beyond mid—february. buy now, pay laterfirms face stricter controls — following fears over young shoppers�* debts. a court in moscow is due to decide shortly whether to jail president vladimir putin's leading critic, alexei navalny. also coming up: heavy snow hits parts of northern england — with the met office warning some rural communities are at risk of becoming cut off. this morning. door to door tests are being offered to 80,000 people in england after cases of a new south african coronavirus variant were found, with no links to travel. people across eight areas are being asked to take tests, whether they have symptoms or not, after the government said the uk must "come down hard" on the variant and find every case. andy moore reports. 10,000 home testing kits delivered to a fire station in woking in surrey. from today, the operation to deliver them door to door will begin. across england, 80,000 people over the age of 16 will be swabbed to find the true extent of the new variant. there's no evidence it's more deadly, but it may be more contagious. mobile testing units like this one in london will also be seen in the areas where the new variant has been found. the health secretary says it's imperative that people in the designated areas stick rigidly to the current guidelines. people should stay at home unless they absolutely have to leave. and anybody — anybody even thinking about stretching the rules in those areas must not. the places where the new variant has been discovered are southport, walsall, woking, broxbourne, maidstone, and three parts of london. it's really important that people see it as a way of surveillance, really. we're not unduly concerned that we've got a particular outbreak or... you know, this is covid — the same as the covid we've had since last march, so... the four nations have agreed tighter border controls that will see travellers from some high—risk countries quarantining in hotels at their own expense. but scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon, said those measures don't go far enough. today, she will announce new measures which it's reported could see all arrivals into scotland face quarantine. andy moore, bbc news. 0ur correspondent ben bland is at woking fire station in surrey, which is being used as a testing operational hub. what does that mean and what will be happening today? in what does that mean and what will be happening today?— happening today? in short, in the car ark happening today? in short, in the car park behind _ happening today? in short, in the car park behind the _ happening today? in short, in the car park behind the fire _ happening today? in short, in the car park behind the fire station i car park behind the fire station there are two big tents where they are gathering all these coronavirus home test kits, briefing of a team of 150 volunteers who will be taking these wrighty people's doors. in these wrighty people's doors. in these very simple collection things there is a home test guide, the paraphernalia we have become so used to over the past months and yeah, the swab and the solution. people are being given these for free, the swab and the solution. people are being given these forfree, they do not even have to leave home to go to a test site, it will be put in the package under test will be collected and brought back to sent off for processing —— and the test will be collected. they are asking everybody who receives one to take the test whether or not they have symptoms because of this new south africa variant of coronavirus. two cases have been identified in the woking area without any links to international travel, so scientists want to find out whether that variant is now spreading within the community. they are asking for people to do these tests and any that come back positive, they will examine to see whether they are the south african variant. the reason there is a focus on this variant from south africa is because it is thought to be easier to catch and pass on than the original coronavirus. it might not be more deadly and the symptoms might not be any worse, but anybody with this particular variant is more likely to pass it on to more people, which is why health experts want to eradicate it as much as possible. the question people will have is whether the vaccine people are getting right now will give protection against this variant? encouraging early results suggest they give at least some degree of protection. another point of optimism and something to give some hope, scientists say the way that modern vaccines work, if this or other variants prove slightly resistant to the vaccine, vaccines can be modified relatively easily and quickly, so much so they can make the changes in a matter of months possibly a matter of weeks, if need be. let's talk to our chief political correspondent adam fleming. the front page of the times today reports that government scientists had warned that only mandatory hotel quarantine for all travellers would prevent new coronavirus trains, writing in the country.— writing in the country. what do number ten — writing in the country. what do number ten say? _ writing in the country. what do number ten say? they - writing in the country. what do number ten say? they reject l writing in the country. what do i number ten say? they reject that interpretation of the meeting of the government scientific advisory committee, sage, said a couple of weeks ago. somebody said that if you read another bit of the minutes, the government's seem to be existing recipe of hotel quarantine for people from 33 hotspots plus predeparture testing for everybody else and home isolation for everybody else is the right thing to do, that was the case put forward earlier today by the universities minister. , , minister. sage said completely closin: minister. sage said completely closing borders _ minister. sage said completely closing borders can _ minister. sage said completely closing borders can prove - closing borders can prove ineffective, the best strategy combined quarantining and testing, exactly— combined quarantining and testing, exactly what we have been doing. throughout the last year we have been _ throughout the last year we have been involved in developing our approach — been involved in developing our approach to borders in line with the day two. _ approach to