nicola sturgeon . expends explains the reasoning behind this. nicola sturgeon of| behind this. behind this. nicola sturgeon of course is aiming for _ behind this. nicola sturgeon of course is aiming for a - behind this. nicola sturgeon of course is aiming for a majority | behind this. nicola sturgeon of. course is aiming for a majority in the scottish parliament elections on may they sex. if she does get that majority she is expected to demand that boris johnson majority she is expected to demand that borisjohnson authorise another referendum. but the bad news for her in this financial times story is that an independent scotland would inherit quite a big hole in its public finances. because of lower—than—expected tax revenues due to brexit and coronavirus. this figures hear it would face a deficit of 10% gdp if it left the uk by figures hear it would face a deficit of io% gdp if it left the uk by the middle of this decade. and so it would have to raise taxes which wouldn't be very popular. it sort of pointing out to nicola sturgeon that economically it doesn't look terribly sen

victoria, nicola sturgeon _ lorna, tell us more.on said the - lorna, tell us more. victoria, nicola sturgeon said the data lorna, tell us more. victoria, - nicola sturgeon said the data here is encouraging, we've gone from upwards of 2000 people testing positive for covid every single day backin positive for covid every single day back in early january to fewer than 300 positive cases every day now. she says it's at the lowest level since late september and significantly, there has been a 40% drop in positive cases in the last two weeks. so that means a big, significant change here in scotland is on the way. earlier than expected. and the state local restriction is being lifted from friday. meaning at that point, friends and families across scotland will be able to meet again outdoors. from friday, that it's friday this week, the 16th of april, we will all be able to travel anywhere within scotland for the purposes of outdoor socialising, recreation or informal exercise, and we are also able to relax the rules for meeting people out

{th the duke were led by the first minister nicola sturgeon.sturgeon. of course he face the additional challenge - minister nicola sturgeon. of course he face the additional challenge of. he face the additional challenge of being _ he face the additional challenge of being the — he face the additional challenge of being the husband _ he face the additional challenge of being the husband of— he face the additional challenge of being the husband of a _ he face the additional challenge of being the husband of a powerful. being the husband of a powerful woman— being the husband of a powerful woman were _ being the husband of a powerful woman were at _ being the husband of a powerful woman were at a _ being the husband of a powerful woman were at a time - being the husband of a powerful woman were at a time when - being the husband of a powerfull woman were at a time when that being the husband of a powerful- woman were at a time when that was even more _ woman were at a time when that was even more of— woman were at a time when that was even more o

but i think this isjust one poll, we don't know, but nicola sturgeon _ one poll, we don't know, but nicolauy in scotland. it also didn't know a guy this — in scotland. it also didn't know a guy this year with alex salmond —— did a _ guy this year with alex salmond —— did a nose — guy this year with alex salmond —— did a nose dive. if you look at the record _ did a nose dive. if you look at the record on— did a nose dive. if you look at the record on education as calum mentioned, there are big questions for the _ mentioned, there are big questions for the snp to answer. i don't think it's quite _ for the snp to answer. i don't think it's quite on— for the snp to answer. i don't think it's quite on course to win this majority _ it's quite on course to win this majority it— it's quite on course to win this majority. it needs to dip on the second — majority. it needs to dip on the second referendum.— majority. it needs to dip on the second referendum. let's go to the mail. it's talking about one pole only and this is also one pole only, and we have to talk about trends with polls. no single po

scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon, insists borisjohnson should "respect scottish democracy",port independence in next month's holyrood elections. the snp leader was speaking at the launch of her party's manifesto. here's our scotland editor, sarah smith. for the snp, this election is crucial because they believe victory for them will lead to another referendum on independence. so, the future direction of the scottish nation is on the ballot. it's a huge question, but not the only one on voters' minds. the snp are asking for an unprecedented fourth term. so, that means voters will notjust be looking at their plans for the future, the party also has to defend their record over the last 1a years in government. after seven years as first minister, nicola sturgeon�*s facing questions about whether she's delivered on education and poverty reduction, as well as scrutiny of how she's handled the covid crisis. do you owe voters an apology for the tragically high death rate in scotland's care homes? i will never, ever say that i didn't get things wrong in covid. idid. i think it's inev

nicola sturgeon.rs with eating disorders. the search function in the app automatically recommended terms including "appetite suppressants" and "fasting" to some people. our technology reporter cristina criddle is with me. what exactly happened here? this has come about because _ what exactly happened here? this has come about because instagram - come about because instagram introduced a new feature. in its search bar it would generate automatic terms based on things you have liked or followed within the app. we don't know how the algorithm works but instagram said it's meant to generate things you are already interested in but the problem came when some users who have a history of an eating disorder were getting terms which they found very harmful. they said they were getting things like fasting, dieting, appetite suppressants, and they were saying this was having a really upsetting effect on them and could even cause some people to relapse. so they were really concerned and when i spoke to instagram

