Well have his report. And the british Prime Minister has resumed his weekly audiences with the queen, 15 months after they were suspended. Where to begin . Hello, im katty kay in washington. Christian fraser is in london. Britney spears is pop culture royalty. Shes on the Mount Rushmore of modern music. In fact, britney has been famous for longer than most current music stars have even been alive. And yet, for the past 13 years, shes had no control of her career or her health, or many other aspects of her daily life. Thats because shes been placed in a legal arrangment called a conservatorship. Thats when another party in this case, herfather, jamie takes control of a persons Decision Making on significant matters. This often comes up with those who have diminished mental or physical capacities. Today, in a California Court, ms spears� s lawyers are set to argue that she does not fit that bill. So, lets cross to the bbc� s david willis, whos outside the court. Lovely to see you, david. Lets start with how this is going to work today. How is she going to deliver her evidence . How will we hear what she has to say . She has to say . Christian, i have to sa , ou she has to say . Christian, i have to say. You can she has to say . Christian, i have to say. You can see she has to say . Christian, i have to say, you can see theres she has to say . Christian, i have to say, you can see theres a she has to say . Christian, i have to say, you can see theres a sort she has to say . Christian, i have to say, you can see theres a sort of l say, you can see theres a sort of attention say, you can see theres a sort of attention in say, you can see theres a sort of attention in this case. Its garnering by the people around me at the moment, and shes not even hear herself the moment, and shes not even hear herself. Britney spears is due to ive herself. Britney spears is due to give evidence either by audio or video give evidence either by audio or video link. Give evidence either by audio or video link, and she will speak directly video link, and she will speak directly to the judge for the first time directly to the judge for the first time in directly to the judge for the first time in two years. Her lawyers and she herself time in two years. Her lawyers and she herself have not said what shes going she herself have not said what shes going to she herself have not said what shes going to talk about, but its thought going to talk about, but its thought that rather than calling for the conservatorship itself to be thrown the conservatorship itself to be thrown out, she has sought to beat her thrown out, she has sought to beat her get thrown out, she has sought to beat her get her fatherjamie taken off his her get her fatherjamie taken off his responsibilities as far as the conservatorship is concerned. Documents published in the New York Times documents published in the New York Times yesterday suggested that this has been times yesterday suggested that this has been a point of issue between the two. Has been a point of issue between the two, father and daughter, for quite the two, father and daughter, for quite some time. A lot longer than we thought previously. And that jamie we thought previously. And that jamie spears has sought to keep Controi Jamie Spears has sought to keep control of jamie spears has sought to keep control of everything as far as his Daughter Control of everything as far as his daughter is concerned, everything from daughter is concerned, everything from who daughter is concerned, everything from who she dates to the colour of her kitchen from who she dates to the colour of her kitchen cabinets. | from who she dates to the colour of her kitchen cabinets. Her kitchen cabinets. I see that her la er her kitchen cabinets. I see that her lawyer told her kitchen cabinets. I see that her lawyer told the her kitchen cabinets. I see that her lawyer told the court, her kitchen cabinets. I see that her lawyer told the court, david, her kitchen cabinets. I see that her lawyer told the court, david, that l lawyer told the court, david, that shes indefinite strike at the moment. Shes not working as long as her father is in charge of the money. She doesnt want to perform and make more money for him. Thats and make more money for him. Thats riuht. She and make more money for him. Thats right. She hasnt and make more money for him. Thats right. She hasnt performed and make more money for him. Thats right. She hasnt performed since january right. She hasnt performed since january of right. She hasnt performed since january of 2019. She hasnt recorded in five january of 2019. She hasnt recorded in five years january of 2019. She hasnt recorded in five years. Youre absolutely right, in five years. Youre absolutely right, the in five years. Youre absolutely right, the contention is that she doesnt right, the contention is that she doesnt want to do that. All the time doesnt want to do that. All the time her doesnt want to do that. All the time her father occupies this role over this time her father occupies this role over this conservatorship. She said that she over this conservatorship. She said that she is over this conservatorship. She said that she is afraid ofjamie spears and what that she is afraid ofjamie spears and what that she is afraid ofjamie spears and what the authority over her. His iawyer and what the authority over her. His iawyer s and what the authority over her. His Lawyer S Essay recently, this conservatorship has prevented Britney Conservatorship has prevented britney from going into bankruptcy and being britney from going into bankruptcy and being exploited. They say he has acting and being exploited. They say he has acting out and being exploited. They say he has Acting Out Of Nothing other than an undivided Acting Out Of Nothing other than an undivided love for his daughter. David, undivided love for his daughter. David, take us back in time. Tell us how this came about. How did Britney Spears get into this conservatorship . Spears get into this conservatorshi . ,. , spears get into this conservatorshi . ,. , conservatorship . Katty, it goes back to 2008. Britney conservatorship . Katty, it goes back to 2008. Britney spears conservatorship . Katty, it goes back to 2008. Britney spears was to 2008. Britney spears was expressing a lot of Mental Health problems. You may remember there were clashes with the paparazzi at one point, were clashes with the paparazzi at one point, and she shaved her head. That conservatorship was brought into effect in 2008 because it was felt that into effect in 2008 because it was felt that she wasnt of sound mind, i felt that she wasnt of sound mind, iwasnt felt that she wasnt of sound mind, i wasnt able to exert the Decision Making powers that were needed Decision Making powers that were needed Decision Making powers that were needed she wasnt. As i mentioned, that conservatorship basicaiiy mentioned, that conservatorship basically cast those powers over to her father, basically cast those powers over to her father, jamie. Somebody who has had a her father, jamie. Somebody who has had a somewhat complicated relationship in the past. And whats the president relationship in the past. And whats the president for relationship in the past. And whats the president for getting relationship in the past. And whats the president for getting out relationship in the past. And whats the president for getting out of the president for getting out of these legal arrangements president . Why doesnt she say to thejudge she wants president . Why doesnt she say to the judge she wants it all thrown out . In the judge she wants it all thrown out . ,. ,. ,. , out . In order to get out of it, the erson out . In order to get out of it, the person of out . In order to get out of it, the person of subject out . In order to get out of it, the person of subject has out . In order to get out of it, the person of subject has to out . In order to get out of it, the person of subject has to basically| person of subject has to basically persuade person of subject has to basically persuade the court that he or she is capable persuade the court that he or she is capable of persuade the court that he or she is capable of exercising Sound Judgment in matters capable of exercising Sound Judgment in matters such as the personal affairs. In matters such as the personal affairs, the treatment as far as medicat affairs, the treatment as far as medical issues and so on. But this is a conservatorship that has dragged is a conservatorship that has dragged on for 13 years, and i have to say dragged on for 13 years, and i have to say that dragged on for 13 years, and i have to say that nobody, not even these britney to say that nobody, not even these Britney Spears fans around me, expected Britney Spears fans around me, expected to be lifted anytime soon. David expected to be lifted anytime soon. David willis, clearly there are a lot of fans. Liz day, senior story editor at the New York Times and co creator of the documentary framing Britney Spears, joins us now to discuss. Of course, the reason its highly anticipated is because we havent heard from britney in person for a long time. How did she get herself to todays position where she can speak in person, and what do you think shes hoping to get out of this hearing . This hearing . Yes, so no one actually knows this hearing . Yes, so no one actually knows what this hearing . Yes, so no one actually knows what britneyl this hearing . Yes, so no onel actually knows what britney is this hearing . Yes, so no one actually knows what britney is going to say actually knows what britney is going to say today during the entire 13 year to say today during the entire 13 year long to say today during the entire 13 year long conservatorship, she rarely year long conservatorship, she rarely attends support let alone speak rarely attends support let alone speak publicly about the conservatorship. Everyone is interested to see her what she is going interested to see her what she is going to interested to see her what she is going to say, but the last year, shes going to say, but the last year, shes been going to say, but the last year, shes been battling to remove her father shes been battling to remove her father from controlling her 60 million father from controlling her 60 million fortune, so many people think million fortune, so many people think she million fortune, so many people think she will be talking about her dad today. You think she will be talking about her dad toda. ,. , ~ ~ dad today. You mentioned the 60 million fortune, dad today. You mentioned the 60 million fortune, and dad today. You mentioned the 60 million fortune, and what dad today. You mentioned the 60 million fortune, and what her million fortune, and what her supporters say is the whole notion that a woman who can fill arenas still make millions of dollars if she were to get back out performing again is not able to control her own daily life, to the degree shes constrained, she cant decide how much money she has to spend. Itjust doesnt make sense on the face of it. ,. , doesnt make sense on the face of it. Yeah, so conservatorships are su osed it. Yeah, so conservatorships are supposed to it. Yeah, so conservatorships are supposed to be it. Yeah, so conservatorships are supposed to be designed it. Yeah, so conservatorships are supposed to be designed for it. Yeah, so conservatorships are supposed to be designed for the | supposed to be designed for the seriously supposed to be designed for the seriously incapacitated or the elderly seriously incapacitated or the elderly with dementia, people who Cannot Elderly with dementia, people who cannot take care of themselves. Yet