfires. what does - that mean for your team? they must be exhausted?—

be exhausted? fortunately we were able to move _ be exhausted? fortunately we were able to move some _ be exhausted? fortunately we were able to move some personnel- be exhausted? fortunately we were able to move some personnel down j able to move some personnel down from the north part of california down to the south in order to be prepared, howeveryes, it is down to the south in order to be prepared, however yes, it is very difficult and tiring, so it'll take everybody working together along with shiftwork in order to make sure that we have the correct work and rest cycle, while also protecting people and elements. find rest cycle, while also protecting people and elements.— rest cycle, while also protecting people and elements. and in terms of the containment, _ people and elements. and in terms of the containment, is _ people and elements. and in terms of the containment, is there _ people and elements. and in terms of the containment, is there any - people and elements. and in terms of the containment, is there any at - people and elements. and in terms of the containment, is there any at the l the containment, is there any at the moment, orall three the containment, is there any at the moment, or all three of these files just moving so quickly it is almost impossible to contain them? yes. impossible to contain them? yes, with 60 to — impossible to contain them? yes, with 60 to 100 — impossible to contain them? yes, with so to 100 mph _ impossible to contain them? 1a: with 60 to 100 mph winds, we impossible to contain them? is: with 60 to 100 mph winds, we are not going to be focused on containment. right now, we are focusing on making sure everybody is safe, that every light as possible, human, pets, and livestock. we are making sure all of them out of the way of the fire, and once the winds stop, we will be able to really assess where we can stop the fire and make sure they are able

to return home as quickly as possible. fix. to return home as quickly as possible-— to return home as quickly as ossible. . . . ,. , ., possible. a climate scientist gave me her assessment _ possible. a climate scientist gave me her assessment of _ possible. a climate scientist gave me her assessment of what - possible. a climate scientist gave me her assessment of what is - me her assessment of what is happening on the ground as well. brute happening on the ground as well. we have got a combination of really dry conditions. — have got a combination of really dry conditions, and around three fifths of california is abnormally dry at the moment, combined with these extremely— the moment, combined with these extremely windy dry conditions which is fanning _ extremely windy dry conditions which is fanning the flames, so you have the stages — is fanning the flames, so you have the stages set by the drier conditions, and then adding to that, these _ conditions, and then adding to that, these really windy conditions which are causing the fire is to spread very— are causing the fire is to spread very rapidly. is are causing the fire is to spread very rapidly-— are causing the fire is to spread very rapidly. is it the wind that is the very big _ very rapidly. is it the wind that is the very big problem _ very rapidly. is it the wind that is the very big problem and - very rapidly. is it the wind that is the very big problem and a - very rapidly. is it the wind that is the very big problem and a big i the very big problem and a big difference at the moment, that it is so windy? difference at the moment, that it is so wind ? . , , ., so windy? yeah, these winds are su erd so windy? yeah, these winds are superdry and _ so windy? yeah, these winds are superdry and super _ so windy? yeah, these winds are superdry and super fast, - so windy? yeah, these winds are superdry and super fast, they . so windy? yeah, these winds are | superdry and super fast, they are gusty— superdry and super fast, they are gusty and — superdry and super fast, they are gusty and it means that when you have _ gusty and it means that when you have these — gusty and it means that when you have these particular conditions that, _ have these particular conditions that, blowing over the mountains, have these particular conditions that, blowing overthe mountains, it means— that, blowing overthe mountains, it means that— that, blowing overthe mountains, it means that the fire conditions can, much _ means that the fire conditions can, much larger— means that the fire conditions can, much larger area, the fire spread more _ much larger area, the fire spread more rapidly and it can fan the

