Were very proud of our track record as you know on the Vaccines Task force and of course the deployment programme, but this is another part of the armoury. Eleven of the uks leading Health Groups have signed a letter urging the Prime Minister to make the temporary £20 per week increase to the standard allowance of universal credit and working tax credits permanent. Theres International Condemnation of china after a bbc report alleges women were systemically raped and tortured in uighur camps. Beijing brands it fake news. And, how green is your Football Club . Fans are encouraged to persuade their team to be more environmental. Hello. The uks rapid covid 19 Vaccination Programme will help the economy rebound strongly this year as people become more confident about spending thats according to figures released today by the Bank Of England. The economy is expected to shrink 4. 2 in the first three months of 2021, amid tighter Lockdown Restrictions to slow the spread of the virus. ami and while Government Support schemes to slow the spread of the virus. And while Government Support schemes are expected to limit any immediate increase in unemployment, the jobless rate is still projected to rise to 7. 8 later this year as the Furlough Scheme winds down. However, high earners working from home have saved more during the pandemic. The Bank Of England said £125 billion more was squirrelled away in uk Savings Accounts last year. Speaking after the data was published, the governor of the Bank Of England said he can see light at the end of the tunnel for investment and growth in the uk economy. I am optimistic that we are now seeing a hugely impressive programme of vaccination and that were now also beginning to see the positive benefits of it. And i think, as we move forwards, that should reduce uncertainty. It will take time but it will reduce uncertainty, and that will create something thats hugely important in the economy Going Forward to support growth, which is to support business investment. Its a very high priority, very high priority of mine, by the way, to create the conditions that support it. We can speak to our business presenter, victoria fritz. There presenter, victoria fritz. Seems to be a bit of a contradiction there seems to be a bit of a contradiction between the figures the Bank Of England have released which sound like the economy is in trouble and then the more optimistic tone from the governor himself. The ke to all tone from the governor himself. The key to all of tone from the governor himself. Tue key to all of this tone from the governor himself. Tte key to all of this is time. Basically what we are looking at is historic numbers and what they think might happen in the future. Well look at what has happened so far, we know that the economy actually has not done as badly as at first thought. Yes the economy by 8 come up thought. Yes the economy by 8 come up with these unheard of numbers in peacetime britain. However, the expectation was for far greater than that. Those Furlough Scheme to government assistance games have definitely taken some of the edge off the economic pain that britain would have otherwise fell. However, there is more contraction to come. This latest lockdown has really hammered the economy so we will see further contraction before we start seeing anything really starting to recover. How much we will recover and when, very much depends on the speed and pace of the vaccine roll out. When social distancing is relaxed, we will see a pick up in Economic Activity and that should lead to greater spending and lead to greater investment. The best guess for the Bank Of England at the moment is the middle of the summer for when we will see this pick up. But what happens beyond that is very much unknown. As you say, the Furlough Scheme have yet to unwind and it is difficult to know exactly what the unemployment picture in this country will be because for sure, the nature of unemployment in britain has completely changed, so is Andrew Bailey says, there may be light at the end of the tunnel, but i am saying just dont expect the picture when we emerge from that tunnel to be quite as familiar as the one youre used to. So tunnel to be quite as familiar as the one youre used to. Tunnel to be quite as familiar as the one youre used to. So isnt the case the vaccination the one youre used to. So isnt the case the Vaccination Programme i the one youre used to. So isnt the | case the Vaccination Programme has allowed Andrew Bailey to be more optimistic than he otherwise would be but it is still quite a dark picture . T be but it is still quite a dark icture . ~. , be but it is still quite a dark icture . ~. , , picture . I think that is probably riuht. Picture . I think that is probably right. Probably picture . I think that is probably right. Probably the picture . I think that is probably right. Probably the right right. Probably the right assessment. We saw a similar picture over states from the federal reserve. The biggest Monetary Policy tool at the moment from the independent Bank Of England is what is going on with the vaccine. Something they cannot control whatsoever. However, the latest numbers that we have seen in terms of the 10 million vaccines handed out, that is encouraging. Of course, at the summer arrives and things start to get a little bit easier, we will see Economic Activity picked up. But it is very difficult to know what shape the economy will be and beyond that because we have more people Self Employed and more people underemployed and more people working morejobs, so it is very difficult as companies, to know exactly the whole economic picture will be. It will be very different from the britain pre covid i9. Maw; from the britain precovid19. Many thanks. Labour has accused the government of � Risking Lives, but failing to implement its Hotel Quarantine policy so far. In a letter to the Home Secretary, seen by the bbc, the shadow Home Secretary, nick thomas symonds, has asked priti patel for an � urgent update, after the Prime Minister promised that the plan would emerge today. Subsequently, Government Sources suggested the details might not be announced until next week. Labour has also criticised the government for you turning on other issues. Our Political Correspondent iain watson is in westminster. Strong words from labour but it appears to be something of a gap in the governments implementation of this policy. The governments implementation of this oli. , ~ the governments implementation of this oli. ,. , this policy. That is right. We have this policy. That is right. We have this letter from this policy. That is right. We have this letter from the this policy. That is right. We have this letter from the shadow this policy. That is right. We have | this letter from the shadow Home Secretary in the past few minutes and there is really a ramping up of the rhetoric in that letter to priti patel accusing the government of Risking Lives by not having a tougher policy at the borders, but also a range of specific questions in that letter to priti patel as well. So for example, nick thomas simmons, the shadow Home Secretary, is asking whether any hotels have been consulted over the policy and when a start date will be announced for a policy which was in a self announced more than a week ago at in this letter again at labour claiming it is 46 days since the government became aware of the South African variant so why is he not taking tougher action now . What i think its edge thing about this is not only trying to rip up the rhetoric but also trying to get some kind of clarity from the government and they understand there will be further meetings about it later today but it follows from the Prime Minister apparent pledge to provide more details on this policy today and he said the Health Department would be provided more details and then later we were told after his Press Conference yesterday that he had been misinformed but the Health Secretary