britney cannot take care of themselves. Yet britney has cannot take care of themselves. Yet britney has been able to perform in Las Vegas Britney has been able to perform in las vegas and make millions of dollars. Las vegas and make millions of dollars. So las vegas and make millions of dollars, so express point out that that doesnt add up. But dollars, so express point out that that doesnt add up. That doesnt add up. But surely a udue that doesnt add up. But surely a ud. E with that doesnt add up. But surely a judge with any that doesnt add up. But surely a judge with any common that doesnt add up. But surely a judge with any common sense i that doesnt add up. But surely a judge with any common sense would be able to discern that, wouldnt they . She just wants jamie taken off it. Supporters of the conservatorship have often said that britney is quite have often said that britney is quite happy in this. But what we revealed quite happy in this. But what we revealed yesterday with confidential Court Records is that Britney Actuatiy Court Records is that britney actually has been raising complaints against actually has been raising complaints against the conservatorship many years against the conservatorship many years earlier than anyone was aware of. � ,. , years earlier than anyone was aware of. ,. Years earlier than anyone was aware of. ,. , of. Its such a tragic story because i of. Its such a tragic story because i remember of. Its such a tragic story because i remember her of. Its such a tragic story because i remember her from of. Its such a tragic story because i remember her from when of. Its such a tragic story because i remember her from when i of. Its such a tragic story because i remember her from when i was i i remember herfrom when i was young, and she was sexualised at such as young age, for which i think the media takes an awful lot of respectability. What sort of affected that had on her at the time responsibility . fiur affected that had on her at the time responsibility . Responsibility . Our documentary really zeroed responsibility . Our documentary really zeroed in responsibility . Our documentary really zeroed in on responsibility . Our documentary really zeroed in on the responsibility . Our documentary really zeroed in on the medias really zeroed in on the medias treatment of britney, and if you go back to treatment of britney, and if you go back to that period of the early 2000 back to that period of the early 2000 s, back to that period of the early 2000 s, its not that long ago. Its 2000 s, its not that long ago. Its only 2000 s, its not that long ago. Its only a 2000 s, its not that long ago. Its only a decade or two ago, but it feit its only a decade or two ago, but it felt like its only a decade or two ago, but it felt like a its only a decade or two ago, but it felt like a fossil from the 1950s in the it felt like a fossil from the 1950s in the mad men era. People were probing in the mad men era. People were probing her about her sex life or drooiing probing her about her sex life or drooling about wanting to sleep with this teenager at the time. I think its reasonable for people to ask how that its reasonable for people to ask how that affected where she ended up. How that affected where she ended u. , ~ how that affected where she ended u n. ,. , how that affected where she ended u. , ~ ,. ,. How that affected where she ended up. Thank you very much for being with us. I dont think in this era, you get anything like i looked at the other day. Itsjust anything like i looked at the other day. Its just completely different now in the way she would be treated today. Now in the way she would be treated toda. Now in the way she would be treated toda. ,. ,. ,. Now in the way she would be treated toda. ,. ,. ,. , 4 today. Yeah, and in a way, you think its no surprise today. Yeah, and in a way, you think its no surprise that today. Yeah, and in a way, you think its no surprise that somebody its no surprise that somebody became that famous was treated in that highly sexualised way and hounded by the press, had something of a breakdown. The irony is that documentary that liz was part of showed that jamie himself has had problems with alcohol, and you think whos the one who is mentally capable at the moment . And it is extraordinary that a judge doesnt just say lets throw the whole thing out, or at least throw him off. Well see. That hearing starts in about 20 minutes, so we will find out what she says. At the white house today, President Biden laid out proposals to address a recent rise in Violent Crime in americas cities. And there is genuine reason for concern. In the last ten years, as these figures from the fbi show, Violent Crime has come down from its all time high. That was the good news. But violence has been ticking back up again recently, and that has people worried. Now we come to that all too familiar conflict and its particularly cities often run by the Democratic Party that are seeing a surge in violence. Philadelphia is now one of the most violent cities in the us. In, 2019 there were 356 murders, and last year, that increased to 499. Thats the highest number of murders in the city in three decades. Lets bring in philadelphias police commissioner, danielle outlaw. Thank you very much forjoining us. When you look at the numbers of homicides in philadelphia itself, 356 to 499just homicides in philadelphia itself, 356 to 499 just the following year, how do you account for whats going on . ,. , ~ how do you account for whats going on . ,. ,. , how do you account for whats going on . ,. ,. , on . The numbers, thank you for havin on . The numbers, thank you for having me on . The numbers, thank you for having me first on . The numbers, thank you for having me first of on . The numbers, thank you for having me first of all, on . The numbers, thank you for having me first of all, the on . The numbers, thank you for i having me first of all, the numbers have having me first of all, the numbers have been having me first of all, the numbers have been increasing over the years, but what have been increasing over the years, but what weve seen in 2020 is that a lot of but what weve seen in 2020 is that a lot of the but what weve seen in 2020 is that a lot of the determinates of the factors a lot of the determinates of the factors were exacerbated, we think, Notjust Factors were exacerbated, we think, notjust by factors were exacerbated, we think, notjust by the pandemic, but specificallyjust what notjust by the pandemic, but specifically just what was notjust by the pandemic, but specificallyjust what was going on. A lot Of Specificallyjust What was going on. A lot of people that were required to remain a lot of people that were required to remain indoors because of stay home to remain indoors because of stay home orders, uncertainty around employment, access to theirjobs, whether employment, access to theirjobs, whether or employment, access to theirjobs, whether or not kids had the opportunity to go to schools, quite frankly, opportunity to go to schools, quite frankly, philadelphia is unique because frankly, philadelphia is unique because its one of. Its a major city in because its one of. Its a major city in the because its one of. Its a major city in the United States, but its also one city in the United States, but its also one of city in the United States, but its also one of the largest poorest cities also one of the largest poorest cities in also one of the largest poorest cities in the United States. A lot of our cities in the United States. A lot of our young people rely on their schools of our young people rely on their schools to of our young people rely on their schools to receive their meals, their schools to receive their meals, their Counselling Services or whatever their Counselling Services or whatever it is those touch points did not whatever it is those touch points did not exist in 2020. We think that a lot of did not exist in 2020. We think that a lot of what was already occurring around a lot of what was already occurring around housing and education and obs around housing and education and jobs was around housing and education and jobs was exacerbated last year in 2020 jobs was exacerbated last year in 2020. Now we see that this trend is still continuing. Weve experienced over 260 still continuing. Weve experienced over 260 homicides so far this year, and we over 260 homicides so far this year, and we see over 260 homicides so far this year, and we see an increase in the number of our and we see an increase in the number of ouryoung and we see an increase in the number of our young people being shot or impacted of our young people being shot or impacted by violence as well. Theres impacted by violence as well. Theres definitely a they are there, and we theres definitely a they are there, and we hope what the Administration Announces and we hope what the Administration Announces well see some form of rest by announces well see some form of rest by is announces well see some form of rest b. , ,. , announces well see some form of restb. ,. , rest by. Is this something that can be addressed rest by. Is this something that can be addressed by rest by. Is this something that can be addressed by people rest by. Is this something that can be addressed by people in rest by. Is this something that can be addressed by people in the rest by. Is this something that can l be addressed by people in the white house or at a much more local level by Police Communities like yourself . And perhaps a change in the way policing is happening in the us . Its a little bit of both. I think there its a little bit of both. I think there is its a little bit of both. I think there is an its a little bit of both. I think there is an acknowledgement, at least there is an acknowledgement, at least here there is an acknowledgement, at least here in philadelphia, theres been least here in philadelphia, theres been an least here in philadelphia, theres been an acknowledgement that the answer been an acknowledgement that the answer or been an acknowledgement that the answer or the solution to whatever it is were answer or the solution to whatever it is were seeing here is not solely it is were seeing here is not solely a it is were seeing here is not solely a police matter. Theres caiis solely a police matter. Theres calls for solely a police matter. Theres calls for far more intervention, prevention calls for far more intervention, prevention and investment for those who have prevention and investment for those who have the feet on the ground, who served who have the feet on the ground, who served as who have the feet on the ground, who served as credible messengers. Because served as credible messengers. Because we know. Served as credible messengers. Because we know. Served as credible messengers. Because we know. What does that actually mean . Because we know. What does that actually mean . Im because we know. What does that actually mean . Im sorry, because we know. What does that actually mean . Im sorry, what because we know. What does that | actually mean . Im sorry, what does that mean in practical terms . Give us an example. 