nhs they will be no nhs to fix the i nhs they will be no nhs to fix the other— nhs they will be no nhsbillion on - for mental health —— 2 billion on the furlough _ for mental health —— 2 billion on the furlough scheme. _ for mental health —— 2 billion on the furlough scheme. we - for mental health —— 2 billion on the furlough scheme. we are i for mental health —— 2 billion on i the furlough scheme. we are quite clear. _ the furlough scheme. we are quite clear. we _ the furlough scheme. we are quite clear, we would _ the furlough scheme. we are quite clear, we would get— the furlough scheme. we are quite clear, we would get the _ the furlough scheme. we are quite clear, we would get the nhs- the furlough scheme. we are quite i clear, we would get the nhs waiting list back— clear, we would get the nhs waiting list back to — clear, we would get the nhs waiting list back to pre—pandemic _ clear, we would get the nhs waiting list back to pre—pandemic levels, i clear, we would get the nhs waiting| list back to pre—pandemic levels, we are hot— list back to pre—pandemic levels, we are not agai

yes, so we know, in the nhs, nhs, of course. yes, so we know, in the nhs, there _ nhs, of course.hs, there has been _ nhs, of course. yes, so we know, in the nhs, there has been huge - the nhs, there has been huge pressure for many years in terms of waiting times and i do bear with patience because often when you see them with a&e, they are presented because they haven't been able to get an appointment or the pain or whatever sinton has become too much and they have to see us, and sometimes these appointments have to be expedited and they have to be admitted, but over the last year, the priority has obviously been coronavirus, so we have had to redeploy a number of nhs workers into the emergency sector and this has obviously meant a little waiting time on elective procedures and stuff, which would normally be outpatient dates. like any system in the uk, we have had to change things up the uk, we have had to change things up a little bit and this unfortunately has had an effect on patients and we know waiting times have increased, but now we see ourselves slowly getting out of the

nhs england sa s 4096 take it. and get better. nhs england says 4096 of — take it. and get better.covid _ take it. and get better. nhs england says 4096 of all covid hospital - says 40% of all covid hospital admissions came injanuary and february this year, but even so, many routine operations went ahead and there was a £1 billion fund to increase treatment. data from scotland, wales and northern ireland is published at different times, but the rising waiting lists are an increasing challenge to the nhs in all parts of the uk. and hugh is here. we heard what is going on in croydon and how they are coping with the backlog, but across the nhs, how on earth are they doing?— earth are they doing? george, there are no quick — earth are they doing? george, there are no quick fixes, _ earth are they doing? george, there are no quick fixes, no _ earth are they doing? george, there are no quick fixes, no easy - are no quick fixes, no easy solutions. how do you actually cope with patients coming into the system every week being referred by gps and consultants, plus all those on those long wa

earlier, i spoke to the chief executive of nhs providers, chris hopson.s could be done to improve the situation? well, i think it is going to be a very important and challenging task. what we have said today is that we need a plan, a team plan, between the nhs and the government. on the nhs side, we are going to have to do do a range of different things. we are going to have to be bold and transformational. we are going to need to change the way that we provide some of this care. that�*s going to need the government to come up with some extra funding. in the past, you may remember for example, in the early 2000, when we had similar sizes of waiting list problems, we sort of got round it by paying more overtime by using the private sector. this time, particularly given the range of things that we have to do at the same time, we are going to have to be bolder. we are going to have to do adopt, for example, new technology solutions. we are going to have to get trusts working together much more effectively to improve productivity and efficiency but the bit th

the nurses within the nhs will have to _ staff. the nhs will have to continue _ staff. the nurses within the nhs will have to continue to - staff. the nurses within the nhs will have to continue to work- staff. the nurses within the nhs will have to continue to work at| will have to continue to work at levels beyond what you would normally expect, and that comes on top of the last year—and—a—half where, because of covid, they have been going above and beyond. so it does look like a really tough picture. does look like a really tough icture. , , :, does look like a really tough icture. , :, :, picture. this hospital in croydon set u- a picture. this hospital in croydon set up a dedicated _ picture. this hospital in croydon set up a dedicated centre - picture. this hospital in croydon set up a dedicated centre for. set up a dedicated centre for nonurgent treatment, including dental surgery and some of the beaded work. the aim is to make best use of resources to get through the backlog. bi; use of resources to get through the backlou.