Matt Hancock Today denied there was any delay to the scheme for Hotel Quarantine. Clearly we are alwa s Hotel Quarantine. Clearly we are always looking Hotel Quarantine. Clearly we are always looking to Hotel Quarantine. Clearly we are always looking to make Hotel Quarantine. Clearly we are always looking to make sure Hotel Quarantine. Clearly we are always looking to make sure wej Hotel Quarantine. Clearly we are always looking to make sure we have more always looking to make sure we have more security at the borders. Hence we brought more security at the borders. Hence we brought in the need for isolation for everybody arriving in this country for everybody arriving in this count. ,. For everybody arriving in this count. ,. Country. On the specific policy, he still hasnt country. On the specific policy, he still hasnt been country. On the specific policy, he still hasnt been announced country. On the specific policy, he still hasnt been announced whenl country. On the specific policy, he. Still hasnt been announced when it will be still hasnt been announced when it will be announced. Still hasnt been announced when it will be announced. Why still hasnt been announced when it will be announced. Why is still hasnt been announced when it will be announced. Why is there still hasnt been announced when it i will be announced. Why is there such a delay . Will be announced. Why is there such a delay . Where will be announced. Why is there such a delay . Where the will be announced. Why is there such a delay . Where the urgency . Will be announced. Why is there such a delay . Where the urgency . There. A delay . Where the urgency . There isnt a delay a delay . Where the urgency . There isnt a delay. What a delay . Where the urgency . There isnt a delay. What that a delay . Where the urgency . There isnt a delay. What that is a delay . Where the urgency . There isnt a delay. What that is is a delay . Where the urgency . Isnt a delay. What that is is work to make isnt a delay. What that is is work to make sure that the borders is always to make sure that the borders is always executed as anisa b. We have iilht always executed as anisa b. We have right in always executed as anisa b. We have right in therefore isolation. As well right in therefore isolation. As well and right in therefore isolation. As well and is an argument over the timing well and is an argument over the timing of well and is an argument over the timing of the Hotel Quarantine. His timing of the Hotel Quarantine. Argument timing of the Hotel Quarantine. Ti 3 argument continuing over the substance. For example, if youre trying to come from a so called to read a list country, more than 30 countries where the brazil South African variant has been spreading, you will not be allowed to get into the uk at all unless you are a british resident. If you are, this must be going into Hotel Quarantine once that is set up but the government is stressing that it has to border measures in place such as pretesting before departure and also the obligation to self isolate for ten days in any case but what labour are saying is that this is not good enough. We dont really know where the variants are coming from so all of rivals into the country should have to go into Hotel Quarantine and it is that that the government is suggesting is impossible because that means 20,000 hotel rooms have to be found each day but we know that inside government to people are pressing for a much wider use of quarantines, so looks like some of the internal arguments may be continued in the absence of an announcement. Continued in the absence of an announcement. Interesting. Many thanks. Scientists have begun a trial to see whether giving people different Covid Vaccines for their first and second dose works as well as the current approach, using the samejab. Its thought the move could give more flexibility if theres any disruption to supplies and may even offer better protection against the virus. The results from the study wont be available until the summer so the government says theres no change to the Vaccine Programme yet. Heres dominic hughes. This fire station in hampshire is the latest venue to become part of the vaccination roll out, one of thousands of sites now operating across the uk. More than ten Million People have now had theirfirstjabs, but a new study aims to find out if mixing doses of the Oxford Astrazeneca and Pfizer Biontech vaccines could offer the body even more chances to develop defences against the virus. What were doing is seeing how well peoples Immune Systems respond if you give the first dose of one Covid Vaccine and the second dose with another. The reason to do that is to build flexibility into the uk Immunisation Schedule for Covid Vaccines. And even globally, it makes it much easier to administer the vaccines if we dont have to worry too much about always giving the second dose the same as the first dose. The trial will mix doses from the two vaccines currently being used. But others could be added as theyre approved. The study will involve 820 volunteers, none of whom have yet had the vaccine. All will be aged 50 or older, part of the group to be vaccinated in the next priority wave. The trial will run initially at eight sites across england. Tackling outbreaks of ebola is one reason why researchers believe this approach may work. Mixing vaccine doses was used successfully against this highly infectious virus. A second boosterjab that utilises a different way to prompt an immune response can sometimes be more effective than two jabs from the same vaccine, and it is already in use for many inoculations we are familiar with. It is something that is done historically with vaccines for hepatitis, childrens vaccines, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. It will hopefully maintain the uk at the forefront of research into Covid Vaccines. We are proud of our record on the Vaccines Taskforce and the deployment programme. But this is another part of the armoury. Given the erratic nature of vaccine supply, described by ministers as lumpy, a degree of flexibility in the Vaccination Programme could be a real help in the months to come. But perhaps the biggest benefit will be for those developing countries that have yet to get Vaccination Programmes up and running. Being able to mix and match supplies could make all the difference. The first results of this trial should be known by the early summer. Earlier, professor robin shattock, head of immunity at Imperial College london, explained why he believed trialling mixed vaccines would be worthwhile. Theres good scientific rationale for trying this. What is really important is to generate the evidence, and that evidence then means we can roll these out in an informed way of doing it, Rather Thanjust making the assumption that it is appropriate to mix and match. What is also important is that the data well get from this new study will tell us about the particular combination theyre testing, and it will need to be done for other combinations rather than being a generalised principle. So, other combinations of the available vaccines . Correct. So what we may see is the combination of the astrazeneca and Biontech Pfizer vaccine works well, but that doesnt necessarily mean different combinations will work to the same extent, so it will have to be done on a combination by combination process. Its fascinating, because the minister said there that this is done for other vaccines and he named a few there. Why does it work for some vaccines and not others . It is done for other vaccines but that is when the evidence has been produced. Im not saying it wont work for other combinations, but each time, we need to have the evidence to see how well they Work Together and different combinations may work better than others. Its just about producing that evidence so you can make an informed decision. We have been told repeatedly that the means of manufacture of the Pfizer Vaccine is very different from that of the Oxford Astrazeneca one, instinctively, one would feel they would not be a good match for each other . In some ways, there are a good match because theyre so different. That way, you may get the benefit of those different technologies working together. We are being told that it might be that mixing the first and second dose could actually provide more protection, why would that be the case . Certainly, it might be the case for Something Like the astrazeneca vaccine, which is based on a viral vector, because we know that that second dose, the Immune System recognises a defector thats carrying the vaccine, so it may be less effective. If you come in with a second dose thats different technology, rna technology, you may be able to boost the response higher. Those are assumptions, we need to look at them by doing Clinical Trials and seeing what the evidence is. Figures released in the past hour show that a further 915 people have died within 28 days of a positive Coronavirus Test in the uk. Thats down from 1,322 a day earlier. More than 20,000 people tested positive for the virus. And the number of those receiving their first vaccine has climbed to 10. 