after seven years as first minister, nicola sturgeon is facing questions about whether she has deliveredh death rate in scotland's care homes? i will never, ever say that i didn't get things wrong i didn't get things wrong in covid, i did. i think it is inevitable that that would have been the case, given what we were dealing with, and i think it's really important that there is full scrutiny and accountability through a public inquiry. but every single day i've done my level best to take the best decisions i could, with the information and the advice i had at the time, and if i'm re—elected as first minister, in fact all through this election campaign, and if i'm re—elected as first minister, that's what i will continue to do. if re—elected, the snp are promising an additional £2.5 billion of nhs spending for frontline health services. a tablet or laptop and a free internet connection for every school child. they want to move towards a minimum income guarantee for every citizen, bring the rail network back into public ownership, and they plan to hold another referendum on scottish indep

scotland's first minister nicola sturgeon has confirmed that she expects all schools in scotland to bet release for parents that this has now been confirmed? —— relief for parents. this has now been confirmed? -- relief for parents.— relief for parents. yes, all secondary _ relief for parents. yes, all secondary schools - relief for parents. yes, all secondary schools will - relief for parents. yes, all. secondary schools will come relief for parents. yes, all- secondary schools will come back at the end of the easter holidays, all primary schools are already back. holidays vary locally, it will either be monday the 12th or the 19th when they are back. the exception is children in shielding groups, sar on the shielding list that they will not go back to face—to—face learning until the 26th of this month. 0ne face—to—face learning until the 26th of this month. one other issue that came up in nicola sturgeon's briefing was the issue of so—called vaccine passports all certificates. she said she was open—minded about it, they will be watching the trial taking place out of the border, but s

five years ago, the first minister, nicola sturgeon, said she would put her neck on the line when ittland editor, sarah smith, looks now at how successful her government has been. education. particularly narrowing the gap between the attainment of students from the poorest and most affluent parts of the country was to be the defining mission of the last snp government. five years on, experts say the gap remains wide. even students who have good grades themselves believe there should be a level playing field. people should be looking at the difference between schools that are doing better and schools that are doing worse. if it is to do with the support and not where people stay because honestly, i don't think that's true. i don't think where you stay or where your house is and you were brought up has anything to do with how much of a hard worker you are. it's just down to the student to study and do well. i don't think it matters where they come from, i think it matters how well they do. i don't think because you come - from a certain area that should mean you're better than other pe

nicola sturgeon, the first - cafes closing again. nicola. an groups this morning to discuss action against the proposed european super league. the prime minister expressed solidarity with fans and confirm that they have the government's full backing to take whatever action necessary, the premier league, the fa, to stop these plans for a super league. much more on that in sport now withjohn watson. hi, john. good afternoon. warnings, anita, from uefa, european football's governing body, that those breakaway clubs face being banned from their domestic leagues. so liverpool and manchester united, along with the other four not competing in the premier league. its head, alexander ceferin, speaking at their congress today, urged england's “big six“ to reconsider their plans. i would like to address the owners of some english clubs. come to your senses, not out of love for football, come to your senses, not out of love forfootball, because i imagine some of you do not have much of that, but out of respect for those who lead themselves dry so that th

that was an update from nicola sturgeon, _ that possible.to socialise for recreation and for exercise. they will have to stay outdoors but it means people can start meeting their families and friends again who live in different parts of the country. then the next stage, this is still connected with travel, this is very important, so the next big date is the 26th of april. on the 26th the stay local destruction was originally going to be lifted, that has been exaggerated but what will happen a week on monday is that the travel instructions between scotland and england and wales will be lifted and nicola sturgeon saying the wider common travel area still under review but the people will be able to travel across the border to england and wales. she also said international travel will be decided on a four nation basis but she made clear this is still a big risk opening up the uk to international travel on a greater level. she said she is aware that travel perhaps to spain or france or germany is not just about holidays, it is about people beatin