yes, nhs providers. — of nhs treatment. yes, nhs providers, the _ of nhs treatment.f we are going to deal with that in a reasonable time frame, it�*s going to need a bold and radical approach and of course, more money. the government says yes, the nhs is facing significant challenges right now, but it�*s also getting an extra £7 billion. now, but it's also getting an extra £7 billion. :, , , the latest government figures show there were 1,882 new coronavirus infections, recorded in the latest 24—hour period, which means on average the number of new cases reported per day in the last week is 2,555. the number of people in hospital in the uk with coronavirus stands atjust over 2,000. 10 deaths were reported, that�*s of people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test, which means on average in the past week, 26 deaths were announced every day, taking the total to more than 127,000. nearly 140,000 people have had their first dose of a covid—19 vaccine, in the latest 24 hour period, taking the overall number of people who�*ve had their firstjab, to more than 32

nhs data at height of the first wave. yes. change of subject. nhs data at height of the first wave. ongoing saga with the sunday times and the financial times. this ongoing lobby sandal about the former prime minister involving the screen still company which has since gone into bust —— greensill. mr cameron must be wondering why so many e—mails are leaking. it also has figures saying despite the talks they had, there was no attempt to sign up to what he was offering with nhs england. just sign up to what he was offering with nhs england-— nhs england. just to bring in two statements _ nhs england. just to bring in two statements that _ nhs england. just to bring in two statements that have _ nhs england. just to bring in two statements that have come - nhs england. just to bring in two statements that have come off i nhs england. just to bring in two. statements that have come off the back of this. last night, we had a spokesman for david cameron who said that these discussions were about the mechanics to ensure it was delivered for nhs workers efficiently. also a representative fro

nhs backlog. how difficult a “ob is that going to he'lfi nhs backlog.t going to be? well, there are no easy solutions _ that going to be? well, there are no easy solutions or _ that going to be? well, there are no easy solutions or quick _ that going to be? well, there are no easy solutions or quick fixes. - that going to be? well, there are no easy solutions or quick fixes. more i easy solutions or quick fixes. more patients are being referred by doctors every week for treatment and you've of course got this huge backlog. training new staff, new doctors, new nurses, takes years, so a lot of this boils down to money. as one senior player said today, it's beginning to look more like the early 2000s with these long waiting lists, that then labour government put a lot of money into bringing them down. borisjohnson said today, we are going to give the nhs all the funding needed to beat the backlog, we are going to do whatever it takes. now, that's a pretty big statement. it may prove to be a hostage to fortune. there's a lot of pressure on the public financ

yet another challenge for the nhs. hugh pym, bbc news, skipton.,479 new coronavirus infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period, meaning on average 11,570 new cases were reported per day in the last week. that's down by around a third on this time last week. there are 3,957 patients in hospital with covid—19. 51 deaths were reported in the latest 24—hour period — that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test. on average in the past week 46 deaths were announced every day, taking the total number to 126,764. on vaccinations, almost 242,000 people have had theirfirstjab in the latest 24—hour period, bringing the total to just over 31.1 million. and more than 4.5 million people have now had two doses. the founder of liberty steel has insisted that none of its plants in the uk will shut "on his watch", despite revealing the company owes "many billions" of pounds. sanjeev gupta is seeking to refinance the business, after the collapse of its main financial backer, greensill capital. liberty steel employs around 3000 people at

but wejust nhs, because we've all supported the nhs.ion _ never happens again. tonight, investigation continuing i never happens again. tonight, investigation continuing to i never happens again. tonight, l investigation continuing to what happened and why. nicola smith with that report. the duke of edinburgh's funeral was watched by more than 13 million television viewers in the uk. the 50—minute service was viewed by 11 million people on the bbc, 2.1 million on itv, and around 450,000 on sky. the figures are the official overnight averages for between 3 and 4pm yesterday. the billionaire issa brothers who own asda have bought the british fast food chain, lyon. more than 70 lyon restaurants across the uk and europe have been sold to the brothers' giant petrol forecourt business eg group. the deal is believed to be worth around 100 million pounds. a section of brighton beach has been cordoned off after a possible unexploded mortar shell was found this afternoon. a section of the beach west of the palace pier has been made safe while pol

