Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News with Katty and Christian 20240711

Never knew you had. Those peripheral relationships we are missing in the time of lockdown. Hello, im Laura Trevelyan in new york city, Christian Fraser is in london. Its almost four weeks since supporters of President Trump stormed capitol hill, claiming the election was stolen and today, House Democrats laid out their case for convicting mr trump of inciting that insurrection accusing him of being singularly responsible for the events of january the sixth. The Impeachment Trial will be in the senate next week. In the memo they submitted, the nine Impeachment Managers say the president incited the attack but had laid the groundwork for what they describe as the big lie, well before the election in november. They say the speech he delivered onjanuary 6th whipped his supporters into a violent frenzy. And quoting directly from the constitution and its framers they say the senate has the jurisdiction to impeach a former official. In the last few hours mr trumps lawyers have responded claiming its unconstitutional to impeach and convict a former president. Their defence is simple the senate they say has no jursidiction given mr trump is no longer president , and cant barr him from holding future office. They argue that mr trumps speech to supporters just before the riot was protected by the First Amendment, guaranteeing free speech. Interestingly the response makes no attempt to justify the president s Unfound Assertion of voter fraud other than to say he stands by it. Here was republican senator Lindsay Graham when asked about it earlier today. Do you get any suggestion that his team during the trial is going to raise this election process . I have been told they are not. That would be up to them. I think that would be a winning argument. | dont think that would be a winning argument. I dont think that would be a winning argument senator graham saying there. Lets bring in brendan buck republican strategist and former aide to House Speaker paul ryan. Republican strategist and former he joins us from washington. Republican strategist and former thanks republican strategist and former so much for being programme. Thanks so much for being on the programme. So, we now have the former president of the United States accused of house Impeachment Managers of whipping up the crowd into a frenzyjust managers of whipping up the crowd into a frenzy just so managers of whipping up the crowd into a frenzyjust so he could stay into a frenzyjust so he could stay in office. What is your reaction to that charge . In office. What is your reaction to that charge . Well, i think its very clear that thats that charge . Well, i think its very clear that thats exactly that charge . Well, i think its very clear that thats exactly what that charge . Well, i think its very clear that thats exactly what you | clear that thats exactly what you did. Unfortunately, the politics have did. Unfortunately, the politics have overtaken the situation here that we have overtaken the situation here that we are no longer arguing the facts. That we are no longer arguing the facts. The that we are no longer arguing the facts, the substance, thats often what facts, the substance, thats often what happens when you dont like the factor what happens when you dont like the factor of what happens when you dont like the factor of the substance, you argue the process, and that is what you are seeing the process, and that is what you are seeing so many republicans doing are seeing so many republicans doing i are seeing so many republicans doing. I think a lot of them have realized doing. I think a lot of them have realized that the politics dont work realized that the politics dont work for realized that the politics dont work for them to be against the former work for them to be against the former president. So they are now looking former president. So they are now looking for former president. So they are now looking for an off ramp, a way to not have looking for an off ramp, a way to not have this conversation. So they are now not have this conversation. So they are now arguing the process that this is are now arguing the process that this is somehow an unconstitutional process this is somehow an unconstitutional rocess. , � ,. ,. , this is somehow an unconstitutional rocess. , � ,. ,. ,. , process. Yet, whats going to happen next week is process. Yet, whats going to happen next week is that process. Yet, whats going to happen next week is that the process. Yet, whats going to happen next week is that the president s next week is that the president s defense team is going to argue it was all right for mr trump to say that the election was suspect. He was just exercising his that the election was suspect. He wasjust exercising his right that the election was suspect. He was just exercising his right to freedom of speech. Is it good for republicans to be reviving this argument on a National Stage that somehow the election was stolen . Yeah, i think as we heard Lindsey Graham yeah, i think as we heard Lindsey Graham say, yeah, i think as we heard Lindsey Graham say, that any suggestion that the election was stolen is not going to go the election was stolen is not going to go over the election was stolen is not going to go over well. But there are First Amendment protections for speech, but they amendment protections for speech, but they are not limitless and you cannot but they are not limitless and you cannot use but they are not limitless and you cannot use your speech to incite violence. Cannot use your speech to incite violence, and that is clearly what took violence, and that is clearly what took place violence, and that is clearly what took place here. I have not heard any republican really defend the president on the merits, to say that from president on the merits, to say that from you president on the merits, to say that from you know, he was not trying to send from you know, he was not trying to send people from you know, he was not trying to send people over here, that they were send people over here, that they were you send people over here, that they were you know, not trying to commit violence. Were you know, not trying to commit violence. He were you know, not trying to commit violence, he is clearly guilty of sending violence, he is clearly guilty of sending people to the capital. I think sending people to the capital. I think what you are seeing right now itsjust think what you are seeing right now itsjust a think what you are seeing right now itsjust a lot think what you are seeing right now its just a lot of Republicans Trving its just a lot of republicans trying to its just a lot of republicans trying to wiggle out of these very inconvenient facts. I think thats why Lindsay Graham would like them to stick why Lindsay Graham would like them to stick to why Lindsay Graham would like them to stick to these process arguments. Ithink to stick to these process arguments. I think youre going to get a lot of people i think youre going to get a lot of people who would be quite perturbed if he ends people who would be quite perturbed if he ends up coming down or his lawyers if he ends up coming down or his lawyers come down and try to recreate lawyers come down and try to recreate this nonsense about the election recreate this nonsense about the election being stolen. Peoples tolerance for that is really low. Really, tolerance for that is really low. Really, i tolerance for that is really low. Really, i think what republicans want really, i think what republicans want is really, i think what republicans want is for this to be over. They wanted want is for this to be over. They wanted to want is for this to be over. They wanted to go away, they dont want to have wanted to go away, they dont want to have to wanted to go away, they dont want to have to answer questions about him to have to answer questions about him so to have to answer questions about him. So they are looking to process this as him. So they are looking to process this as quickly as they possibly can this as quickly as they possibly can~ lt this as quickly as they possibly can. ,. , � can. It would suit them, wouldnt it if they didnt can. It would suit them, wouldnt it if they didnt have can. It would suit them, wouldnt it if they didnt have to can. It would suit them, wouldnt it if they didnt have to make can. It would suit them, wouldnt it if they didnt have to make a can. It would suit them, wouldnt it if they didnt have to make a pointl if they didnt have to make a point at all. The shift on process on actually the substance of allegation the democrats are making, and in the brief, his lawyers say that it was an impassioned speech onjanuary the 6th, but it was a speech made under his First Amendment rights, freedom of speech. The trouble is, this is what Mitch Mcconnell says on the 19th of january. The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people. Now, im not a lawyer, but i do know that ou now, im not a lawyer, but i do know that you cant now, im not a lawyer, but i do know that you cant use now, im not a lawyer, but i do know that you cant use your now, im not a lawyer, but i do know that you cant use your first that you cant use your First Amendment right to shout fire in a theater and cause panic, and essentially, that is what the president did here with the big lie as the democrats call it, and there is the senate leader, the Minority Leader now on the record as saying, he was lying. So how are republicans going to square that circle . I so how are republicans going to square that circle . Square that circle . I dont think the are square that circle . I dont think they are going square that circle . I dont think they are going to square that circle . I dont think they are going to try square that circle . I dont think they are going to try to. Square that circle . I dont think they are going to try to. You i square that circle . I dont think i they are going to try to. You dont have they are going to try to. You dont have to they are going to try to. You dont have to look they are going to try to. You dont have to look any further than the rioters have to look any further than the rioters in have to look any further than the rioters in the capital who have said themselves they were there because donald themselves they were there because donald trump sent them there. The evidences donald trump sent them there. The evidences almost limitless, that there evidences almost limitless, that there are evidences almost limitless, that there are so many things that you could there are so many things that you could point there are so many things that you could point to, and Mitch Mcconnell for a long could point to, and Mitch Mcconnell for a long time seem to suggest he was interested in finding a way to convict was interested in finding a way to convict the was interested in finding a way to convict the president. I think he would convict the president. I think he would love convict the president. I think he would love to be able to convict them would love to be able to convict them so would love to be able to convict them so that donald trump cannot run for president again. I think he fears for president again. I think he fears donald trump running again and what would fears donald trump running again and what would happen to the party. But ithink what would happen to the party. But i think he what would happen to the party. But i think he also realized that there ust i think he also realized that there just are i think he also realized that there just are not the votes for this. You would just are not the votes for this. You would have just are not the votes