Today at five, official confirmation, that the world has experienced its hottest decade, on record. New figures from the met office, nasa, and other agencies, also show that 2019 was the second warmest year on record. And the warming is set to increase unless action is taken. This is no surprise. And the extremes that we are seeing, more extremes that we are seeing, more extremes are reported in 2019, as we look at our climate models and our scenarios Going Forward these are the things that we are expected to see on a greater frequency but also with more ferocity as well. Well have the latest, and well be talking to a climate scientist. Professor of environmental economics. The other main stories on bbc news at 5. In the us, the House Speaker reveals a team of seven democrats, to lead the impeachment case, against President Trump. This is about the constitution of the United States and its important for the president to know and putin to know the american voter, voters in america, should decide who our president is, not them. The duchess of sussexs father, Thomas Markle, is expected to testify against meghan, in her legal battle with the mail on sunday. The government rescue plan for the loss making Airline Flybe, is branded a misuse of public, by a number of rivals. And, some 40,000 people, displaced in the philippines, as a volcano continues to expel ash, but some are insisting on returning home. Its 5pm. Our main story is that the past decade was, officially, the warmest on record. New figures released in the past hour, paint a stark picture of rising Global Temperatures, and the impact that human activity is having on the planet. The data, compiled by british and american scientists including the met office and nasa, not only found that the past ten years were the warmest since records began, but also that the past five years were the hottest since the mid 19th century. More specifically, 2019 was the second warmest year on record, with temperatures reaching 1. 05 degrees, above pre industrial levels. Experts have said increases in temperature and extreme weather events will become more common, heres what dr liz bentley, chief executive of the Royal Meterological Society had to say about the figures. This is no surprise. And to the extremes that we are seeing, more extremes that we are seeing, more extremes reported in 2019, as we look at our climate models and scenarios Going Forward these are the things that we are expected to see on a greater frequency, but also with more ferocity as well. Carbon dioxide levels are at the highest that we have ever recorded in our atmosphere. And theres a definite connection between the amount of Carbon Dioxide and the temperature we are seeing. The highest Global Temperatures in the last decade. We will see more of that at that Carbon Dioxide continues to grow we will see temperatures in the Global Temperatures increasing. Professor Elizabeth Robinson is with me shes professor of environmental economics at the university of reading. I mentioned in the introduction, impact. Impact human activity is having but also the impact of Climate Change on warming and nonhuman life and on animal life, and the way of the planet functions. What would you pick out as a figure that concerns you most on this set of data today. What concerns me is that decade on decade since the 19805 that decade on decade since the 1980s we have been seeing increasing temperatures. If we look back in the 80s we also see decade on decade more pressure on our Health Services due to the negative impacts of Climate Change on health. So for example if we can consider cholera we are seeing every decade more incidents of areas in the baltic states, and in that northeastern states, and in that northeastern states along the coastline where its not viable to have colorado. In african countries these are countries with already very high disease on the populations and now in those high land areas also to governments have to be concerned about malaria because the winters are so mild that the mosquitoes are not dying off in the winter. And in different areas of the world can see increasing problems. We know when it comes to crops we are seeing crop yield potential that has been following decade on decade. In the future will provide much more pressure on the ability globally to feed the increasing population. When you go through those categories and each one is alarming, do you still get frustrated that despite the attention paid on days like this there is probably quite a lot of ignorance out there about the extent of this problem . I dont know theres a lot of ignorance but i think its probably starting to dawn on us that these are happening now, Climate Change is not something in the future and the sooner we act the less difficult it will be to act in any actions we make are going to benefit all countries in the future. When we look at the way the countries are performing and were just looking at the map they are of weather patterns of temperature and warm temperatures have been recorded over the past decade, do you look and think that this is a clear example of political failure . 0r and think that this is a clear example of political failure . Or is it that you of an individuals to modify their behaviour so that they can understand a problem or do people think that if they change their habits on individual basis in their habits on individual basis in the agreement scheme of things, its a waste of time really. Where does responsibility lie . Ultimate responsibility lie . Ultimate responsibility lies with government. Its great when people do modify their lifestyles and fight little bit less and ensure they are using renewable energy. That all helps. Ultimate limited government to act, and theres actions that we just need to take. For example at the moment so many governments are subsidizing fossil fuels. That does not make sense of why were subsidizing something that is contributing massively to Climate Change. They are difficult decisions because we know in the short term they will be losers. The eu is committed to net zero by 2050 and its got the new deal, and that is great but that requires a country like poland to massively de carbonized and stop abusing coal. If there is no Co Generation at the moment everyone will be cold because thats how people heat their houses and jobs will be lost. 100,000 jobs and jobs will be lost. 100,000 jobs a year will be lost. If the coal industry goes, but 40,000 deaths a year due to industry goes, but 40,000 deaths a yeardue to air industry goes, but 40,000 deaths a year due to air pollution in poland. The economics dont make sense to keep burning coal. Another quick point if i can, its in the news weve been talking about the difficulties with the big Regional Airline flybe and the responses to decrease the tax burden. Would you consider that kind of decision to be one that is in the context of these figures today, you know, puzzling or unhelpful or downright dangerous or what should you say . Is an example of these really difficult decisions that policymakers have to make. We elect our policymakers to do the right thing on the one hand, yes, theres a commitment to the regions, but on the other hand if you reduce the taxes across the board with domestic flights thats a huge loss of income that could be used to invest in a green economy. 