50. That mean in practicalterms . Give us an example that mean in practicalterms . Give us an example. So, ill give you an example us an example. So, ill give you an example the us an example. So, ill give you an example. The likelihood us an example. So, ill give you an example. The likelihood of us an example. So, ill give you an example. The likelihood of a us an example. So, ill give you an l example. The likelihood of a witness coming example. The likelihood of a witness coming forward to tell me about a crime coming forward to tell me about a crime that coming forward to tell me about a crime that they saw, orjust saying they have crime that they saw, orjust saying they have a crime that they saw, orjust saying they have a little bit of information i can maybe help. The likelihood information i can maybe help. The likelihood of someone coming to me in uniform likelihood of someone coming to me in uniform versus someone that they could in uniform versus someone that they could relate in uniform versus someone that they could relate to outside of uniform, that may could relate to outside of uniform, that may have been arrested before and gone that may have been arrested before and gone through the same thing that they see and gone through the same thing that they see as and gone through the same thing that they see as a peer, or somebody they respect they see as a peer, or somebody they respect because they had that shared experience. The likelihood of them going experience. The likelihood of them going and experience. The likelihood of them going and sharing that information is a lot going and sharing that information is a lot stronger or highly probable, so what we would like to do, probable, so what we would like to do. When probable, so what we would like to do, when you talk about looking at new models are different ways of approaching the issue, we recognise that as approaching the issue, we recognise that as police, we have to partner with those that as police, we have to partner with those folks who do that work. We dont with those folks who do that work. We dont necessarily have the same level of we dont necessarily have the same level of trust, so were not necessarily seeing as legitimate by some necessarily seeing as legitimate by some of necessarily seeing as legitimate by some of our community members. Given that we some of our community members. Given that we know some of our community members. Given that we know some social programmes or other that we know some social programmes or other programmes that are far more or other programmes that are far more successful as far as preventing, we have to make sure that we preventing, we have to make sure that we partner with those entities and be that we partner with those entities and be willing to have dialogue with those and be willing to have dialogue with those individuals who may be involved those individuals who may be involved without judgment. Those individuals who may be involved withoutjudgment. But those individuals who may be involved without judgment. But we have to involved without judgment. But we have to be involved without judgment. But we have to be open minded what involved withoutjudgment. But we have to be openminded what youre sa in is have to be openminded what youre saying is that have to be openminded what youre saying is that perhaps have to be openminded what youre saying is that perhaps the have to be openminded what youre saying is that perhaps the spike have to be openminded what youre saying is that perhaps the spike in i saying is that perhaps the spike in crime is because the police are now reactive, and they have to be more proactive . Reactive, and they have to be more roactive . � , reactive, and they have to be more roactive . , � ,. ,. , reactive, and they have to be more roactive . , � ,. ,. , � proactive . Thats part of what im sa inc. Proactive . Thats part of what im saying yes proactive . Thats part of what im saying yes i proactive . Thats part of what im saying. Yes. I think proactive . Thats part of what im saying. Yes. I think it proactive . Thats part of what im saying. Yes. I think it becomes i proactive . Thats part of what im l saying. Yes. I think it becomes very difficult saying. Yes. I think it becomes very difficult to saying. Yes. I think it becomes very difficult to be proactive when were chasing difficult to be proactive when were chasing the radio and going from call to chasing the radio and going from call to cati chasing the radio and going from call to call to call. We in leadership have to give our officers the discretion any time to be proactive, and dont get me wrong we are proactive, and dont get me wrong we are doing proactive, and dont get me wrong we are doing what we can. We use data to we are doing what we can. We use data to inform our deployment and strategy data to inform our deployment and strategy, we know that is a very small strategy, we know that is a very small percentage of individuals that are responsible for the largest proportions here. We know its Smatter Proportions here. We know its smaller neighbourhoods in our communities thats driving crime, so we have communities thats driving crime, so we have to communities thats driving crime, so we have to send our resources there. But we we have to send our resources there. But we also we have to send our resources there. But we also have to acknowledge again but we also have to acknowledge again that a lot of the solutions that we again that a lot of the solutions that we know work are going to be community that we know work are going to be community driven. There has to be Investment Community driven. There has to be investment from the community, which is why investment from the community, which is why you investment from the community, which is why you hear people say lets focus is why you hear people say lets focus on is why you hear people say lets focus on a is why you hear people say lets focus on a lot of these Alternative Strategies focus on a lot of these Alternative Strategies as opposed to solely piacing strategies as opposed to solely placing the blame on our law enforcement. We cant arrest our way out of enforcement. We cant arrest our way out of this. Enforcement. We cant arrest our way out of this. , ,. , enforcement. We cant arrest our way out of this out of this. Commissioner outlaw, thank ou out of this. Commissioner outlaw, thank you for out of this. Commissioner outlaw, thank you for coming out of this. Commissioner outlaw, thank you for coming on out of this. Commissioner outlaw, thank you for coming on the i thank you for coming on the programme. Toughjob. Tough job. Must toughjob. Must be a tough job. Must be a very strange wellbeing. Tough job. Must be a very strange wellbeing. A tough job. Must be a very strange wellbeing, a police tough job. Must be a very strange wellbeing, a Police Officer tough job. Must be a very strange wellbeing, a Police Officer in i well being, a Police Officer in america at the moment. A lot of people are saying we need more police, we have a crime spike, on the other side are people on the regressive left saying we need less police, defund the police. Although ou look at police, defund the police. Although you look at things police, defund the police. Although you look at things like police, defund the police. Although you look at things like the police, defund the police. Although you look at things like the results, | you look at things like the results, the early results but the initial results from the person they elected, and elects and next Police Officer. You wonder whether those voices on the Progressive Left are representative of most americans who do still want policing and affective policing. For those watching on Bbc World News, well be right back. A Police Officer has been convicted of manslaughter during the course of their duties. Pc Benjamin Monk was found guilty of killing the former footballer dalian atkinson. Racheljones of west Mercia Police said his death had brought great shock throughout the force. I am sincerely sorry and extend my apologies and deepest condolences to his family and friends, all of whom have shown great dignity and strength. His death has devastated his family, friends and local community. We do not underestimate the impact of todays cased on the verdict. Of todays case on the verdict. Its wide reaching and immeasurable. Nor do we understate two underestimate the significant damage that is done to the trust and confidence in the police locally and nationally. Particularly for black people. It causes grave concern within the police service. Apple daily, the Pro Democracy newspaper in hong kong, is closing. After 26 years, its final edition is now on sale, just a few days after police raided their offices and seized 2 million of assets. The paper covered stories on celebrity gossip, as well as hard hitting political news and analysis, always with a decidedly antigovernment slant. The apple was the Forbidden Fruit and a constant target for beijing. The paper was founded byjimmy lai, who was smuggled into hong kong from Mainland China as a boy. He rose from Factory Worker to become a clothing tycoon. He pursued a career in publishing after chinas crackdown on the protests in tiananmen square. The last edition is already on sale in hong kong, with Crowds Queing to buy it. One of the newspapers nonexecutive directors, mark clifford, said the papers demise was almost inevitable. It feels a bit by being bit like being it feels a bit by being bit like being squeezed it feels a bit by being bit like being squeezed by it feels a bit by being bit like being squeezed by a it feels a bit by being bit like being squeezed by a boa it feels a bit by being bit like i being squeezed by a boa constrictor, and that being squeezed by a boa constrictor, and that is being squeezed by a boa constrictor, and that is the being squeezed by a boa constrictor, and that is the reality being squeezed by a boa constrictor, and that is the reality of being squeezed by a boa constrictor, and that is the reality of hong being squeezed by a boa constrictor, and that is the reality of hong kong i and that is the reality of hong kong iilht and that is the reality of hong kong right now and that is the reality of hong kong right now its and that is the reality of hong kong right now. Its not and that is the reality of hong kong right now. Its not the and that is the reality of hong kong right now. Its not the end and that is the reality of hong kong right now. Its not the end of and that is the reality of hong kong right now. Its not the end of the i right now. Its not the end of the squeezing lets speak now to mark simon. He acts as deputy tojimmy lai, who has been in prison in hong kong since late november. Its a big moment, isnt it . Is there anything left in hong kong that you can now describe as free press . � , ,. Press . Its very difficult. The International Press . Its very difficult. The International Press press . Its very difficult. The International Press still i press . Its very difficult. The | International Press still seems press . Its very difficult. The i International Press still seems to have International Press still seems to have some of their own grounds that they can have some of their own grounds that they can cover, and they do a wonderful they can cover, and they do a wonderfuljob. The real problem youve wonderfuljob. The real problem youve had is most of the media has been youve had is most of the media has been brought up by pro china, progene been brought up by pro china, pro gene gain pro beijing tycoons pro gene gain pro beijing tycoons. The other issue is apple daiiy tycoons. The other issue is apple daiiy is tycoons. The other issue is apple daily is printing millions of papers daily is printing millions of papers. Anyone can see from the size of our papers. Anyone can see from the size of our building that we are large and no of our building that we are large and no mac organisation. Once we go down, and no mac organisation. Once we go down, there and no mac organisation. Once we go down, there are a lot of wonderful smatt down, there are a lot of wonderful small websites. They will be rounded up small websites. They