for this. You would have to drum 17 18 republicans and maybe would have to drum 17 18 republicans and maybe there were five. So i think and maybe there were five. So i think hes and maybe there were five. So i think hes retreating from that and he is think hes retreating from that and he is seeing whats happened to the house he is seeing whats happened to the House Republicans who voted for it, and they House Republicans who voted for it, and they have seen the retribution from and they have seen the retribution from voters is swift and strong, and none from voters is swift and strong, and none of from voters is swift and strong, and none of those senators really seem to he none of those senators really seem to be up none of those senators really seem to be up for none of those senators really seem to be up for it. I think Mitch Mcconnell would love to convict him, but he mcconnell would love to convict him, but he doesnt have the votes to do it. But he doesnt have the votes to do it he but he doesnt have the votes to do it. ,. ,. ,. , it. He is weighing in into another bi row it. He is weighing in into another big row within it. He is weighing in into another big row within the it. He is weighing in into another big row within the republican it. He is weighing in into another. Big row within the republican party, and this is the issue of Marjorie Taylor green who has been spouting all sorts of Conspiracy Theories and really causing the House Minority leader, kevin mccarthy, a lot of problems. He put out an extraordinary statement overnight, here it is, he says. He went on to express concerns that they are focusing so much attention on her and not really on the concerns of american families, and that really is an issue for republicans at the moment. Why do you think he is weighing into this . He doesnt tend to 12 into house matters. He doesnt tend to 12 into house matters. , , he doesnt tend to 12 into house matters. , matters. Yes, this is typically the e of matters. Yes, this is typically the type of thing matters. Yes, this is typically the type of thing that matters. Yes, this is typically the type of thing that house matters. Yes, this is typically the. Type of thing that House Republicans worry about and Senate Leaders would stay out worry about and Senate Leaders would stay out of. Worry about and Senate Leaders would stay out of, but obviously, Mitch Mcconnell hes one of the lonely voices mcconnell hes one of the lonely voices right now who is very concerned about the direction of the party. Concerned about the direction of the party. The concerned about the direction of the party, the party, the image, the brand party, the party, the image, the brand. Look, there were 40 or so freshmen brand. Look, there were 40 or so freshmen republicans in the house iilht freshmen republicans in the house right now freshmen republicans in the house right now and Marjorie Taylor green who has right now and Marjorie Taylor green who has these wild crazy views is the face who has these wild crazy views is the face of who has these wild crazy views is the face of the party. You cannot have the face of the party. You cannot have a the face of the party. You cannot have a party that is going to grow and become a majority again if the face of and become a majority again if the face of it and become a majority again if the face of it is and become a majority again if the face of it is a conspiracy theorist. Its face of it is a conspiracy theorist. Its bad face of it is a conspiracy theorist. Its bad politics, its bad morals. He seems its bad politics, its bad morals. He seems to be one of the few people willing he seems to be one of the few people willing to he seems to be one of the few people willing to recognize this, talk about willing to recognize this, talk about it. Willing to recognize this, talk about it, try to take some action and try about it, try to take some action and try to about it, try to take some action and try to push back on where we are going and try to push back on where we are going it and try to push back on where we are going. It think theres a lot of republicans in congress that understand that she is a dangerous figure understand that she is a dangerous figure and understand that she is a dangerous figure and someone who represents a really figure and someone who represents a really had figure and someone who represents a really bad place for the party. They are just really bad place for the party. They are just not really bad place for the party. They are just not willing to say anything about are just not willing to say anything about it are just not willing to say anything about it because they are taking the path of about it because they are taking the path of least resistance, they dont want to path of least resistance, they dont want to stir path of least resistance, they dont want to stir things up and dont want want to stir things up and dont want to want to stir things up and dont want to feed into whatever victim politics want to feed into whatever victim politics that she plays. So, i really politics that she plays. So, i really politics that she plays. So, i really im really glad hes speaking really im really glad hes speaking up, ijust wish more people would speaking up, ijust wish more people would do speaking up, ijust wish more people would do it. Speaking up, ijust wish more people would do it, because clearly, we are going would do it, because clearly, we are going down would do it, because clearly, we are going down a road that is going to keep going down a road that is going to keep republicans in the minority for a very keep republicans in the minority for a very long keep republicans in the minority for a very long time. Keep republicans in the minority for a very long time keep republicans in the minority for a very long time. Brandon, thanks so much forjoining a very long time. Brandon, thanks so much Forjoining Us a very long time. Brandon, thanks so much Forjoining Us with a very long time. Brandon, thanks so much Forjoining Us with that a very long time. Brandon, thanks so much Forjoining Us with that very much Forjoining Us with that very well informed analysis there. Brandon, of course, an expert on all matters capitol hill. The uk government is desperate to stop the South African Variant of coronavirus. Surge testing is under way in a number of places around england. But its the uk variant of the virus that has taken hold and now appears to be undergoing new genetic changes. Its mutated again. Current vaccines were designed around earlier versions of coronavirus, but scientists believe they will still work against these new ones, although perhaps not quite as well against the South African Variant. Which is why Public Health england is conducting this door to door Testing Blitz of some 80,000 people to try and stamp it out. Were joined now by dr helen vimalaratna, an Infectious Disease epidemiologist at the university of buckingham medical school. Thank you very much for being with us. So, these tests have been taken to peoples doors. They are quickly turned around. What happens if and when they identify the South African strain . ,. , when they identify the South African strain . , ,. , strain . So, these tests are being used first to strain . So, these tests are being used first to test strain . So, these tests are being used first to test whether strain . So, these tests are being used first to test whether or strain . So, these tests are being used first to test whether or not | used first to test whether or not people used first to test whether or not people have coronavirus at all, and then all people have coronavirus at all, and then all of people have coronavirus at all, and then all of those that are positive are being then all of those that are positive are being fully sequenced so that we can understand if they have the south can understand if they have the South African Variant or, indeed, other South African Variant or, indeed, other variants of concern that we have other variants of concern that we have not other variants of concern that we have not yet identified, but at the moment. Have not yet identified, but at the moment, the focus is very much on the south moment, the focus is very much on the South African Variant. So its really the South African Variant. So its really important that this variant does really important that this variant does not really important that this variant does not become entrenched, doesnt become does not become entrenched, doesnt become fixed in the population. We know become fixed in the population. We know its become fixed in the population. We know its highly transmissible, and as you know its highly transmissible, and as you have know its highly transmissible, and as you have just mentioned, there are . As you have just mentioned, there are . Soher as you have just mentioned, there are . Sober how effective the current vaccines are . Sober how effective the current vaccines would be against it. So, we need vaccines would be against it. So, we need to vaccines would be against it. So, we need to fully contain any cases of this variant need to fully contain any cases of this variant that are identified. But there this variant that are identified. But there are two things that jump but there are two things thatjump out at me looking at that map. 0ne out at me looking at that map. One is that you have surged testing in woking down in the south, and search testing up in liverpool, which is a fairly big geographic spread, and we know that the cases that theyve identified in woking are among people who have not traveled, which tends to suggest in both cases, the fact that its across the country and among people who have not traveled that its already here. Its already in the community. I mean, are we testing when the horse has already bolted . You mean, are we testing when the horse has already bolted . Has already bolted . You are exactly riuht. Its has already bolted . You are exactly right its been has already bolted . You are exactly right. Its been identified has already bolted . You are exactly right. Its been identified in right. Its been identified in several right. Its been identified in several geographically disparate locations in the uk. And its by Chance Locations in the uk. And its by chance that it was identified currently, the uk is leading in terms currently, the uk is leading in terms of currently, the uk is leading in terms of molecular surveillance of the coronavirus, but we are still only the coronavirus, but we are still only looking at 5 10 of all positive only looking at 5 10 of all positive positively identified cases. Positive positively identified cases. So positive positively identified cases, so for sure, it spread much further cases, so for sure, it spread much further than cases, so for sure, it spread much further than this, the fact that these further than this, the fact that these cases have been identified suggests that its out there, but by no means suggests that its out there, but by no means has it arisen spontaneously in southport no means has it arisen spontaneously in southport and in woking without any collateral community spread. Helen. Any collateral community spread. Helen. As any collateral community spread. Helen, as you just said there, the uk is really leading the world in terms of surveillance of the different kinds of variants of the virus. Does that suggest that probably here in the us and pretty much everywhere else in the world, the virus is also mutating as it is in the uk, but we arejust not picking it up. For sure. This highlights the importance of molecular surveillance, especially when we are looking surveillance, especially when we are looking