0n the one hand is a difficult decision so you must look at the broader picture of connectivity which we have talked about a lot and heard about on the news. These are difficult decisions but ultimately we have got to think ofa but ultimately we have got to think of a transition plan, i guess. In the short term it really does not make sense to reduce these taxes across the board in terms of climate emissions, and we want to be discouraging people from flying domestically where theres a good alternative. Good to talk to you. Thank you very much. Professor Elizabeth Robinson there, professor of financial economics at the university of reading. Good to see you. Environmental economics. The impeachment process to try to remove President Trump from office is close to reaching a critical moment when the house of representatives votes to send formal charges against the president to the senate for a formal trial. Democrats in the lower house say they will include new evidence that mr trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The Senate Impeachment trial is likely to start next week. The speaker of the house of representatives, nancy pelosi, announced her impeachement manangers earlier. They will act as prosecutors by presenting the case against the president. They include adam schiff, the chair of the house intelligence committee, and jerry nadler who heads the house judiciary committee. Another, zoe lofgren, has also participated in the impeachment of president nixon and president clinton. 0ur correspondent ben wright is in washington. So, bring us up to date, been on what is going on there today. Here it isa what is going on there today. Here it is a significant day in the impeachment saga. The house of representatives have, as you said, impeached donald trump last month but there now needs to be a senate trial, and that process is triggered today an hour or so ago nancy pelosi did reveal the names of the seven people from the house of representatives will be the prosecutors in this set trial. Very shortly there will be a quick vote in the house of representatives they get the whole thing going, and later on there will be a ceremony when the articles of impeachment were carried across the Capitol Building from the house of representatives, and the capitol dome to the senate, and there will be read out on the senate floor. This is what the House Speaker said a short time ago. Floor. This is what the house speaker said a short time agolj believe that what they bring to speaker said a short time ago. |j believe that what they bring to this case, in the United States senate, great patriotism, Great Respect for the constitution of the United States, great Comfort Level in a courtroom, great commitment to the constitution, jerry being the chair of that constitutional subcommittee for 13 years, zoe being involved in three impeachments and others bring those resources and knowledge to all of this. Because this is american politics in washington to seek usually partisan issue. Republicans and democrats are complete the at loggerheads about has this trial should proceed. The one you witnesses to be called, documents to be submitted and thing today the senate is as much on trial as the president himself. The white house said this is an illegitimate process and the President Trump has done nothing wrong and expect to be exonerated which is what most of washington expects as well. Then right there for us in washington. The duchess of sussexs estranged father Thomas Markle is said to be prepared to testify against his daughter in her legal battle with the mail on sunday. The duchess is suing the paper for publishing a letter she sent to her father. Meghans half sister Samantha Markle says if her father is called to give evidence he will attend. High Court Documents have revealed that he forms part of the newspapers defence. It comes as meghan made her first public appearance in canada since she and prince harry said they would step back as full time royals. 0ur correspondent Sarah Campbell reports. Stepping back from royal duties but still a campaigner. This is meghan yesterday at the eastside Womens Centre in vancouver. She flew back last week, the day after she and prince harry informed the world and the royal family of their plans, which will include basing themselves in canada for at least part of the time. Locals on Vancouver Island are getting used to the idea. Very exciting. Well, i think maybe its a nice break for them to come to canada and chill with nice canadians. I think its a nice move. Beautiful place, i know theyve visited before and they liked it. Happy to have them, obviously. The couples unhappiness with the press coverage they have received is believed to be one reason behind their decision to cease being senior working royals. It was announced last october that meghan was suing the owners of the mail on sunday for the publication of extracts from a letter she sent to her estranged father thomas. The papers defence relies on him telling his side of the story and his eldest daughter samantha said today if her father is called to give evidence, he will do so, raising the prospect of a potentially Damaging Court case. A scenario, which accorded to some, should be avoided at all costs. A scenario, which accorded to some, should be avoided at all costsm will be painful for a few months but at least you can get out clean. You really dont want to go down this particular road. Whoever is advising them is frankly not doing them any service whatsoever. The court papers have already revealed details of what may be heard in evidence. In the run up to the couples wedding in 2018, mr markle alleges he had been planning to attend and walk his daughter down the aisle. However, he had to undergo an emergency