flames, — more rapidly and it can fan the flames, making it more intense, so it is a _ flames, making it more intense, so it is a very— flames, making it more intense, so it is a very important factor. but these winds _ it is a very important factor. eli these winds are normally seasonal, right? why are we now starting to see wildfires all year round? irate right? why are we now starting to see wildfires all year round? we do see wildfires all year round? we do see these winds _ see wildfires all year round? we do see these winds particularly - see wildfires all year round? we do see these winds particularly in - see wildfires all year round? we do see these winds particularly in the l see these winds particularly in the winter. _ see these winds particularly in the winter. and — see these winds particularly in the winter, and they are a particular factor— winter, and they are a particular factor when we have winter autumn wildfires _ factor when we have winter autumn wildfires in— factor when we have winter autumn wildfires in this region, wildfires in the _ wildfires in this region, wildfires in the summerare wildfires in this region, wildfires in the summer are often caused by slightly— in the summer are often caused by slightly different conditions, so the fact— slightly different conditions, so the fact that we are seeing wildfires year round, part of that is to— wildfires year round, part of that is to do— wildfires year round, part of that is to do with climate change because we have _ is to do with climate change because we have more frequent drought conditions, and those dry conditions tell us— conditions, and those dry conditions tell us that — conditions, and those dry conditions tell us that you are preconditioning the land. _ tell us that you are preconditioning the land. if— tell us that you are preconditioning the land, if you like, so if you do -et the land, if you like, so if you do get something triggered to cause a wildfire _ get something triggered to cause a wildfire and for that wealth are to be more — wildfire and for that wealth are to be more intense. as the planet heats up, we _ be more intense. as the planet heats up. we are _ be more intense. as the planet heats up, we are seeing these dry hot conditions — up, we are seeing these dry hot conditions happening more frequently, so that happens in the summer— frequently, so that happens in the summer but also as we are seeing now in the _ summer but also as we are seeing now in the winter— summer but also as we are seeing now in the wintertime as well. one summer but also as we are seeing now in the winter time as well.— in the winter time as well. one of the big focus _ in the winter time as well. one of the big focus is _ in the winter time as well. one of the big focus is at _ in the winter time as well. one of the big focus is at the _

in the winter time as well. one of the big focus is at the moment i in the winter time as well. one of the big focus is at the moment is| the big focus is at the moment is on what is happening in the pacific palisades area, which is where the biggest fires, and a lot of celebrities live there, it often features in some of the hollywood films and tv shows that come out of that bit of california as well. lots of celebrities live there, they have all had to leave their homes as well. let'sjust all had to leave their homes as well. let's just take you through some of the comments we have heard from them, eugene levy lives there, he has said the smoke looks pretty black and intense, he could not see any flames that the smoke was very dark. steve guttenberg stayed to help firefighters move cars and make room for incoming fire trucks. he told local tv that people are taking their keys with them as if it is a parking lot, but really need people to move their cars. we were just speaking to our correspondent who is there, he said a lot of cars are

being abandoned on the highway and are having to bring in bulldozers to bring the cars out of the way to make room for the fire trucks. other celebrities have not cleared their homes, we understand that tom hanks and jennifer aniston and reese witherspoon have all left their homes. james woods described evacuating his home and said he was not sure it was still standing, and he says it feels like losing a loved one. on instagram, mark hamill called the plays is the most horrific fire since 1993 and says he evacuated malibu so last minute there were small fires on both sides of the road. sojust there were small fires on both sides of the road. so just some of the people having to leave the area, but just to remind you, we are hearing 30,000 people have been evacuated, so they are just a few of the celebrities commenting on social media and those comments are we being picked up. let's talk more

about the reasons we fires are so bad at the moment and bring in our environment correspondent matt mcgrath. matt, a lot of people will be asking of climate change has a role to play here.— role to play here. yes, a lot of --eole role to play here. yes, a lot of people will _ role to play here. yes, a lot of people will be _ role to play here. yes, a lot of people will be asking - role to play here. yes, a lot of people will be asking that - role to play here. yes, a lot of - people will be asking that question indeed, and while it doesn't have a direct role to play, it is undoubtedly impacting the background to these fires. obviously the high winds and the dry conditions are the immediate causes and the immediate spreaders of these fires, but if you look at what is happening in california over the last number of years, i can give you a clue as to how climate change has played a role here. california has had drought for two decades or so, then over the last two years, it has had a lot of rain. things like shrubs and trees have been growing rapidly, these are of course fuel for fires. but then a very dry summer and autumn last year, and the wind is blowing things

out to the coast at 60 to 70 mph, it does not take much to start that kind of conflagration. normally these things happen up on mountains, but the winds been so strong and powerful have brought those down to the areas where people live, and it is really having a significant impact on tens of thousands of people. impact on tens of thousands of --eole. �* impact on tens of thousands of neale, �* ., ., impact on tens of thousands of --eole. �* ., ., ., people. and the governor of california — people. and the governor of california making _ people. and the governor of california making the - people. and the governor of california making the point. people. and the governor of. california making the point that these are now year—round risks that they face in the state, notjust a fire season any more, it could happen happen at any time. it is a fire ear, happen happen at any time. it is a fire year, according _ happen happen at any time. it is a fire year, according to _ fire year, according to gavin newsom, that ties in with what the firefighters are saying as well. they look at days when those types of fire are likely to happen, chapters are higher and things are dry. they say that those fire weather days, the number of them around the world are increasing, particularly in california, and fire seasons are increasing as well, that chimes with what the governor has been saying, that essential it is fire seasons are all year round, and the evidence were seen in the last