at surveillance, especially when we are looking at a surveillance, especially when we are looking at a virus which we have no prior looking at a virus which we have no prior knowledge of. This is all new to us prior knowledge of. This is all new to us and prior knowledge of. This is all new to us and we have to understand the evolution to us and we have to understand the evolution of to us and we have to understand the evolution of it. We have to get to a point evolution of it. We have to get to a point where evolution of it. We have to get to a point where we can predict the changes point where we can predict the changes that we are going to see in order changes that we are going to see in order to changes that we are going to see in order to tailor the Vaccine Strategy appropriately. Order to tailor the Vaccine Strategy appr0priately order to tailor the Vaccine Strategy auroriatel. Appropriately. Helen, thanks so much for oininu appropriately. Helen, thanks so much Forjoining Us appropriately. Helen, thanks so much Forjoining Us. Stay appropriately. Helen, thanks so much Forjoining Us. Stay with appropriately. Helen, thanks so much Forjoining Us. Stay with us appropriately. Helen, thanks so much Forjoining Us. Stay with us here appropriately. Helen, thanks so much Forjoining Us. Stay with us here on i Forjoining Us. Stay with us here on bbc news. Captain sir tom moore who raised 33 Million Pounds for the nhs by walking laps of his garden has died with coronavirus. The Prime Minister paid tribute. Captain sir tom moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word. In the dark days of the second world war, he fought for freedom and in the face of this countrys deepest post war crisis, he united us all. He cheered us all up and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit. Its quite astonishing that at the age of 100, he raised more than £32 million for the nhs on his own and so gave countless others their own chance to think the extraordinary men and women who have protected us throughout this pandemic. He became notjust a national inspiration, but a beacon of hope for the world. Our thoughts today are with his daughter, hannah, and all his family, and his legacy will long live after him. The verdict was never in doubt. The russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny was jailed today for three and half years for violating his probation. Hes been accused of violating the terms of his parole. He was of course, in germany, where he was recovering from being poisoned by what was found to be a russian nerve agent. Which he says was planted by the russian fsb. The police force is out in force tonight in moscow. These are the latest pictures as you can see the police are well prepared for any protests by supporters of mr nevalny. Hundreds of protesters who were supporting mr Navalny In Moscow today have been arrested. In court earlier, he pointed the finger at the man he says is responsible. President putin, who will go down in history he said as the poisoner. Steve rosenberg was in court. For years, the russian authorities claimed that Alexei Navalny was no threat to them. He was just a nobody. But outside the court, they were taking no chances. Inside, handcuffed, mr navalny was brought into the courtroom. Then the kremlins most ferocious critic was locked in a glass cage. Hes been accused of a parole violation. Now a judge will decide whether a suspended sentence hed been given for fraud six years ago should be turned into prison time. The case is widely seen as politically motivated. Mr navalny dismissed it as complete lies, and hes convinced the kremlin is behind it. In court, Alexei Navalny delivered a stinging attack on vladimir putin. He said he was in the dock because of the hatred and fear of one man, the president. He claims hed offended the kremlin leader by surviving the Nerve Agent Attack on him last year. President putin would go down in history, he said, as the poisoner. Later, the court ruled against him. Alexei navalny was sent to prison for two and a half years. Translation we will submit an appeal too and inform the committee of ministers of the council of europe, which deals with the execution of decisions of the European Court, which monitors the execution of European Court decisions. It is the latest twist in the most dramatic of stories, a long standing opponent of the president. Last august, Alexei Navalny survived a novichok attack allegedly by Russian Security agents and was airlifted to germany. 0n returning to russia this month, he was immediately arrested. That sparked protests across the country in his support and against vladimir putin. Today, Police Detained hundreds of people near the courthouse to prevent any protest. The kremlin paints many of those who have been taking to the streets as hooligans and provocateurs. As for mr navalny, until today, the authorities had avoided sending him to prison so he wouldnt become a political murder. The calculation has changed. To the kremlin, mr navalny is now seen as a bigger threat at liberty then behind bars. Steve rosenberg, bbc news, moscow. Lets speak to professor angela stent of Georgetown University she runs the center for eurasian, russian and east European Studies and formerly worked at the us state department. Adapt you with us professor. Lets pick up on that last point that was made in that report there. The feeling prior to this was if you put navalny in prison, you would make him a political martyr. Does this get rid of the problem for president boudin for and half years or is he as much a danger to him inside prison as he is right now . As much a danger to him inside prison as he is right now . Putin. We met we prison as he is right now . Putin. We met we will prison as he is right now . Putin. We met we will have prison as he is right now . Putin. We met we will have to prison as he is right now . Putin. We met we will have to see prison as he is right now . Putin. We met we will have to see how prison as he is right now . Putin. I we met we will have to see how much of a danger we met we will have to see how much of a danger he is in prison. As long as we of a danger he is in prison. As long as we keep of a danger he is in prison. As long as we keep instruct people on the smart as we keep instruct people on the smart voting, they have this big election smart voting, they have this big election coming up from a parliamentary elections coming up in september, they are telling people dont vote for the united russian ruling dont vote for the united russian ruling party, that is seen as a threat ruling party, that is seen as a threat i ruling party, that is seen as a threat. I dont know whether they will threat. Idont know whether they will still threat. I dont know whether they will still put out the same videos that navalny was making with putin palace that navalny was making with putin palace and the black sea. So they are calculating that if he is in ail are calculating that if he is in jail and are calculating that if he is in jail and silenced, that his movement will wither. Jail and silenced, that his movement will wither, and im not quite sure that they will wither, and im not quite sure that they are correct about that. Again. That they are correct about that. Again. This that they are correct about that. Again, this is now a movement that has branches all over the country come has branches all over the country come about, of course, they will be without come about, of course, they will be without their charismatic leader speaking without their charismatic leader speaking out in public. Speaking out in public. These ictures speaking out in public. These pictures we speaking out in public. These pictures we are speaking out in public. These pictures we are seeing speaking out in public. These| pictures we are seeing tonight speaking out in public. These pictures we are seeing tonight which we show as we are speaking with you, its quite extraordinary. It shows the size of the threat that they perceive him to be. He was quite astute today, he knows how to twist the knife, putin is not a statesman, he said, he will be known in history is maxtor putin poison her. How does that relate Withjoe Biden when he asked her talk to president putin, the fact that hes talking to a man who has been criticized as a poison or . A man who has been criticized as a oison or . , �. ,. , poison or . President biden has made no bones of poison or . President biden has made no bones of the poison or . President biden has made no bones of the fact poison or . President biden has made no bones of the fact that poison or . President biden has made no bones of the fact that he poison or . President biden has made no bones of the fact that he has poison or . President biden has made no bones of the fact that he has a no bones of the fact that he has a rather no bones of the fact that he has a rather dim no bones of the fact that he has a rather dim view on president putin. That a rather dim view on president putin. That a phone call last week, they have that a phone call last week, they have extended the nuclear arms agreements, but he has been quite clear about agreements, but he has been quite clear about that. I think its going to be clear about that. I think its going to be interesting to see the eu representative will be in moscow. Both he representative will be in moscow. Both he and the British Foreign minister both he and the British Foreign minister in the us Secretary Of State Minister in the us Secretary Of State have expressed concern about those state have expressed concern about those that state have expressed concern about those that navalny must be released. But the those that navalny must be released. But the problem is what are they going but the problem is what are they going to but the problem is what are they going to do about it . Is there anything going to do about it . Is there anything they can do to get them . Angela. Anything they can do to get them . Angela, what else is feeding into the protests that we are seeing about Alexei Navalny� s arrest and now him being jailed . About Alexei Navalny� s arrest and now him bein like ed . About Alexei Navalny� s arrest and now him i are like ed . About Alexei Navalny� s arrest and now him i are affecting this . Yes. About Alexei Navalny� s arrest and no i him i are affecting this . Yes. About Alexei Navalny� s arrest and no i him i are afft combination es. About Alexei Navalny� s arrest and no i him i ai peoplestbination es. About Alexei Navalny� s arrest and no i him i ai peoples standard as. About Alexei Navalny� s arrest and no i him i ai peoples standard of a few years. Peoples Standard Of Living a few years. Peoples Standard Of Living has a few years. Peoples Standard Of Living has been falling for years. Its living has been falling for years. Its much living has been falling for years. Its much worse since covid. They resent its much worse since covid. They resent the its much worse since covid. They resent the lockdowns, the unemployment has grown, negative growth unemployment has grown, negative growth rates. And then there is the new constitution, which will enable putin new constitution, which will enable putin to new constitution, which will enable putin to be new constitution, which will enable putin to be in power until 2036, so a lot putin to be in power until 2036, so a lot of putin to be in power until 2036, so a lot of those young people out on the streets come in many of them are very young. The streets come in many of them are very young, they have never known another very young, they have never known another leader, and they look at this elderly man from their Point Of View and this elderly man from their