nhs staff deserve a pay rise and support, _ nhs staff deserve a pay rise and support, not— nhs staff apps. — and support, not these pay date loan apps, forced _ and support, not these pay date loan apps, forced on the - and support, not these pay date loan apps, forced on the nhs i and support, not these pay datej loan apps, forced on the nhs by speculative _ loan apps, forced on the nhs by speculative trying _ loan apps, forced on the nhs by speculative trying to _ loan apps, forced on the nhs by speculative trying to make - speculative trying to make money _ speculative trying to make money out _ speculative trying to make money out of _ speculative trying to make money out of the - speculative trying to make l money out of the pandemic. speculative trying to make - money out of the pandemic. how can he _ money out of the pandemic. how can he possibly— money out of the pandemic. how can he possibly defend _ money out of the pandemic. how can he possibly defend that? - can he possibly defend that? thank you very _ can he possibly defend that? thank you very much, - can he possibly d

on the nhs side we are going to have to do a range of different things.at is going to need the government to come up with extra funding. in the past you may remember in the early 20005 past you may remember in the early 2000s when we had similar sizes of waiting list problems we got round it by paying more overtime and using the private sector. this time, particularly given the range of other things we have to do the same time, we will have to be bolder. we�*ll have to adopt new technology solutions, get trusts working much more effectively together to improve productivity but the important thing is this a very big challenge. people have been doing some work over the last month to look at how they plan to deal with this in the conclusion they have come to is that in the worst areas, as you say, the areas with the biggest problems with the current trajectory, they are currently looking at a three to five year wait to get through that backlog. everyone knows that is not appropriate and we have to better but we need to really work with government tab a plan

nhs in. people with a first or second - england has vaccinated 3.3 million people with a first or second dosel people with a first or second dose so dot _ people with a first or second dose so dot is — people with a first or second dose so dot is a — people with a first or second dose so dot is a half— people with a first or second dose so dot is a half million _ people with a first or second dose so dot is a half million people - people with a first or second dose so dot is a half million people in. so dot is a half million people in england — so dot is a half million people in england nearly. _ so dot is a half million people in england nearly, who— so dot is a half million people in england nearly, who have - so dot is a half million people in england nearly, who have had . so dot is a half million people in. england nearly, who have had their first dose. — england nearly, who have had their first dose. and _ england nearly, who have had their first dose, and over— england nearly, who have

protestor: whose nhs? our nhs! brangham: funding for the nhs has been a constant problem, and a political flash point. different administrations fund the nhs at different levels, and the uk's recent austerity measures have delayed upgrades, and made serious staffing shortages worse. dillon: there are always choices, and inevitably and in every healthcare system, there are always limitations on what the system can do. brangham: sir andrew dillon was, until last spring, the long-time head of the national institute for health and care excellence, known as "nice." it's a sweet acronym, but in the us its work has been likened to a "death panel" nices one of the nhs' crucial cost control mechanisms, it examines the evidence for any given treatment or procedure, an weighs which ones give the most cost-effective benefit for patients. dillon: making sure that we really understand the benefits of one option over another, making sure we really understand the value for our money, particularly in a publicly funded system that h

the nhs in england, certainly.and in, there are suggestions that - nhs in england, certainly. and in, there are suggestions that there l there are suggestions that there could well be, certainly from some in the medical fraternity, could well be, certainly from some in the medicalfraternity, there could be a third way. as at the lockdown eases, and as people get together and there are more interactions. how has sir simon stephens left nhs england took up with that kind of situation if it does transpire? —— sir simon stevens. does transpire? -- sir simon stevens-_ does transpire? -- sir simon stevens. . ., ., stevens. those close to him would an ue that stevens. those close to him would argue that leaving _ stevens. those close to him would argue that leaving at _ stevens. those close to him would argue that leaving at the _ stevens. those close to him would argue that leaving at the end - stevens. those close to him would argue that leaving at the end of. argue that leaving at the end of july is when the government

it is so important nhs staff— quickly. it is so important nhs staff are — quickly.ve been through in the last 12 months. ~., , have been through in the last 12 months. , , have been through in the last 12 months. , . . months. many people will agree with that, for months. many people will agree with that. for sure- _ months. many people will agree with that, for sure. let's _ months. many people will agree with that, for sure. let's talk _ months. many people will agree with that, for sure. let's talk about - months. many people will agree with that, for sure. let's talk about one i that, for sure. let's talk about one of the other big stories of the day, the prime minister tomorrow is set to announce details of a covid state certification, a covid passport, a vexing passport, however you want to describe it. trying to get things opened up a game —— a vaccination passport. proof of a test, a vaccination or natural immunity, what is your assessment of them as a gp? ~ what is your assessment of them as a gp? . ., ., ., what is your assessment of them as a gp? . . ., .