49 million up from just over ten million yesterday. A more detailed look at the governments Data Dashboard for coronavirus shows. The number of patients in hospital is still high at 31,670 people. Daily deaths also remain high with a seven day average of 1,018 deaths a day. However, cases are beginning to fall, with a seven day average of 21,246 people testing positive each day. The headlines on bbc news. The Bank Of England forecasts that the economy will rebound strongly from the spring, largely as a result of the Vaccine Programme. Labour accuses the government of Risking Lives, by delaying the introduction of Quarantine Hotels for high risk travellers arriving in england. The government insist theyre working at pace to get it right. A trial is launched to see whether different Covid Vaccines could be given to people for the first and second dose. Eleven of the uks leading Health Groups have signed a letter urging the Prime Minister to make the temporary £20 per week increase to the standard allowance of universal credit and working tax credits permanent. The letter, signed by groups inclduing the Royal Colleges Of Paediatrics and psychiatrists and the association of directors of Public Health say. It also says. In response, the government said. We are committed to supporting the lowest paid families well, amongst the groups, whove written to the Prime Minister appealing to him to keep the temporary 20 pounds increase in universal credit a week during the pandemic is the british psychological society. Julia faulconbridge is from that organisation and joins us now live. Hello there, withjulia. Thank you forjoining us. From your own particular Point Of View, from your organisation, what are the fears about taking away this £20 per week some . T about taking away this £20 per week some . , about taking away this £20 per week some . ~. , about taking away this £20 per week some . ~. ,. ,. , , some . I think one of our biggest fears is the some . I think one of our biggest fears is the impact some . I think one of our biggest fears is the impact of some . I think one of our biggest fears is the impact of this some . I think one of our biggest fears is the impact of this upon l fears is the impact of this upon show tension on families. You mentioned about the impact of the families who the money was taken away, the current estimates are we will have 5. 2 million children in the uk living in poverty by 2022 anyway. What the levels have been increasing and we know the pandemic has pushed far more families in the poverty and dependence on benefits. And i think it we know that we have got so much evidence that poverty is a major risk factor, the development of all physical and Mental Health problems, you can see that for the physical health Point Of View with the impact in the far greater impact of covid 19 and our poor communities. But if you look at children, those growing up in poverty are three to four times more likely to develop Mental Health problems, and that is according to the government owned figures. Things like anxiety, depression, problems with behaviour, all of these things that contribute to difficulties and growing up and learning and education, so we really dont want to see anything that worsens this picture. T to see anything that worsens this icture. ,. , ~ to see anything that worsens this icture. ,. , ~. , picture. I wonder if you think that the uncertainty picture. I wonder if you think that the uncertainty over picture. I wonder if you think that the uncertainty over this picture. I wonder if you think that the uncertainty over this issue. Picture. I wonder if you think that the uncertainty over this issue is | the uncertainty over this issue is contributing to the effects that you have said because we know there will be a budget in early march. The government is saying it will lay out in this stall then but it is an uncertain time for people i suppose. Is certainly is. If you think about what the things about poverty which makes children vulnerable, one set of things is the impact on the children themselves are being hungry or in poor housing, feeling ashamed and embarrassed by their situation. But actually, crucially, it is the impact on parents and carers, people in those situations constantly stressed by trying to make ends meet, struggling to provide and care for their children as they want to. We know from a recent Research Study that during the pandemics, the families with a Single Person households and those on low incomes are the ones who are reporting the highest levels of stress and Mental Health problems. And uncertainty is a huge stressor, it is bad enough not knowing how much money you have at the moment, being even more worried about what you have next week or next month will hold will really add to the stress and anxiety from parents and that immediately impacts upon what is happening within the families and within the household. Tt within the families and within the household. ,. ,. ,. , household. It is one of the harsh realities that household. It is one of the harsh realities that the household. It is one of the harsh realities that the treasury household. It is one of the harsh realities that the treasury has i household. It is one of the harsh. Realities that the treasury has had to spend the billions of pounds to get hundreds of billions of pounds to get people to do this pandemic. You are making a strong case for the £20 per week to be extended. How long would you want to see extended for a question of our correspondent said that extension could cost £6 billion. Tt said that extension could cost £6 billion. ,. , ~ said that extension could cost £6 billion. ,. , ~. ,. , billion. If you think about that, £20 a week billion. If you think about that, £20 a week is billion. If you think about that, £20 a week is actually billion. If you think about that, £20 a week is actually a billion. If you think about that, £20 a week is actually a very l billion. If you think about that, £20 a week is actually a very small amount of money for a family. It does not go very far. The fact that it is a bit making a significant difference to families shows how low our levels of benefits are in this country. Compared to other western economies was that we are very low down on the table. I would argue and i think many people would argue this should be permanent. We should not be looking at reducing levels of benefits. The impact, the economic benefits. The impact, the economic benefit of the pandemic is not going to be a short term thing. So many people, including very many women, are actually have lost theirjobs. There will be far fewerjobs available for them at least in the next year or two. I think this needs to be a permanent uplift. {etc next year or two. I think this needs to be a