heart procedure and texted meghan to say doctors wouldnt allow him to fly. He said he received a text back, which read as if harry had written it, accusing him of causing hurt to meghan. Mr markle responded via text. The Court Documents state meghan and her father havent spoken since the wedding and Thomas Markle has yet to meet his son in law harry or grandson archie. Today in bradford, Prince William and catherine going about royal duties, but well wishers thoughts here are also with meghan and harry. I think they need do whats right for them and i think good on them, they have a young family now and your perspective does change. Its important the royal family are still seen as people and they can make their own decisions. Its quite brave as well. So i say good luck to him. Following the queens statement sanctioning the new life away from royal duties desired by harry and meghan, discussions are continuing behind closed doors to see exactly how this might work in practise. Quite a lot to discuss on the story. Roya nikkhah is the royal correspondent for the sunday times and is here with me now. Good to see you, thank you for coming in. Markle versus markle, a com plete coming in. Markle versus markle, a complete nightmare for the royal family . It would be the thing that the royal family and family . It would be the thing that the royalfamily and queen most read. We have seen this story dominate the headlines since it broke last wednesday when harry and meghan made that statement but i think Thomas Markle being called to give evidence against his own daughter with all the details and background and all of the emotion around the Royal Wedding and the follow up since that would be absolutely toxic for the royal family. What do we make of the kind of advice that harry and meghan are getting . Are you in a position to comment on that in the sense that, i think lots of viewers judging by the response that we have come a lots of comments on the website, orjust puzzlers to why they were pursue this because it seems to be a risky course of action, and what light could you shed on that . course of action, and what light could you shed on that . I would have to be careful about what i say but people around them at the palace are very, very good people. We were in africa with them recently in the autumn, and he dropped that bomb that there were suing the mail on sunday there was one reporting that was actually right. Their advisers at the palace advised them not to do that. They chose not to listen to that. They chose not to listen to that advice and we know that meghan has continued to work with her American Pr Company since she was an actress, they are still advising now includes advising her on the launch of the website last week. Its all very well have great advisers, but if you dont listen to them on these really big issues you are in trouble. When we consider what this could bring youve already alluded to the kinds of things that could be discussed and aired in court, too late to stop it now or what . Probably not too late to stop it but the documents that they have put forward sure that they feel they have a very strong defence, a very aggressive move by harry and meghan we re aggressive move by harry and meghan were they hired different lawyers to which the royal family in were they hired different lawyers to which the royalfamily in normal yea rs which the royalfamily in normal years and they felt they had a strong case but the mail on sunday have put up a very strong defence, so at the moment it feels like neither side or backing down but lets see where we get to. I cannot imagine that everything will not be being done to avoid that case going to court. As far as the royal family are concerned. Had we put this in the context of what they want to do, and the kind of life that they want to carve out for themselves. Split between north america and here, and how do you read the way that they are trying to pursue a new direction, i suppose, are trying to pursue a new direction, isuppose, in are trying to pursue a new direction, i suppose, in life . |j dont think its entirely surprising, we all knew and thought for a while that the couple were not very happy with just fulfilling the traditional role in the royal family. Their wings feel like if an 0lympic clip. They were bringing a breath of fresh air to the royal family. This extraordinary radical departure and basically leaving the royal family departure and basically leaving the royalfamily is departure and basically leaving the royal family is uncharted territory. Its not going to work, that statement from the queen on monday was pretty sensational, the informality of the town included their titles are still up for discussion, theres always a great concern within the royal family about the commercial deals they might strike them or what territory they might go into. Its all up for discussion and i think the queen and her advisers are trying to work it out, i think harry and meghan, well we dont know if think tomorrow is that harry is at Buckingham Palace doing the Rugby League World cup draws an official engagement could be the last time we see him here for a while. Final point, just picking up a while. Final point, just picking up on that, what is it, 18 months as we sat in that studio in windsor on that remarkable day, on the day of the wedding and a few months later we are in a very different place. If you could put yourfinger on one thing that has gone wrong and for what reason what would that be . Thing that has gone wrong and for what reason what would that be . |j dont think meghan fully understood what she was taking on board and i dont think harry painted a realistic picture of what royal life was really like. A lot to think about then. Take you so much for being here. Our thanks to herfor joining us. The headlines on bbc news. New figures confirm that the past decade has been the warmest since records began. Researchers say the heat is set to rise unless action is taken. The House Speaker in the us reveals a team of seven democrats, the duchess of sussexs father, Thomas Markle, is expected to testify against meghan, in her legal battle with the mail on sunday. And in sport first came the heat and poorair and in sport first came the heat and poor air quality from the bushfires, now heavy rain forces qualifying for the Australian Open to be cancelled in melbourne. After being named the icc player of the year, ben stokes is ready to go for tomorrow both like their test against south africa. It includes still have not decided