Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News 20200927

On campuses. In the last few hours, President Trump has announced federal Appeals Court judge Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee to fill the Supreme Court seat left vacant by the death of the liberaljudge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ifjudge barrett is confirmed by the senate, conservative leaning justices will hold a 6 3 majority on americas highest court for the foreseeable future. Speaking in the rose garden at the white house, the president said he was honoured to be announcing the 48 year old as his nominaion to the court. I stand before you today to fulfil one of my highest and most important duties under the United States constitution, the nomination of a Supreme Courtjustice. Applause. This is my third such nomination, afterjustice gorsuch search and justice kavanagh. And it is a very proud moment indeed. Over the past week, our nation has mourned the loss of a true american legend. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a legal giant and a pioneer for women. Her extraordinary life and legacy will inspire americans for generations to come. Now, we gather in the rose garden to continue our never ending task of ensuring equaljustice and preserving the impartial rule of law. Today it is my honour to nominate one of the nations most brilliant and gifted legal minds to the Supreme Court. She is a woman of unparalleled achievement, towering intellect, sterling credentials and unyielding loyalty to the constitution, judge Amy Coney Barrett. Applause. After the president s comments, Amy Coney Barrett said she was mindful of the footsteps shed be walking in as the replacement forjustice bader ginsburg, whose death has created the vacancy on the bench. I fully understand that this is a momentous decision for a president. And if the senate does me the honour of confirming me, i pledged to discharge the responsibilities of this job to the very best of my ability. I love the United States and i love the United States constitution. Iam truly. Applause. I am truly humbled by the prospect of serving on the Supreme Court. Should i be confirmed, i will be mindful of who came before me. The flag of the United States is still flying at half staff in memory ofjustice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to mark the end of a Great American life. Justice ginsburg began her career at a time when women were not welcome in the legal profession, but she not only broke glass ceilings, she smashed them. For that, she has won the admiration of women across the country and indeed all over the world. She went on to say she would carry out her role without her personal beliefs impacting on herjudgements, and personal beliefs impacting on her judgements, and was personal beliefs impacting on herjudgements, and was ready to face the daunting role. The president has nominated me to serve on the us Supreme Court, and that institution belongs to all of us. If confirmed, i would not assume that role for the sake of those in my own circle, and certainly not for my own sake. I would assume this role to serve you. I would discharge the judicial oath which requires me to administerjustice without respect to persons, to equal rights to the poor and rich, and faithfully and impartially discharge my duties under the United States constitution. I have no illusions that the road ahead of me will be easy, eitherfor the short term or the long haul. I never imagined that i would find myself in this position. But now that i am, i assure you that i will meet the challenge with humility and courage. Our north america correspondent peter bowes explains the next steps in the process for selecting a new Supreme Courtjustice. Yes, what happens next is that we expect very shortly a schedule to be announced for the confirmation hearings in the senate, and we know that the republicans have a 53 47 majority in the upper house of congress, so it seems very likely that there is really no question she will be confirmed as the latest member of the Supreme Court. Democrats are of course strongly opposed to her, for a couple of reasons. Most democrats say this decision shouldnt be being made by President Trump, it should be made by the winner of the november president ial election. Well, its too late for now, that argument has been put to rest, because President Trump has come forward with his nomination. But of course, on policy grounds, the democrats strongly disagree withjudge barrett and her beliefs. She is a religious conservative. She believes, or rather, she doesnt believe in abortion. She has strong views on gun rights and gun control. She believes indeed in expanding those rights to americans, and other issues as well. There will be a very lively debate over a number of days, but at the moment it seems very likely that she will be confirmed. Does this matter to ordinary americans . I know that the setup of the Supreme Court is important fundamentally to conservatives, republicans, in particular, but what about ordinary americans watching it on the news . What do they think about what is going on . I think it does matter to americans. The Supreme Court and the importance of the Supreme Court is, ithink, etched in the minds of americans ever since they were taught at school about us government, and the importance of that particular body, perhaps more so than anyone else in the country. That is because the Supreme Court decides on those crucial important issues that are very important to americans, like healthcare. A decision on healthcare will be coming up very soon, perhaps before the election, in terms of the obama law that was brought in some years ago, that President Trump and his administration wants to abolish the key issues, but i have mentioned, gun control, immigrants rights, and a vast range of issues that are important to americans because they understand the role of the Supreme Court alongside the executive branch, which the president controls and congress as well. Jennifer nicholl victor, an associate professor in Political Science at George Mason University in virginia explains the effect the nomination of a newjustice is having on the debates over the us election. So, unfortunately the