permanent uplift. To be a permanent uplift. Ok. We will have to to be a permanent uplift. Ok. We will have to leave to be a permanent uplift. Ok. We will have to leave that to be a permanent uplift. Ok. We will have to leave that there. To be a permanent uplift. Ok. We l will have to leave that there. Thank you, Julia Forjoining us. Theres been International Condemnation after the bbc reported allegations of systematic rape and torture of women in so called Re Education Camps for the uighur Muslim Minority in china. The Us Government says its deeply disturbed by the report adding, these atrocities shock the conscience and must be met with serious consequences. Australias government demanded the un be given immediate access to these sites. Uk ministers said the report showed, � clearly evil acts. The bbc investigation broadcast harrowing first hand testimony, from a female detainee, a former camp guard and those forced to help. Chinas Foreign Ministry has denied the allegations and accused the bbc of making a false report. Just a warning matthew hills report contains distressing accounts of rape and torture from the start. Two days ago, we broadcast the story of tursunay ziawudun. She described how she was held in this Re Education Camp in xinjiang for months and was the victim of repeated rape. Translation they were three men. Not one, but three. They did whatever evil their mind could think of. And they did not spare any part of my body, biting it to the extent that it was disgusting to look at. They didnt just rape. They were barbaric. They had bitten all over my body. We also heard from gulzira, now living in the relative safety of istanbul, having fled china. Shes a khazak who says she was forced to be complicit in the rape that goes on in the camps. Translation my job is to remove | their clothes completely and then | handcuff them on their beds so they cannot move. Reaction to our story has been global. The Australian Foreign minister says the United Nations should be given immediate access to the region. The Uk Foreign Office minister told lawmakers in parliament that the bbc� s report was chilling, and said china needed to be open about what is happening in xinjiang province. The evidence of the scale and the severity of these violations is now far reaching. It paints a truly harrowing picture. If china wishes to dispute this evidence, then it must allow unfettered access to the region forthe un High Commissioner For Human Rights or another independent fact finding body. And there has been this from the us state department. These atrocities shock with conscience and must be met with serious consequences. It is estimated that a million uighurs and other muslim minorities are held in camps in xinjiang. China has responded to our report insisting that their camps are Vocational Training centres, designed to stop muslims living in the region from turning to extremism. And it denounced the bbc report as lies and misinformation. Translation there is no socalled systemic Sexual Assault and abuse against women. China is a country ruled by law. 0ur Constitution guarantees and protects human rights and it is embodied in our legal system and the governments work. Now we can show you new testimony. A former inmate who describes how regular rape was in the camp she was in, and how it was used as punishment. Translation one day, they assembled many people in a large hall. Then they brought a young girl, 20 or 21 years old. She was forced to confess a bogus crime in front of everyone. She pleaded guilty to the made up crime in a flood of tears in her speech, in which she was forced to confess. After that, in front of so many people, the police raped her in turns. Despite the Huge International outcry that these womens testimonies have provoked, it is unlikely that china will act and allow independent scrutiny of what is going on inside their Re Education Camps. Responding to accusations by the Chinese Government that the report was false, the bbc issued a statement, saying the statement went on to say. The Irish Foreign minister, simon coveney, says the eu is considering whether to extend grace periods for checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain that were agreed as part of the brexit trade deal. Talks, described last night as constructive, are continuing between the eu and the uk governments after Border Controls were stopped this week. Now, imagine if everyone was as passionate about the environment as they are about football. A new project aims to use the energy of Football Fans to encourage sustainable habits. In planet super league, the greener the fans are, the more points their club gets. A pilot scheme hasjust finished and joe wilson has been keeping score. 0ur planet is football shaped. Well, the worlds certainly shaped by football. It matters to millions. The English Premier League could still be won by various contenders. It remains a race. But there is one title thats been decided already. Ok, its not quite that trophy again. But Leicester City have won planet super league, the tournament that rewards sustainable achievements. Well, supporters at home won points for their clubs by carrying out various covid friendly tasks with an environmental angle. For example, make a goalkeeper from the things you find on a walk. Make a family meal which is meat free. 0r make a football stadium for worms. Well, my players were left looking in vain for a ball. So i spoke to the experts, the adatiya family. The pilot scheme involved 11 different clubs, and their efforts in particular helped win the league for leicester. We baked gingerbread men, and we did the vegan meals. You do get drawn into the competitive aspect of the tournament. So, you know, we were very much vying for Leicester City to finish top and watching the League Tables of the scores every day. My wife wouldnt allow us to eat a single meal without taking a picture of it and sending it in. So we did at one point get quite obsessed with it. And it worked yes. Football to save the planet. Well, its never quite that simple. But if the environment begins at home, my worms, youll be relieved to learn, are safely back on earth. Joe wilson, bbc news. Now its time for a look at the weather with sarah keith lucas. Hello. Weve got some Colder Weather on the cards as we head over the next couple of days, particularly across scotland. Theres an Amber Warning enforced from thursday until saturday. Heavy health not tonight. Elsewhere it is milder and plenty of rain showers. Some of these heavy showers following unsaturated grounds. Some flooding may be. Fog practice tonight over seven parts of england well slowly clearing the way in more showers to come for Northern Ireland and western parts of england and wales, Northeast England and for the hills know which could be disruptive across parts of central and northern scotland. About three to 10 degrees on friday but it will turn colder for all of us to the course of the and some disruptive snow in the east. Goodbye for now. Hello, this is bbc news. The headlines. The Bank Of England forecasts the economy will rebound strongly from the spring, largely as a result of the vaccine rollout. I am optimistic that we are now seeing a hugely impressive programme of vaccination and that were also now going to see the positive benefits of it. Labour accuses the government of Risking Lives by delaying the introduction of Quarantine Hotels for high risk travellers arriving in england. The government insist theyre working at pace to get it right. A trial is launched to see whether different Covid Vaccines could be given to people for the first and second dose. The approach could offer greater protection. Were very proud of our track record as you know on the Vaccines Task force and of course the deployment programme, but this is another part of the armoury. 