Point Of View and the people around them and they want view and the people around them and they want change and a number of young they want change and a number of young people who have any confidence in him young people who have any confidence in him has young people who have any confidence in him has fallen drastically. I think in him has fallen drastically. I think its in him has fallen drastically. I think its a in him has fallen drastically. I think its a combination of all of those think its a combination of all of those things and the greater repression that we have seen, new laws that repression that we have seen, new laws that have been passed, mobilizing young and older people to take to mobilizing young and older people to take to the streets and demand something different. He take to the streets and demand something different. Take to the streets and demand something different. He is his su ort something different. He is his sopport by something different. He is his sopport by the something different. He is his support by the 1824 something different. He is his support by the 1824 yearolds| something different. He is his. Support by the 1824 yearolds has support by the 18 24 year olds has slumped. Professor, thanks very much Forjoining Us. Thank you. I Forjoining Us. Thank you. Forjoining us. Thank ou. , ~ Forjoining Us. Thank ou. , , thank you. I was talking yesterday about how a thank you. I was talking yesterday about how a black thank you. I was talking yesterday about how a black dog thank you. I was talking yesterday about how a black dog has thank you. I was talking yesterday about how a black dog has got thank you. I was talking yesterday| about how a black dog has got hold of me these last few days as we go through this pandemic, one of the worst aspects of pandemic life, i think time is losing touch with all of those peripheral people in your social circle. The friends you didnt know you had, like the person at the coffee shop or the dog owner used to see at the park. While many of us have spent more time with Close Friends during the pandemic, one casualty has been those people who make up the backdrop to our lives and research from Stanford University shows that friends on the periphery are just as important as those we hold dear, especially when it comes to Finding Work Amanda Mull has been researching the issue for the atlantic. Shejoins us now. Thanks so much for being with us. I know that in my life, i miss the russian guy who used to mend my shoes, hes going out of business, more than i can say. Who is it for you . For out of business, more than i can say. Who is it for you . Out of business, more than i can say. Who is it for you . For me, it is so many say. Who is it for you . For me, it is so many people. Say. Who is it for you . For me, it is so many people. I say. Who is it for you . For me, it is so many people. I am say. Who is it for you . For me, it is so many people. I am a say. Who is it for you . For me, it is so many people. I am a very i is so many people. I am a very chatty is so many people. I am a very chatty person. I like to talk to lots chatty person. I like to talk to lots of chatty person. I like to talk to lots of strangers pretty much everywhere i go. I miss the people at my everywhere i go. I miss the people at my local everywhere i go. I miss the people at my local coffee shop, at the bagel at my local coffee shop, at the bagel shop and i missed the ups guy who used bagel shop and i missed the ups guy who used to bring all my packages up to my who used to bring all my packages up to my door~ who used to bring all my packages up to my door. All of these different kinds to my door. All of these different kinds of to my door. All of these different kinds of people who use to you know, have a kinds of people who use to you know, have a kind kinds of people who use to you know, have a kind word and a smile throughout the day, every day. What is the psychological throughout the day, every day. Ixgrusgt is the psychological impact throughout the day, every day. ousgt is the psychological impact on throughout the day, every day. jousgt is the psychological impact on us . Especially as we are spending way too much time with technology and having these weird and impersonal interactions. I having these weird and impersonal interactions interactions. I think the psychological interactions. I think the psychological impact i interactions. I think the psychological impact comes up in interactions. I think the psychological impact comes up in a lot of psychological impact comes up in a lot of areas psychological impact comes up in a lot of areas of life. I think one of the worst lot of areas of life. I think one of the worst things is that you just sort of the worst things is that you just sort of get closed off in sameness over time sort of get closed off in sameness over time. You see sort of get closed off in sameness overtime. You see herfamily, if you live overtime. You see herfamily, if you live with overtime. You see herfamily, if you live with them can use your closest you live with them can use your closest friends. Pretty much everybody else, the people who provide everybody else, the people who provide all the variety come all the spontaneity, all the variation in your spontaneity, all the variation in your life spontaneity, all the variation in your life is spontaneity, all the variation in your life is sort of gone, and that tends your life is sort of gone, and that tends to your life is sort of gone, and that tends to lead people to close in on themselves a little bit to settle into beliefs that might otherwise be challenged if they had other ways to interact challenged if they had other ways to interact with people to take less good interact with people to take less good care interact with people to take less good care of themselves, to not do their exercises or make sure that they are their exercises or make sure that they are on their exercises or make sure that they are on a good eating schedule. We sort they are on a good eating schedule. We sort of they are on a good eating schedule. We sort of decompensate when we dont we sort of decompensate when we dont have we sort of decompensate when we dont have all these types of stimulation. Stimulation. Yes. Its the exoerience stimulation. Yes. Its the experience for stimulation. Yes. Its the experience for me, stimulation. Yes. Its the i experience for me, though. Stimulation. Yes. Its the experience for me, though. Its stimulation. Yes. Its the experience for me, though. Its not necessarily specific people. I mean, do you remember when used to go to the pub and you didnt have to be told where you can sit or stand or there were peanuts on the bar, or you could stand in line at the urinals, just really simple things that i really miss. And its that experience, that shared experience, like you say, its not necessarily the people for me, amanda. In like you say, its not necessarily the people for me, amanda. In this sto , the people for me, amanda. In this story. Talk the people for me, amanda. In this story, talk about the people for me, amanda. In this story, talk about how the people for me, amanda. In this story, talk about how much the people for me, amanda. In this story, talk about how much i the people for me, amanda. In this story, talk about how much i miss i story, talk about how much i miss going story, talk about how much i miss going to story, talk about how much i miss going to a story, talk about how much i miss going to a bar and watching a football going to a bar and watching a football game. But something that i did virtually every weekend in the fall during pre pandemic life. I only fall during pre pandemic life. I only knew fall during pre pandemic life. I only knew a couple of people at the football only knew a couple of people at the Football Games or at the bar, while i Football Games or at the bar, while i only Football Games or at the bar, while ionly knew Football Games or at the bar, while i only knew a couple of bartenders, and there i only knew a couple of bartenders, and there were hundreds of other people and there were hundreds of other people there. Butjust being in a group people there. Butjust being in a group of people there. Butjust being in a group of people who are all doing the same group of people who are all doing the same thing, all excited about the same thing, all excited about the same the same thing, all excited about the same thing, all excited about the same thing, all excited about the same thing, all rooting for the same the same thing, all rooting for the same outcome, all having the same emotions same outcome, all having the same emotions is same outcome, all having the same emotions is profoundly psychologically stimulating in a way that you psychologically stimulating in a way that you just cant do over zoom. Is that you just cant do over zoom. Is not that you just cant do over zoom. Not the line at that you just cant do over zoom. Is not the line at the arnold that i missed the most commits the experience. Of everyone being together. Just some clarification. Thank you very much indeed for that. We will one day return to our friends at the pub and the russian shoemaker. I guarantee it. You did sa ou shoemaker. I guarantee it. You did say you are shoemaker. I guarantee it. You did say you are feeling shoemaker. I guarantee it. You did say you are feeling lonely, say you are feeling lonely, christian, and now all is revealed, really. Yes say no more. Good evening. Well continue to see the snow falling through this evening and overnight and with temperatures close to freezing on the roads and pavements, it will be slippery. So, some fairly treacherous travelling conditions. The strong wind as well is blowing the snow around. You can get the warnings from the website. Its because weve got the Milder Atlantic Air trying to come into that colder air in the north but gradually through the week, youll notice the milder air is nibbled away at. And if you watch the wind direction, its the easterly, and then we get it coming southwards on that northerly breeze and its just stirring the cold air into the midst and that cold air, therefore, is heading southwards with time. So, i think by the weekend, it will be colder for all but at the moment, the milder airs in charge in the south. So, lots of heavy showers. They run northwards coming into that cold air and just enhance that risk of further snow, especially for the hills, but there will be some snow at lower levels a few centimetres certainly for the likes of the central lowlands, pushing a little bit further northwards mostly over the hills in Northern Ireland where slightly milder conditions prevail as they will across the bulk of england and wales away from the far north. But look towards the south with the potential for more rain to come in here. So, rain onto saturated ground with river levels still high, and there are still numerous Flood Warnings in force. So, this is a concern for southern areas. Theres some uncertainty as to exactly how far north it will come. It looks like well see a dollop of rain here through the first part of wednesday, and the milder air gets further north into Northern Ireland and Northern England. So, well start to see the snow that has fallen thawing and again pushing into the River Systems as well as the heavy showers and longer spells of rain that are following. But all the while, that easterly wind, itll continue to fall as snow across much of scotland and possibly the far north of england as well where that cold air is established and particularly over the hills, and what a raw day itll be with that strong easterly wind as well. And little changes as we move into thursday. That easterly wind is still established. So, pushing more snowfall up onto the hills here, rain further south where its slightly milder air, and still lots of heavy showers coming in over the saturated ground as well. So, that ongoing risk of flooding with us through much of the week but towards the weekend, that cold air, as i say, is filtering its way southwards. So, itll be a colder few days to come by that stage. The warnings are on the website. Youre watching bbc news with me Laura Trevelyan in new york, Christian Fraser is in london. Our top stories. Us Vaccine Rates continue to climb a neccesary boost in race to get more people immune before covid variants take hold in america. For all the recent display of bipartisanship, President Biden stands firm on his 1. 