so there are some plans in place, i think, that the nhs has i in place, i think, that the nhs has recentiylly underfunded going into the pandemic. it meant it wasn't resilient — the pandemic. it meant it wasn't resilient going through the pandemic, it made the problem worse. and cancer— pandemic, it made the problem worse. and cancer research uk is clear there _ and cancer research uk is clear there needs to be investment to increase — there needs to be investment to increase the number of staff and the equipment— increase the number of staff and the equipment so that we can be better for the _ equipment so that we can be better for the future. you cannot magic that out— for the future. you cannot magic that out of— for the future. you cannot magic that out of nowhere so they need to be solutions put in place, early soiutions. _ be solutions put in place, early solutions, so the nhs can get through— solutions, so the nhs can get through those people who desperately need care _ through those people who desperately need care and treatment as quickly as possible and make that clear pians _ as

as a psychologist, it is chloe's job to help look after the well—being of nhs staff.uddenly needing her support. so much so, she lost sight of her own mental health. i did have people around me, my husband, my friends saying, "you know, i think you're not ok" and i would get, i would attack that and say that "i am fine, you don't understand." i was definitely having a lot more wine and i remember it vividly i was home on a rest day trying to rest and felt really anxious and just wired. like, really wired. it was 11 in the morning and i thought i needed a drink to help me calm down and i thought, oh, my gosh! i need a drink at 11 o'clock in the morning?! this is not right, this is not me. it was when she pointed someone else in the direction of help she realised she could benefit as well. so she got in touch with nicky, a psychotherapist, online and today they are finally meeting in person. i know it takes an awful lot for nhs professionals to seek help for themselves and i think, particularly, it is fair to say about you that you need a lot of reassurance. you are all

yet another challenge for the nhs. hugh pym, bbc news, skipton.tions recorded in the latest 24—hour period. on average, 11,570 new cases were reported per day in the last week that's down by around a third on this time last week. there are 3,957 patients in hospital with covid—19. 51 deaths were reported in the latest 24—hour period. that's people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test. on average in the past week, 46 deaths were announced every day. the total number is now 126,764. as for vaccinations, almost 242,000 people have had their firstjab in the latest 24—hour period bringing the total to just over 31.1 million. and over 4.5 million people have now had both doses. the timetable for easing restrictions in wales has been set out by the first minister, mark drakeford — though he said it was all dependent on coronavirus case numbers. the plan is for non—essential retail to reopen from april 12th. that's also when travel to and from wales will be allowed again — and students can resume face—to—face education. two weeks after that

yet another challenge for the nhs.51 deaths were reported in the latest 2a hour period. that's people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test. 0n who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test. on average in the past week, 46 deaths were announced every day and the total number is now 126,764. as per vaccinations, almost 242,000 people have had their firstjab vaccinations, almost 242,000 people have had theirfirstjab in the latest 24 hour period, bringing the total to just over 31.1 million people. 0verfour and a half million people. 0verfour and a half million people have now had both doses of the vaccine. let's talk through some of the figures. we're hearing about the easing of lockdown restrictions and hearing the office for national statistics say the infections have decreased. arguably, we're going in the right direction. what do you make of these figures? inaudible we'rejust having some figures? inaudible we're just having some problem with your audio. we will try... we can hear you now. would yo

yes, it is about - putting the nhs at risk. restrictions, the new variants. the most dominant version in the uk at the moment is the kent variant, known around the world as the uk variant, but there are big fears about, say, the south african variant. it are big fears about, say, the south african variant.— african variant. it has caused such concerns in _ african variant. it has caused such concerns in portugal, _ african variant. it has caused such concerns in portugal, hasn't - african variant. it has caused such concerns in portugal, hasn't it, i african variant. it has caused such concerns in portugal, hasn't it, to | concerns in portugal, hasn't it, to such extent that until now portugal has virtually been cut off from the rest of europe?— rest of europe? yes, various countries — rest of europe? yes, various countries on _ rest of europe? yes, various countries on the _ rest of europe? yes, various countries on the red - rest of europe? yes, various countries on the red list, - rest of europe? yes, various| countries on t