11 Health Groups sign a letter, urging the Prime Minister to make the temporary twenty pounds a week increase in universal credit permanent. Theres International Condemnation of china after a bbc report alleges women were systemically raped and tortured in uighur camps. Beijing brands it fake news. And how green is your Football Club . Fans are encouraged to persuade their team to be more environmental. Time to catch up with all the sport now. Fora time to catch up with all the sport now. For a full round up, heres jane dougall. The calcutta cup is on the line this weekend as both england and scotland prepare for the oldest International Match in rugby. England head coach eddiejones has dropped george ford to the bench and moved 0wen farrell to number ten ahead of the opening match of the six nations at twickenham. Jones has also given 0llie Lawrence his first start, which he says is a great chance for the 21 year old to shine. Lawrence lines up against Cameron Redpath who chose to represent scotland after playing for england under 20s. Hes developing nicely. Hes got a lot of work to do. He got potential, but we got to see the talent come through and set that as an opportunity. Through and set that as an opportunity through and set that as an opportunity. Through and set that as an ouortuni. V , opportunity. Hes lining up. Does he feel like the opportunity. Hes lining up. Does he feel like the one opportunity. Hes lining up. Does he feel like the one that opportunity. Hes lining up. Does he feel like the one that got opportunity. Hes lining up. Does he feel like The One That Got Away . Feel like The One That Got Away . Players feel like The One That Got Away . Players have choices. Hes made choices like scotland and we wish him all the best. If you want to play for england, he could have stayed, but he decided he wanted to go to with scotland. We wish him all the best. When the sides face each other at twickenham on saturday it will mark the sports oldest international rivalry. The game will mark the 150th anniversary of the first ever test, which took place in march 1871 in edinburgh, but of course this time there wont be any fans in the stadium. Its something that wont detract from the battle for the calcutta cup, according to the scotland head coach. 100 . As the first game of the tournament. We play for one of the old est oldest rugbys in sports oldest rugby in sport. 150 years since his game, so the rivalry will always be there. A,. ,. , game, so the rivalry will always be there. ~. ,. ,. , � � game, so the rivalry will always be there. ,. , � � ,. , there. More details on the bbc sport website. A Freak Accident has resulted in zak Crawley Injuring his wrist and subsequently being ruled out of the first two tests against india. The opener slipped on a marble floor during practice yesterday and has sprained his wrist. Its expected hell be replaced in the battling line up by either 0llie pope or dan lawrence. His captain joe root says its really frustrating. You feel for the players that pick these kind of injuries up because that pick these kind of injuries up because they do everything they can to get because they do everything they can to get themselves ready, mentally, physicallx to get themselves ready, mentally, physically. Skill based wise. Something as free as that can happen and have something as free as that can happen and have such a big impact, sol really and have such a big impact, sol really feel and have such a big impact, sol really feel for zak but he has a great really feel for zak but he has a great attitude. He will do everything you get himself and ready as quickly everything you get himself and ready as quickly as possible. Rory mcilroy has critisiced golf� s authorities for spending millions of dollars on the wrong thing, after they proposed changing the length of golf clubs in an attempt to reduce the distance players can hit the ball. The sports two main governing bodies, the r a and the usga, want to reduce the maximum length of clubs from 48 to 46 inches to restrict hitting distances. But mcilroy says those proposals � reek of self importance, and rule makers should invest in grassroots golf instead. Meanwhile, englands david horsey leads the way after the first round of the Saudi International after a stunning round of 61. Horsey made seven birdies in eight holes, and nine in total. Horsey is nine under par. Hes a shot ahead of scotlands stephen gallacher. Austrias Bernd Wiesberger is in third place on six under. The fa have overturned southampton defender jan bednarek� s red card, which he was given in his sides 9 0 defeat to manchester united. Bednarek was shown a straight red in the second half at old trafford, after varjudged he had denied Anthony Martial an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Hell now be available for southampton� s match against newcastle at the weekend. Bednarek was the second southampton player to be sent off in the match after Alexandre Jankewitz was dismissed in the second minute. More on all those stories on the bbc sport website, plus confirmation that the bbc will broadcast england womens First Official fixture in almost a year. They play Northern Ireland on the 23rd Of February at st georges park. Itll be live on the bbc iplayer and red button. Theyll also host canada in april. Thats all the sport for now. Gps say they say they seem dropped in cases of the common cold. The number of people being diagnosed with the flu virus has dropped by 95 to a level not seen in the uk for more than 100 years. Why is this the case . Are you seeing this as well in your surgery . Well in your surgery . Thanks for havin well in your surgery . Thanks for having me well in your surgery . Thanks for having me we well in your surgery . Thanks for having me. We have well in your surgery . Thanks for having me. We have seen well in your surgery . Thanks for having me. We have seen a well in your surgery . Thanks for| having me. We have seen a drop well in your surgery . Thanks for. Having me. We have seen a drop in the number of cases compared to other years. The number of cases compared to otheryears. I the number of cases compared to other years. I think theres a lot of reasons for this. One of course is with coronavirus and social distancing, people arent meeting up and the Mode Of Transmission is the same as coronavirus pretty much. The other thing is this year, the vaccine has been on a larger scale to people. Additionally it was only 65, and its actually seen a big uptake, which is really hard because people are worried about catching coronavirus and the flu. Its been brilliant. The reason is because patients with mild cases, they probably havent phoned us about their illness because we been advising those with Coronavirus To Stay At Home In isolate. Again, the Symptoms Overlap. Stayathome in isolate. Again, the Symptoms Overlap Symptoms Overlap. Thats really interesting Symptoms Overlap. Thats really interesting. So Symptoms Overlap. Thats really interesting. So you Symptoms Overlap. Thats really interesting. So you could Symptoms Overlap. Thats really interesting. So you could be Symptoms Overlap. Thats really. Interesting. So you could be feeling a bit ropey, i think you may have covid 19 and stay away from the surgery, but youve actually got the flu. � ,. , ~ surgery, but youve actually got the flu. Absolutely. We know we see lots of eole flu. Absolutely. We know we see lots of people with flu. Absolutely. We know we see lots of people with viral flu. Absolutely. We know we see lots of people with viral symptoms flu. Absolutely. We know we see lots of people with viral symptoms who. Flu. Absolutely. We know we see lots | of people with viral symptoms who go on to have a covid test which is negative. But again, that could have been a form of the flu. We seen a dramatic increase in cases recently. It could be people have got both, which can be a possibility. They focused everything around that coronavirus. Theres a multitude of reasons. I think pharmacies as well are vaccinating lots of people properly, so thats helped as well. There