will be rounded up and small websites. They will be rounded up and no small websites. They will be rounded up and no one will really take the hih up and no one will really take the high ground any more in terms of fighting high ground any more in terms of fighting the government. Thats become fighting the government. Thats become a fighting the government. Thats become a very difficult battle to have become a very difficult battle to have if become a very difficult battle to have if youre a small or medium sized organisation and they come medium sized organisation and they come after medium sized organisation and they come after you. Mediumsized organisation and they come after you come after you. Thats interesting. What about come after you. Thats interesting. What about the come after you. Thats interesting. What about the uk come after you. Thats interesting. What about the uk and come after you. Thats interesting. What about the uk and the come after you. Thats interesting. What about the uk and the united | what about the uk and the United States . We are about to get a congressman on the chana committee, what would you say to him . Congressman on the chana committee, what would you say to him . What would you say to him . China committee what would you say to him . China committee i what would you say to him . China committee. I think what would you say to him . China committee. I think we what would you say to him . China committee. I think we have what would you say to him . China committee. I think we have good i committee. I think we have good verbat committee. I think we have good verbal support, but i think the whole verbal support, but i think the whole world will have to come to grips whole world will have to come to grips. With what china undertakes. This is grips. With what china undertakes. This is nothing new for china. We have this is nothing new for china. We have the this is nothing new for china. We have the uighurs, we have actions all over have the uighurs, we have actions all over the have the uighurs, we have actions all over the south china sea. Look at their all over the south china sea. Look at their behaviour abroad in terms of influencing behaviours of governments they want something from or disagree governments they want something from or disagree with. Of the world has to come or disagree with. Of the world has to come to or disagree with. Of the world has to come to grips at what point in time to come to grips at what point in time is to come to grips at what point in time is enough enough. Just because they have time is enough enough. Just because they have a time is enough enough. Just because they have a lot of money, that may not be they have a lot of money, that may not be the they have a lot of money, that may not be the best reason, but that seems not be the best reason, but that seems to not be the best reason, but that seems to be the only reason for most poiiticians seems to be the only reason for most politicians that invest in the opportunities. I think we really have opportunities. I think we really have to opportunities. I think we really have to start looking at that again, and i have to start looking at that again, and i would have to start looking at that again, and i would urge the congressman to look, and i would urge the congressman to look. The and i would urge the congressman to look, the first place might be the hong look, the first place might be the Hong Kong Financial system because thats Hong Kong Financial system because thats what the chinese care about in hong thats what the chinese care about in hong kong at this time, and if they in hong kong at this time, and if they witt in hong kong at this time, and if they will run rampant over freedoms and democracy and free press, lets remember and democracy and free press, lets remember that also affects the free market remember that also affects the free market. A ~ remember that also affects the free market. N,. Remember that also affects the free market. A ,. , remember that also affects the free market. ,. , market. Market, since we are saying aoodb e to market. Market, since we are saying goodbye to apple market. Market, since we are saying goodbye to apple daily market. Market, since we are saying goodbye to apple daily, market. Market, since we are saying goodbye to apple daily, give goodbye to apple daily, give assistance for what it meant for readers in hong kong. I assistance for what it meant for readers in hong kong. Assistance for what it meant for readers in hong kong. I think you see it tonight readers in hong kong. I think you see it tonight that readers in hong kong. I think you see it tonight that thousands i readers in hong kong. I think you see it tonight that thousands of l see it tonight that thousands of people see it tonight that thousands of people came out to the office. We are not people came out to the office. We are not in people came out to the office. We are not in the centre of hong kong, we are are not in the centre of hong kong, we are in are not in the centre of hong kong, we are in the are not in the centre of hong kong, we are in the boonies. So it took a lot of we are in the boonies. So it took a lot of effort we are in the boonies. So it took a lot of effort. My understanding from the distributors, as soon as they et the distributors, as soon as they get there. The distributors, as soon as they get there, they sell out. Its a paper get there, they sell out. Its a paper that has a relationship with the town paper that has a relationship with the town. We are a tabloid, both loved the town. We are a tabloid, both loved and the town. We are a tabloid, both loved and hated, but this has been through loved and hated, but this has been through this gentleman jimmy loved and hated, but this has been through this gentlemanjimmy lai, my boss, through this gentlemanjimmy lai, my boss, one through this gentlemanjimmy lai, my boss, one thing. Pro democracy and for the boss, one thing. Pro democracy and for the people, and boss, one thing. Pro democracy and forthe people, and i boss, one thing. Pro democracy and for the people, and i think people in time for the people, and i think people in time of for the people, and i think people in time of need when theyre looking around, in time of need when theyre looking around, when youve got a friend, maybe around, when youve got a friend, maybe we around, when youve got a friend, maybe we are not the best friend in the world maybe we are not the best friend in the world in maybe we are not the best friend in the world in terms of what everybody would the world in terms of what everybody would like the world in terms of what everybody would like at the dinner party, but we are would like at the dinner party, but we are the would like at the dinner party, but we are the friend and the guys who fiht we are the friend and the guys who fight for we are the friend and the guys who fight for hong kong. Apple daily has fiht fight for hong kong. Apple daily has fight for fight for hong kong. Apple daily has fight for hong kong. Apple daily has fight for hong kong. Apple daily has fight for hong kong. Thats the one thing fight for hong kong. Thats the one thing i fight for hong kong. Thats the one thing i cant thought enough. Its fought thing i cant thought enough. Its fought for thing i cant thought enough. Its fought for hong kong on every issue when fought for hong kong on every issue when it fought for hong kong on every issue when it comes to freedom of democracy. When it comes to freedom of democracy when it comes to freedom of democra. ,. ,. Its interesting what marks is there. You talk about all those Financial Companies in hong kong making money out of free market systems, yet you dont have a free press in the country. I would suggest that you can have a free market without a free press. Its almost one country, two systems right now. Almost one country, two systems riaht now. ,. , also wonder about the nato meetings and the eu meetings, but which bit of the chinese problem do you decide to tackle if you are the us administration. Perhaps hong kong is not one at the top of the priority list. The queen has held a weekly audience with all m Prime Ministers that have held power through her reign. Though the queen is Head Of State she remains politically neutral on all matters, though is able to advise and warn her ministers including her Prime Minister when necessary. But since the pandemic began, those weekly audiences with borisjohnson have been suspended. She has been isolating at windsor and it has been 15 months since the two of them have met privately. Today, Normal Business resumed, so what to talk about after all that time apart . He is full of beans ah, yes, matt hancock, the beleagued health secretary, it is claimed Borisjohnson Desribed As a moron at the height of the first wave. Going by the Prime Ministers body language, were guessing thats not where he wanted to begin todays conversation, and what was the queen about to say. He is full of. Beans, said the Prime Minister, jumping in quickly. Which i am sure he is given the success of the vaccination roll out. Thats what i love, the Prime Minister said its been 15 months on the queen said, has it really . I the queen said, has it really . I havent missed you one bit the queen said, has it really . I l havent missed you one bit how the queen said, has it really . I i havent missed you one bit how time flies when you havent missed you one bit how time flies when you dont havent missed you one bit how time flies when you dont have havent missed you one bit how time flies when you dont have to havent missed you one bit how time flies when you dont have to have i havent missed you one bit how time flies when you dont have to have a i flies when you dont have to have a weekly audience with the Prime Minister i weekly audience with the Prime Minister ~ weekly audience with the Prime Minister ,. , minister i quite like that exchange hello there. At long last, it felt a bit more like summer across southeastern parts of the uk. It was a chilly start in the morning, but weve enjoyed plenty of sunshine, temperatures into the low 20s. Its not that warm, even in the sunshine. Further north, weve seen more cloud coming in as well. Thats brought notjust some rather grey skies, but some rain and drizzle here and there as well. You can see the extent of the cloud from the Satellite Picture earlier on, spilling down from the northwest and slowly pushing its way into the midlands. Some wetter weather perhaps into the Far Southwest of england, mostly rain and drizzle continuing around these Western Hills and coasts. East anglia, the southeast of england still got clearer skies overnight in that chilly air, and temperatures will be down to four or 5 degrees. Elsewhere, it will be a much milder night underneath that blanket of cloud. And for a good part of the uk for a while, at least weve got this chunk of more humid air, warmer air in what we call a warm sector. Thats the gap between two Weather Fronts there. The second one to the north will bring some heavier rain across the northwest of the uk. The first one there, that warm front, is responsible for this rain and drizzle that weve got to start thursday across Northern England and wales, pushing into the midlands, largely petering out, though, and turning more cloudy eventually in the southeast. Thicker cloud, rain coming down across scotland into northern ireland, but in between those two bands of wetter weather, were going to find it brightening up in wales, parts of the midlands, especially in Northern England, where we could see temperatures as high as 23 or 20 degrees. Now, through the evening and