chris hopson of nhs providers. — are covered in tomorrow's front pages at 10:30 and 11:30 this evening in the papers — our guestsjoining me tonight are the former leader of the scottish labour party, kezia dugdale, and the deputy political editor of the daily mail, john stevens. there's been international condemnation of russia, after the two men suspected of carrying out the salisbury nerve agent attack three years ago were implicated in a deadly explosion in the czech republic in 2014. the foreign secretary, dominic raab, says the revelation shows a, "disturbing pattern of behaviour" by moscow, while the white house has criticised what it says are subversive actions by the russian state. czech officials are now expelling 18 russian diplomats, a move moscow says is "absurd." in the last hour, the kremlin has responded by expelling 20 czech officials. our security correspondent, gordon corera, reports. the aftermath of a deadly explosion. in october 2014, this arms depot in the czech countryside blew up. it took a

also a potential time for the nhs itself because — potential time for the nhs itself because it can provideto lose faith in and that worries me as well. and also, the and that worries me as well. and also. the report _ and that worries me as well. 9ch also, the report looks at the article looking at the number of people waiting for hospital treatment, sian. nearly 4.59 million people but they talk about a hidden waiting lists which is really worrying, people that have not diagnosed yet and don't know yet that they need help.— that they need help. that's right and so the _ that they need help. that's right and so the numbers _ that they need help. that's right and so the numbers could - that they need help. that's right and so the numbers could rise . that they need help. that's right| and so the numbers could rise to that they need help. that's right - and so the numbers could rise to 6.9 million by the end of the year which is absolutely massive. this story is interesting and such a contrast to that story that we were discussing earlier about in the times which wasn't so much more upbeat w

i wonder what practical help the nhs in - what practical help the nhs in britain can provide in your can provide in your view? - have listened to so many people that the situation is very very bad. there is a shortage of beds, oxygen, ppe, the doctors and nurses are falling ill because there is no support. the coronavirus has shown a light on the inadequacy of the indian health system. remember, we also did not manage a pandemic brilliantly. the nhs was there to take care of us. it took as out of the huge problems from the pandemic and this huge roll—out of the vaccine we should be proud of the nhs. but in india, perhaps the sixth largest economy of the world, still spends 2% of gdp on health care. it is not something that happened yesterday, it has been going on, no one has developed the health care system in india and now we see we do not have enough beds, not enough oxygen, we don't have ventilators. as the nhs and my colleagues here in nhs, 60,000 are from indian origin and they are all sad and angry about what is going on but we say, it is a global problem and we should see a gl

their grandparents need their children, nhs staff have given their all fighting to keep people alive that's why so many people fighting the prime minister remark it is that even rather let the bodies in their thousands than go into lockdown utterly sickening. the bbc and itv have multiple sources confirming this is for the prime minister said -- people are willing to go under oath mr. speaker, confirming that the prime minister said these exact -- mr. speaker. now, parliament will stop me from saying that the prime minister has repeatedly lied to the public over the last week. but can i ask the question -- are you a liar prime minister? prime minister, mr. speaker i lead to you to right honorable were in order but what i will say to him is that -- say, unfortunately will not say what we would expect -- i'm grateful to you but right honorable gentlemen is if he's geng to relay that kind of that is up to him it is up to him in a place like parolment to produce the person who claims to have heard it because i can't find them sitting in this building i ratter doubt it because i didn't sa

now, that company has had nhs contracts in wales.ay connected to matt hancock, he is the nhs health secretary for england. the welsh one is run by the welsh government. but it has emerged that a couple of years ago, this company was given the status which would allow it to bid for contracts for the nhs in england and the question that is being asked by labour is why the potential conflict, matt hancock's sister owning that company, was not made public at the time. they also questioned whether he broke the rules that ministers have to follow which says that any potential conflicts involving close family members should be registered. now, as you say, the government says this was all above board and matt hancock followed all the rules and actually he would not have been involved in any awarding of these contracts anyway, but it is another example i think of how this issue is under the spotlight, of the way that private companies and the government interact. we now have eight probes into this issue overall. the latest was announced this