is. It is the case with the flu virus that there is a mutation quite frequently, and i suppose you might wonder about what will happen next winter us not many people had it this winter if not many people. Tt it this winter if not many eole. , it this winter if not many eole. , it this winter if not many eole. ,. , it this winter if not many neole. ,. ,. , people. It can erupt at any time, but were people. It can erupt at any time, but were getting people. It can erupt at any time, but were getting toward people. It can erupt at any time, but were getting toward the people. It can erupt at any time, but were getting toward the end people. It can erupt at any time, i but were getting toward the end of this season. We see a big drop in numbers towards march. Next year, i think people will take up the flu vaccine, and scientists are judging about the strains and they have the vaccine prepared. I think we should try not to worry about that just yet. Try not to worry about that ust et. �. ,. , try not to worry about that ust et. �. ,. ,. , try not to worry about that ust et. �. ,. ,. , try not to worry about that ust et. ,. ,. , yet. And have you got any advice for eo le if yet. And have you got any advice for people if they yet. And have you got any advice for people if they are yet. And have you got any advice for people if they are feeling yet. And have you got any advice for people if they are feeling flu . Yet. And have you got any advice for people if they are feeling flu . I people if they are feeling flu . I think its a similar with coronavirus. I think if youre well, you can stay at home, then do so and make sure you adequately hydrate. Vest up as much as you can, thats very, very important. If youre on well anyway which is beyond more than you seen, very fatigued, breathless, pick up the phone and ring your gp and they will further guide you on what to do next. Tilers; guide you on what to do next. Very useful. Thank guide you on what to do next. Very useful. Thank you guide you on what to do next. Very useful. Thank you so guide you on what to do next. Very useful. Thank you so much. Theres been growing demand for science based courses at universities and colleges, according to figures from Admissions Service ucas. Computing and engineering are proving increasingly popular with students, but subjects like english, history and philosophy have become less sought after in the last decade. And theres concerns about the fall in acceptances to languages courses. Theyre down more than a third since 2011. Lets get more from john cope, director of strategy, policy and Public Affairs at ucas. Hejoins me now. Afternoon to you, john. What do you think is driving this greater popularity of science and technology subjects . Popularity of science and technology subects . ,. ,. ,. ,. ,. , subjects . Good afternoon. The students. Subjects . Good afternoon. The students, more subjects . Good afternoon. The students, more than subjects . Good afternoon. The students, more than ever, subjects . Good afternoon. The students, more than ever, are | subjects . Good afternoon. The students, more than ever, are making the choices and weighing up the different options between universities and in chips. Theyre incredibly savvy, and we look at our surveys and talking to applicants, more and more, theyre looking for recession proof courses. Universities and apprenticeships. They are looking for an option that gives them the best prospect, and they perceive as the best bet. 0ften they perceive as the best bet. Often when they look at the data and the graduate earnings, things like ai, law, medicine, they come up really high. So its a good choice for them. 50 high. So its a good choice for them. ,. ,. , them. So these figures relate to the ast them. So these figures relate to the past decade. Them. So these figures relate to the past decade. But them. So these figures relate to the past decade, but i them. So these figures relate to the past decade, but i wonder them. So these figures relate to the past decade, but i wonder if them. So these figures relate to the past decade, but i wonder if you past decade, but i wonder if you would expect to see an Increase Interest in courses for nursing, for example, as well as medicine, given the focus weve had on the nhs this past year. And possibly also for sciences such as chemistry, given the success of the Vaccination Programme. The success of the Vaccination Programme the success of the Vaccination Programme. Yeah, the Increase Interest in programme. Yeah, the Increase Interest in nursing programme. Yeah, the increase i interest in Nursing Apprenticeships on that you cast ucas system has gone up significantly. Youre absolutely right, that interest in things that really high earnings but are really also excited. They want to contribute, they want to help and theyre also driven towards Pewter Science because these are the parts of the economy that are growing and full of exciting companies. Absolutely, students really way up the choices theyre making. They are very savvy. They pick the stuff that looks like a good Career Option and looks like a good Career Option and looks really exciting. Looks really exciting. Those of the urowth looks really exciting. Those of the growth areas. Looks really exciting. Those of the growth areas, but looks really exciting. Those of the growth areas, but are looks really exciting. Those of the growth areas, but are there looks really exciting. Those of the growth areas, but are there areasj growth areas, but are there areas that youre worried about . Absolutely. The decline in Foreign Languages and significant, and its been happening over many, many years. Ten, 15 years or so. When you really think about the governments ambition of Global Britain and trading around the world, the decline in Foreign Language courses is a real problem. Businesses need people with Foreign Languages in order to trade, so reversing that the client is incredibly important. 0ne the client is incredibly important. One of the big factors behind the decline of Foreign Languages is the provision of the a level, so lots of Foreign Language teachers are rare. Lots of schools and colleges dont have the features they need to get that subject the teachers they need. Alongside Foreign Languages, theres also been quite a big july and in quite a big decline in philosophy subjects. They may not have the same graduate earning potentials on some of the other subjects, but theyre just as valuable to society. T subjects, but theyre ust as valuable to society. I wondered about the modern valuable to society. I wondered about the modern foreign valuable to society. I wondered about the modern Foreign Languages. Is it not possible for universities to lay are not an Assembly Early foundation course, but take on students who are keen who dont necessarily have an a level . Most universities. Necessarily have an a level . Most universities, in necessarily have an a level . Most universities, in fact necessarily have an a level . Most universities, in fact all universities, in fact all universities, in fact all universities who have Outreach Programmes for going to schools trying to talk to young people well before they get to that point and give them advice and guidance. We do that a lot as well at ucas making sure people realise the choices they make at a level really do have an impact on their courses. As i said, one of the big issues here is for Foreign Language teachers. As a result, schools and colleges being unable to put on the course is often. Thats one of the big problems that needs to be sorted. Not to talk to you. Thatsjohn cope from the University Admission service ucas. Thank you. The headlines on bbc news. The Bank Of England forecasts that the economy will rebound strongly from the spring, largely as a result of the Vaccine Programme. Labour accuses the government of Risking Lives by delaying the introduction of Quarantine Hotels for high risk travellers arriving in england. The government insist theyre working at pace to get it right. A trial is launched to see whether different Covid Vaccines could be given to people for the first and second dose. The government is to update the law so that the attorney general Suella Braverman can take six months Maternity Leave. Its announced a bill to formalise the process for ministerial Maternity Leave, which until now has been at the discretion of the Prime Minister. 