This is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. the search begins for a new first minister of scotland, after the shock announcement that nicola sturgeon is standing down. thousands of syrian refugees, arrive at the turkish border as they try to cross back into their home country after last week s earthquakes. residents near the site of a toxic train derailment in ohio demand assurances about their health. british gas owner centrica reports record profits earning £35 billion in 2022. the shadow home secretary, yvette cooper, says that the actions of lancashire police were very unusual , after the force disclosed that nicola bulley suffered some significant issues with alcohol .
And tributes for the hollywood film starand model, raquel welch, who s died at the age of 82. hello and welcome if you re watching in the uk or around the world. the search has begun for the next leader of the scottish national party and first minister of scotland following nicola sturgeon s surprise decision to stand down on wednesday afterjust over eight years in power. the snp s national executive committee will meet on thursday to draw up a timetable for a leadership race. nominations have already opened. the party s constitution says a candidate for leader needs to have the backing of 100 members from at least 20
Now it s time for a look at the weather with carol. hello again. under some clear skies across the north of scotland last night we saw some fabulous pictures of the northern lights, and it s here we are seeing the lion s share of the sunshine today. for the rest of us, it s cloudy, it s quite murky. the rain clearing leaving us with some dry conditions and some brightness developing. but by the end of the afternoon, further rain will be coming in across northern ireland and western scotland. once again today, it s going to feel mild. now this rain will sweep across scotland and northern ireland through the course of the night. it will be heavy. it s a deepening area of low pressure crossing scotland, and with it are going to come strengthening winds. by the end of the night we ll have severe gales across the north and west and it s going to be a very mild night. tomorrow we start off with these severe gales across the north and the west of scotland. windier inland and down the east coa
I was pleased that we were able to announce two freeports i in scotland, that s joint working between the uk governmentl and the scottish government. those freeports are going to attract investment and create jobs - in scotland, which is great, i and i look forward to working with whoever the new first minister is to continue working constructively to deliver i for the people of scotland. one thing you can t doubt is this is someone that is an able politician, someone who has been in politics for 20 years, and that level of service is, of course, worthy of respect and thanks. alex salmond was once a close friend and mentor. now he s a political opponent. the key litmus test is going to be whether the next leader sees the opportunity to redefine the strategy for independence, to broaden the base of the independence campaign, and starts articulating the fundamental case for scottish self determination. i am not going to say who my preference will be to succeed me. but many are asking t