on their team. And john is named as ireland captain for the upcoming six nations, despite being an injury down for the first few games. Back with more on all of those stories at half past. The governments rescue plan for the loss making Airline Flybe has been branded a misuse of public funds by a number of rivals. Last night the government told flybe it could defer payment of a substantial tax bill and shareholders agreed to inject additional investment. But willie walsh, the chief executive of iag which owns British Airways, is among those whove questioned the deal saying taxpayers would be picking up the tab for the airlines mismanagement and hes now filed a complaint with the European Commission in relation to rules about state aid. The government says any changes to taxes would apply to all airlines. Our Business Correspondent Simon Gompertz reports. Flybes now become a target in the intense rivalry between the worlds major airlines. Its part owned by virgin atlantic, which itself is part owned by one of the biggest carriers of all, delta. So British Airways has gone on the attack. Willie walsh, the ultimate boss of ba, argues that virgin and delta have the resources to rescue flybe themselves, and the taxpayer was picking up the tab for their mismanagement of the airline. He added, this is a blatant misuse of public funds. Flybe is the latest in a succession of troubled uk travel companies. Last year, it was thomas cook, with 9,000 jobs, which the government decided not to save. Ministers have moved quickly to defend their approach this time. The government isnt in the market to bail out private companies. What we do, on a case by case basis, is look to see whether a business is viable. The difference, for example, between flybe and thomas cook was that in the case of thomas cook it had huge amounts of debt, and any taxpayers money would have simply been throwing good money after bad. It was not a viable company. It is understood that the flybe rescue package involves the government allowing it to defer £100 million of tax, the air Passenger Duty, which it collects from travellers and is then supposed to pass on the the exchequer. Also at least £20 million from shareholders, including virgin and stobart air, and a possible loan from the government in the future. Flybe is relied on by smaller airports round the uk, and the government was under pressure to step in to back its promise to level up the regions. The chancellors agreed to review the £26 of flight air Passenger Duty on these routes, provoking criticism from environmental campaigners. But overall, the package has kept flybe flying. Regional flying is traditionally a difficult market to work in. Some routes can never be made to actually pay, and theres actually a mechanism, something called Public Service obligation, where a tender can be made and operators can fly certain lifeline routes on a subsidised basis, but the rest has to stand on its own two feet on a normal commercial basis, so this is looking rather politically murky at the moment for the government. But 2,400 staff at flybe are heartily relieved today, along with all those who have booked to fly in the coming days and weeks, and now have more confidence they will get where they want to go. Simonjoins me now and so ba have now written i was going to say its i was going to say its response but its more like a backlash. You heard from British Airways that the very strong words that they had to say about this, but ryan air has pitched in as well and some have criticised this rescue package for flybe. Lets look at their chief executive. The issue of not having seen the detail on what has been proposed is that government gets involved for some sort of state aid or funding to see that Market Forces are distorted with that type of involvement. The easy jet ceo with that type of involvement. The easyjet ceo there. Supporters of the government say. Changes to air Passenger Duty which is the mechanism by which they help have been given or part of it anyway, they are being applied across the industry. Theyre worried that they will be having special arrangements for flybe. If theyre smaller arrangements for regional flights that would tend to favour them. They need a treasury review of this duty, the thing we pay is £26 for roof return flight within the uk this was be passed on to the government but flybe has 100 million on it supposedly in their coffers. The other issues is what they call state aid, whether its this way or through a soft loan of some kind and those other airlines are saying the government should not be doing that for flybe which has big backers, they have complained. To be fair, they have complained. To be fair, the eu has allowed airlines to be supported by the government, so its not clear where a complaint would go. You also have denials from downing street today that there has not been any state aid for flybe, so nothings have been on that chorus but there will also not be in future that any loans will be on commercial terms. Good to see you again. Thank you very much. 0ur terms. Good to see you again. Thank you very much. Our Business Correspondent with the latest on the story that is dominating the headlines in recent days. Police in yorkshire, investigating the murder of one of their officers 15 years ago, say a 71 year old man has been arrested in pakistan. Pc Sharon Beshenivsky was shot dead as she responded to reports of an Armed Robbery at a travel agency in bradford. Piran ditta khan is believed to have been behind the raid. He has appeared in court in islamabad and faces extradition to the uk. Just coming up to roughly 5 30 p m. Left washington now and President Trump and the chinese vice premier are about to sign phase one of a trade deal that will rollback some tariffs and see china boost purchases of us goods and services aimed at the splitting the terror of war between the two countries since 2018, lets listen to the president. The two countries since 2018, lets listen to the president lj the two countries since 2018, lets listen to the president. I dont like it i dont like the deal, he said. Have you seen it . I think i know it. Why dont you like it . They took the tariffs off and actually we did not. He did not know anything about the deal. He just said exactly what probably he should say as a politician. How do you like the deal . I dont like the deal. Do you know the deal . Sort of. He never saw the deal and knew nothing about it. He would love the deal but he cannot say because hes in the other party. Maybe patrick would do the same