9 trillion Relief Package for the covid ravaged us economy. Jeff bezos announces he will step down as Chief Executive of amazon, leaving the helm of the company he founded almost three decades ago. Also in the programme. To mask or double mask . We investigate which kind of Face Coverings give you the best protection against covid i9. Plus, the english farm thats raked in over Fifty Thousand pounds by offering paid zoom calls with a goat. I kid you not. In the United States Covid Hospitalisations and cases are falling signs the country could be turning a corner in the pandemic. But that progress could be thwarted by more contagious strains that have quickly taken hold in other parts of the world. It makes the effort to vaccinate people quickly absolutely crucial. Its a race between the vaccines and the variants. In the us some 32. 8 million doses have been given. Thats more than the 26. 3 million who have tested positive for the virus. In the last week, the us has been vaccinating people at an average rate of 1. 34 million doses per day. In an effort makes vaccines more readily available, next week doses will be shipped directly to pharmacies nationwide. Thats why were pleased to announce our first phase of the federal Retail Pharmacy programme for covid 19 vaccinations. This is a key component of President Bidens national strategy, offering vaccinations in americas pharmacies. Starting on february 11th, the federal government will deliver vaccines directly to select pharmacies across the country. Andy slavitt is white house Senior Advisor for covid response. Hejoins us now from the north lawn. Which looks very snowy. Thank you very much for being with us. Talk to us about the new announcement, you are putting vaccines into pharmacies. How is it going to work . Well, though, we have to do a few things well, though, we have to do a few things here. We know americans are impatient things here. We know americans are impatient and anxious, they want to et impatient and anxious, they want to get vaccinated. The first thing i did say get vaccinated. The first thing i did say is get vaccinated. The first thing i did say is we have increased the number did say is we have increased the number of did say is we have increased the number of vaccines being shipped out to the number of vaccines being shipped out to the states and to the pharmacies by about to the states and to the pharmacies by about one third since january 20 and thats by about one third since january 20 and thats good news but we also have and thats good news but we also have to and thats good news but we also have to make those vaccines more accessible have to make those vaccines more accessible to more people by putting in work accessible to more people by putting in work locations. Today we are excited in work locations. Today we are excited that we are going to be starting excited that we are going to be starting a excited that we are going to be starting a programme thats going to directly starting a programme thats going to directly put vaccines into retail pharmacies that i think will only grow pharmacies that i think will only grow we pharmacies that i think will only grow. We also announced that fema is going grow. We also announced that fema is going to grow. We also announced that fema is going to be grow. We also announced that fema is going to be sending up about 100 Community Vaccination centres in locations Community Vaccination centres in locations where we need them. We are moving locations where we need them. We are moving on locations where we need them. We are moving on many fronts to get both quicker moving on many fronts to get both quicker Vaccine Access but also favour quicker Vaccine Access but also favour a quicker Vaccine Access but also favour a Vaccine Access. | quicker Vaccine Access but also favour a Vaccine Access. Quicker Vaccine Access but also favour a Vaccine Access. I want to talk to you favour a Vaccine Access. I want to talk to you about favour a Vaccine Access. I want to talk to you about testing favour a Vaccine Access. I want to talk to you about testing for favour a Vaccine Access. I want to talk to you about testing for a i talk to you about testing for a second because that is worth there are a lot of concerns in the United States. We were talking earlier about the Surge Testing going on in the uk to find and stamp out the South African Variant, going door to door dropping tests through the door and picking them up and they are hopefully going to isolate and get rid of that variant. Now, last week, there were two cases of the South African Variant are found in south carolina. Were you carrying out similar tests . Out similar tests . Well, i would love to tell out similar tests . Well, i would love to tell you out similar tests . Well, i would love to tell you that out similar tests . Well, i would love to tell you that this out similar tests . Well, i would love to tell you that this was i out similar tests . Well, i would love to tell you that this was a i love to tell you that this was a perfectly love to tell you that this was a perfectly systematic process but we have been perfectly systematic process but we have been behind the uk On Sequencing and we have just begun a Pretty Sequencing and we have just begun a pretty significant ramp up of our resequencing. There is now been a third resequencing. There is now been a third case resequencing. There is now been a third case discovered in maryland but we third case discovered in maryland but we know there is likely more. Our counsel but we know there is likely more. Our counsel to people here is to 0ur counsel to people here is to very 0ur counsel to people here is to very much 0ur counsel to people here is to very much assume that you have a contagious very much assume that you have a contagious form of covid 19 in your communities because you do whether it is a communities because you do whether it is a Super Communities because you do whether it is a super contagious orjust normal it is a super contagious orjust normal contagious and we need to act accordingly normal contagious and we need to act accordingly and that means wearing a mask and accordingly and that means wearing a mask and a accordingly and that means wearing a mask and a social distancing because we are mask and a social distancing because we are on mask and a social distancing because we are on the cusp of being able to defeat we are on the cusp of being able to defeat this we are on the cusp of being able to defeat this thing with the vaccines but we defeat this thing with the vaccines but we cant do it, the vaccines will never but we cant do it, the vaccines will never catch up quickly enough but the will never catch up quickly enough but the simple answer is you dont know but the simple answer is you dont know whether that is there or not, because know whether that is there or not, because the testing is not up to scratch because the testing is not up to scratch. Absolutely not. I think again. Scratch. Absolutely not. I think again. We scratch. Absolutely not. I think again, we have to assume that we are only catching again, we have to assume that we are only catching a fraction of the variant only catching a fraction of the variant here and if you are somewhere in the us and anywhere by the way somewhere in the us and anywhere by the way in somewhere in the us and anywhere by the way in many countries around the world. The way in many countries around the world. It the way in many countries around the world. It is the way in many countries around the world, it is always the safest to assume world, it is always the safest to assume that we do have the variant present assume that we do have the variant present in assume that we do have the variant present in the community and act accordingly. fire present in the community and act accordingly present in the community and act accordinul. � , ,. , accordingly. Are you confident that the us is going accordingly. Are you confident that the us is going to accordingly. Are you confident that the us is going to be accordingly. Are you confident that the us is going to be able accordingly. Are you confident that the us is going to be able to the us is going to be able to vaccinate enough people quickly enough to outrun all the variants of the virus . , enough to outrun all the variants of the virus . J j enough to outrun all the variants of the virus . J ,. , the virus . Remember, the virus and the virus . Remember, the virus and the variants the virus . Remember, the virus and the variants grow the virus . Remember, the virus and the variants grow exponentially. The variants grow exponentially. Vaccine the variants grow exponentially. Vaccine distribution only happens linearly~ Vaccine Distribution only happens linearly. So, if indeed we have a variant linearly. So, if indeed we have a variant here linearly. So, if indeed we have a variant here that really takes off in certain variant here that really takes off in certain cities, we are going to have in certain cities, we are going to have to in certain cities, we are going to have to use in certain cities, we are going to have to use Public Health measures like avoiding crowds and Wearing Masks like avoiding crowds and Wearing Masks and so forth. Those are by far our best masks and so forth. Those are by far our best and masks and so forth. Those are by far our best and earliest sign of protection. Now, our most Permanent Protection protection. Now, our most Permanent Protection of course its vaccinations and those vaccinations are getting vaccinations and those vaccinations are getting ramped up, but the vaccinations couldnt possibly ramp up vaccinations couldnt possibly ramp up quick vaccinations couldnt possibly ramp up quick enough if indeed we have massive up quick enough if indeed we have massive growth of the variant in one Community Massive growth of the variant in one community or another. Do you think that in community or another. Do you think that in Life Community or another. Do you think that in life here in the us could return that in life here in the us could return to that in life here in the us could return to normal in the fall hopefully . I think we have lived through hopefully . I think we have lived through too much people who who think through too much people who who think they through too much people who who think they have Crystal Balls who Say Solutions are around the corner and there Say Solutions are around the corner and there are miracles. So im going to hold and there are miracles. So im going to hold off and there are miracles. So im going to hold off on Making Predictions like that to hold off on Making Predictions like that. But i am going to say is we do like that. But i am going to say is we do have like that. But i am going to say is we do have our destiny in our own hands. We do have our destiny in our own hands. We we do have our destiny in our own