borders in line with the day two, the pandemic, the changes we are _ day two, the pandemic, the changes we are seeing plus scientific and medital— we are seeing plus scientific and medical advice, we have gone from quarantining right the way through to testing. we have a robust system in place _ to testing. we have a robust system in lace. ~ ., .,, to testing. we have a robust system in lace. ~ ., to testing. we have a robust system in lace. ., , in place. what has happened is the scientists produced _ in place. what has happened is the scientists produced an _ in place. what has happened is the scientists produced an entire - in place. what has happened is the | scientists produced an entire paper, notjust scientists produced an entire paper, not just a scientists produced an entire paper, notjust a couple of scientists produced an entire paper, not just a couple of sentences scientists produced an entire paper, notjust a couple of sentences and some minutes, it looked at the pros and cons of the various options for dealing with the threat of variance from abroad. because it is quite complicated and nuanced, you could probably quote a bit to prove your point of view if you were going to quote selectively. at the government is sticking with existing policy. but apparently in the next he dates they might update the red list of 33 countries of concern, it could get longer. ministers are going to look at the list of professions exempted from isolation when they come into the uk, that could get shorter. studio: thank you, adam. labour is calling on the government to immediately introduce a comprehensive hotel quarantine system for all arrivals into the uk. let's talk to the shadow home secretary nick thomas—symonds. hello, tell us why? good morning, the comprehensive _ hello, tell us why? good morning, the comprehensive system - hello, tell us why? good morning, the comprehensive system is - hello, tell us why? good morning, . the comprehensive system is required because we are at the moment rolling out the vaccine, it is getting great help to us all. what would put that at threat and threaten the sacrifices the british people have made for many months it is a mutant strain of the virus emerged from somewhere around the world and came to these shores which threaten the efficacy of those vaccines. we have to do everything we can to try to prevent that, the current government measures are not enough, they are inadequate, the government needs to change course and act decisively now to introduce a comprehensive system. all the experts say, and they do not know for sure because we have not had enough of the vaccination programme build—out, that the vaccines might be slightly less effective against new mutations of covid, that that does not mean they are not effective at all. that covid, that that does not mean they are not effective at all.— are not effective at all. that is referrin: are not effective at all. that is referring to — are not effective at all. that is referring to the _ are not effective at all. that is referring to the mutations - are not effective at all. that is| referring to the mutations that are not effective at all. that is - referring to the mutations that we already know about and are already here. the reason we know about those is because of the advanced gene sequencing that has picked them up. the danger comes from mutations that have not been picked up yet or mutations that might not have happened yet but could threaten the vaccine roll—out. government ministers cannot be complacent, this would put at risk all the progress of recent months and all the tremendous work that has been done on the vaccine roll—out, we cannot take that risk, which is why the government needs that are more comprehensive system. we government needs that are more comprehensive system. we know all adults in the — comprehensive system. we know all adults in the uk _ comprehensive system. we know all adults in the uk will— comprehensive system. we know all adults in the uk will not _ comprehensive system. we know all adults in the uk will not be - adults in the uk will not be vaccinated until autumn, are you suggesting mandatory quarantine for all travellers until autumn? it has all travellers until autumn? it has to be until— all travellers until autumn? it has to be untilthe _ all travellers until autumn? it has to be untilthe point _ all travellers until autumn? it has to be untilthe point at _ all travellers until autumn? it has to be until the point at which - all travellers until autumn? it has to be until the point at which the | to be until the point at which the vaccine has got to a stage where you had scientific evidence that it could be eased. i don't know precisely when that isn't i will not adopt what the prime minister does, to overpromise and under deliver. i know that this needs to be now. the government's cheat scientific adviser has said you need to go harder and faster, that is what we need to do in respect of this survivors —— chief scientific adviser. the government should not be showing this complacency. fiur be showing this complacency. our chief political _ be showing this complacency. our chief political correspondent has said that not even sage recommend this. , , ,., ., , this. firstly, the government has not been epen — this. firstly, the government has not been open about _ this. firstly, the government has not been open about what - this. firstly, the government has i not been open about what precisely sage has said. we have seen that story on the times newspaper this morning, the government should be open. nobody will advise that anything is 100% certain. what we know a comprehensive quarantine would significantly reduce the risk of mutations reaching this country, thatis of mutations reaching this country, that is particularly imperative at the moment when we know the south african variation is already here and the government is having to take measures in relation to it. let's not take that risk again. if measures in relation to it. let's not take that risk again.