thing. You know what . I would say this is unbelievable deal for the United States and ultimately a great dealfor both United States and ultimately a great deal for both countries and will also lead to more stable peace throughout the world. China is helping us with north korea, china is helping us with a lot of the things that they can be helping us with, but you dont see in the deal theyve been very helpful with respect to kim jong un who has Great Respect to kim jong un who has Great Respect for president she. Its a beautiful game of chess or poker, andi beautiful game of chess or poker, and i use the word chequers but its very good for another game. The pupil mosaic, were giving them a lot of help with their giving us a lot of help with their giving us a lot of help with their giving us a lot of help. When the things we are talking about is fentanyl and president xi has instituted very strong penalties arrested large numbers of people presenting fe nta nyl numbers of people presenting fenta nyl into our country numbers of people presenting fentanyl into our country and thats never happened before. Applause. China has made substantial and enforcea ble china has made substantial and enforceable commitments regarding the protection of american ideas, trade secrets, patents and trademarks. This was not them according to most commit did not know we covered any of this, we have covered a lot of this. Its phase one, but they are doing many more things in phase one that anyone thought possible. China has also pledged firm action to confront pirated and counterfeit goods which isa pirated and counterfeit goods which is a big problem for many of the people in the room. The counterfeiting. It will make sure that this will happen and we have very strong protection. In addition, the agreement address forces technology transfer. Policies that can require companies to give away their know how and trade secrets, so now in boeing as some work done over in china or wants to sell planes overin in china or wants to sell planes over in china little have to give up every single thing that they have ever, you know, they work so hard to develop and to come up with. Are you quys develop and to come up with. Are you guys hearing that . You dont have to give up anything any more. Just be strong. Just be strong, dont let it happen. But you dont have to do that, it was a terrible, it was a terrible situation going on there. A lot of it was because our companies, we have to say this, they were very weak. You were very weak, you gave up weak. You were very weak, you gave up things you did not have to give up, but very legally you to have to give them up. Under the steel transferring and licence of technology will be based on market terms are fully voluntary and reflect mutual agreement. Phase one will also see china greatly expand imports of the United States. We wa nt to imports of the United States. We want to buy a lot of their product inexpensively, but we have an additional 200. They are going to be what is to me very important to him the number one, they are going to be spending much more than 200 billion over the next two years including up to 50 billionjust over the next two years including up to 50 billion just in agriculture alone, and some of the numbers i wrote down, on manufacturing it will be spending 75 billion. Putting into our country. There will be putting into our country. 75 billion on manufacturing. 50 billion on manufacturing. 50 billion worth of energy and thats great for our energy people, the number one in the world now. We were not, the Number One Energy group in the world. President trump at the News Conference there in the white house. The time is 5 32pm. We will have more from the states in a moment. We we re more from the states in a moment. We were talking earlier about the start of the impeachment process against the president which is starting today. We will be talking a little bit more on that. Lets take a pause and have the weather. Compared to earlier this week, today has been quieter. It has been blustery for the northern half of the uk. Tonight, the next system starts to edge its way in, going into Northern Ireland and western scotland. Largely dry elsewhere, starts cold but with the southerly flow the temperatures begin to rise especially along the west. Thursday, another wet and windy day. Some heavy persistent rain accompanied by a strengthening wind. The wet and windy weather transfer eastwards as we head through the day, perhaps staying dry towards the far south and east. Temperatures above average for this time of year. Friday, once again, a quieter spell. For this time of year. Friday, once again, a quieterspell. It for this time of year. Friday, once again, a quieter spell. It is blustery for the far north of scotla nd blustery for the far north of scotland but we are so close to an area of low pressure. Some share was down to the head south of the uk. Temperatures just a little down on thursdays values. This is bbc news. The headlines new figures confirm that the past decade has been the warmest since records began. Researchers say the heat is set to rise unless action is taken. Its no surprise. The extremes that we are seeing, more extremes were reported in 2019. As we look at our climate models and our scenarios Going Forward, these are the things we are expecting to see on a greater frequency but also with more ferocity as well. The House Speaker in the us reveals a team of seven democrats to lead the impeachment case against President Trump. The duchess of sussexs father Thomas Markle is expected to testify against meghan in her legal battle with the mail on sunday. The government rescue plan for the loss making Airline Flybe is branded a misuse of public funds by a number of rivals. And some 40,000 people displaced in the philippines as a volcano continues to expel ash but some are insisting on returning home. It is 5 35pm. We are going to crush back to washington now to get the latest on the impeachment process which has been started against president tom. Doug collins is one of those speaking in this debate at the moment. It is before the vote. Lets just join what the moment. It is before the vote. Lets justjoin what is going on. Gentlemen from new york. One minute to the distinguished chairman of the intelligence committee. to the distinguished chairman of the intelligence committee. I rise in strong support of the resolution. The task before it is a grave on that one demanded by our oath. Impeachment enquiry undertaken by the house of representatives found