{iii first minister nicola sturgeon.f an exception than it is today. that reversal of the more traditional dynamic was highly unusual in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, and, even now isn't as common as it might be. ah. and, even now isn't as common as it miaht be. �* . and, even now isn't as common as it miuhtbe.�* ., , ,, ., ., might be. a virtual session of the welsh assembly _ might be. a virtual session of the welsh assembly heard _ might be. a virtual session of the welsh assembly heard from - might be. a virtual session of the welsh assembly heard from the i might be. a virtual session of the - welsh assembly heard from the first minister mark drakeford. to welsh assembly heard from the first minister mark drakeford.— minister mark drakeford. to have lived such a _ minister mark drakeford. to have lived such a life _ minister mark drakeford. to have lived such a life at _ minister mark drakeford. to have lived such a life at the _ minister mark drakeford. to have lived such a life at the centre - minister mark drakeford. t

i'm very much as in wales, nicola sturgeon, the price "5 handling has been rated highly "s handling has was having during the pandemic has been dragging and increasing support for independence and support the snp _ for independence and support the snp that — for independence and support the snp. that now seems to have dissipated and to that extent it means— dissipated and to that extent it means standing of the parties and standing _ means standing of the parties and standing up support for independence now seems— standing up support for independence now seems to have gone back to pre—pandemic levels and that's what berries— pre—pandemic levels and that's what berries and — pre—pandemic levels and that's what berries and international movement we are _ berries and international movement we are hoping for. we berries and international movement we are hoping for.— we are hoping for. we have got this very debate. _ we are hoping for. we have got this very debate. a _ we are hoping for. we have got this very debate, a lot _ we are hoping for. we have got this very debate, a lot of _ we are

you can visit bbc.co.uk/actionline or call for free on 08000155 998 nicola sturgeon has insisted thatictory for them will lead to another referendum on independence. so, the future direction of the scottish nation is on the ballot. it�*s a huge question but not the only one on voters�* minds. the snp are asking for an unprecedented fourth term. so, that means voters will notjust be looking at their plans for the future, the party also has to defend their record over the last 14 years in government. after seven years as first minister, nicola sturgeon is facing questions about whether she has delivered on education and poverty reduction, as well as scrutiny of how she�*s handled the covid crisis. do you owe voters an apology for the tragically high death rate in scotland�*s care homes? i will never, ever say that i didn�*t get things wrong in covid, i did. i think it is inevitable that that would have been the case, given what we were dealing with, and i think it�*s really important that there is full scrutiny and accountability through a public inquiry. but every single day i�*ve done

and that is nicola sturgeon says, because they're worried about variants abroad.at happened and that will of course be presented to parliament in due course. in parliament, there are lots of questions already for the health secretary, who went for a drink with mr cameron and mr greensill after the finance firm had proposed using an app it had devised in the nhs. absolutely, i attended a social meeting organised by the former prime minister. and given that departmental business came up, i reported it to officials in the normal way. labour accused the government of a pattern of behaviour. it is cronyism and it stinks. so if he thinks he has done nothing wrong and has nothing to hide, - will he publish all of the minutes, all the e—mails, all— the correspondence, _ all the directions he gave to civil servants and all his text messages with david cameron so we can- see exactly what went on with the awarding i of his contract? there are questions for the business secretary, too. last year greensill was chosen to give loans to other companies, like the owners of liberty

by tomorrow how many fans will be able to safely attend games, and scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeonc. i can't stand here in early april and give absolute 100% guarantees forjune on anything, really. that's not the nature of what we're dealing with, but i'm very, very hopeful — i'm hopeful that i might be at hampden to cheer on scotland in the european championships — and we will be working hard to make that happen. the birmingham city womens�* team have written to the club's board about what they call "a significantly unfavourable work environment". in it, they address the differences of provisions for the men's and the women's squads, including access to the training—ground gym, changing rooms and travel to away fixtures. they say it's preventing them from performing theirjobs to the best of their ability. birmingham city declined to comment when contacted by the bbc. well, let's take a quick look at some of the other stories making the sports headlines today. castleford head coach daryl powell — super league's longest—serving head coach — will succeed steve price at warrington wol

the first minister and snp leader nicola sturgeon has reacted angrily and described this decision asvoidable, that the scottish government could have made some small changes to this legislation that would've made it acceptable uk wife. in the end, it is now going to be settled in court, but i think it will be a lot of argument in this campaign —— uk wide. it argument in this campaign -- uk wide. ., , ., wide. it might do the cause of scottish campaigners - wide. it might do the cause of scottish campaigners no - wide. it might do the cause ofj scottish campaigners no harm wide. it might do the cause of. scottish campaigners no harm for wide. it might do the cause of- scottish campaigners no harm for it to be seen that the westminster government is perhaps being rather heavy—handed on this and slapping down what they would see as legitimate areas of responsibility. well, i think legitimate areas of responsibility. well, ithink it legitimate areas of responsibility. well, i think it feeds the wider debate that is going on in scotland and underlies all the debates in this election campa