passing of justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has interrupted to election cycle and really captured the focus of politics in the United States. And all of the various fallout and politics has heightened what was already an incredibly tense and partisan and fraught election season that we have going on. So it is, in a lot of ways, quite disruptive to that extent. So what impact do you think it is going to have on that election . On the election itself, im not sure that it will necessarily have a strong impact. There is some evidence in the Political Science literature to suggest that some partisans will be hyper motivated to turn out to vote because of concerns about the Supreme Court, and the placement of justices on the Supreme Court. However, it seems likely that this nomination, disappointment, will be made before the election, although the senate will have to move very rapidly. Its not impossible that they will get this done before the election happens. And so it seems like both republicans and democrats are motivated and in that sense, i see it almost as a wash in terms of the effect on the turnout of the election. What seems more consequential to me is the ways in which although the Republican Party absolutely has the constitutional and Legal Authority to engage in this very swift practice, to put a justice in place of this vacancy, it does violate the democratic norms of restraint that help to bolster Democratic Institutions, in which we expect that partisans will not use every bit of power that they have at their disposal to run roughshod over their political opponents, and for democrats, i am afraid that is what this will feel like. Is there any chance democrats can vote this down . Any chance they can change the course of where this is heading . It is not likely. I do think we will see democrats engaging in a variety of legislative strategies, what are known as dilatory tactics to try to delay proceedings. When it comes down to it, the republicans have the votes and it appears the appointment, to that extent, will go through the authority. They have the required vote so it is likely that the appointment will be made either shortly before or perhaps shortly after the election. The real question is, how will the American Public perceive the legitimacy of the court and the legitimacy of the institutions that are involved in this process, when it is complete . If we wind up at the end of the day with democrats losing faith in the Supreme Court because they dont see this process as legitimate, and then should joe biden win the election, as the polls are suggesting right now, then republicans might lose faith in that legitimacy and their sense of legitimacy towards other political institutions, and across the board, the loss of faith in all Democratic Institutions in the us is what is at stake. Thousands of israelis have gathered outside the home finally to the Supreme Court itself, where mary kate moore, president of a pro life student group, has been celebrating president johns announcement. She said the nomination was a once ina she said the nomination was a once in a generation moment. We are obviously so excited. I mean, we have literally waited half a century for this opportunity, so President Trump, for him to nominate a candidate as strong as Amy Coney Barrett is pretty incredible. We are really thrilled about it. We know the democrats have really not had much by way of criticism of her, but they can really stand on. But is a really good sign, the two years that we have heard her name floating around. This is a really good sign for us. This is a really good sign for us. It is a huge encouragement. We know that Amy Coney Barrett, based on her experience, but she is devoted to the constitution of the United States of america. She is devoted to looking at the letter of the law im saying this is how we need to apply it when were looking at things a judicial perspective. So we expect she will bring that same mentality to roe versus wade if thatis mentality to roe versus wade if that is presented to her. Thousands of israelis have gathered outside the home of the Prime Minister Benjamin Neta nyahu to protest about his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, despite a nationwide lockdown. Police have fined dozens of people for flouting the rules. Paul hawkins reports. More anger on the streets ofjerusalem. As thousands gathered on saturday evening, demanding the resignation of their Prime Minister. Theyre unhappy with corruption charges brought against him charges he denies and his handling of the coronavirus crisis. And even though organised urged those taking part to stick to social distancing and wear masks, dozens were fined for flouting the rules. The protests coming a day after the country tightened its lockdown restrictions, aimed at stemming the surge of coronavirus cases. Earlier in the day, there were long trafficjams as protesters from around the world converged on the city. Long car chain from all over israel to say what we feel about the situation in israel right now. To save israel from the current day dictatorship, to save the israel democracy from the hand of of Benjamin Netanyahu. I really fear that the whole people of my society and the people around me and the people that are living here will not be able to express themself, will not be able to live normal life anymore. But the Prime Minister insists the restrictions, brought in a week ago, are necessary. Israel has the worlds highest Coronavirus Infection rate per capita, which is why the restrictions were tightened on friday, with limits on travel abroad and indoor prayers not that Benjamin Netanyahu has got everything he wanted. All chant. The Israeli Parliament blocking his plan to limit large protests like this to 20 people or less within one kilometre of where they live, the pm calling parliaments move populist. But this is a country struggling to contain the virus and a Prime Minister under pressure. Paul hawkins, bbc news. This is bbc news. The headlines President Trump nominates conservative judge Amy Coney Barrett to the us Supreme Court in a move that could have a major impact on Landmark Legal rulings thousands of protesters defy israels nationwide lockdown