overnight, Those Bands Of Rain and drizzle will continue to move southeastwards and pressure will lower, leaving us with quite a messy picture, i think, for friday. A lot of cloud around. Therell some further showers or longer spells of rain. It may well be a bit drier in wales and should become drier in scotland, but weve got a northerly breeze here, so too across northern ireland, pegging temperatures to 16 degrees. A bit higher than that across england and wales, but there could be some rain from time to time. Heading into the weekend, the northern half of the uk, weve got higher Pressure Building in, so a lot of dry weather. Probably increasing amounts of sunshine around as well. Further south across the uk, its not a wash out this weekend, but theres still the chance of some showers around, particularly during saturday. Fewer showers and hopefully a bit more sunshine on sunday. You re watching bbc news with me katty kay in washington, Christian Fraser is in london. Our top stories. Pop star Britney Spears is appearing in a California Court this hour virtually, to address her long running conservatorship. The hearing is about whether she can take back real control of her estate and well being from her father. A bbc investigation has found that over two thousand Migrant Children are being detained in a camp in el paso. Well speak live to texas congressman mike mccaul. Also in the programme. A large rise in covid cases in the uk has seen a quadrupling in children absent from school. Is daily testing is a better option than self isolation . And wandering across china. The herd of elephants that have stayed 500 kilometres from home and show no signs of stopping. Russia says its patrol ships and fire ships have drop bombs in the path of the Royal Navy Destroyer that was sailing in the black senior crimea this afternoon. The Russian Defence Ministry Said that hms defender, had violated its territorial waters. But the Ministry Of Defence has flatly denied those claims saying the russians were carrying out exercises when they fired. Our defence Correspondentjonathan Beale is the only broadcaster onboard hms defender and has sent this report. This is not a drill. A british warship in the black sea about two with russia. 50 warship in the black sea about two with russia with russia. So were straight into the auoin with russia. So were straight into the going to with russia. So were straight into the going to the with russia. So were straight into the going to the latter with russia. So were straight into the going to the latter stages i with russia. So were straight into the going to the latter stages nowj the going to the latter stages now ust the going to the latter stages now just to the going to the latter stages now just to get into a high state of readiness. Just to get into a high state of readiness just to get into a high state of readiness. ,. , , readiness. Agent must has ust left the ort of readiness. Agent must has ust left the port of odessa. I readiness. Agent must has ust left the port of odessa. As i readiness. Agent must has ust left the port of odessa. As you i readiness. Agent must hasjust left the port of odessa. As you can i readiness. Agent must hasjust left the port of odessa. As you can see| the port of odessa. As you can see just over there we are already being shadowed by a russian warship. They are soon tracking Russian Military aircraft. We are also tracking them who are also tracking them. Throughout the transit hms defender detects at least 20 Russian Military aircraft nearby. Some far too close for comfort. It aircraft nearby. Some far too close for comfort for comfort. It is a slightly more increased for comfort. It is a slightly more increased threat. For comfort. It is a slightly more increased threat. And for comfort. It is a slightly more increased threat. And youre i for comfort. It is a slightly more i increased threat. And youre being watched by the russians . Vacancy is, they can we can see them. B55 watched by the russians . Vacancy is, they can we can see them. They can we can see them. As we get close to crimea they can we can see them. As we get close to crimea at they can we can see them. As we get close to crimea at the they can we can see them. As we get close to crimea at the tension close to crimea at the tension rises. Hms defender is going to sail within what rationale claims is its territorial waters. Within what rationale claims is its territorialwaters. But within what rationale claims is its territorial waters. But following a legally recognised shipping lane. Would you say theres a flashpoint potentially in terms of how the russians will behave . Potentially in terms of how the russians will behave . There is a contentious russians will behave . There is a contentious point. Russians will behave . There is a contentious point. Their russians will behave . There is a contentious point. Their posture| contentious point. Their posture will likely contentious point. Their posture will likely be more belligerent because of our proximity to what they recognise as their waters. They will view you they recognise as their waters. They will view you as they recognise as their waters. Iie will view you as belligerent going so close to crimea. Will view you as belligerent going so close to crimea. They might take that view. So close to crimea. They might take that view as so close to crimea. They might take that view. As hms so close to crimea. They might take that view. As hms defender so close to crimea. They might take that view. As hms defender comes | that view. As hms defender comes within 12 miles that view. As hms defender comes within 12 miles of that view. As hms defender comes within 12 miles of the that view. As hms defender comes within 12 miles of the coast that view. As hms defender comes within 12 miles of the coast the i within12 miles of the coast the russian coast guard make a dangerous move. This russian coast guard vessel has come up right close to this british warship and is trying now to force it to change course. Nothing on the bridge. If now to force it to change course. Nothing on the bridge. Now to force it to change course. Nothing on the bridge. If you has a sin i will nothing on the bridge. If you has a sign i will file. Nothing on the bridge. If you has a sign i will file. If nothing on the bridge. If you has a sign i will file. If you nothing on the bridge. If you has a sign i will file. If you dont sign i will file. If you dont change this course i will fire. The crew donned change this course i will fire. The crew donned protective clothing in in case that brett follows through. Shots are fired well out of reach. This is evidence that the uk is willing to challenge russia to uphold international law. But it is a high risk strategy. Extraordinary. So interesting to see. A very tightly contested area out there just off the coast of crimea. Its a question many parents up and down the uk are wondering should schoolchildren still have to self isolate after possible exposure to coronavirus . Most parents are now fully vaccinated. And on balance children tend to be at much lower risk from the virus, the experts would tell you that what is far more detrimental, is the effect repeated isolation on childrens mental and physical development. And over the past week, things have been getting decidedly worse. In england the School Absences due to covid Have Quadroupled more than 170,000 pupils are self isolating due to potential contact with the virus. Thats up from 40,000 pupils that were self isolating a fortnight ago. A Government Led Trial is now under way to work out whether daily testing is a better option than self isolation but that will come too late for this Current School year. So where does that leave things . And what is the plan going forward. Joining us is dr michael absoud, a child health and Neurodevelopmental Expert at Kings College london. Thanks forjoining us. When you see this number of children and how much isjunk, children who this number of children and how much is junk, children who are now doing time at home alone with out of the kid, what impact is that can have on them . I kid, what impact is that can have on them . ~ � , them . I think its been huge. Children have them . I think its been huge. Children have given them . I think its been huge. Children have given so i them . I think its been huge. Children have given so much| them . I think its been huge. I children have given so much over them . I think its been huge. Children have given so much over the last to children have given so much over the last 16 months. And now we at a different last 16 months. And now we at a different stage of the pandemic but the impact of multiple isolations by quite a the impact of multiple isolations by quite a large number of children and increasing quite a large number of children and increasing a quite a large number of children and increasing a course it increases anxiety, increasing a course it increases anxiety, worries, children need stability anxiety, worries, children need stability and certainty. We are seeing stability and certainty. We are seeing reports and research of eating seeing reports and research of eating disorders, sleep difficulties, things like text. And children difficulties, things like text. And children who are vulnerable those in Poverty Children who are vulnerable those in poverty and children who are vulnerable those in poverty and special Educational Needs poverty and special Educational Needs are accessing that there is that they needs are accessing that there is that they need to if theyre constantly being isolated. This is intuitively constantly being isolated. This is intuitively having a big impact on children intuitively having a big impact on children i intuitively having a big impact on children. I think its time to put them children. I think its time to put them first children. I think its time to put them first and think about ways of avoiding them first and think about ways of avoiding them isolating. | them first and think about ways of avoiding them isolating. Avoiding them isolating. I dont know if you avoiding them isolating. I dont know if you seen avoiding them isolating. I dont know if you seen the avoiding them isolating. I dont know if you seen the news i avoiding them isolating. I dont| know if you seen the news from avoiding them isolating. I dont i know if you seen the news from here in the states but its a big crisis or two. Christian and i interviewed the head of a Childrens Hospital in colorado because colorado has just declared a Mental Health emergency among children because they see such among children because they see such a spike in the number of children coming into Emergency Room with serious mental problems. They say its as they come out of covid and a sense, almost that this is the most vulnerable time for kids because this is when the symptoms of ptsd start to emerge. Bare this is when the symptoms of ptsd start to emerge. Start to emerge. Are you finding that to . Yes. Start to emerge. Are you finding that to . Yes. I start to emerge. Are you finding that to . Yes. | think start to emerge. Are you finding that to . Yes. | think thats start to emerge. Are you finding that to . Yes. I think thats very | that to . Yes. I think thats very true that to . Yes. I think thats very true. Especially for children who dont true. Especially for children who dont tolerate uncertainty as well. So children with special Educational Needs so children with special Educational Needs and so children with special Educational Needs and in the uk thats 15 of children. Needs and in the uk thats 15 of children, children with autism, adhd, children, children with