scotland's first minster — nicola sturgeon — says she's hopeful some spectators will be able to returny, very hopeful — i'm hopeful that i might be at hampden to cheer on scotland in the european championships — and we will be working hard to make that happen. the defending champion dustinjohnson has been paired with england's lee westwood for the opening two rounds at augusta national, with the masters getting under way on thursday. johnson's favourite to win the green jacket again as the current world number one, whilst westwood is in good form himself having finished second at the players championship last month. after eight years at castleford tigers — daryl powell will be head coach at warrington wolves next year. powell's the super league's longest serving coach and had already said he'd leave the club at the end of this season. he's agreed a three year deal at warrington and takes over from steve price who's returning to australia. and just two days before the start of the county championship season. these were the conditions in durham today during practice. 20 degrees last week

in the scottish parliament in edinburgh, tributes to the duke were led by the first minister, nicola sturgeon he faced the additional challenge of being the husband of a powerful woman at a timehen that was even more of an exception than it is today. the reversal of the more traditional dynamic was highly unusual in the 1940's, 50's, and 60's, and even now isn't as common as it might be. reporter: a virtual session of the welsh parliament heard from the first minister, mark drakeford. >> to have lived such a life at the center of world events and in a way which made almost every experience of public rather than simply private interest, makes it even more remarkable still. and that was the life of the duke of edinburgh. reporter: and at stormont in northern ireland, tributes were paid across the political divide. >> he redefined the role of a royal, working with hundreds of different organizations, with younger people, service, and driving british innovation at the center of his efforts. >> i acknowledge that the queen and prince philip and their family were directly impacted by the conflict a

nicola sturgeon saying his contribution to scotland will leave a profound mark on its people. wales, saying the duke served the crown with selfless devotion and generosity of spirit. we have just learned that parliament in london will honor the duke on monday with the house of commons sitting at 14:30 local time for tributes following his death. a nation in morning, flags half-mast, as they are across the country. alas, he did not make his 100th birthday, but he was the strength of a much beloved monarch, and a much beloved prince philip. anchor: police in northern ireland bracing for more clashes after more than a week of street violence. london and dublin have called for calm, that -- but some say they are angry over restrictions. dozens of officers have been injured in the worst unrest in years, threatening the fragile piece of the good friday agreement. reporter: the good friday court, a landmark peace deal signed in 1990 eight that helped northern ireland move past decades of sectarian violence known as the troubles. it set up a power-sharing arrangement allowing unionist

there's also an interview with scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon.g sttreet won't be able to block a second independence referendum if her snp party wins the upcoming elections in holyrood. and the daily mail leads with comments from the countess of wessex about the death of her father—in—law — the duke of edinburgh. "it was so gentle," she says. "like someone took him by the hand and off he went." now on bbc news, president biden claims "america is back". well, suzanne kianpour reports on the team the president has tasked with tackling recent fresh crises, and the challenges they face. america is back. diplomacy is back, at the centre of our foreign policy. president biden intends to shape a new world order. we will repair our alliances, engage with the world once again. not to meet yesterday's challenges, but today's and tomorrow's. the world greets a very different leader from the american president it met four years ago. from this day forward it's going to be only america first, america first. and president biden confronts a starkly different wor

the first minister, nicola sturgeon, said non—essential travel would be allowed throughout the countrymeet outdoors from then because the pandemic is now in retreat. students on all university courses in england will be able to return from may 17th. since the start of the year, about a million students have been taught online, with only those on practical, hands—on courses allowed in—person teaching. but the wait of another month to fully open was described as "hugely disappointing" by universities uk. our education editor, branwen jeffreys, reports from the university of york. finishing touches to a huge tent. not for a festival, but for students. york university taking its student union outside, ready for when they're welcomed back onto campus. it's incredibly, i think, stressful for students. you know, we're sitting here today, you can get a haircut, you can get a holiday home, you can go to the pub but, unfortunately, you can't have any in—person teaching for the vast majority of courses. so i think students are feeling really forgotten and left out. preparations have been made in

in the scottish parliament in edinburgh, tributes to the duke were led by the first minister, nicola sturgeonlenge of being the husband of a powerful woman at a time when that was even more of an exception than it is today. that reversal of the more traditional dynamic was highly unusual in the 1940s, �*50s and �*60s, and even now isn't as common as it might be. a virtual session of the welsh parliament heard from the first minister, mark drakeford. to have lived such a life at the centre of world events, and in a way which made almost every experience of public rather than simply private interest, makes it even more remarkable still. and that was the life of the duke of edinburgh. and at stormont in northern ireland, tributes were paid across the political divide. he redefined the role of a royal, working with hundreds of different causes and organisations, with younger people, service, and driving british innovation at the centre of his efforts. i acknowledge that the queen and prince philip and their family were directly impacted by the conflict and regrettably endured sorrow and pain. yet