to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Neta nyahu over corruption charges. The Mexican Government has announced a series of arrest warrants for military and Police Personnel over the disappearance and presumed murder of 43 Student Teachers. The mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador made it a Campaign Promise to reopen the investigation into their disappearance in late 2014 from the town of iguala, in guerrero state. The announcement was made on the sixth anniversary of the disappearance of the students. Our mexico correspondent will grant reports. Almost nothing ignites popular anger in mexico like the case of the missing a3. Explosion. The Student Teachers disappeared from this state, guerrero, exactly six years ago in late 2014. Today, it is again the site of angry protests by fellow students demanding justice from the local government, who are accused of involvement in their disappearance. Six years on, the molotov cocktails still fly, yet the families are no closer to finding their loved ones. Away from the violence, the families themselves marked the anniversary in more sombre tones. They have called for arrests to be made at the highest levels and have been encouraged by the response from president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Translation we have asked the president and he has listened to us. He also wants to get to the truth about what really happened that night in september 2014. We are here to demand the arrest of the guilty and the authorities who were present. It seems president Lopez Obrador is trying to fulfil the promises he made to the victims families while still a candidate. Back then, he told them the investigation would be reopened and has now announced arrest warrants for police and military personnel. His critics say it is part of a campaign to discredit and attack the previous administration. No. But he denies that. And publicly, at least, insists the teachers remains may still be found to bring their families some peace. The conditions are excellent forfinding out the boys whereabouts, he said. In the six years since the awful events in guerrero, the families of the 43 have had their hopes raised and dashed more times than they can remember, but this is the first time anyone in the military has been singled out for charges or arrest over the case. The families only hope it will lead them a step closer to the truth. Will grant, bbc news. Lebanons Prime Minister designate Mustapha Adib says hes given up his attempt to form a government and is stepping down. Mr adib was nominated after the explosion that destroyed much of the centre of beirut. He was trying to put in place an administration to tackle lebanons grave financial crisis. Dr maha yahya is the director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in beirut. She explains what has led to the situation in lebanon today. I think its a mix of internal and external factors. Lebanon today is in the eye of the storm. Its opened the storm of regional and global tug of war, particularly between the us and iran. And this is further complicated by the particularities of power sharing in lebanon, which has made it makes it quite easy for the Political Parties to basically trump any other considerations. Whats astonishing is that the aftermath of an explosion and in the midst of an economic and financial crisis, the Political Leadership still thinks it can buy time and stonewall, waiting for a new president to be elected in the us, and hoping that this will perhaps change the tide of things to come. The people of switzerland will decide on sunday University Students across the uk have been speaking of their fears and frustrations after being forced into lockdown. 1,700 students in manchester have been told to self isolate in their rooms on campus for 1h days after 127 of them contracted coronavirus. In scotland, thousands of students have been told not to go to pubs or parties this weekend after hundreds tested positive for the virus at universities across the country. The bbcs education correspondent dan johnson reports. Locked down, isolated and feeling imprisoned hardly the fun and freedom of student life expected by nadiah and her flatmates. Hiya hows it going . I live, like, 4. 5 hours away. If they knew this was going to happen, what was the point of making us all come here if were going to do online lessons . Like, weve barely got any milk and bread to last us until monday. We cant do our washing. I mean, its a bit pathetic bens flat of eight has been cut off for a week already after one of the first cases here. Three more days left and we were going to be out and being able to leave. And then theyve Just Announced that were going to have to stay here for a couple more weeks. But Health Officials say they had to move quickly to keep this under control. Weve been really concerned about the rising number of positive cases over the last few days. It went from a very small outbreak to over 120 cases, as you have identified, and we knew it was time to take swift action, just to limit the spread amongst the student population, but also the spread in our local communities in manchester, where there are more vulnerable people. This morning, worried parents were running resupply missions. She hates it. She loves the uni but the isolation is really upsetting her. Shes our youngest daughter, just moved away from home, like, yeah. It is worrying, aint it . Johns daughter chloe started criminology here last week. She was supposed to be coming home for the weekend, long weekend, and we travelled up last night and got here and she says we have been put into isolation for two weeks so she cant come home. Weve just brought her a few essentials. And there are concerns about the impact on students well being and teaching. Perhaps the universities should consider a discount to the students where their learning is interrupted and they are not having significant face to face learning with lecturers or tutors. Glasgow University Said after an outbreak there put halls of residence in lockdown, it will refund a months rent. It also promised food parcels, clean bedding and a way to wash clothes. Its only really been today weve kind of been given information about how the uni