autism, adhd, learning needs to have mr guite adhd, learning needs to have mr quite a adhd, learning needs to have mr quite a lot. And those living in poverty quite a lot. And those living in poverty. Increasing reports of it eating poverty. Increasing reports of it eating disorders, anxieties, worries sleep. Eating disorders, anxieties, worries sleep, children need stability and certainty sleep, children need stability and certainty and even the threat of repeated certainty and even the threat of repeated isolation can have a huge impact repeated isolation can have a huge im act. ~. Repeated isolation can have a huge imact. ~. ,. , repeated isolation can have a huge imact. ~. ,. , repeated isolation can have a huge imaact,. ,. , a,. , impact. What would you say it would be the alternative impact. What would you say it would be the alternative then . Impact. What would you say it would be the alternative then . Clearly i be the alternative then . Clearly there is a push to vaccinate the over 12 year olds. Some experts want that because france and america are doing now. What about daily testing, is that a . ,. ,. , is that a . You mentioned earlier in our is that a . You mentioned earlier in your report is that a . You mentioned earlier in your report there is that a . You mentioned earlier in your report there is is that a . You mentioned earlier in your report there is a is that a . You mentioned earlier in your report there is a trial is that a . You mentioned earlier in your report there is a trial going i your report there is a trial going on in your report there is a trial going on in the your report there is a trial going on in the uk that needs to finish and continue, led by Public Health england. And continue, led by Public Health england. A and continue, led by Public Health england, a controlled trial of testing england, a controlled trial of testing. The children who are isolating testing. The children who are isolating and what we still dont know isolating and what we still dont know is isolating and what we still dont know is how many children, affected by isolation know is how many children, affected by isolation for the children and how many by isolation for the children and how many of those who isolate actually how many of those who isolate actually test positively later on and then actually test positively later on and then what happens later on after that . And then what happens later on after that . We and then what happens later on after that . We need that data to inform so the public that . We need that data to inform so the Public Health professionals and the Public Health professionals and the government can come up with a better the government can come up with a better policy. Everyone agrees its ust better policy. Everyone agrees its just not better policy. Everyone agrees its just not ok at the moment to put children just not ok at the moment to put children to just not ok at the moment to put children to carry on isolating. Its time children to carry on isolating. Its time to children to carry on isolating. Its time to put children to carry on isolating. Its time to put children first, really. Interesting, we do need more data. Thank you very much forjoining us from london. A bbc investigation found that children have been in a cap and riddled with disease. Theres been an outbreak of covid and flu that have affected Hundreds Chosen and the recent month. The have affected Hundreds Chosen and the recent month. Have affected Hundreds Chosen and the recent month. The Special Report found that facility the recent month. The Special Report found that facility had the recent month. The Special Report found that facility had shortages i the recent month. The Special Report found that facility had shortages of l found that facility had shortages of clean clothes and medical care for the children and staff said that some had been sexually assaulted while being held at the camp. Heres a portion of the report. Downtown el paso. Ive been told where to collect a memory stick containing secret Audio Recordings of a Training Session in which staff said children were being sexually abused. An employee came out of the camp to meet us she said the department of Homeland Security had spoken to staff about a rape. This again is in actors voice. Have not responded to the allegations in this report but say that children in the custody are given the required standard of care and access to medical services they say they are working to release the children to their relatives. Shortly after the investigation was released i spoke to democratic senator chris coons, of delaware to get his response. There are thousands of folks crossing our southern border and providing appropriate care and facilities for them, as is the commitment of the biden administration. It is a real challenge. As you know, katty, im part of a Bipartisan Group of senators thats trying to fix our broken Immigration System so that it doesnt careen back and forth between the policies of the last administration, which i think were at times intentionally cruel. He did say he would bring this up with colleagues in the white house as well. Were joined now by texas congressman mike mccaul. Ijust wa nt to want to get your reaction to what we heard about the conditions that children are being held in the United States in Government Facilities after trying to cross the border. ,. , facilities after trying to cross the border. ,. , ,. , border. These are very serious allegation border. These are very serious allegation. If border. These are very serious allegation. If true border. These are very serious allegation. If true we, border. These are very serious allegation. If true we, there i border. These are very serious i allegation. If true we, there should be consequences. I think Homeland Security be consequences. I think Homeland Security committee, im on that committee, we should haves hearings on this committee, we should haves hearings on this very committee, we should haves hearings on this very issue. Ive been down to the on this very issue. Ive been down to the detention facility, i didnt see any to the detention facility, i didnt see any evidence or of these types of epic see any evidence or of these types of epic lignite allegations. Its a very dangerous path that these children very dangerous path that these children take. Its very dangerous even children take. Its very dangerous even when children take. Its very dangerous even when they get in the United States even when they get in the United States. Their future is probably, they states. Their future is probably, they will states. Their future is probably, they will be manipulated by human track two they will be manipulated by human track two traffickers, sex traffickers. It is not a good life. The reason traffickers. It is not a good life. The reason this whole thing started was the the reason this whole thing started was the president rescinding the migrant was the president rescinding the Migrant Protection Protocols that started Migrant Protection Protocols that started this enormous surge that we are seeing started this enormous surge that we are seeing at the border. The started this enormous surge that we are seeing at the border. Are seeing at the border. The Vice Resident are seeing at the border. The Vice President was are seeing at the border. The Vice President was down are seeing at the border. The Vice President was down in are seeing at the border. The Vice President was down in the are seeing at the border. The Vice President was down in the area i president was down in the area recently in guatemala and mexico and she said very clearly to migrants, do not come to the United States. Are you suggesting that coming to lake . I are you suggesting that coming to lake . ~ � , are you suggesting that coming to lake . , � ,. ,. , are you suggesting that coming to lake . , � ,. ,. ,. ,. , lake . I think its too little too late. Lake . I think its too little too late when lake . I think its too little too late. When the lake . I think its too little too late. When the secretary i lake . I think its too little too late. When the secretary of i lake . I think its too little too late. When the secretary of Homeland Security late. When the secretary of Homeland Security said that we are not saying you cant security said that we are not saying you cant count you just cant come right you cant count you just cant come right now you cant count you just cant come right now sends a terrible message of deterrence. Im glad that she is finally of deterrence. Im glad that she is finally now of deterrence. Im glad that she is finally now going down to the us mexico border. I pick its important us mexico border. I pick its important to see the border and the condition important to see the border and the condition it important to see the border and the condition it is. At the working that issue condition it is. At the working that issue for condition it is. At the working that issue for the better part of my careen issue for the better part of my career. This is quite frankly the worst career. This is quite frankly the worst tve career. This is quite frankly the worst ive ever seen it in terms of a crisis worst ive ever seen it in terms of a crisis was worst ive ever seen it in terms of a crisis was up its a 21 year high and about a crisis was up its a 21 year high and about 900,000 people have now been contacted or apprehended we really been contacted or apprehended we really need a solution to the problem. And im not seeing a whole lot of problem. And im not seeing a whole lot of Solutions Coming out of this administration. You lot of Solutions Coming out of this administration. Administration. You are the republican administration. You are the republican leader administration. You are the republican leader of administration. You are the republican leader of the i administration. You are the. Republican leader of the house administration. You are the republican leader of the house of Foreign Affairs committee. I want to get into foreign issues with you while we have you if i could. Can we start with afghanistan because there is a Crisis Mounting in afghanistan right now . The telegram to take a more ground and they are targeting afghan citizens who have worked with the us forces. Im told there are currently 18,000 special Immigrant Visa Applications in afghanistan is waiting for approval. And nearly half of them are currently in process. Is the United States get it leave afghanistan leave all these people behind or you can do something to fast track a . Iirrulith people behind or you can do something to fasttrack a . With the resident something to fasttrack a . With the president of something to fasttrack a . With the President Of Afghanistan something to fasttrack a . With the President Of Afghanistan on something to fasttrack a . With the President Of Afghanistan on friday l President Of Afghanistan on friday we are President Of Afghanistan on friday we are meeting, we have a meeting at the white we are meeting, we have a meeting at the white house in the morning. This is one the white house in the morning. This is one of the white house in the morning. This is one of the the white house in the morning. This is one of the topics i intend to raise is one of the topics i intend to raise lve is one of the topics i intend to raise. Ive been pretty loud and vocal raise. Ive been pretty loud and vocal on raise. Ive been pretty loud and vocal on this issue of no one left behind vocal on this issue of no one left behind the vocal on this issue of no one left behind. The people, the afghans who worked behind. The people, the afghans who worked with our Special Forces and our military, we promised them that we would our military, we promised them that we would protect them and not leave them behind. And the problems i see is our them behind. And the problems i see is our military is already retrograde in ahead of schedule probably retrograde in ahead of schedule probably by the end ofjuly and these probably by the end ofjuly and these visas will take another year to process these visas will take another year to process. So the Department Of Defence to process. So the Department Of Defence has come up with a plan to evacuate defence has come up with a plan to evacuate these 18,000. But remember, for everyone evacuate these 18,000. But remember, for everyone you will probably have three for everyone you will probably have three Family Members probably about 50,000 three Family Members probably about 50,000 that will need to be evacuated to a safe country and then have derek evacuated to a safe country and then have derek claims process there. Otherwise have derek claims process there. Otherwise they will be in the bulls eye and the target of the taliban bullseye and the target of the taliban. , bullseye and the target of the taliban. � , bullseye and the target of the taliban. 