couple would seem to support that. matt, good to see you, thanks so much. we have spoken to me to law just as well who say this big issue of anti—wind will be bad for another few hours at least and dying down, but still quite significant over the next day or so and that is really causing problems picking up the embers, throwing them around, making the fires spread, something they cannot control but something they will continue to keep an eye on coming out of california, all the pictures and news from there. so do stay with us. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news.

in the past few hours, france's foreign minister has hit back against donald trump saying the european union would not let any country — whoever they were — attack its sovereign borders. here's more with our north america editor,

the former danish foreign minister give me her reaction to donald trump's comments. iii give me her reaction to donald trump's comments.— trump's comments. in this conversation _ trump's comments. in this conversation about - trump's comments. in this - conversation about greenland, we must remember a couple of things. greenland is a mission, it has its own people, inuit people, very proud people, strong culture, and any decision around greenland will be taken by the greenlanders. this has been very clear, that has been clear in danish law for many years that any decision around independence or different association for greenland has to be taken by the people of greenland, so this is not a decision for the danish government and is not a decision for the american government either. £311" a decision for the american government either. , ., , government either. our greenlanders close to holding _ government either. our greenlanders close to holding a _ government either. our greenlanders close to holding a referendum - government either. our greenlanders close to holding a referendum on - close to holding a referendum on independence? —— are greenlanders close? irate independence? -- are greenlanders close? ~ ., �* ~ ., , close? we don't know. there has been discussion in — close? we don't know. there has been discussion in the _ close? we don't know. there has been discussion in the past, _ close? we don't know. there has been

discussion in the past, a _ close? we don't know. there has been discussion in the past, a lot _ close? we don't know. there has been discussion in the past, a lot of - discussion in the past, a lot of people in greenland are questioning the past with denmark, so this is a live conversation and discussion in greenland, so you would have to talk to some greenland politicians. but i think a lot of people are thinking about this, perhaps you are at a stage where greenland is going towards independence, strong link between greenland and denmark. strong cultural and family weeks between the two nations, they have said any decision regarding greenland has to be taken by the greenlanders people. flan greenland has to be taken by the greenlanders people.— greenland has to be taken by the greenlanders people. can we assume, ordo greenlanders people. can we assume, or do ou greenlanders people. can we assume, or do you know. _ greenlanders people. can we assume, or do you know, that _ greenlanders people. can we assume, or do you know, that greenland - or do you know, that greenland simply is not for sale? timer;r simply is not for sale? they have said that very _ simply is not for sale? they have said that very clearly, _ simply is not for sale? they have said that very clearly, the - simply is not for sale? they have | said that very clearly, the current premiere of greenland has said that very clearly. we are talking about a little bit under 60,000, if any

sensitive nature —— a very sensitive nature, and i think that many people from dreamland will try to protect that nature, they have invented responsible tourism that they are starting up there now, so this is all a question for greenland, the premier has been very clear that greenland is not for sale. as syria's new government works to rebuild international ties, there are growing calls at home for members of civil society to take an active role in shaping the new constitution. after five decades under the dictatorship of the assad family, syrian streets are bustling with activists and young professionals openly discussing their country's future. lina sinjab reports from damascus.

a painting could get him thrown in jail or worse executed. this one he drew in 2012 at the height of the peaceful protests. all these years, he kept it hidden, but now that bashar al—assad is gone, he is finally able to show it to be walled. translation: this finally able to show it to be walled. translation: this is an imaue walled. translation: this is an image that _ walled. translation: this is an image that is _ walled. translation: this is an image that is unforgettable - walled. translation: this is an image that is unforgettable for i walled. translation: this is an | image that is unforgettable for me and summarises the peaceful protest in 2011 and the unjustified brutality of the regime. irwin in 2011 and the unjustified brutality of the regime. now is the time for everyone _ brutality of the regime. now is the time for everyone in _ brutality of the regime. now is the time for everyone in the _ brutality of the regime. now is the time for everyone in the society i brutality of the regime. now is the time for everyone in the society to | time for everyone in the society to contribute. irate time for everyone in the society to contribute-— contribute. we are facing a big battle in the _