that President Trump abused his power and sought to cover it up with an Unprecedented Campaign of obstruction. He withheld 100 and millions of us dollars in vital military aid to ukraine, a close ally in war with russia. And withheld a coveted white highs meeting critical to the ukraine Readers International legitimacy, until ukraine would commit to help President Trump cheat, cheat in the next election. President trump put his own personal interests above the national interest, above our national interest, above our National Security and has if not stopped him he would do it again. For that reason he was impeached and for that reason the house managers will take the case to the senate and the american people. The appropriate remedy is the Company Removal of office of President Trump. The gentleman from georgia. I yield one minute to the gentleman from california. Back when this National Nightmare began, Speaker Pelosi laid bare her intentions were purely partisan. She told her caucus they needed to strike by the iron was hot. This was always an exercise in raw partisan politics. Contrary to the warnings of her founders, and over the last month we saw the justification for running the fastest, thinnest and weakest impeachment in the American History crumble. Instead of sending the documents to trial, she held them hostage in a failed play to gain leverage and she did not and would never have. In terms of concessions she got nothing. No control, no moral victories, in the words another failed strategy. After a month of counter productive and harmful delays, i have three questions for my friends on the other side of the aisle. What happened to impeachment is being urgent . What happened to congress being on the clock . What happened to seeing the house would be derelict in ourduty if seeing the house would be derelict in our duty if we did not act immediately . These were all the assertions democrats made over the past several months. I guess it turns out none of them are true. These delay tactics were self serving, hypocritical and discrediting. But they made an important admission, semite call it a concession, you proved a big point. Democrats do not even believe their case was robust enough to win ina their case was robust enough to win in a trial. Even the speakers analysed has admitted that macro these are those who are closest to them. A senator, the senior democrat from our state of california, said the longer it goes on the less urgent it becomes. And chairman adam smith, a confidence of the speaker said, it was time to transmit the articles to the senate. Before these statements were made last week, before the speaker relented, they are significant because they were public, they were honest. Im disappointed these individuals did not have the courage to stand by their initial comments. The impeachment was truly as urgent as democrats claim, the majority should not have waited for the speaker to choose a political convenient time for stab anyone could have recognised this ploy would not work, the house and the senator different institutions. At this point in time, controlled by different parties. As James Madison wrote in the federalist papers, the purpose of this is to guard against the dangers of encroachment and to stop toxic resolutions from taking effect. We sell separation of powers prevail against an abuse of power, just as the constitution intends. The idea of withholding a sloppy impeachment case to force the senate to changes rules is constitutionally unheard of. Frankly, its just rules is constitutionally unheard of. Frankly, itsjust ridiculous. In article one, section five, the constitution clearly states, each house may determine the roles of its proceedings. It doesnt say the house may determine the rules of proceedings in the senate. If anything, the speakers actions have only further persuaded members of the senate of the evidence of impeachment was neither thorough nor satisfactory. But you know what . Lets be honest, this was never about persuasion. It is never about the rule of law, it was what Alexander Hamilton wanders, one party worker control and just because of the animosity would demean the process of impeachment. By demean the process of impeachment. By selecting these particular batch of managers, the speaker has proven she not interested in winning the mines, the hearts or even following the constitution. Lets take a look at the first three names Speaker Pelosi announced the step. A man who has already taken on the role of judge, jury and fact witness in this process. Someone who campaigned for the chairmanship of the digits Theory Committee that is responsible for impeachment, beginning as far back as december 2017. The House Minority leader going through the republican case there in the house. It seems a good moment for us to just pause, come back to the studio and introduce my special guest, Teaching Fellow in politics and International Relations at University College london. I suppose its fair to say that the process of impeachment is not terribly well understood. The first question i would ask you is, what is going on today . What are these people up to today . What are these people up to today . What are these people up to today . What were seeing today is the first step of moving the impeachment process from the house to the senate. What were seeing is a first come a vote to the team that will be the prosecution, if you will, in the trial in the senate. This is Seven Members of the house of representatives selected by the speaker of the house. It includes head of the intelligence committee, several high ranking democrat, who will be leading this prosecution case. Part of the voters to approve those individuals and then the next pa rt those individuals and then the next part is to efficiently give permission for the house to send the articles of impeachment over to the senate which will then start the trial. Do expect both of those phases to go through without much trouble . We do, this is mostly formality at this point despite the voices be heard a minute ago. This vote is pretty much set to go. Which means we then arrive at the senate. And this concept of a trial. What does that involve . Visiting valve President Trump having to turn up to a nswer President Trump having to turn up to answer questions . Thatll be unlikely. He will have this team from the house of representatives, they are called the house managers, who serve us like a prosecution team. Strength will be represented by his own defence team, who will be defending him on his behalf. The