2. ,. , i. Bullseye and the target of the taliban. 2. , taliban. Yeah, its good you are addressing taliban. Yeah, its good you are addressing it. Taliban. Yeah, its good you are addressing it. I taliban. Yeah, its good you are addressing it. I think taliban. Yeah, its good you are addressing it. I think a taliban. Yeah, its good you are addressing it. I think a lot taliban. Yeah, its good you are addressing it. I think a lot of. Addressing it. I think a lot of people cheer the view that the camp he left behind. Because we know it will happen to them. Lets turn to china because one of the stories weve been addressing in the story is the closure of apple daily. Its the biggest Pro Democracy tablet paper in hong kong. Its probably the last democracy paper in hong kong. I want to play you what a contributor mark simon, our good friend ofjimmy lai who is in prison, what he told us earlier in the program. Have a listen to this. Earlier in the program. Have a listen to this. The first place to look may bite listen to this. The first place to look may bite be listen to this. The first place to look may bite be the listen to this. The first place to look may bite be the hong listen to this. The first place to l look may bite be the Hong Kong Financial look may bite be the Hong Kong Financial system. Thats what the chinese financial system. Thats what the chinese care about in hong kong at this tinre chinese care about in hong kong at this time. And if they cannot run over this time. And if they cannot run over freedoms and democracy and Democracy Over Freedoms and democracy and democracy and free press, lets remember that also affects free press, lets remember that also affects the free press, lets remember that also affects the free market. You free press, lets remember that also affects the free market. Affects the free market. You are the chair of the affects the free market. You are the chair of the china affects the free market. You are the chair of the china task affects the free market. You are the chair of the China Task Force affects the free market. You are the chair of the China Task Force in chair of the China Task Force in congress. So you have a stake in this. He is saying theres a lot of American Companies out there who are making an awful lot of money and the only way to hurt beijing and to get them to see reason is to start tackling that financial system. What can you do realistically . Can you do realistically . Well, i think free can you do realistically . Well, i think free speech can you do realistically . Well, i think free speech and can you do realistically . Well, i think free speech and free can you do realistically . Well, i| think free speech and free press can you do realistically . Well, i. Think free speech and free press is over now think free speech and free press is over now in think free speech and free press is over now in hong kong. Its the demise over now in hong kong. Its the demise of over now in hong kong. Its the demise of any freedoms that they had in human demise of any freedoms that they had in human rights violations. I think the best in human rights violations. I think the best way to target china on this issue the best way to target china on this issue is the best way to target china on this issue is to the best way to target china on this issue is to hit them where it hurts and that issue is to hit them where it hurts and that is, issue is to hit them where it hurts and that is, as the interview said earlier, and that is, as the interview said earlier, they back pocket, their wallet~ earlier, they back pocket, their wallet. What we need to do quite honestly wallet. What we need to do quite honestly is to list these entities that are honestly is to list these entities that are associated with the Chinese Communist that are associated with the Chinese Communist parties military and then list them communist parties military and then list them and have them sanctioned that this list them and have them sanctioned that this foreign Cash Flow Investment in United States dollars that goes investment in United States dollars that goes into funding the Chinese Communist party, that would be a very strong communist party, that would be a very strong way to send a very strong very strong way to send a very strong message. Very strong way to send a very strong message. Very strong way to send a very stron messaue. , ~ ,. Strong message. Thank you very much for oinin strong message. Thank you very much forjoining us stay with us on bbc news, still to come sending mixed messages on lgbtq rights. European footballs Governing Body gets tripped up over whether to allow Rainbow Colours at matches. The vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi has urged more people to take up the covid jab, particularly the second dose, in the fight against the growing Delta Variant of the virus. 60 of uk adults are now fully vaccinated. Mr zahawi said Vaccine Hesitancy has significantly dropped in black and asian communities but more needs to be done. If you look at the latest data from the office for national statistics, the ons, Vaccine Hesitancy has halved in the past few months black british people since february. In its halved among asian and asian british people too in the same period. This is real progress. But we know there is much more to do. As we look to tackle and take on those final steps, those hard yards on the road to recovery we need to make sure that as many people are protected as possible. So we are intensifying, doubling down our efforts to get more people to come forward. And we are seeing real results in places like bolton and of course in the northwest and elsewhere. We are honing in on areas where uptake is lower. For example in london where the potential first doses, is slightly behind other areas in the united kingdom. The london team is doing an incredible job and i can confirm today that we are supporting them, supporting them with a london site summit that will take place on sunday bringing together senior officials, the nhs in london, the mayor of london Clinical Experts and Community Leaders from across the capital so we can see what has worked, how we learn from it and scale it and of course focused on how we make sure we really do boost that crucial uptake in the crucial few weeks before the 19th ofjuly. The final round of Group Matches at euro 2020 have been overshadowed by an off the pitch row. European footballs Governing Body has received a formal letter of concern from more than 20 lgbtiq groups across europe. A plan by the mayor of munich to light up the allianz arena in Rainbow Colours for germanys match tonight with hungary in protest against hungarys laws on homosexuality was vetoed by uefa, because, they said, the request had been made in a political context. This afternoon they issued a second response on twitter which appeared to contradict that earlier position. Their emblem was now in Rainbow Colours. And the statement for Uefa The Rainbow is not a political symbol but a sign of a Firm Commitment to a more diverse and inclusive society. Not then a political issue . John bennettjoins us live now from budapest. John, its not ok to have this stadium and Rainbow Colours but its ok to put Rainbow Colours on your twitter account, whats the difference . Twitter account, whats the difference . ,. ,. ,. , difference . Yes you if i have found themselves difference . Yes you if i have found themselves in difference . Yes you if i have found themselves in a difference . Yes you if i have found themselves in a real difference . Yes you if i have found themselves in a real mess difference . Yes you if i have found themselves in a real mess here. Difference . Yes you if i have found | themselves in a real mess here and theyve themselves in a real mess here and theyve been criticised a lot like many theyve been criticised a lot like many people inside and Outside Football many people inside and Outside Football. Im talking to you from Outside Football. Im talking to you from outside the arena with a World Champion outside the arena with a World Champion france are playing the european champion france are playing the european champions portugal. One of The Star European champions portugal. One of the star players on the pitch is grisman the star players on the pitch is grisman and he put a picture on Twitter Grisman and he put a picture on twitter to grisman and he put a picture on twitter to protest, a picture of the arena twitter to protest, a picture of the arena in twitter to protest, a picture of the arena in rainbow colors. But it has been arena in rainbow colors. But it has been very arena in rainbow colors. But it has been very controversial for you ava. Theyve been very controversial for you ava. Theyve been criticised by the mayor of munich theyve been criticised by the mayor of munich. It was his idea to make the statement as a protest for that law you the statement as a protest for that law you mention it was pastor in hungary law you mention it was pastor in hungary it law you mention it was pastor in hungary. It was his idea to light up the arena hungary. It was his idea to light up the arena and Rainbow Colours with a piece the arena and Rainbow Colours with a piece called the arena and Rainbow Colours with a piece called uefa his decision not to allow piece called uefa his decision not to allow it piece called uefa his decision not to allow it shameful and many other landmarks to allow it shameful and many other landmarks have been lit up in rainbow landmarks have been lit up in Rainbow Colours today. Also in different Rainbow Colours today. Also in different cities around germany as well different cities around germany as well in different cities around germany as well. In cologne, frankfurt and im here in well. In cologne, frankfurt and im here in budapest but im told the fans in here in budapest but im told the fans in munich, many of them are making fans in munich, many of them are making a fans in munich, many of them are Making A Stand as well turning up to the game Making A Stand as well turning up to the game holding rainbow flag, rainbow the game holding rainbow flag, rainbow t shirts. So its very controversial and uefa have been heavily controversial and uefa have been heavily criticised today. Heavily criticised today. Some 11,000 heavily criticised today. Some 11. 