in the scottish parliament tribute to the duke were led by the first minister nicola sturgeon.l challenge. of being the husband - of a powerful woman were at a time when that was even more of an exception then _ it is today. that reversal of the more - traditional dynamic was highly unusual in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. - an even now isn't as . common as it might be. a virtual session of the welsh parliament heard from the first minister. to have lived such a life at the centre of world events and in a way which made almost every experience in public rather than simply private interests. makes it even more remarkable still. and that was the life of the duke of edinburgh. in northern ireland tributes were paid across the political divide. he redefined the rule of a royal. working with hundreds of different causes and organisations with younger people, service and driving british innovation at the centre of his efforts. i acknowledge that the queen and prince philip and their. family were directly impacted | by the conflict and regrettably endured sorrow and pain. having endured suc

our correspondent lorna gordon says nicola sturgeon's announcement will be welcomed by many.celerating the route map out of lockdown and that the stay local restriction will be lifted on friday. at that point, family and friends can travel across scotland for recreation, to see each other, as long as they stay outside. one other key change that comes in on friday, the four people from two different households that are allowed to meet up outdoors will change to six people from six households being allowed to meet outdoors, and that of course doesn't include children under 12, they are in addition to any limited group numbers that are meeting. but the stay local restriction is being lifted on friday, a lot of people will be very pleased to hear that they can meet family and friends who live outside of their council area again. the organisers of the edinburgh festival say it will go on this year. details of the programme will be announced. they are hoping to stage live performances to socially distance is audiences across the city as well as streaming them on line. here is the a

the first minister of scotland nicola sturgeon says she expects all schools in scotland to fully reopen minister also welcomed the arrival of the first batch of the moderna coronavirus vaccine in scotland, saying it would provide "greater security of supply". mental health hubs for new, expectant or bereaved mothers are to be set up around england. the 26 sites — due to be opened by next april — will offer physical health checks and psychotherapy in one building. nhs england said these centres would provide treatment for around 6,000 new parents in the first year. sir ed davey has launched the liberal democrats' campaign for england's local and mayoral elections next month. he called on voters to "choose a new direction" for communities to recover and rebuild from the pandemic. and during a campaign visit to watford, he also pledged to invest more in greener neighbourhoods. if you vote conservative, you're voting against your community and against a healthy local environment. if you vote labour, you're voting for a party that rarely listens to community and isn't standing up to this con

can nicola sturgeon�*s party do enough to govern on its own? he's complementing the campaign for independence, but could it end up undermining the cause? the conservative and labour parties in scotland have new leaders keen to make an impact. it'll be a fascinating contest. now, 60 senedd members will be voted for in wales and, like scotland, anyone over 16 can vote. labour have been the largest party in all previous devolved welsh elections, and current leader mark drakeford hopes to repeat that this time. this is what happened in 2016. the conservatives and plaid cymru are used to fighting it out for second place. and what will happen to those seven ukip seats? six of them have since left the party. elsewhere, there's the vote for london mayor, along with the 25 members of the london assembly, with more than 6 million eligible to vote in the capital. there are votes for seven combined authority mayors and five metropolitan mayors. thousands of council seats are up for grabs in 143 english local authorities. local issues are important to many

in the scottish parliament in edinburgh, tributes to the duke were led by the first minister, nicola sturgeonthe husband of a powerful woman at a time when that was even more of an exception than it is today. that reversal of the more traditional dynamic was highly unusual in the 1940s, �*50s and �*60s, and even now isn't as common as it might be. a virtual session of the welsh parliament heard from the first minister, mark drakeford. to have lived such a life at the centre of world events, and in a way which made almost every experience of public rather than simply private interest, makes it even more remarkable still. and that was the life of the duke of edinburgh. and at stormont in northern ireland, tributes were paid across the political divide. he redefined the role of a royal, working with hundreds of different causes and organisations, with younger people, service, and driving british innovation at the centre of his efforts. i acknowledge that the queen and prince philip and theirfamily were directly impacted by the conflict and regrettably endured sorrow and pain. yet having endured

well, there is a major threat, because nicola sturgeon has said she would go ahead with an illegal wildcat referendum within the first couple of years, and she has also accepted that means campaigning to separate scotland from the rest of the uk during our recovery phase. the scottish conservatives are promising £2 billion extra spending for the nhs, to recruit 3,000 more teachers, a £500 skills grant for every adult to pay for retraining, more local policing and full fibre broadband for every home and business by 2027. and you're currently a westminster mp, but you're standing in this election to become a member of the scottish parliament. why haven't you stood down from westminster? three of scotland's five first ministers have acted both as first minister and also had the dual mandate of mp and msp. i've always been proud of my roots in moray, i am delighted to be the mp for moray, and i hope to have the opportunity to serve moray as part of the highlands and islands region after the 6th of may. it doesn't sound as though you're really focused on the scottish parliament. i'm saying ther