hands, we do have the ability to defeat hands, we do have the ability to defeat this and make it better, we will gain defeat this and make it better, we will gain on it bit by bit, i know we would will gain on it bit by bit, i know we would all like an instant solution we would all like an instant solution which is why it is so appealing when someone says that they have appealing when someone says that they have a Silver Bullet or miracle. They have a Silver Bullet or miracle, but this will take months to vaccinate the country and we will have to to vaccinate the country and we will have to battle these variants. We will get have to battle these variants. We will get through this and defeat this but will get through this and defeat this but we will all have to put together this but we will all have to put together to do it. The this but we will all have to put together to do it. This but we will all have to put together to do it. The reason why it is auoin to together to do it. The reason why it is going to take together to do it. The reason why it is going to take some together to do it. The reason why it is going to take some time together to do it. The reason why it is going to take some time is is going to take some time is because there isnt the abundance of vaccine. And that picks the question for me why you havent pushed the fda to approve the astrazeneca vaccine because its been approved here in europe, its vaccine because its been approved here in europe, its in full use here in europe, its in full use here in europe, its in full use here in the uk. You were part of the trial, but now it seems that its not going to be approved in the United States until maybe april. First of all, i would love to tell you that first of all, i would love to tell you that we had an abundance of vaccines you that we had an abundance of vaccines that we inherited from the last administration. Thats not the case and last administration. Thats not the case and i last administration. Thats not the case and i think thats important that people know that we level with them that people know that we level with them. Secondly, the fda, just like them. Secondly, the fda, just like the year them. Secondly, the fda, just like the year think european authorities, is perfectly capable of doing authorities, is perfectly capable of doing the authorities, is perfectly capable of doing the scientific analysis of the safety doing the scientific analysis of the safety and efficacy analysis. Remember we safety and efficacy analysis. Rememberwe are not safety and efficacy analysis. Remember we are not looking for more vaccines. Remember we are not looking for more vaccines. We remember we are not looking for more vaccines, we are looking for more vaccinations. Why do i say this . Because vaccinations. Why do i say this . Because people need to trust that it is the because people need to trust that it is the scientists and not the politicians and we just had a four Year Politicians and we just had a four year Bout Politicians and we just had a four year bout with us of people interfering with the scientific agencies and thinking they know better~ agencies and thinking they know better~ i agencies and thinking they know better. I am quite confident that the fda better. I am quite confident that the fda will make the right decision about the fda will make the right decision about these vaccines when they indeed about these vaccines when they indeed have enough data. That about these vaccines when they indeed have enough data. That is a really important indeed have enough data. That is a really important point. Indeed have enough data. That is a really important point. Andy really important point. Andy slavitt, we know you are very busy, thank you very much Forjoining Us on the programme. It is the first big test ofjoe bidens attempts to work across the aisle. Can he get republicans to sign on to a massive coronavirus package he hopes will sustain the us economy. Last night the president invited ten republican senators to the oval office, who had written to him with a compromise offer. The republican senator Susan Collins said it was a useful exchange of views and there were broad areas of agreement. But the truth is theres a massive gap between the two sides on what they are prepared to spend. Republican senators are thinking of a figure close to 600 billion. President biden wants to spend something nearer to 1. 9 trillion, which includes Stimulus Cheques for americans as well as support for cash strapped state and local authorities. The gap between the two sides is currently 1. 3 trillion. And while the president wants to do this in a bipartisan way, the Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer is preparing to push it through with a simple majority. And hes not keen on trimming the amount of aid to americans. We want this entire effort to be bipartisan we do. But helping the American People with a the big, bold relief they need. Mr president , that isjob number one. That isjob number one which is so, so important. So, again, were not going to dilute, dither, or delay because the demands of the American People are so real and so large. We need to think big and think quickly. Lets speak to jason furman professor, at the Harvard Kennedy school and former chairman of the White House Council of economic advisors under president 0bama. Thanks so much for being with us. Based on your experience in 2008, do you think now is the moment for President Biden to go big and spend big . I President Biden to go big and spend bi. 7. , ~ President Biden to go big and spend bi . , ~ a President Biden to go big and spend bi . , ~ big . I certainly think its better to err on the big . I certainly think its better to err on the side big . I certainly think its better to err on the side of big . I certainly think its better to err on the side of too big . I certainly think its better to err on the side of too big. I l to err on the side of too big. I certainly to err on the side of too big. I certainly think that doing something ambitious certainly think that doing something ambitious is important when we still have very ambitious is important when we still have very high unemployment and a difficult have very high unemployment and a difficult road ahead of us. But have very high unemployment and a difficult road ahead of us. Difficult road ahead of us. But the theory has difficult road ahead of us. But the theory has always difficult road ahead of us. But the theory has always been difficult road ahead of us. But the theory has always been that difficult road ahead of us. But the i theory has always been that massive spending will lead to inflation and the Economy Overheating but isnt the Economy Overheating but isnt the case now that the august chairman of the Federal Reserve wants big spending . Whats changed . What has changed is that we had a massive what has changed is that we had a massive shock hit the economy. We prevented massive shock hit the economy. We prevented a massive shock hit the economy. We prevented a second Great Depression by making prevented a second Great Depression by making a huge effort to last year in terms by making a huge effort to last year in terms of by making a huge effort to last year in terms of Pumping Resources into the economy, but we need to keep that up the economy, but we need to keep that up in the economy, but we need to keep that up in order to finish the job and as that up in order to finish the job and as long as you are in a depressed economy, youre going to have a depressed economy, youre going to have a hard depressed economy, youre going to have a hard time generating a lot of inflatioh have a hard time generating a lot of inflation. Mr have a hard time generating a lot of inflation. ~ Jj Have A Hard Time generating a lot of inflation. ~. J. ,. ,. , inflation. Mr furman i want to put a rah on inflation. Mr furman i want to put a graph on the inflation. Mr furman i want to put a graph on the screen inflation. Mr furman i want to put a graph on the screen for inflation. Mr furman i want to put a graph on the screen for our inflation. Mr furman i want to put a graph on the screen for our review. Graph on the screen for our review was because there is a myth which republicans like to perpetuate that they are the guardians of the public purse. So, this is a picture of the deficit in the United States going all the way back to bill clinton. The first two bars you see there, below the line, that is surplus and then you see that they go into deficit with George W Bush and it comes down towards the presidency of president 0bama, and then of course theres 2008, so itjumps. They theres 2008, so itjumps. They start to pay that off and then it starts to climb again through the presidency of donald trump and then itjumps, itjumps during the pandemic. In fact it has surpassed the size of the entire annual economy for the First Time Since world war ii. So, it is a frustration i think is in it that democrats that now republicans are out of office, they say now we need to watch the spending here. Out of office, they say now we need to watch the spending here. Yeah, i think there to watch the spending here. Yeah, i think there is to watch the spending here. Yeah, i think there is some to watch the spending here. Yeah, i think there is some of to watch the spending here. Yeah, i think there is some of that, to watch the spending here. Yeah, i think there is some of that, we i to watch the spending here. Yeah, i | think there is some of that, we pass a tax think there is some of that, we pass a tax cut think there is some of that, we pass a tax cut four think there is some of that, we pass a tax cut four years ago that was poorly a tax cut four years ago that was poorly designed and gave us a lot of money poorly designed and gave us a lot of money to poorly designed and gave us a lot of money to the highest Income Households and we never heard about costs. Households and we never heard about costs. We households and we never heard about costs, we never heard about targeting. Now we look at this, this is much targeting. Now we look at this, this is much more progressive, i think its is much more progressive, think its much is much more progressive, i think its much more needed, but we are hearing its much more needed, but we are hearing a its much more needed, but we are hearing a lot its much more needed, but we are hearing a lot about, 0h, its much more needed, but we are hearing a lot about, oh, this person hearing a lot about, oh, this person doesnt need it, that person doesnt person doesnt need it, that person doesnt need it. fine person doesnt need it, that person doesnt need it. Doesnt need it. One of the things the want doesnt need it. One of the things they want to doesnt need it. One of the things they want to cut doesnt need it. One of the things they want to cut though, doesnt need it. One of the things they want to cut though, the i they want to cut though, the republicans is the stimulus checks and there is Interesting Research from Harvard University that is out this week which suggests among those people middle to high earners, those people middle to high earners, those people who earn over 75,000 from at the Stimulus Cheques dont people who earn over 75,000 from at the Stimulus Cheques dont have that much effect because people i dont know what it does but that bracket of people tend to be more prudent and save it, so it doesnt have a big impact on the real economy. So would there be well advised to spend that money and other areas of the economy . I that money and other areas of the econom . j that money and other areas of the econom . ~ � ,. , economy . I think itll be fine to