are going to help and, like, what theyre going to do about it. So, i mean, we dont really know so far, but its looking a little bit more positive that theyre going to help us. These manchester students are starting their second night of two weeks in isolation and theyre unlikely to be the last because the scientists did warn that students were likely to bring to coronavirus to campus with them perhaps unknowingly and universities are likely to see other significant outbreaks. They say they have plans to respond so the virus doesnt spread and communities are protected. Young people may be at lower risk of getting ill themselves but they still face disruption to their learning and their social lives. Dan johnson, bbc news, manchester. The people of switzerland will decide on sunday whether or not to keep their Free Movement of people treaty with the European Union a move that could affect their long standing access to europes free trade area. Those wanting to ditch the treaty say the move will allow switzerland to control its borders and select only the immigrants it wants. But those in favour of keeping it intact argue that losing it will plunge a healthy economy into recession and deprive hundreds of thousands of swiss citizens of their freedom to live and work across europe. Staying in switzerland. A polar blast brought early snowfall to the alpine nations including parts of austria. A sure sign winters on its way offering a cool new playground for those game enough to brave the chill. Tanya dendrinos has more. Its only september but already, the swiss alps are looking like a winter wonderland. More than just a dusting of snow, trees and chalets were picture perfect. The cold snap is thanks to a large low pressure system dragging polar air masses with it and resulting in the unseasonably early snowfall. 25 centimetres fell in montana in the canton of valais a new september record while elsewhere, conditions saw roads closed. As youd expect with scenes like this, temperatures across the swiss plains and alps plummeted far below average for this time of year, so theres only one thing to do dodge snowballs, get your toboggan and build a snowman. There was plenty to play in in austria, too. Heavy flakes making for a brisk walk while the snow groomers have their work cut out. Translation last night, about 60cm of fresh snow came down. Strong winds are causing snowdrifts but they made the glacier surface smooth and clean. And were optimistic well be able to prepare an amazing ski slope. A taste of whats to come and a welcome distraction from the mountain still to climb in the midst of the pandemic. Tanya dendrinos, bbc news. That is one cool snowman if you want to read more about all of the stories you have been watching, look at our website. You can also download the bbcs news app onto your phone. Thank you for watching. Goodbye. The cold winds are still with us on sunday, especially if you live close to the north sea coast. Another very brisk day on the way and at times cloudy. But so many of us further towards the west will actually have a very decent sunday. So lets have a look at the satellite picture. Were still sandwiched between two weather systems a low pressure centred in europe there and a set of weather fronts coming off the atlantic so were in this gap here. And actually, the skies have remained clear and thats also leading to a touch of frost across parts of scotland, certainly where the winds are light here around the lowlands. Northern ireland dipping down to around 5 degrees, but notice where the winds have remained strong from hull down to norwich and london the temperatures are around double figures early on sunday morning. So you can see from the arrows, the winds are still blowing from the north. Theyre actually dragging in a fair amount of cloud into the north east of england, yorkshire, east anglia and the south east. So at times, london, norwich, hull to newcastle, it will be cloudy. 15 degrees on the thermometer doesnt seem too bad, but it will feel chilly. Much Better Weather out toward the west where weve got more sunshine. Now, on monday, there will be a change in the wind direction. Well lose the northerlies but also come these milder, wetter westerlies thats actually going to be the theme for the next few days and that does mean that the weather is going to turn a lot more unsettled. But i think on monday, were just talking about a bit of cloud and rain splashing its way through Northern Ireland during the afternoon, maybe reaching the north west of england and wales as well. But generally speaking, where the sun comes out on monday, having lost that northerly wind, temperatures get up to around 17 or 18 degrees shouldnt feel too bad at all. And then on tuesday, again, we are between weather fronts one just exiting out into the north sea, another more sort of vigorous area of low pressure heading our way but tuesday isnt looking too bad at all. I think therell be some decent sunny spells around. But after that, pretty much from wednesday onwards, a more powerfuljet stream is actually going to send a series of low pressures in our direction. So that means that, yes, the temperatures might be rising because this is overall milder atlantic air, but also come the clouds and the increasing winds, so i think from wednesday onwards, the weather is not looking too great for some of us. Thats it from me. Bye bye. This is bbc news. The headlines President Trump has formally nominated the 48 year old conservative judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the vacant seat on the us Supreme Court. Mr trump appeared alongside the judge at the white house, describing his nominee as one of the countrys most brilliant and gifted legal minds. Thousands of protesters have defied israels nationwide lockdown to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Large convoys drove tojerusalem from around the country to express their anger at mr netanyahus handling of the pandemic and his refusal to step down over corruption charges. Thousands of University Students across the uk have been forced into lockdown for two weeks after a spike in coronavirus cases on campuses. 1,700 students in manchester have been told to self isolate in their rooms on campus for 14 days