five years ago, the first minister nicola sturgeon said she would put her neck on the line when it came the most and least deprived areas. our scotland editor sarah smith looks now at how successful her government has been. education, particularly narrowing the gap between the attainment of students from the poorest and the most affluent parts of the country, was to be the defining mission of the last snp government. five years on, experts say the gap remains wide. even students who have got good grades themselves believe there should be a level playing field. people should be looking at the difference between schools that are doing better and schools that are doing worse. if it's to do with support, what is it to do with, where people stay? because honestly, i don't think that's true. i don't think where you stay or where your house is and you were brought up has got anything to do with how much of a hard worker you are. it's just down to the student to study and do well. i don't think it matters where they come from, i think it matters how well they do. i don't think because you come

can nicola sturgeon�*s party do enough to govern on its own?e says he's complementing the campaign for independence, but could it end up undermining the cause? the conservative and labour parties in scotland have new leaders keen to make an impact. it'll be a fascinating contest. now, 60 senedd members will be voted for in wales and, like scotland, anyone over 16 can vote. labour have been the largest party in all previous devolved welsh elections, and current leader mark drakeford hopes to repeat that this time. this is what happened in 2016. the conservatives and plaid cymru are used to fighting it out for second place. and what will happen to those seven ukip seats? six of them have since left the party. elsewhere, there's the vote for london mayor, along with the 25 members of the london assembly, with more than 6 million eligible to vote in the capital. there are votes for seven combined authority mayors and five metropolitan mayors. thousands of council seats are up for grabs in 143 english local authorities. local issues are important to

scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon, says she's hopeful of some being able to return.n championships, and we will be working hard to make that happen. after eight years at castleford tigers, daryl powell will be head coach at warrington wolves next year. powell is the super league's longest—serving coach and had already said he would leave the club at the end of this season. he's agreed a three—year deal at warrington and takes over from steve price, who is returning to australia. sarah taylor is coming out of retirement to play for welsh fire in the inaugural hundred competition this summer. the 31—year—old stepped away from professional cricket two years ago because of anxiety and has recently taken up a coaching role with the sussex senior men's team. taylor's wicketkeeping and batting saw her named world cricketer of the year four times in the white ball game, and she won two 50 over world cups and one t20 world cup. that is my lot for the day. john watson will be here with a bumper sportsday, always worth a watch. he will see you then! 0lly, thanks. you're watchin

we were hearing from nicola sturgeon earlier on, that the scheduled unlocking in scotland will go aheadn scotland? yes, this is the next important step _ people in scotland? yes, this is the next important step on _ people in scotland? yes, this is the next important step on the - people in scotland? yes, this is the | next important step on the recovery plan as we move towards the easing of restrictions, including around hospitality. also the ability for people from scotland to traffic that will be hugely welcomed by people in scotland? yes, this is the next important step on the recovery plan as we move towards the easing of restrictions, including around hospitality. also the ability for people from scotland to travel to other and the channel islands and to northern ireland. it is a major step forward of the way in which the scottish government and forward this recovery plan has been on the basis having a three—week period behind the stage of the plan so we can assess an impact their address any issues of concern which are emerging during that period of time. today, everything has pr

nicola sturgeon has confirmed she expects all schools in scotland to fully reopen after the easter holidaysal of the first batch of the moderna coronavirus vaccine in scotland saying it would provide "greater security of supply". mental health "hubs" for new, expectant or bereaved mothers are to be set up around england. the 26 sites, due to be opened by next april, will offer physical health checks and psychological therapy in one building. nhs england said these centres would provide treatment for about 6,000 new parents in the first year. kremlin critic alexei navalny has said he has a persistent cough and temperature, and that there have been cases of tuberculosis in his prison. he has now started a hunger strike to protest at his medical care and one of his doctors was arrested during a protest outside the prison earlier today. the kremlin says he is getting appropriate care. a 34—year—old man has appeared in court charged in connection with a car crash that killed a two—week—old boy in a pram. ciaran leigh morris was being pushed along the pavement by family members, when he was struc

