To helping poorer countries. We give £13 billion a year in foreign aid. But the way we help other countries has changed. The government now gives much of that cash to private companies. They then deliver aid projects around the world. There must be accountability for the money that is spent. And of course, the more difficult the environment you are operating in, perhaps the greater leeway you give, but it is more important then that there needs to be as much transparency and accountability for the taxpayers money. One British Company has done very well under the new system. Adam Smith International their offices are just across the riverfrom parliament. In the last five years, adam Smith International, asi, as won british aid contracts worth more than £537 million. Adam Smith International say they bring expertise and deliver results. But earlier this year, asi was banned from new government contracts after serious questions were raised about the compa nys ethical integrity. At the m
It has already prompted a heated reaction, with arab leaders warning there could be dangerous repercussions. Earlier, i spoke to the bbcs north america correspondent peter bowes, and asked him about the possible reasons behind the expected decision. Well, its not entirely sure why now. Certainly it was a Campaign Promise by mr trump to move the American Embassy from tel aviv to jerusalem. And perhaps some domestic politics is playing into this, in that he wants to be seen to be making good on those big Campaign Promises in his first year in office, where perhaps he might have failed on some other issues. But, to the wider issue, in terms of peace and the Peace Process in the region, why now . Its difficult to fully understand without hearing the details of what hes got to say in a few hours time. Certainly the white house and the Trump Administration has been working on a peace plan for the region for many months. We dont know the details. But whyjump in with this extremely contentious
Across the country. A tax threat to internet firms. The security minister says facebook and google could face penalties if they dont do more to tackle terrorism. In sport, more misery for mourinho, claiming his manchester side were denied a clear penalty. Good morning. First, our main story. Winds of up to 80 mph and a series of rail strikes are threatening to cause disruption as the uk prepares to see in the new year. The met office is warning of flying debris and damage to buildings as storm dylan hits Northern Ireland and parts of southern scotland, while a 24 hour walk out could hit passengers on crosscountry and south western rail services. But hundreds of thousands of people are still expected to take to the streets to celebrate, as Simon Clemison reports. Why have one night of celebration when you can have to . With this torchlit parade, hogmanay is already under way in edinburgh. Our 24 vikings have travelled down from the shetlands, long boat journey, vikings have travelled do
After its leader says america is in range of a strike. A man dubbed a hero at the Manchester Arena attack now admits stealing from two of its victims. The bionic hand with a sense of touch we have an exclusive report on the woman whos been testing it out for scientists in the real world. Proud parents the uks first polar bear cub for 25 years is born at the highland wildlife park, though its not yet been seen. And coming up on sportsday on bbc news, we look ahead to tonights london derby. Arsene wengers arsenal host rivals chelsea in the fight for Champions League football. Good evening. The Health Secretaryjeremy hunt has apologised to patients after hospitals were told to delay tens of thousands of non urgent operations and out patinet appointments in england this month so the Health Service can cope with the winter pressures. The Prime Minister acknowledged the decision was disappointing and frustrating for all those affected but she insisted that the nhs was better prepared for thi
At their fastest rate for nearly 20 years, with steaming Services Accounting for more than half of consumption. Its 5 oclock, good afternoon, our top story is that the Health Secretaryjeremy hunt has apologised to patients, after the postponement of tens of thousands of operations in england, until next month. Theresa may acknowledged the move is frustrating, but said the nhs is better prepared this winter,than in previous yea rs. However senior doctors say seasonal pressures have escalated rapidly over the festive period. Our Health Correspondent Catherine Burns has more. Anna is waiting for an operation thats going to change her life. Her facial nerve was removed when she had cancer seven years ago. Shes due to have an appointment to plan facial reconstruction surgery next week, but is expecting it to be cancelled. I was hoping that i would have the surgery maybe at the end of january, beginning of february, but i have a feeling it will be knocked back to april or may. Shes due to ha