contribute. we are facing a big battle in the coming _ contribute. we are facing a big battle in the coming months, l contribute. we are facing a big i battle in the coming months, the more the military powers back down. in another part of town come out of getting organised. translation: it is basically raising awareness about civil rights, — is basically raising awareness about civil rights, that the concepts that were _ civil rights, that the concepts that were absent from the syrian people's minds. _ were absent from the syrian people's minds. and _ were absent from the syrian people's minds, and we are trying to find our role in— minds, and we are trying to find our role in the _ minds, and we are trying to find our role in the next step of building the syrian — role in the next step of building the syrian future. this role in the next step of building the syrian future.— role in the next step of building the syrian future. this place has become a _ the syrian future. this place has become a venue _ the syrian future. this place has become a venue for— the syrian future. this place has become a venue for debate, - the syrian future. this place has - become a venue for debate, something that never happened before. translation:— that never happened before. translation: ., ., ., , translation: one quarter of syria is still under occupation, _ translation: one quarter of syria is still under occupation, you're - still under occupation, you're talking women's rates?- still under occupation, you're talking women's rates? what is the difference between _ talking women's rates? what is the difference between now— talking women's rates? what is the difference between now and - talking women's rates? what is the | difference between now and months later? _ difference between now and months later? ., , ., .,

difference between now and months later? ., ., .,~ difference between now and months later? ., , ., ., ., ~' , , later? people want to make sure they are included. — later? people want to make sure they are included, especially— later? people want to make sure they are included, especially women. - later? people want to make sure they are included, especially women. theyj are included, especially women. they don't want to be deprived of their rights, they want to be assertive. but still for many syrians, the main worry remains how to physically rebuild the country. after more than a decade of war, entire neighbourhoods are still in trouble. translation: we neighbourhoods are still in trouble. translation:— neighbourhoods are still in trouble. translation: ~ ., �* ~ ., ., translation: we don't know when or how we can rebuild. _ translation: we don't know when or how we can rebuild. people _ translation: we don't know when or how we can rebuild. people want - translation: we don't know when or how we can rebuild. people want to i how we can rebuild. people want to go back to their homes.— go back to their homes. there's a -aressin go back to their homes. there's a pressing need _ go back to their homes. there's a pressing need to _ go back to their homes. there's a pressing need to bring _ go back to their homes. there's a pressing need to bring life - go back to their homes. there's a pressing need to bring life back i go back to their homes. there's a i pressing need to bring life back out of the rubble. we are getting some pictures at the moment, this is the rotunda in the capital where people have come to

pay their respects. the former us presidentjimmy carter lying in state in washington, during which time the public can, as they are, people very moved by the experiences, if any and sad moment for many people. we have seen many people filing past for some time now. a first funeral service was held for him in atlanta on saturday. a state funeral will be held for the former president, butjust to remind you as well, jimmy carter served as the 39th us president from 19 some discipline until 1981. he died in december at the age of 100 in his home town of plains, georgia. the

state funeral takes place on thursday in washington, dc on the bbc will provide complaints of coverage of that. it has been very cold and snowy for people who have gone to the rotunda to pay their respects, huge winter storm is whipping across the east of the us. real concern as well about those who are homeless, shoppers have been opening their doors to try to help rough sleepers, a storm of bringing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures across the region and dripping a number of cities that have seen a surge in homelessness over the last year. tom bateman has more. along the roadside are america's left behind. tens of thousands of homeless people are facing a brutal winter

on the us east coast. my tent here that got crushed by the snow yesterday, but it was fine. i'm just going to clear the snow later on. john sebastian scrapes by spending the freezing nights at the shelter. can you show us your place? sure. and comes back to guard his spot here during the day. yeah, you always put some food. i try to place as many blankets as i can so it stays warm. that's the secret for warmth. do you need a hat? yes. here you are. thank you. an aid worker comes to help. come on. what? come and talk to me. homelessness in the us is at record levels, fuelled by soaring city rents and post—pandemic inflation. that's whenji lost his job as a mason's apprentice. he's been sleeping rough for two years. is that a heater? is that a heater there? now he tries to stay warm however he can. it was just hard. and, i mean, despite everything else i was dealing with, you know, just trying to bounce back and gather my thoughts, you know? but it all works out eventually. what's up? how are you doing? man, another day in paradise!