- not take that risk again. if you were in government, - not take that risk again. if you were in government, would i not take that risk again. if you l were in government, would you not take that risk again. if you i were in government, would you be bailing out the travel and aviation industry, who would suffer even more if this policy was brought in? we have if this policy was brought in? - have argued for a sector specific aviation deal for months and months. it would come with conditions, for example, with regard to employment rights. we had seen awfulfiring example, with regard to employment rights. we had seen awful firing and rehiring tactics that should be outlawed, we would need to protect jobs and ensure that there were environmental conditions attached, but we have been arguing for support for aviation for months, that should be put in place alongside a comprehensive hotel quarantine system. comprehensive hotel quarantine s stem. �* ., , ., system. and even travellers from covid free countries _ system. and even travellers from covid free countries like - system. and even travellers from covid free countries like new i covid free countries like new zealand, you would still have them going into hotel quarantine? it has going into hotel quarantine? it has to be comprehensive, _ going into hotel quarantine? it has to be comprehensive, there i going into hotel quarantine? it has to be comprehensive, there are i to be comprehensive, there are issues of equal rights, it has to be comprehensive. there are exemptions for particular people, the government already has an exception list for its quarantine policy which is a very good starting point, but the government needs to act. this was introduced in australia last march, the government has had over a year since the first coronavirus cases were found in the uk, enough time, the government should not once again behind the cabinet should ask —— act now. again behind the cabinet should ask -- act nova— -- act now. that is the labour shadow home _ -- act now. that is the labour shadow home secretary, i -- act now. that is the labour shadow home secretary, nicki shadow home secretary, nick thomas—symonds, most of you agree with labour, a self—selecting group of people have message me on social media, not scientific. one nhs worker says, any and all measures should be taken, services are being pushed to the brink and with new variants we cannot be overly cautious enough. this view essays, until we can say all vulnerable people are fully vaccinated with both doses that we had zero covid, we should bring this in. —— this viewer says. matthew says, yes, but while we letting so many people travel? stopping people moving stop that gillian says ten to 1a days is the only way to contain this, we should havejealous the only way to contain this, we should have jealous years ago. andrea says yes, we have to control the virus. ian says, absolutely not, identifying problem countries is the way to go. and another viewer says the damage is done, it is too little, too late, every time. what is your view on mandatory hotel quarantine for all people coming into the country, which labour suggests should be done, contact me on twitter or by e—mail. nicola sturgeon is expected to introduce new precautions for people arriving into scotland today. stricter measures could see all arrivals having to quarantine, after the scottish government last week said uk government measures "did not go far enough". well, we can speak now to james shaw our scotland correspondent, who's in glasgow. what should we be expecting later, james? what we are expecting is a range of measures that nicola sturgeon will talk about to help scotland started t eaves out of the current lockdown, the strictest sense the first wave of the pandemic in the spring —— to help scotland start to ease out of. it will start with nurseries and schools, and measures to mitigate that, the possible risk of thejump in infections when measured start to ease will include more testing in schools, mass testing in the community and in certain workplaces where there is an increased risk of infection. at this key issue around quarantine, nicola sturgeon says the uk government plans possible by quarantine, people staying in hotels for ten days to make sure they self—isolate when they can enter the country, she says it does not go far enough so we might expect her to reveal a plan that enhances touch, possibly to the extent that everyone arriving from overseas in scotland will have to go into quarantine a0 dates. the difficulty she has is that people may arise in other parts of the uk and travel to scotland, as far as we understand, there is nothing to stop that but we think she will make the case for stricter quarantine and perhaps also try to encourage the uk government to see things from her point of view on that issue. things from her point of view on that issue-— that issue. thank you, jane. -- thank you. _ that issue. thank you, jane. -- thank you, james _ the devolved government in northern ireland has suspended checks of food consignments at the ports in belfast and larne, because of concerns about the safety of inspection staff. checks have been carried out on some goods arriving from the rest of the uk since the end of the brexit transition period last month — an arrangement viewed by unionists as representing an economic border in the irish sea. all parties have condemned the actions. the headlines on bbc news... extensive testing begins in eight areas of england where the south african variant of covid has been found. scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon, will set out how and when her government is likely to ease lockdown rules. firms offering interest—free buy—now—pay—later services are to face stricter controls after these services saw a big rise in take—up last year. the united states has threatened to impose sanctions on myanmar, following a military coup in the country. president biden has urged an international response to the power grab, and called it a direct assault on democracy. troops are on the streets of the capital and the biggest city, yangon, where a curfew has been put in place. the army is stationed at key checkpoints around the country's parliament and the main roads have been blocked. those detained include the head of the largest party, aung san suu kyi and other members of the civilian leadership. suu kyi remains a widely popular leader in the country — despite the treatment of rohingya refugees — and citizens have been calling for her to be released peacefully. a un report says trafficking of children has tripled over the past 15 years. research from the organisation's office on drugs and crime says girls are mainly trafficked for sexual exploitation and boys for forced labour. the study also warned that the covid—19 pandemic was likely to worsen the overall trend. stircter measures will be bought in to protect people who bet through online slot games. the gambling commission will limit spin speeds and ban features that quicken play or celebrate losses as wins. they say slot games have the highest average losses per player of online gambling. the new measures will be bough in by october 31st. captain sir tom moore's family are with him in hospital after he was admitted with coronavirus on sunday. the 100—year—old was taken to bedford hospital after requiring help with his breathing. john maguire is there. tell us what you can about his condition? trio tell us what you can about his condition?