everyone has to work with all nhs staff to try to help the patients. is a one off because of the pandemic. so you are saying actually funding year on year has to go up, is that what you are saying? i think to get this backlog is sorted, the £1 million one really touch it. it needs much more than that. i want to make the viewer is clear that this is not the fault of nhs staff. it's not the fault of hospital colleagues who are working their socks off to get patients dealt with. you know, this is due to the lack of capacity within the nhs and we have to try to get that sorted quickly.— and we have to try to get that sorted quickly. and we have to try to get that sorted iuickl . a, ~ , l, , l sorted quickly. thank you very much. thanks for talking _ sorted quickly. thank you very much. thanks for talking to _ sorted quickly. thank you very much. thanks for talking to us, _ sorted quickly. thank you very much. thanks for talking to us, doctor - thanks for talking to us, doctor david wrigley, deputy chair of the reddish medical association uk counsel. the fo

let's talk now to nhs doctor and masterchef winner saliha mahmood ahmed. all muslims around the world will be fasting in the month of ramadan. he fast from sunrise to sunset in that time period you don't eat or drink anything. the reason why people like myself, nhs doctors etc, are speaking up is because we are concerned with ramadan coming on people fasting there will be a reluctance to leave the house, to get the vaccination done. what we are urging people is to say, yes, you are not allowed to eat or drink or put anything inside your body, but lots of the muslim bodies and doctors are saying first and foremost we have to protect ourselves and getting the vaccination as a way of doing that. being vaccinated will not break your fast in any way. despite the pain ramadan, please do go out and get your vaccination done. i5 ramadan, please do go out and get your vaccination done.— your vaccination done. is that message _ your vaccination done. is that message getting _ your vaccination done. is that message getting through? it| your vaccination done. is that

they said the nhs is not very good at running things and looks as though the nhs will be in charge of this _ programme. this, the company that will look at this in _ programme. this, the company that will look at this in the _ programme. this, the company that will look at this in the test _ programme. this, the company that will look at this in the test and - will look at this in the test and trace at which is for early on and i think. �* ., ., ., ., ., y trace at which is for early on and i think. ., ., ., ., ., , think. but not a lot of money was it? there are _ think. but not a lot of money was it? there are two _ think. but not a lot of money was it? there are two cans _ think. but not a lot of money was it? there are two cans of- think. but not a lot of money was i it? there are two cans of opposition in the tory — it? there are two cans of opposition in the tory party _ it? there are two cans of opposition in the tory party and _ it? there are two cans of opposition in the tory party and one _ it? there are two cans of opposition in the tory party and one was - it? there are tw

if an nhs nurse if an nhs nurse, prime minister who has been working on frontline during the pandemic has the prime minister's phone number, would they get the pay rise they so, obviously, deserve? >> mr. speaker i'm proud of what this government has done to support throughout the pandemic with record investments, and with another 92 billion that we put in to support the nhs throughout the pandemic what we're doing to help nurses as he knows is last year, putting in the 3,000 pounds plus three thousand and 12.8% increase on starlight salary just in the last couple of years. mr. speaker, and above all this is the government that is helping nurses and helping the profession by recruiting more than ever before, and they're again already 50,000 more people in the nhs this year than there were last year. mr. speaker, and 10,600 more nursings that's what i would say to many of the nurses that identify talked to in last few weeks and back them to the hill. >> yes. to be talking to nhs frontline they know how insulted they are by his pay cut after everything they put in the last year they did

now, that company has won some nhs contracts, from nhs wales.nhs wales is run by the welsh labour government. but there is a question over whether matt hancock should have declared the fact that his sister owns so much of this company when it was given approved status by the nhs a couple of years ago. it's basically in a position where it could potentially be awarded contracts by the nhs in england, although it doesn't seem that it has been so far. now, the government was saying matt hancock played every thing by the book, he declared the shares when he was given them as a gift, and that he had conversations with senior civil servants about potential conflicts of interests, decided that there wasn't one, and if one emerged it would be recorded in due course. but i suppose there is also this issue of the whole relationship between government, ministers and civil servants and private companies. and it does feed into this wider question being asked this week about whether the rules need tightened up, about whether there is enough of a division betw