even the expressway embankments here are a refuge for the homeless now in the bitter cold. we've got about a foot of snow here. it dropped to —8 overnight. the people here say they've just been trying to keep warm, but they've also been told they've only got around a week left here before the authorities come and clear their tents away. and they'll have to move on again. as they're shifted around, the soup kitchens mean warmth and continuity, and some sanctuary. angie fled her home state, a survivor of domestic violence, and came to washington, now facing herfirst winter on the streets. it's terrible. it isjust bone chilling. and it's... ..you're out there at nights and early mornings. shelters tell you to get out at 6am, you're waiting for buses till seven,

7.30 to get here and get a hot meal. it's like a race to get a hot meal, basically, when you're in the shelter, and this is what makes all the difference. there's nothing like a hot cup of coffee and a hot meal when you have no money and nowhere to go. and now angie is moving on again, wondering where that next hot cup of coffee will come from, with fighting the cold still a daily struggle for many in the world's wealthiest country. tom bateman, bbc news, washington. a series of israeli airstrikes overnight in gaza has killed more than two dozen people. local health officials have said 51 have been people killed in the past 24 hours. in the khan younis area of southern gaza, 19 people were killed, including eight children, in attacks that struck a home and a camp,

housing thousands of displaced palestinians. israel says it killed hamas fighters. back to texas and california, of these wildfires raging out of control. we have been talking for the past two hours about three fires, we havejust heard the past two hours about three fires, we have just heard there are now four, they have identified another in riverside county that has burned through 15 acres so far, and is also out of control. so it is now four wildfires raging in the suburbs of los angeles, hundreds of firefighters are now working to contain the blazers, but this it is virtually impossible at the moment. really hard to bring the fires under control as the winds are so strong, and it is tinder dry in this part of california as well. so it is the wind that really is causing the problem is, people say they are so strong, they are not used to winds, even though they come often, they are not used to them being quite as strong as this, one resident saying they are inside their home and they

can hear and feel the windows chicken, which gives you an idea of the strength of the winds. we are going to bring you more on this throughout the day here on bbc news, so do stay with us, but for now, lets join chris with the weather. wintry showers across northern areas, dry but cold weather for the bulk of the uk, and then slightly more tricky zone in the south. an area of low pressure moving into france, rain at the moment towards the south coast that is the winds turn more north—easterly this afternoon, widely this will be turning actually to snow. so most of us i think we'll see some flakes of snow following this afternoon and into this evening time, but before we get too excited, probablyjust a centimetre or two in places. over dartmoor, a bit more than that, five to ten centimetres possible, bringing some localised destruction, certainly some tricky conditions out on the roads and pavements, where any of that snow does start to

settle. otherwise, temperatures struggling to get much above freezing, and overnight, after the showers of the rain, sleet, snow has moved through, we are looking at icy conditions with another widespread sharp frost. overall, temperatures somewhat of what we have last night, -7 somewhat of what we have last night, —7 in glasgow as we head into thursday morning. still the cold air, another day of sunshine and some wintry showers particularly around coastal areas. to of the frost itself, rain and sleet possible, but in land, some further accumulation of snow possible, icy conditions lasting well into the day. as we go through thursday night, the sky is clear for much of the country, and we are looking at a very cold night indeed. difficult to know exactly how low temperatures will go, but parts of scotland and northern england will be plumbing the depths. we could see somewhere

between —15 and —20 in the very coldest locations. intifada, mist and freezing fog patches or storm, but more cloud and south—western areas as some slightly less cold air starts to move its way and come at a temperatures up to seven celsius in plymouth. otherwise, another cold day. into the weekend and next week, eventually we are going to start to see some mild south—westerly winds push in. through the weekend, starting to turn less cold, milder air arriving into next week with temperatures returning to double figures for many.

live from london, this is bbc news. firefighters are battling through the night in california to contain wildfires in and around los angeles. these are the live pictures. a state of emergency has been declared. several evacuation orders are in place and 30,000 people are forced out of their homes. but i these wind gusts are at time hurricane force wind gusts, they pick up the burning hot embers and gusts, they pick up the burning hot embers— hot embers and spread them a mile or more _ hot embers and spread them a mile or more away _ hot embers and spread them a mile or more away at times. i mile or more away at times. those things are catching fire. rescue workers in tibet race against time and freezing conditions to search for survivors, after a major earthquake kills at least 126 people. france's foreign minister hits back against donald trump, who refuses to rule out using military or economic force to take control of greenland.