000 fans heavily criticised today. Some 11,000 fans in heavily criticised today. Some 11,000 fans in that heavily criticised today. Some 11,000 fans in that stand heavily criticised today. Some 11,000 fans in that stand in i heavily criticised today. Some l 11,000 fans in that stand in lots heavily criticised today. Some 11,000 fans in that stand in lots of them carrying those flags. One thing weve learned is that there is politics and sport. There just is. With sitting here in the United States of last year and a half stop and for uefa elevated canadian government to think that there is and is sort of dreaming. Its and is sort of dreaming. Its extremely and is sort of dreaming. Its extremely difficult to make the separation between politics and sport separation between politics and sport. Youre right there are many circumstances where politics come into sport~ circumstances where politics come into sport. Which either over the years into sport. Which either over the years some into sport. Which either over the years some things being allowed, something is not being allowed. Here in hungary something is not being allowed. Here in hungary the government had been speaking in hungary the government had been speaking about it, the foreign minister speaking about it, the foreign minister said that he is delighted with uefa decision saying that politics with uefa decision saying that politics and sport should never mix like this politics and sport should never mix like this. But i think for the most part uefa like this. But i think for the most part uefa have been criticized. They have used part uefa have been criticized. They have used try to explain things today have used try to explain things today but have used try to explain things today but i think your statement has muddied today but i think your statement has muddied the water in a way. They said in muddied the water in a way. They said in our muddied the water in a way. They said in our opinion uefa was saying the rainbow said in our opinion uefa was saying the rainbow is not a political symbol the rainbow is not a political symbol. But dave said in the context of using symbol. But dave said in the context of using it symbol. But dave said in the context of using it to protest about a law passed of using it to protest about a law passed in of using it to protest about a law passed in hungry then it does have political passed in hungry then it does have political contacts. Its confused a lot of political contacts. Its confused a lot of people, confused players, confused lot of people, confused players, confused officials in football and as you confused officials in football and as you say, overshadowed whats been as you say, overshadowed whats been a really as you say, overshadowed whats been a really dramatic night of football here in a really dramatic night of football here in budapest. A a really dramatic night of football here in budapest. Here in budapest. A real head scratcher here in budapest. A real head scratcher. Then here in budapest. A real head scratcher. Then youve here in budapest. A real head scratcher. Then youve got here in budapest. A real head| scratcher. Then youve got the german fa that are hindering out all the fans going into the stadium. One of their senior members, one of the biggest members going the opposite direction. The hungarian Prime Minister, hes not at the stadium tonight. We know why . Fries. Minister, hes not at the stadium tonight. We know why . Yes, hes a big football tonight. We know why . Yes, hes a big football fan tonight. We know why . Yes, hes a big football fan and tonight. We know why . Yes, hes a big football fan and he tonight. We know why . Yes, hes a big football fan and he was tonight. We know why . Yes, hes a | big football fan and he was expected to be at big football fan and he was expected to be at the stadium in munich. Not been to be at the stadium in munich. Not been confirmed that this row is the reason been confirmed that this row is the reason that been confirmed that this row is the reason that is not there but it certainly reason that is not there but it certainly they talk in the Hungarian Press certainly they talk in the Hungarian Press that certainly they talk in the Hungarian Press that there is a link between this row press that there is a link between this row. And the fact that he put so much this row. And the fact that he put so much stock in sports in particular so much stock in sports in particular football for example with the stadium behind me ultra modern stadium the stadium behind me ultra modern stadium built only a couple years ago stadium built only a couple years ago some stadium built only a couple years ago. Some of the media here saying there ago. Some of the media here saying there is ago. Some of the media here saying there is a ago. Some of the media here saying there is a link between the row and there is a link between the row and the fact there is a link between the row and the fact that hes not at that big game the fact that hes not at that big game munich. Hungry at the moment a drawing game munich. Hungry at the moment a drawing against germany. They were winning drawing against germany. They were winning against germany, they were going winning against germany, they were going through to lasix eating. As it stands going through to lasix eating. As it stands they will be knocked out. At the actual stands they will be knocked out. At the actual Football Team here in hungry the actual Football Team here in hungry a the actual Football Team here in hungry a part of a brilliant fight and they hungry a part of a brilliant fight and they almost made it through to the knockout stages. The knockout stages. Yeah, maybe that row is motivated the knockout stages. Yeah, maybe that row is motivated them. The knockout stages. Yeah, maybe that row is motivated them. You i the knockout stages. Yeah, maybe i that row is motivated them. You know that row is motivated them. You know that means caddy . It stays as is its 22 that means caddy . It stays as is its 2 2 portugal, france. Its 2 2 that means england play germany in the next game. We all know what that means. I next game. We all know what that means. ~ � , next game. We all know what that means. ~ � ,. ,. , means. I think its get out really well ou means. I think its get out really well you just means. I think its get out really well you just have means. I think its get out really well you just have to means. I think its get out really well you just have to be means. I think its get out really| well you just have to be positive, christian. A herd of elephants in china continues to dumbfound scientists by continuing a mammoth trek across the country. Its not unusual for elephants to move small distances, but this herd has been lumbering its way across china for more than a year now straying more than 500 kilometres from their original habitat. And on and on they go. Its thought they started their journey last spring from a National Nature reserve in the southwest of the country. Maybe they forgot something. Theyve got good memories. I tend to think you know one of them saying, all i left something in mongolia. We are left something in mongolia. We are left to go now. Off we go. Hello there. The sun came out more widely across southern and eastern parts of the uk on wednesday. Across southern and eastern parts felt warmer as well, with lighter winds and those blue skies. But it wasnt blue skies everywhere. Much further north and west weve seen more cloud coming in. Thats been bringing with it some pockets of rain and drizzle to. Thats on that first weather front there, which is taking the cloud southwards at the moment. The next one to the north is going to bring more rain into scotland and northern ireland, but in between the two weve got a pocket of warmer and more humid air thats moving down across many parts of the country during thursday. We start, though, with some further rain and drizzle across Northern England and wales, pushing into the midlands. Most of that will fade away. Cloud heading towards the south east. And then our band of rain comes down across scotland, it gets wetter across northern ireland. Cooler air comes into the north west of scotland, but where it brightens up and were in that warmer air across Northern England, the midlands and into wales, we could see temperatures as high as 2a degrees in the north east of england in the afternoon. Weve got this band of rain, though, that continues to move down across scotland, away from northern ireland, starting to push into the far north of england during the evening. That will continue to work its way southwards overnight. Lowering pressure is really going to mess things up for the end of the week. It means that were essentially going to have a lot more cloud around, there will be some outbreaks of rain or showers to come. Probably a bit drier across wales and turning drier across scotland, but here weve got a colder northerly wind. So too across northern ireland, pegging temperatures back to 16 degrees. Best temperatures will be 20 or 21 away from those showers or longer spells of rain. That wetter weather continues to then work its way southwards. High pressure trying to build in across the north as we head into the weekend, so for northern parts of the uk scotland, northern ireland, Northern England we should have some sunshine, maybe a fair bit of cloud for a while. Further south, though, weve still got the tangle of Weather Fronts there and so were likely to find some showers across wales, the midlands, into east anglia, perhaps into southern england as well. And temperatures again no better than 21 celsius. Heading into the second half of the weekend, that High Pressure tends to nose a little bit further south, bringing with it something a bit drier, even for southern parts of the country, on sunday. Probably seeing more sunshine in scotland and northern ireland, Northern England, away from the far north west. Still the threat of a few showers towards the south and south west, but many parts of england and wales are likely to be dry and temperatures may be a degree or two higher on sunday. Now as we head into the beginning of next week, its a bit of a battle taking place with that High Pressure trying to build in across the uk and lower pressure that we see developing here around the bay of biscay. Thats far enough away to keep most places dry on monday, the showers more likely to be in the first south west, the channel islands, the isles of scilly as well. Further north, though, and for much of the uk, itll be a dry day, probably a slightly warmer day as well with some spells of sunshine. Now, lets look further ahead, and theres that low pressure still. Its a cut off low, its not really moving very far, just spinning around, maybe heading little bit further north, perhaps bringing some more downpours into more southern parts of england and wales. Higher pressure to the north, and whilst that low pressure is going to sit around for a while, it should move away. The current thinking is that High Pressure will build in across more of the uk, bringing with it drier weather again more widely, some sunshine, and lifting the temperature is a bit higher. Im katty kay in washington and this is Bbc World News america. Supporters gather in hong kong, after the citys leading Pro Democracy newspaper, apple daily, closes its doors, amid pressure from authorities. Russia says it has fired warning shots at a british warship in the black sea as it sailed through the waters of occupied crimea. The royal navy says thats not true. Our correspondent is on board. This coast guard vessel has come right close to the ship and is trying now to force us to change course. And music returns to senegal as one of africas biggest jazz festivals resumes after the lockdowns