0ur deputy Political Editor vicki young told us more. This is really quite surprising. I think it goes to the root of the way that Cabinet Ministers are employed. They are appointed by the Prime Minister, so they do not come under the normal employment law. Thats not to say that women who have been ministers in the past are being denied Maternity Leave, thats not the case. They have been allowed to take it, but as i say, its been on an informal basis and it is really up an informal basis and it is really up to the Prime Minister. The on the issue of two elea is different. She issue of two elea is different. She is the attorney general. That means she is a law officer and she also does attend cabinets. In her case, because of her particular responsibilities, they cantjust be delegated to somebody else for six months or however long she wants to go on to Maternity Leave. So the government has decided to formalise the whole thing, notjust for ministers, but for those who have particularjobs in the opposition. So the leader of the opposition, for example, and their other posts in the opposition where you would also be allowed to benefit. I think it does show how rare it is for a Candidate Minister to be someone who is having a baby cabinet minister. It does mean she can keep herjob and have her Maternity Leave and she will be paid in full pay for p and she will be paid in full pay for up to six months. And she will be paid in full pay for up to six months. Vicki young there. The pandemic up to six months. Vicki young there. The pandemic has up to six months. Vicki young there. The pandemic has resulted up to six months. Vicki young there. The pandemic has resulted in the pandemic has resulted in thousands of people having their screens for cancer delayed. Charities warn that in some cases the disease will have progressed while people were waiting to be seen, and that emotional support is vital for those patients. Jane mccubbin has been speaking to one woman whos been helped by a charity. On february the 6th, 2020, minna and kavi were married. A month later she was due to have potentially life saving surgery for pancreatic cancer. But this was the news on february the 6th. A third person has tested positive for coronavirus here in the uk. The virus had started to spread across the country and the impact on Cancer Services was devastating. Everything was good to go, and then coronavirus. Minnas surgery was cancelled. So then when i went back in april, the tumour had started growing and it was too late to do the procedure any more. Minna speaks to me from her bed at home, where her cancer journey is near its end. People suffer in silence. They dont know how much help there is, and what kind of help there is. In lockdown, facing a terminal diagnosis, she says her impossible situation was made bearable by one woman. A macmillan volunteer called julie, who she has never met, but who was on the end of a phone when she needed her most. We found a special connection. And it was like, you know when they say sometimes it was meant to be . Basically, because my mum had passed in 2017 with cancer, i wanted to give something back. People keep saying to you, be strong, you will fight it. You will go through it. To a certain point, it is fantastic. But at some point, its, like, ive had enough. Ive heard enough. Let me just feel how i feel. You know . You know, let me tell you exactly how i feel without you telling me that i need to be strong. And she was there for that. You must think of her, i guess, often . Oh, yeah, absolutely. Up to today i didnt know what had happened since my last conversation with her. She is really, really, really, really poorly at the moment. But she did record a message with me to give to you. Can i show it to you . Yeah, id love to see it, yeah. That would be brilliant. Let me get it. From the bottom of my heart, julie, your kindness and your caring, and yourjoy. Your way of seeing life, that carried me through. That carried me through. Its lovely to know that she taught me a lot of lessons about grabbing each day and making the most of it. Jane mccubbin with that report. Youre watching bbc news. We are used now, were used to seeing posh spice on the front pages of newspapers, but now a less likely namesake has hit the headlines. A Limousin Heifer called Wilodge Poshspice here she is has become the uks most expensive cow, selling for £262,000 at an auction in cumbria. Well, posh spices former owners livestock breeders, Christine Williams and paul tippets spoke to me earlier and told me they hadnt expected to get so much for her. We we re we were both very, very surprised. It was a very mind blowing and surreal moment. It was a very mind blowing and surreal moment. ,. , surreal moment. Paul, what were you exectin . Surreal moment. Paul, what were you expecting . Wed surreal moment. Paul, what were you expecting . Wed like surreal moment. Paul, what were you expecting . Wed like to surreal moment. Paul, what were you expecting . Wed like to have surreal moment. Paul, what were you expecting . Wed like to have thought| expecting . Wed like to have thought ma be she expecting . Wed like to have thought maybe she might expecting . Wed like to have thought maybe she might have expecting . Wed like to have thought maybe she might have made expecting . Wed like to have thought| maybe she might have made 50,000, but that maybe she might have made 50,000, but that was a big expectation. Shes but that was a big expectation. Shes always been very good, but, yeah shes always been very good, but, yeah to shes always been very good, but, yeah. To get to the figures she did, that was yeah. To get to the figures she did, that wasjust yeah. To get to the figures she did, that was just unbelievable. Is an that wasjust unbelievable. Is an extraordinary . That wasjust unbelievable. Is an extraordinary . What that was just unbelievable. T3 ag� t extraordinary . What happened, do you think . T extraordinary . What happened, do you think . ~ extraordinary . What happened, do you think . ~. ,. , , think . I think there was two guys who had their think . I think there was two guys who had their hearts think . I think there was two guys who had their hearts set think . I think there was two guys who had their hearts set on think . I think there was two guys. Who had their hearts set on buying her, who had their hearts set on buying her. And who had their hearts set on buying her, and they werent giving and easily her, and they werent giving and easily and her, and they werent giving and easily. And it was whoever gave first easily. And it was whoever gave first yeah, easily. And it was whoever gave first. Yeah, itjust fortunate easily. And it was whoever gave first. Yeah, it just fortunate that the places first. Yeah, it just fortunate that the places that shes gone to our very good the places that shes gone to our very good Stock People Social Have Lletter very good stock people social have better opportunities to hopefully go on for better opportunities to hopefully go on for a better opportunities to hopefully go on for a fair potential. You described on for a fair potential. You described her on for a fair potential. You described her as on for a fair potential. Ym. Described her as extraordinary. Christine, why . Was extraordinary about her . She christine, why . Was extraordinary about her . ,. ,. ,. About her . She was unexceptional heifer from about her . She was unexceptional heifer from day about her . She was unexceptional heifer