better Target Economy . I think itll be fine to better target the economy . I think itll be fine to better target the stimulus i economy . I think itll be fine to i better target the Stimulus Cheques to more better target the Stimulus Cheques to more moderate Income Households. Ithink to more moderate Income Households. I think if to more moderate Income Households. I think if you to more moderate Income Households. I think if you make 140,000 a year, you probably dont need the full 2000 you probably dont need the full 2000 per person, certainly it would be nice 2000 per person, certainly it would be nice to 2000 per person, certainly it would be nice to have, but if you have a limited be nice to have, but if you have a limited set be nice to have, but if you have a limited set of priorities, i think you could limited set of priorities, i think you could prioritise better the targeting of the cheques. Jason furman, thank targeting of the cheques. Jason furman, thank you targeting of the cheques. Jason furman, thank you so targeting of the cheques. Jason furman, thank you so much i targeting of the cheques. Jason furman, thank you so much for targeting of the cheques. Jagsrru furman, thank you so much for being with us. Jj furman, thank you so much for being with us. J. ,. , stay with us on bbc news, still to come we meet the goat whos being invited to all the hottest zoom parties. Well, to mark the 75th Anniversary of v j day in august last year, artist alexander chamberlin, a former army officer, created the official oil painting of captain sir tom moore for the army and got to meet him. He told us about his time with the captain and how he captured the veterans spark in his artwork. I was incredibly lucky to be able to meet him. I think i was the only person to be able to do that. That shows, really, kind of the regard that he held the army in that he allowed the army to get close to him. He was inundated with requests and there were many fantastic efforts at painting him, but i was greatly honoured to be able to meet him in person. Just what an amazing person to meet. His grandson, benji, looked after me when i was there. And it wasjust brilliant. Just such a shame to lose him now. What was so great about him was that he really welcomed me into his environment so that i could actually sort of have a chance to talk to him. He was very relaxed and able to just allow me to feel comfortable, which i think is the mark of a true gentleman. And youre right, the twinkle was very important. My wife made it very clear to me and my daughters, even our four year old daughter noticed it and actually helped me with a few little bits and pieces on the painting in the end. We talked about quite a lot and covered a lot of ground. And, if there was definitely a sort of mutual. Well, a lot more respect from me, ithink, in terms of, you know, what he has done, what he went through. My service, really, just pales into insignificance compared to really even anything he has done then or since, really. Weve talked a lot about vaccines in recent weeks, the rows, the issues with rollout and distribution, not to mention the skepticism in some quarters. But for many people the best protection at least for now remains social distancing and mask wearing. But the advice on Face Coverings hasnt not always been consistent and it can vary widely from country to country and here in the us from state to state. 0ur science editor, David Shukman has more. All of the world people are now covering their faces in all of the world people are now covering theirfaces in many different ways. All over the world, people are now covering their faces in a million different ways. Theres a lot of choice about what type to wear, and, in some countries, the advice is changing, as we learn more about how the virus spreads. So, what are the options . Well, a home made Face Covering is the simplest and cheapest, and it was promoted in 2020 because of worries about shortages of professional masks that medics desperately needed. This one, its made from an old t shirt. Its got three layers, so should do a reasonable job of stopping any virus that i might release, which really matters, because up to one in three people may be infected without even realising. And to make it more effective, theres the idea of doubling up having two coverings, one on top of the other, because that gives you more layers to stop the virus getting through. So if you have a physical covering with one layer, you put another layer on, itjust makes common sense that it likely would be more effective. We saw a lot of these double masks on Inauguration Day in washington. Theyre not recommended by the Us Government or by the world health organization, but they are catching on. Next up in quality is the surgical mask. These are water resistant, so if someone coughs right at you, the virus should be blocked. They should provide you with some good protection, and others around you, but they dont fit very well. There are gaps at the sides that tiny Virus Particles called aerosols could get through. You can see how that happens in these lab tests. They show how air and aerosols can escape from around the masks. So, to guard against that, there are better grades of mask. Theyre called n95 in the us or ffp2 or ffp3 in the uk. In austria, theyre now required on buses and in other public areas, while, in germany, elderly people have been given them for going shopping. Breaking tech news coming out in the last 30 minutes. Jeff bezos has Just Announced he is handing over the reins of amazon and will be stepping as ceo of amazon this summer. He wants to focus more time and energy on his other projects including the bezos earth fund, blue 0rigin, the Washington Post. Were joined now by our business correspodent michelle fleury. Nice to see you michelle, how is the market reacting to this . This nice to see you michelle, how is the market reacting to this . Market reacting to this . This is a hu. E market reacting to this . This is a huge surprise. Market reacting to this . This is a huge surprise, Everyone Market reacting to this . This is a huge surprise, everyone was i market reacting to this . This is a i huge surprise, everyone was gearing up huge surprise, everyone was gearing up to huge surprise, everyone was gearing up to hear huge surprise, everyone was gearing up to hear the results from this company up to hear the results from this company Which Theyjust published. There company Which Theyjust published. There was company Which Theyjust published. There was huge expectations around aws. There was huge expectations around aws. Their there was huge expectations around aws, their booming cloud business. And then aws, their booming cloud business. And then suddenly, we learned that there and then suddenly, we learned that there was and then suddenly, we learned that there was this memo that jeff bezos had sent there was this memo that jeff bezos had sent to staff in which he announced essentially that he was stepping announced essentially that he was stepping down this summer and in his place. Stepping down this summer and in his place. Andy stepping down this summer and in his place, andyjassy would become his ceo, place, andyjassy would become his ceo. He place, andyjassy would become his ceo, he currently runs aws, that is the lesser known part of amazon, ceo, he currently runs aws, that is the lesser known part of amazon, we all think the lesser known part of amazon, we all think of the lesser known part of amazon, we all think of it the lesser known part of amazon, we all think of it as this Online Retail all think of it as this Online Retailjuggernaut but on the site it has built retailjuggernaut but on the site it has built this hugely successful business has built this hugely successful business and i think the elevation of Andy Business and i think the elevation of andy chassis from that division of andy chassis from that division of the of andy chassis from that division of the company is sort of something to pay of the company is sort of something to Pay Attention to not just of the company is sort of something to Pay Attention to notjust in terms to Pay Attention to notjust in terms of to Pay Attention to notjust in terms of the profits that division is making terms of the profits that division is making but also now as we see the rise of is making but also now as we see the rise of corporate ranks. Jeff is making but also now as we see the rise of corporate ranks. Rise of corporate ranks. Jeff bezos is one of the rise of corporate ranks. Jeff bezos is one of the richest rise of corporate ranks. Jeff bezos is one of the richest men rise of corporate ranks. Jeff bezos is one of the richest men in i rise of corporate ranks. Jeff bezos is one of the richest men in the i is one of the richest men in the world. If hes going to pursue other projects, what could they be . He does own the Washington Post for example. The does own the Washington Post for exam le. J , does own the Washington Post for exam le. J j. , example. The list is the long run, he has his example. The list is the long run, he has his own example. The list is the long run, he has his own rival example. The list is the long run, he has his own rival to example. The list is the long run, he has his own rival to spacex, i example. The list is the long run, | he has his own rival to spacex, he has the he has his own rival to spacex, he has the Washington Post, he has numerous has the Washington Post, he has numerous interests, also if you look back over numerous interests, also if you look back over the last couple of years, he has back over the last couple of years, he hasjust back over the last couple of years, he hasjust gone through a divorce, that was he hasjust gone through a divorce, that was the subject of quite a few tabloid that was the subject of quite a few tabloid headlines, there are plenty of reasons tabloid headlines, there are plenty of reasons to think that he might want of reasons to think that he might want to of reasons to think that he might want to take a step back from the daytoday want to take a step back from the day to day running of amazon which as he day to day running of amazon which as he says day to day running of amazon which as he says has become a huge and complex as he says has become a huge and complex business. But at the same time make complex business. But at the same time make no mistake, he is not disappearing from amazon. I would be very surprised if he wasnt involved in every very surprised if he wasnt involved in every major strategic decision going in every major strategic decision Going Forward but what this means is he doesnt Going Forward but what this means is he doesnt necessarily have to show up he doesnt necessarily have to show up on he doesnt necessarily have to show up on the he doesnt necessarily have to show up on the daily basis for every meeting up on the daily basis for every meeting and i think that is what this shift meeting and i think that is what this shift signifies and thats why you havent seen a huge reaction in the stock you havent seen a huge reaction in the stock price. The stock price. Michelle fleury, thank you celebrities have been cashing in during lockdown, offering to Video Call Fans stuck at home via zoom. John cleese willjoin you for 15 minutes for 1,000. Carole baskin of tiger king fame will give you 10 minutes of her time for something similar. Good money if you can get it. And there are people who are using animals to make money as well. Cronkshaw farm here in the uk has been organising zooms for all occasions with all its animals. You can zoom with a goat, no i am not kidding. 