let s start here in the uk, where, in a few hours time, the chancellorjeremy hunt will unveil his first budget, where he will outline the government s big decisions on spending, and plans for raising or lowering taxes. among the measures he s expected to unveil is a significant expansion of free childcare provision. it s part of a strategy to get more people back to work, given the shortage of staff in some key sectors. the chancellor is also expected to announce a rise in the tax free limit for pension contributions, to encourage people to stay in work for longer. the latest economic figures underline the challenge facing the government, as well as the pressure on household and business budgets. here s our economics editor faisal islam. it is back to work budget, that s a promise, and it was centre on one of the biggest ever expansions of childcare for england with equivalent funding for other nations. parents of one and two year olds will get the same 30 hours of support a
as thousands of teachers and junior doctors walk out in disputes over pay. oscars glory for the short film an irish goodbye. james martin talks to us about hobnobbing with the stars on the day he turned 31. manchester city in seventh heaven as star man erling haaland scores five. pep guardiola s side thrash rb leipzig and ease into the champions league quarterfinals. good morning. under clear skies last night, the northern lights once again when clearview, but under those same clear skies it is a cold start with a widespread frost, the risk of ice and some sunshine, but rain piling in from the west preceded by snow, but also milder air. i will have more later. good morning. it s wednesday 15th march. our main story. chancellorjeremy hunt will today announce his spring budget, with an expansion of free childcare for working parents in england expected to be top of the list. getting thousands of people into work, including those with disabilities and people on universal credit,