it says "three new lighthouse labs have opened which are managed by local nhs trusts".as been hit by an outbreak of coronavirus. it has been reported that a number of scientists at the centre in milton keynes in buckinghamshire have been affected. three months before that outbreak, the health and safety executive had warned that workers here were being put at risk by insufficient cleaning and social distancing. other people test positive, too, while i'm here in january and february. the lab says it has improved its safety standards and is meeting hse guidelines. but the labs social distancing rules are widely ignored. the lab has the capacity to run around 70,000 tests each day, but the number of samples actually arriving is much lower. during my time at the lab we usually did between 18,000 and 40,000 a day. a lot of the time, we don't have much to do. during the same week, the uk reaches one of many miserable milestones. there's been more grim news on the coronavirus with the number of covid deaths recorded in the last 2a hours, more than 1,800. that's yet another rec

now, that company has had nhs contracts in wales.ancock, he is the nhs health secretary for england. the welsh one is run by the welsh government. but it has emerged that a couple of years ago this company was given the status that would allow it to bid for contracts for the nhs in england. and the question that is being asked by labour is why that potential conflict, but hancock's sister owning that company, was not made public at the time. they have also questioned whether he broke the rules that ministers have to follow, which says that any potential conflicts involving close family members should be registered. now, as you say, the government say this was all above board, that matt hancock followed all of the rules and that, actually, he would not be involved in any awarding of these contracts anyway. but it's another example, i think, contracts anyway. but it's another example, ithink, of contracts anyway. but it's another example, i think, of how this issue is under the spotlight, the way that private companies and the governme

internationally, to effectively make money on the back of nhs staff in a pandemic?ntract given without tender? why was that meeting he had not declared? and what pressure did he put on officials to hand this contract to greensill? secretary of state. thank you very much, mr speaker. ministers were not involved in the decision by nhs shared business services to facilitate the provision of salary advances and pilot schemes. and absolutely, i attended a social meeting organised by the former prime minister. and given that departmental business came up, i reported to officials in the normal way. there is a wider pattern of behaviour, isn't there? we've seen ppe contracts go to tory donors, we've seen a pub landlord whatsapping him, and then the landlord gets a testing contract. we've seen a us insurance firm taking over gp contracts, and one of their bosses gets a job in downing street. it is cronyism and it stinks. so if he thinks he has done nothing wrong and has nothing to hide, will he publish all the minutes, all the e—mails, all the correspondence, all the directi

it is an example, experts think of damaging effects on the nhs.g heart valve surgery, there were 32,000 patients waiting more than the 18 eight week target and that number has risen by half with 118,000 waiting that long. in the same month, more than 5,000 were waiting over a year compared with just a few dozen a year earlier. we need support and help because of the enormous scale of the challenge the nhs is facing and that requires clear planning, financial investment so that we can treat all the patients in need. this man has severe learning difficulties and needed an operation on his pancreas, it was cancelled in september and december last year and only finally happened last month. his brother says it was very hard to explain. to tell him hospital is under pressure, that is not something he can understand at all. all he knows is that he is in pain. the coronavirus has affected people like my brother. some hospitals are trying out solutions. here in croydon, they have what they call the hospital within a hospitaljust for nonurgent operations, t

answer" after it emerged the health secretary, matt hancock, has shares in a potential supplier for nhs trusts in england. police, stop! appeals for calm in chicago, as footage emerges of a 13—year—old boy being shot dead by police. new figures suggest coronavirus infections in the uk are at their lowest level since september, with around 130,000 people estimated to have had it last week. wild swimmers in scotland enjoy the easing of lockdown, as rules restricting local travel and meeting people outdoors are lifted. and whiter than white — scientists develop a paint that the actress helen mccrory — known for her roles in peaky blinders and harry potter — has died aged 52 from cancer hello, and welcome to bbc news. the actress helen mccrory, who starred in harry potterfilms the actress helen mccrory, who starred in harry potter films and the actress helen mccrory, who starred in harry potterfilms and p0 blinders, a television series, has died after a battle with cancer. this has been confirmed by her husband, damien lewis, on twitter. she was 52 years old. let's read you that statement o