meanwhile, north of the border, nicola sturgeon fails to get - an overall majority, _ the conservativeso second place and the uk government feels emboldened to try to kick - the scottish constitutional question into touch. - conversely, what would be| a good session for labour? well, to be doing an awful lot better in the opinion - polls at the moment. ideally, to be seen to be doing better than jeremy corbyn did i in his first local elections - in 2016, which at the time got a pretty lukewarm reception, - but a lot of the seats being fought over in 2016 are being fought over again this year. - that labour in wales manage to get an overall majority, _ with 31 seats, they hang - on to the hartlepool by—election. oh, yes, and they manage i to come second in scotland. probably neither party is going - to manage to bag all of those wins but that is probably . what both sides ideally would like to see us reporting. not of course on the thursday night because there are very few- overnight counts but rather, by the time it's all over - on sunday after the election. i was just going to say, you

nicola sturgeon and her party ran a country through a global—wide pandemic.hat? we could have made that decision, too, if we were independent. the snp haven't been fantastic but because independence is still on the cards, it's essentially a free pass for them for this election. some argue a referendum would be a distraction. by saying that we can't focus on two things, it's kind of insulting our own intelligence and the people's intelligence, the fact that we're a smart nation — i'm sure we can multitask. can borisjohnson just keep saying no if the scottish people are voting for pro—independence parties? no, i don't think so. if there's a pro—independence majority in holyrood, they'll have a mandate to have a second referendum. that's not the view in downing street, though. the uk government has made it pretty clear it'll say no to another referendum, even if there's a pro—independence majority — which raises the possibility of a pretty tense stand—off over the next few years in which independence continues to be a key issue. as the parties line up their argu

scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon, has confirmed the return of pupils to classrooms across theof children will be back on the 12th or 19th of this month, depending on when the new term starts. reacting to the announcement, the leader of the scottish conservatives douglas ross says pupils could have gone back sooner. we believe that it was possible to get all pupils back sooner than the date set by the first minister and the scottish government. we were suggesting we keep it in more testing for senior pupils and teachers to allow discos to re—open to all people before the easter holidays. that didn't happen. as some people to return to school, we didn't see a spike in the number of cases that many expected to see. again, that points to a being more hopeful, more optimistic that as we can reduce the restrictions, we don't see a similar increase in the number of cases. that is something to be hopeful and positive about, and that is backed up by the figures we have heard today. scotland's labour leader, anas sarwar, welcomed the decision, but said there needs to be a ramping up of

in the scottish parliament in edinburgh tributes to the duke were led by the first minister nicola sturgeonsband of a powerful woman at a time when that was even more of an exception than it is today. that reversal of the more traditional dynamic was highly unusual in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, and, even now isn't as common as it might be. a virtual session of the welsh assembly heard from the first minister mark drakeford. to have lived such a life at the centre of world events, and in a way which made almost every experience of public rather than simply private interest, makes it even more remarkable still. and that was the life of the duke of edinburgh. he had stepped onto the national stage before most of the day's political leaders were born. today, they spoke out in their appreciation of him. nicholas witchell, bbc news. emily nash is the royal editor of hello magazine. all the duke's children have issued personal— all the duke's children have issued personal statements are now the two grandchildren, william and harry, as well. , ., , , , grandchildren, william and harry, as well. , ., ,

this morning, nicola sturgeon was in this region.w important it is with one week to go, she was launching her plans for the first 100 days of the snp managed to retain power. i spoke to her about these issues and i started ijy her about these issues and i started by asking her if she was prepared to be honest with people about how difficult the economy is going to be in the next few months. i think the next few months are going to be tough, but if we keep the virus under control, if we continue to make huge progress with the vaccination programme and get businesses back to normal, that i think we can get a recovery under way. and therefore, everything we're doing to try and get on top of covid remains really important over the next few weeks. there is huge economic uncertainty. and it feels like the economic case for independence is as uncertain as it's ever been before. you can't really tell people what it would look like, can you? look, there is uncertainty almost regardless of what option we choose over the next few years. remaini

nicola sturgeon has confirmed the biggest changes to scotland's lockdown measures since they were introduced with hospitality venues, gyms and non—essential shops reopening from next monday. all travel restrictions will also be lifted. coronavirus is spreading at a terrifying rate in india, and hospitals in many parts of the country are overwhelmed, leaving people struggling to get help for their loved ones. about 1,800 people have died of covid in the past 24 hours. our correspondent yogita limaye has been to a crematorium in ghaziabad, bordering the capital, delhi, where the situation is desperate. while we've been here, every 20 minutes to half an hour, we've seen an ambulance come in bringing dead bodies in. we've seen families who say they've been waiting here for 14, 16 hours to perform the last rites of their loved ones. the surge they are seeing here is because of the coronavirus crisis. i've been speaking to people here who talk about their struggles finding hospitals, finding healthcare for their loved ones. a man told me that he had to go to three hospitals. finally, his mother wa