0r or you 0ryou can or you can have a hen with actual hands. You can have a hen do with actual hens . And the money the farms is raising towards the welfare of the animals and the wages of the staff who might otherwise have been laid off during the pandemic. So let me introduce you to Dot Mccarthy Farmer and also i will introduce you to lisa. And i will start with you dot because i dont think ive ever interview to go we will leave lisa on the bottom right there, you are in rossendale, you have this farm and the pandemic, what are the implications for you and everyone that works there . 50. And everyone that works there . So, its a family and everyone that works there . So, its a family farm here and i took its a family farm here and i took it over its a family farm here and i took it over about three or four years ago it over about three or four years ago sorry. It over about three or four years ago. Sorry, noisy goats in the background to my getting a bit battered here. We started doing weddings and a combination as well, a couple weddings and a combination as well, a couple of weddings and a combination as well, a couple of years ago, i took on my first members of staff, the winter ust first members of staff, the winter just before the pandemic. Went behind just before the pandemic. Went behind the years in business took on these behind the years in business took on these first behind the years in business took on these first two employees and then covid these first two employees and then covid struck which wasnt good. I wanted covid struck which wasnt good. I wanted to covid struck which wasnt good. I wanted to do something to keep my staff employed so they did not have to o staff employed so they did not have to go home and twiddle their thumbs. Just thinking of different moneymaking ideas and one that what worked moneymaking ideas and one that what worked really well was we were selling worked really well was we were selling farm manure but that was extremely stinky and anyone who shovels extremely stinky and anyone who shovels muck all day knows its actually shovels muck all day knows its actually really hard work and then we came actually really hard work and then we came up with the goat zoom idea which we came up with the goat zoom idea which started as a joke, oh, hello, goats which started as a joke, oh, hello, goats climbing all over me. Put a goat goats climbing all over me. Put a goat in goats climbing all over me. Put a goat in your goats climbing all over me. Put a goat in your video call and prank your goat in your video call and prank your colleagues if you are bored at work your colleagues if you are bored at work and your colleagues if you are bored at work and on your colleagues if you are bored at work and on zoom on day. And itjust took off work and on zoom on day. And itjust took off. Weve done over 10,000 calls now took off. Weve done over 10,000 calls now. As you can see, they are very cute calls now. As you can see, they are very cute very cute. Dot why is so popular havin very cute. Dot why is so popular having your very cute. Dot why is so popular having your goats very cute. Dot why is so popular having your goats on very cute. Dot why is so popular having your goats on zoom . I l very cute. Dot why is so popular. Having your goats on zoom . I think ust having your goats on zoom . I think just because having your goats on zoom . I think just because goats having your goats on zoom . I think just because goats are having your goats on zoom . I think just because goats are so having your goats on zoom . I think just because goats are so naturally| just because goats are so naturally curious just because goats are so naturally curious so. Just because goats are so naturally curious. So, peoplejust like having them curious. So, peoplejust like having them in curious. So, peoplejust like having them in the curious. So, peoplejust like having them in the corner staring at the camera. Them in the corner staring at the camera. As them in the corner staring at the camera, as he can see right now, they camera, as he can see right now, they are camera, as he can see right now, they are very camera, as he can see right now, they are very interested in whats going they are very interested in whats going on. They are very interested in whats going on, who is in their pen, what is happening. So, yet. So, going on, who is in their pen, what is happening. So, yet. Is happening. So, yet. So, you charue a is happening. So, yet. So, you charge a fiver is happening. So, yet. So, you charge a fiver for is happening. So, yet. So, you charge a fiver for a is happening. So, yet. So, you charge a fiver for a goat, is happening. So, yet. So, you charge a fiver for a goat, do i is happening. So, yet. So, you. Charge a fiver for a goat, do you . Is happening. So, yet. So, you i charge a fiver for a goat, do you . A lot less than carol baskin how i charge a fiver for a goat, do you . A i lot less than carol baskin how much have ou lot less than carol baskin how much have you made . lot less than carol baskin how much have you made . we lot less than carol baskin how much have you made . we had lot less than carol baskin how much have you made . we had made i lot less than carol baskin how much i have you made . we had made £50,000, so that has helped have you made . we had made £50,000, so that has helped to have you made . we had made £50,000, so that has helped to peoples so that has helped to peoples wages so that has helped to peoples wages it so that has helped to peoples wages. It is meant we had been able to keep wages. It is meant we had been able to keep it wages. It is meant we had been able to keep it to wages. It is meant we had been able to keep it to staff and work which has been to keep it to staff and work which has been brilliant. I didnt want to lose has been brilliant. Ididnt want to lose my has been brilliant. I didnt want to lose my first two employees ever of mites lose my first two employees ever of mites i lose my first two employees ever of mites i have managed to keep them hired mites i have managed to keep them hired and mites i have managed to keep them hired and any extra money, sorry noisy hired and any extra money, sorry noisy goat hired and any extra money, sorry noisy goat again, any extra money noisy goat again, any extra money would noisy goat again, any extra money would make on top of that is all going would make on top of that is all going towards the farm to Carbon Neutral going towards the farm to Carbon Neutral lt going towards the farm to Carbon Neutral. J jj going towards the farm to Carbon Neutral. J. J jj jj neutral. It is a great idea. I might hire lisa on neutral. It is a great idea. I might hire lisa on it neutral. It is a great idea. I might hire lisa on it season neutral. It is a great idea. I might hire lisa on it season ticket i neutral. It is a great idea. I might hire lisa on it season ticket for i hire lisa on it season ticket for some people have her on Conference Calls in the morning. Thank you, dot. Thank you for watching. Tonight at ten, the queen leads the tribute to captain sir tom moore who has died at the age of 100. I will keep on going, people are contributing to me. He raised a fortune for an gesture to us in touch the hearts of people around the world. The touch the hearts of people around the world. Jj j touch the hearts of people around the world. J j j j. , touch the hearts of people around the world. J j jj the world. The cause is so good, and i am the world. The cause is so good, and i am delighted the world. The cause is so good, and i am delighted that the world. The cause is so good, and i am delighted that we the world. The cause is so good, and i am delighted that we have the world. The cause is so good, and i am delighted that we have got i the world. The cause is so good, and i am delighted that we have got so i i am delighted that we have got so much money for such a good cause. Captain tom was knighted last summer, i have lost the pictures. So, whats happening is were pulling that cold air southwards across the uk. Were mixing it around the area of low pressure so everywhere by the weekend is colder, even southern areas. And with a bracing easterly wind, itll feel better. Now, back to the here and now. Some treacherous conditions again in the north. Its likely well see a spell of rain in southern areas as well. Bear in mind, the river levels are very high here, too. Across Northern Ireland, parts of Northern England but still the far north of england, much of scotland at risk of further snow blowing around in those strong winds and icy conditions. So, treacherous here once again. Even at lower levels, some snow continues to fall. That will continue through wednesday night and into thursday as well with further showers running around the base of the area of low pressure pushing up into that cold air. Theyre just renewing that risk of flooding and snow further north as well flooding on saturated grounds, as i say. Coming to thursday and thursday night, youve got that where the front is still with us, still that strong easterly wind. So, i think its going to be quite a bitter day on thursday again. And by that stage, you can see there are more heavy showers to come in the south. Still that tale of two halves which is relatively mild in the south but its still bitterly cold in the north and snow to low levels and pushing to a little bit further across scotland and further north that is, certainly through thursday and friday, and you can start to sort of see the effect of that cold air pushing a little bit further southwards again by the time we get into friday. And thatll be noted with the temperatures. And, again, that risk of wintry weather. So, that process continues as we go through into the weekend, as well. That low pressure starts to just be pulled southwards. That easterly wind pulling a little bit further south is getting stronger all the time so that by saturday, an increase risk of snow further south once again, perhaps into Northern Ireland sorry, as well as Northern England into north wales, the midlands once again. Temperatures even further south only at 6s and 7s as opposed to 12s and 13s weve been seeing. By sunday, we see that risk of snow slipping further south once again and that strong easterly wind accompanying it. So, any showers coming across here then are more likely to fall as sleet and as snow, and temperatures are barely above freezing by that stage. So, yes, it is going to get colder across all parts by the weekend. And we stay on the northern side in the cold air as we go into the following week. As you can see, its only by the end of next week that that jet stream is likely to buckle further north and bring back some of them out atlantic air. Some of the Milder Atlantic Air. Up between now and then, its going to get colder across southern areas. Itll stay cold in the north. This isjust an illustration, birmingham just this one place but itll be fairly typical for the whole of the uk where we see temperatures falling away and it gets cold, and stays cold, into next week. The warnings are online. Tonight at ten the queen leads the tributes to captain sir tom moore whos died at the age of 100. Ill keep on going whilst people are still contributing to the National Health service. He was the lockdown hero who raised a fortune for Nhs Charities and touched the hearts of people around the world. The cause is so good, from that Point Of View im the cause is so good, from that Point Of View im delighted we have got so much money for such a good cause. Captain tom was knighted last summer recognising his exceptional efforts at such a difficult time for the country. Captain sir tom moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word