head of our supreme court, chief justice roberts, will be the presiding over this trial. The real process is decided by the senators themselves. There are 100 senators, they serve as a sort ofjury and they serve as a sort ofjury and they will vote on the charges that have been brought against President Trump. On past form, i mention president s nixon earlier, will those senators vote strictly are more or less along party lines . We can certainly see it has been a partisan time in washington throughout this whole process. We expect that to move forward. His not 100 there, there are a few moderate republicans who democrats hope will make at least some concessions in terms of other process looks like, perhaps allowing witnesses, for example, which is something democrats want. Republicans have plastic instead. There may be movements on that. When it comes down to the vote whether President Trump will be removed from office, we expect there to be along partisan lines. If not, that would expect a two thirds majority which would be very difficult to achieve. It is unlikely to happen. Good to talk to you. Can you stay with us for a best because we will come back to talk to you in a little while. At the same time, rather remarkable developments in russia. The government, including the Prime Minister dimitri medvedev, has resigned. It comes after president Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address. President putin used the address to propose a series of constitutional changes which many see as an effort to shore up support in orderfor him to lead russia past 2024 when the constitution requires him to stand down as president. Steve rosenberg is our correspondent in moscow. I suppose it is fair to say based on past form, mr putin is an expert on changing the rules. Yes, you could say that. He spent the last 20 years running russia as president or Prime Minister. It is interesting because in most countries, when a government resigned, it is a sign of a political crisis. But russia, putin plasma crusher, isnt like other countries. The power here is called managed democracy where the kremlin those of the democracy. In a sense, it doesnt matter who the ministers are, with the Prime Minister is, having said that the resignation of Dmitry Medvedev as Prime Minister, he has been playlist of the last eight years, it should mean something. It feels as if it is part of some kind of operation, some kind of some kind of operation, some kind of plan which has been started by the kremlin. The aim of which, ultimately, is to leave Vladimir Putin in power after 2024. In 2024, he is constitutionally obliged to leave the kremlin, leave the presidency. There has been speculation here for months that he may try to find some way of remaining in power, if not as president , then in some form. What weve seen today with his constitutional proposals, with the resignation of the government, it feels these are the first pieces of some kind of importantjigsaw that will lead to, eventually reveal, Vladimir Putin continuing to lead russia. Is there any prospect at all of any kind of serious opposition to the plan is the president wants to put through . In a word, no. I do think so. Vladimir putin over the last two decades has basically cleared the political landscape, cleared the political landscape, clear the political field of any major rivals. He was applauded when he made his proposals today, mps, senators applauded him. There is little chance of any opposition. We have known for some time that there have known for some time that there have been proposals, ideas in the air, foam ways in which he could remain in power either as the head of the state council which is an advisory body, not well known, but today he suggested writing that body into that constitution of russia. It could play a greater role. That is one possibility. Another possibility, he suggested giving a little more power to parliament. Some people have suggested he could see parliament as a future power base. That have ever says he wants to remain as president in some way. It doesnt really matter what it says on the tin, president or chairman of the state council, head of the security council, there is a feeling here that what happened today, the speech he made in parliament and the resignation of the government are linked and will lead to him remaining there. At least 60 people many of them children have been treated for breathing problems and skin irritation after a passenger plane dumped fuel over a number of schools as it made an Emergency Landing in los angeles. An investigation has been launched. Although fuel is allowed to be released in an emergency released in an emergency it is meant to be done over designated areas and at High Altitude as our correspondent Richard Galpin reports. You can hear schoolchildren playing outside as this Delta Air Lines passenger jet flies directly over them, dumping thousands of litres of aviation fuel. Eventually an adult realises its dangerous. That cant be good, right . The Emergency Services were soon called out to several schools in the region. More than 60 people, many of them children, needed treatment for minor injuries. Worried parents rushed to find their children. I was scared. I was scared too, we were all scared. None of the patients required transportation to hospital which is a great sign and obviously means that the irritations were minor, the affected areas of the children or adults that were complaining were minor. In a statement, Delta Air Lines said. The dumping of the fuel is now being investigated by the authorities. It is supposed to be done at High Altitude and over unpopulated areas. Until something more surfaces and given that it appears that the aircraft did not request fueljettison but the airline subsequently confirmed it, it appears to be highly questionable. In emergency situations jettisoning fuel can be vital but could the plane have gone out to sea to prevent causing injuries . Richard galpin, bbc news. The headlines on bbc news lets go back to washington. It is to do with the impeachment trial of President Trump which could take place in the senate. Right now, as the house of representatives debating the next step establish joint the proceedings there. Gentlemen from georgia. He has 30 seconds remaining. The gentleman from new york has a minute remaining. I appreciate that. From new york has a minute remaining. Iappreciate that. Is from new york has a minute remaining. I appreciate that. Is the gentleman from new york ready to close . The gentleman from georgia