from day once about her . She was unexceptional heifer from day once and about her . She was unexceptional heifer from day once and she about her . She was unexceptional heifer from day once and she was| heifer from day once and she was born. She had the x factor, lovely balance, good on her legs. And she also knew and knows that shes good. Shes certainly very pretty. Im seeing pictures of her now, but ive got to ask you about her name. Paul, where did posh spice come from . Posh sice where did posh spice come from . Posh spice normal where did posh spice come from . Posh Spice Normal Act where did posh spice come from . Posh Spice Normal Act came from her mother Spice Normal Act came from her mother. Her motherwas named Spice Normal Act came from her mother. Her mother was named ginger spice laughter she was bred by our good friend william she was bred by our good friend william smith. Posh copy mac spice was an william smith. Posh copy mac spice was an embryo so 50 we so we were very so we were very fortunate to come by these so we were very fortunate to come by these genetics via Embryo Transplant. By these genetics via Embryo Transplant transplant. This is a slightly surreal conversation, transplant. This is a slightly surreal conversation, i transplant. This is a slightlyj surreal conversation, i have transplant. This is a slightly i surreal conversation, i have to transplant. This is a slightly surreal conversation, i have to say. Laughter christine, do you think the singers posh and ginger should be proud of these namesakes . T posh and ginger should be proud of these namesakes . Posh and ginger should be proud of these namesakes . I would say so in these namesakes . I would say so in the world of these namesakes . I would say so in the world of breeding, these namesakes . I would say so in the world of breeding, they these namesakes . I would say so in the world of breeding, they are these namesakes . I would say so in| the world of breeding, they are both very highly rented. I mean, the reason for naming for posh spice is quite common in pedigree females, so it was a combination of getting the spice from ginger spice, and it was just taking the word posh, because thats what she wants. So just taking the word posh, because thats what she wants. Just taking the word posh, because thats what she wants. So you have not five thats what she wants. So you have got five times thats what she wants. So you have got five times as thats what she wants. So you have got five times as much thats what she wants. So you have got five times as much as thats what she wants. So you have got five times as much as you got five times as much as you thought you might get for her. How much is that going to change your lives, paul . Tlat much is that going to change your lives. Paul . Lives, paul . Not really thought about it to lives, paul . Not really thought about it to be lives, paul . Not really thought about it to be honest. Lives, paul . Not really thought about it to be honest. As lives, paul . Not really thought about it to be honest. As every business. About it to be honest. As every business, there is always plenty of overheads business, there is always plenty of overheads and always somebody that Needs Overheads and always somebody that needs pain, so, yeah. Not sure what were needs pain, so, yeah. Not sure what were going needs pain, so, yeah. Not sure what were going to do with it, but hopefully well get some enjoyment out of hopefully well get some enjoyment out of it hopefully well get some enjoyment out of it one day when we get back to normal out of it one day when we get back to normal times. | out of it one day when we get back to normal times. I do out of it one day when we get back to normaltimes. To normaltimes. I do hope so. Christine, to normaltimes. I do hope so. Christine, will to normaltimes. I do hope so. Christine, will you to normaltimes. I do hope so. Christine, will you mr . To normaltimes. I do hope so. Christine, will you mr . Yes. I to normaltimes. I do hope so. J christine, will you mr . Yes. To normaltimes. I do hope so. Christine, will you mr . Yes. Will ou miss christine, will you mr . Yes. Will you miss her christine, will you mr . Yes. Will you miss her. But christine, will you mr . Yes. Will you miss her. But the christine, will you mr . Yes. Will you miss her. But the nice christine, will you mr . Yes. Will you miss her. But the nice thing i christine, will you mr . Yes. Will you miss her. But the nice thing is| you miss her. But the nice thing is we know where you miss her. But the nice thing is we know where she you miss her. But the nice thing is we know where she is. You miss her. But the nice thing is we know where she is. We you miss her. But the nice thing is we know where she is. We look i we know where she is. We look forward to seeing her in the future and seeing what she produces. Christine williams and paul tibbets there. Now its time for a look at the weather with sarah keith lucas. There could be some disruptive snow in the east. But for the here and now, heavy snow is a problem across parts of scotland. We got an Amber Warning in force from thursday right into saturday. 0ver warning in force from thursday right into saturday. Over the Higher Ground, perhaps 50 cm over the highest hills. Anywhere from perth and further south, a bit of a drier picture as we head through into friday. 0vernight, plenty more heavy rain, showers across parts of england, wales, Northern Ireland. We got this brisk easterly wind driving and further snow for much of scotland. Mainly to the north of the central belt, down at lower levels. 0vernight Temperature is about two to 7 degrees, so things are turning cooler. Gradually through the weekend, Colder Weather moving in. For friday, more hill snow across scotland, some rain at low levels. Heavy downpours for Northern Ireland, parts of northeast of england. Some heavy showers falling on saturated ground, so there could be a few Flooding Issues between the course of friday. Heavy showers. It will be largely dried towards the southeast, about 10 degrees. Into the weekend, things are turning colderfor all the weekend, things are turning colder for all of the weekend, things are turning colderfor all of us, and the weekend, things are turning colder for all of us, and there will be further snow in places. Particularly towards the east on sunday. For saturday, we still got this Weather Front in the northeast tending to fizzle away, some more snow to come across the Higher Ground of scotland. Some of that falling to lower levels. We start to see snow falling to parts of northern england. To the south of that, were holding on slightly milder air. That, were holding on slightly milderair. 0vernight, saturday milder air. 0vernight, saturday night milderair. 0vernight, saturday night into sunday, thats where we will see those blue colours returning across the map. Cold air moving in on a brisk, cold, easterly wind, so we are expecting some snow on sunday. The exact position detail of the snowfall is still a bit uncertain, it could be the southeast of england, east anglia, perhaps other eastern parts could see most of that snow. Do stay tuned to your forecast. Some disruption on the way by sunday. Bye for now. Today at six the vaccine roll out is notjust about fighting the pandemic. The health of the economy depends on it, too. According to the Bank Of England, every shot in the arm makes a rapid recovery in the economy more likely. I am optimistic that we are now seeing a hugely impressive programme of vaccination and that we are also now beginning to see the positive benefits of it and i think, you know, as we move forward, that should reduce uncertainty. But on the jobs front, the Unemployment Rate is going to hit nearly 8 this year as the Furlough Scheme unwinds. Also on tonights programme. The Gps Working Overtime to get the vaccine to those who cant leave their homes. A row over the governments plan to have quarantine