back to the news that scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon, has confirmed that people will be allowed the easing of the restrictions had been brought forward for the sake of people's mental health. limits on how many could meet outdoors will increase to six adults from six households. let's hear some reaction from the other parties across scotland. well, i think the hospitality industry have obviously been anxious over the last few days, but there will be thousands of people across the country who are economically and on a human level have really been hit by the pandemic, so i think what we need now is a national recovery plan to make sure that we don't see a huge loss ofjobs, so i think it is good that the virus has gone down, we are beginning to ease up a bit, but for me the issue of economic support to businesses and to people to get them back on track, that has got to be our next focus. well, it is good news. people will be pleased that they can now start to travel— be pleased that they can now start to travel out with the local authority area and propriety start to meet— authorit

the scottish first minister nicola sturgeon has released a statement.lences and those of the people of scotland to her majesty the queen and herfamily. i'm joined now by the royal biographer and historian. robert lacey. thank you very much forjoining us. i am sure you like everyone will wish to reflect upon the extraordinary and fascinating life in many ways with so many facets to it that the duke of edinburgh managed to carve out when he became consort to the queen. like many peeple — he became consort to the queen. l «e: many people watching he he became consort to the queen. l «1e: many people watching he has he became consort to the queen. l «e many people watching he has been he became consort to the queen. l «1e: many people watching he has been a part of our life, hasn't he? and, you know, we must all be remembering and thinking now of the queen. of whose life he has been such an integral part. 0nly last night there was a programme on television about the queen about her emotional success and her public success and his historical success. it was

they're going to have to deal with nicola sturgeon in glasgow, if the scottish government, for exampleing people, saying, "i want it to be like the olympics!" a kind of national moment where people come together and it makes you feel good. but just very briefly, one of the interesting things is the uk's role was described to me as being a bit like the wedding planner. right, this is the coordination, this is trying to get everything all sorted in advance. it is not quite the same as sort of political leadership. so it is quite an interesting thing and it will be fascinating to see and fascinating to hear from you. no, i actually have a very. different view on that one. actually, it is - the other way around. a lot of the logistics| and the preparations are in the hand and| the responsibility of the secretariat, the climate secretariat i used to head. i the political strategy is one - that the cop presidency defines and designs, and then - is helped by the secretariat to implement that. so let's not call the uk. a wedding planner at all. this is very much . about diplomatic... the diplo

first minister nicola sturgeon has confirmed the most significant stage in scotland's lockdown easingotland gave their reaction to the announcement. all the public health evidence suggests that we are getting on top of this virus, there are less people catching covid—19 and the test positivity rate is still very low. the number of people in hospital and in icu remains very low and that is why i think we can safely and cautiously ease these restrictions a little bit quicker. i would have liked gyms to open before monday's scheduled reopening and i would have liked hospitality to have had the opportunity to do more when they do reopen on the 26th of april to bring forward some of those restrictions from the 17th of may that are due to be eased, but that is only possible because of the collective effort of everyone here in scotland has done over the last few months that we are in this hopeful and optimistic position. i think it is right that there is a staged approach and do it sensibly backed by the data. because what we don't want to risk is going too fast, that sees a spike in cases a

well then coming in from the devolved name from scotland from wales and from the with an island nicola sturgeon the 1st minister of scotland tweeted saying she was sound and by the news of the jeep that in britain had died she said she sent her personal and deepest condolences and theirs of the people of scotland to him majesty the queen and the will. family obviously an extremely sad time not just for the nation part for the royal family as well it's so prince philip is the oldest and longest serving consul here has been with married to the queen as over 70 years and he leaves behind 4 children aged grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren control as you've been speaking we've just been looking at some of the live pictures there outside the palace as you said people are starting to gather and you mentioned some comments from the british prime minister boris johnson we do have a clip of him speaking a little bit earlier let's listen to his words. it was with great sadness that a short time ago i received word from buckingham palace that his royal highness that you could edinburgh has passed awa

the first minister, nicola sturgeon, said that declining cases meant some easing of restrictions couldordon is in glasgow. we have tended to get used to scotland being a little more cautious, is this a surprise? yes, i think it has _ cautious, is this a surprise? yes, i think it has come _ cautious, is this a surprise? yes, i think it has come as _ cautious, is this a surprise? yes, i think it has come as a _ cautious, is this a surprise? yes, i think it has come as a surprise - cautious, is this a surprise? yes, i think it has come as a surprise but the first minister said that good progress in the vaccination programme in suppressing the virus meant that this key restriction could be lifted again and that from friday, people can travel anywhere across mainland scotland to visit friends and family, to socialise, to exercise, as long as the groups don't exceed six adults from six different households and don't involve any overnight stays. but there is still cautioning the rest of the route mapped out. we have to wait until the 26th of april for the big expansion in the restrictions to