has recognised. Closing is no other speakers. I have one more speaker. The gentleman from new york has one remaining speaker who will close. The gentleman from georgia has a 30 seconds remaining. Thank you. Two facts have just come out, they are facts have just come out, they are facts that we have talked about the fa ct, facts that we have talked about the fact, there is no overwhelming evidence, we have discussed this over and over until evidence, we have discussed this overand overuntilwere evidence, we have discussed this over and over until were blue evidence, we have discussed this overand over untilwere blue in the face. This has nothing to do with fact, we have shown nothing was done wrong but that doesnt matter. When the train is on the tracks, impeachment matters and the only thing that matters are the only real emergency here is on the 2020 election in which the democrats can steam and to see the fact this president will run again. Win again. Your time has expired. The gentleman from new york. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his exceptional custodianship of the constitution of the United States for 13 years, the top democrat on the constitution. Thank you for your leadership in protecting and defending the constitution, the oath that we take as members of congress. As i enter into the conversation, i do want to thank the distinguished gentleman from georgia for his apology for his ridiculous remarks about me and house democrats. Thank you, we acce pt house democrats. Thank you, we accept your apology. Now, house democrats. Thank you, we accept yourapology. Now, i house democrats. Thank you, we accept your apology. Now, i want to go to the purpose of why we are on the floor today. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we are here today to cross a very important threshold in American History. On december18, threshold in American History. On december 18, the house of representatives passed articles of impeachment of donald trump. Articles of impeachment for abuse of power and obstruction of congress. By power and obstruction of congress. By his own admission, the president stated that, yes, he had had that conversation where the president of ukraine. They didnt see anything wrong with it. We dont agree with that assessment. Yes, it is a fact when someone is impeached they are always impeached, it cannot be raised. I stand by that comment although i know you dont like hearing it. I stand by this american flag, a picture of the american flag, a picture of the american flag, as i did the day that we introduce the articles of impeachment onto the floor. Every day, all over america, in classrooms as well as court rooms, and in this congress of the United States when we meet, we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and to the republic for which it stands. And to the republic for which it stands, that is what our nation is, that is the genius, their beautiful exquisite genius of the constitution that we are a republic. That was a decision of our founders, their vision, they didnt want a monarchy, they wanted the republic. When Benjamin Franklin came out of Independence Hall and was asked what do we have, mr franklin . A monarchy ora do we have, mr franklin . A monarchy or a republic . He do we have, mr franklin . A monarchy ora republic . He said, a republic, if we can keep it. I often wondered why he has said that, why that would be in doubt. I see why it is now when the president of the United States has said, article two says, i can doi states has said, article two says, i can do i want. The House Speaker, nancy pelosi, who is summing up in this debate before the vote in the house of representatives whether this process moves to the us senate. Just to sum up, we have heard nancy pelosi that, you expect this to go through, the process will move on to the senate. How messy could that be . You have already said the numbers probably mean President Trump is not going to be removed from office, but how messy could it be . That is what we will be looking out over the next few weeks. It is unclear how the child is going to play out, even just the haggling that will go on to the procedures, it will bring some of the continued partisanship we have seen another trial itself may last several weeks. Thats me go into the primary season for democrats, it might go through the state of the Union Address for trumper. 0n state of the Union Address for trumper. On both sides, there is going to be some political pressure. For trump especially, though, as nancy pelosi said, the impeachment sta nce nancy pelosi said, the impeachment stance regardless even if he is not removed from office. Good to talk to you again and thanks for sharing your expertise with us. Now its time for a look at the weather with mel coles. Compared with a stormy conditions we had earlier this week, today has been quiet for stamp publicity for northern parts of scotland and as weve got some showers there as well. They will ease as the night goes on as the next system works its way into Northern Ireland, accompanied by strengthening winds. Elsewhere, lengthy clear skies. Temperatures rising as the night goes on as we started to draw up southerly air. The chance of a touch of frost in northern parts of scotland. Thursday, a wet and windy day across the board. The rain heavy and persistent, gales for the irish sea. That rain and wind transfers is to assess the day goes on. Temperatures are above average for the time of year. Friday will be a bit of a clearing up day, plus to the far north of scotland but elsewhere the wind will be lighter and we will have showers for the south that they will ease and fate. Lengthy spells of sunshine elsewhere, temperatures a little below average for the time of year. A once in a generation Clinical Trial to find treatments for motor neurone disease, which devastates lives and families. 37 year old Ruth Williamson was diagnosed with the disease two years ago. At the moment there are no effective treatments, let alone a cure. Well be asking if these drug trials could prove to be a breakthrough for thousands of people with motor neurone disease. Also tonight. The world has just experienced its hottest decade on record, with last year one of the warmest ever seen. The backlash over the governments rescue plan for flybe rivals line up to complain about what they call a blatant misuse of public funds. Meghans first public appearance in canada since last weeks shock announcement, as it emerges herfather could testify against her in court in her privacy battle