for free covid testing after the uk government announced the end of universal testing in england from april. meanwhile, nicola sturgeon says the covid certification scheme and face mask laws will come to an end in scotland, but says she s determined to keep testing people. the scottish government is determined to retain a robust testing system capable of providing scotland with a strong resilience against future covid threats. buckingham palace says the queen has cancelled planned virtual engagements as she continues to suffer mild cold like symptoms due to covid. russia s decision to send troops into two rebel held regions in eastern ukraine,
in germany, the government halts the process to approve a new pipeline from russia which could double europe s gas supply. ukrainians were told by their president to remain calm he said his country was not afraid of anything or anyone. in other news nicola sturgeon says the covid certification scheme and face mask laws will come to an end in scotland, but says she s determined to keep testing people. and storm franklin leaves disruption in its wake with floods along the river severn and people evacuated from their homes. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news.