nhs staff have given their all, fighting to keep people alive. that's why so many people find the prime minister's remark that he would rather let the bodies pile high in their thousands than go into lockdown utterly sickening. the bbc and itv have multiple sources confirming that this is what the prime minister said. people are willing to go under oath, mr. speaker, confirming that the prime minister said these exact words. under oath, mr. speaker. parliamentary rules stop me from saying that the prime minister has repeatedly lied to the public over the last week. but can i ask the question, are you a liar, prime minister? >> prime minister. >> mr. speaker, i leave it to you to judge whether the honorable gentleman's remarks were in order. but what i will say to him is -- >> not what we would expect. >> i'm grateful to you, mr. speaker. what i would say to the right honorable gentleman is that if he is going to relay that kind of quotation, it is up to him in a place like parliament to produce the author, the person who claims to have heard it,

the nhs chief quoting here.uture. he vaccination programme will use as a blueprint for the future.— blueprint for the future. he has. this is really _ blueprint for the future. he has. this is really interesting. - blueprint for the future. he has. this is really interesting. simon | this is really interesting. simon stevens is saying that health workers will in the future seek out the most vulnerable to help them stay healthy rather than wait for them to become sick. it's very much based on the principle of the vaccination programme which started with the older is, the most vulnerable people vaccinated those people 1st. and then worked its way down the priority list. in future simon says the nhs is going to apply the same principles to trying to treat cancer, heart disease, strokes. and there some lovely touches in this story. for instance, they're going to tell gps when people are too frail to put their rubbish out so the gps can kind of check up on their patients and give them any preventative medicine that t

he for the nhs, which nhs workers could use for free.there is a big question about whether or not prime ministers should be lobbying quite so soon after they've left office. it must be very difficult for matt hancock to have turned down a request for a drink with his ex—boss. it would be difficult for all of us to do that. so maybe we should start thinking about some new rules around former prime ministers - i rules around former prime ministers — i would suggest they shouldn't be allowed to lobby for ten years after leaving office. allowed to lobby for ten years after leaving office-— leaving office. because this is caettin leaving office. because this is getting more _ leaving office. because this is getting more and _ leaving office. because this is getting more and more - leaving office. because this is - getting more and more complicated, isn't it? more and more ministers being connected even if they aren't implicated? being connected even if they aren't imlicated? .,. , �* being connected even if they aren't implicated?— implicated

nhs�*s history.e been vaccinating at local vaccination services alongside many of you, offering people second doses, vaccinating people in care homes and making sure that my patients can get the care that they need from the nhs when they need it. it was on the 8th of february when i was last on the podium a little bit like this that i was able to say that we were on track to meet our targets, and since then the programme continues to go from strength to strength, with the nhs meeting our first two deadlines on vaccination, and vaccinating the most at risk people. the public response has been incredible, and i think if you have come forward for your first think if you have come forward for yourfirst dose, and please think if you have come forward for your first dose, and please continue to come forward when you are asked to come forward when you are asked to to have your second dose as well. yesterday the uk celebrated hitting the latest milestone of 10 million people being fully protected from the vi

all those over 45 in england are now able to book a vaccination on the nhs website.d is giving its first doses of the moderna jab — after wales and scotland began using it last week. it's the third covid—19 vacine to be used here. meanwhile, what's being called a significant cluster of the south african variant has been found in wandsworth and lambeth. it means additional testing has been put in place — after 44 confirmed cases were identified. we will be talking more about all of these latest developments. first this report from our health editor, hugh pym. the progress of the vaccination programme in the uk has been widely acclaimed, and the target of all nine priority groups being offered a firstjab by april the 15th has been met as expected. that covers all those aged 50 and over, nhs and care staff, and the clinically vulnerable. a total of 32.2 million people have had a first dose. nhs england said that 19 out of 20 of those most at risk of the virus have been vaccinated. the highest—risk population in the country are vaccinated and will have protection from se

so, jeopardising the vaccine programme of the nhs. been looking at this for weeks, but only later today will be here what they want to do in light of it all. . ~ what they want to do in light of it all. ., ~ , ., , . all. indeed. thank you very much, laura foster- _ so today, the prime minister will also give details of a "traffic light" system for restarting international travel. our transport correspondent, caroline davis, looks at how it could work. from the engine to the seats and every last screw, preparing for international travel takes time. ever since the prime minister mentioned the 17th of may as the first date when international travel could start from england, many in the travel industry began gearing up ready for then. while work is underway here at luton airport and across the uk, scotland, wales and northern ireland have yet to commit to a date. the industry is crossing its fingers that international travel will restart. the thing we need to hear is that travel is going to be back open. we are all trying to open, the uk