— tell us what you can about his condition? ., , ., , ., �*, condition? no updates father's mornin: condition? no updates father's morning or _ condition? no updates father's morning or yesterday, - condition? no updates father's morning or yesterday, we i condition? no updates father's morning or yesterday, we are. condition? no updates father's i morning or yesterday, we are still going on information from captain tom's family on sunday evening —— no update so far. at that hospital released a statement last night with the cooperation of captain tom's two daughters, who said they were happy for people to know that captain tom's family members were with him. it is not a situation many families throughout the pandemic will have been able to do, you have family members with them, but captain tom has them here. on sunday he was experiencing issues with breathing, he was diagnosed with pneumonia around three weeks ago and then had around three weeks ago and then had a positive covid test last week. the medicine are the pneumonia has meant he has not had his covert vaccination yet but he was brought to bedford hospital on sunday for additional help with his breathing and last night he spent his second night here. he is a great family man, we have learnt over the last ten months also, having his family will provide some solace and hopefully also aid his recovery. thank you, john maguire at bedford hospital. as the covid—19 vaccination programme continues to move ahead at pace, there are some families who say they've been left behind when it comes to given priority for the jab. young adults living with learning disabilities don't fall into the government's top four priority groups for immunisation. many of these youngsters either live in care homes or live at home and are cared for by their parents. jo fisher is one of those parents. her 27—year—old son bradley has severe epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism and other complex health issues. he currently lives in a care home and hasn't yet been vaccinated. alsojoining me this morning is edel harris, who is from the learning disability charity mencap, which supports families like jo's. welcome to you both. jo, jo, you think your son should be in the top four priority groups? tell us why? the top four priority groups? tell us wh ? �* .., , the top four priority groups? tell uswh ?�* , ., , the top four priority groups? tell uswh ?�* , ., the top four priority groups? tell us why? because of his age until his disabilities he _ us why? because of his age until his disabilities he is _ us why? because of his age until his disabilities he is 30 _ us why? because of his age until his disabilities he is 30 times _ us why? because of his age until his disabilities he is 30 times more i disabilities he is 30 times more likely to die than a normal 27—year—old, that is my reason. it someone has a learning disability they can be six times more likely, but because of his complex needs he is 30 times more likely to die, i think he should have this, otherwise he will die. ~ . . think he should have this, otherwise he will die. ~ ., ., i. , ., he will die. what have you been told about when — he will die. what have you been told about when get _ he will die. what have you been told about when get his _ he will die. what have you been told about when get his vaccination? i he will die. what have you been told about when get his vaccination? for| about when get his vaccination? for the last about when get his vaccination? fr?" the last three weeks we have been promised that it will be this week every week, but this week we are told it will hopefully happen on friday, but i not holding my breath. when was the last time you saw him and how many times have you seen him since the pandemic began last march? not even a handful, he has either beenin not even a handful, he has either been in hospital shots he was 15 times in hospital over the first phase of covid, that was incredibly stressful, this time he has not been in hospital because his medications have changed but you get the stress of a free get sick, if you get this, what will happen? will he have to go into hospital? he always has carers, he will not be allowed a carer, he cannot speak, he will not know what is going on, we are normally always with him, he will be so scared. the sierra and anxiety for people like us is overwhelming. i sierra and anxiety for people like us is overwhelming.— sierra and anxiety for people like us is overwhelming. i can hear that in our us is overwhelming. i can hear that in your voice. _ us is overwhelming. i can hear that in your voice. jo. — us is overwhelming. i can hear that in your voice, jo, i _ us is overwhelming. i can hear that in your voice, jo, i see _ us is overwhelming. i can hear that in your voice, jo, i see that - us is overwhelming. i can hear that in your voice, jo, i see that in i in your voice, jo, i see that in yourface. let me bring in edel harris from the charity mencap, how widespread is the issuejo has described? widespread is the issue jo has described?— widespread is the issue jo has described? ., ., , . ., ., described? unfortunately jo and bradle 's described? unfortunately jo and bradley's story _ described? unfortunately jo and bradley's story is _ described? unfortunately jo and bradley's story is not _ described? unfortunately jo and bradley's story is not unusual, l bradley's story is not unusual, ourselves— bradley's story is not unusual, ourselves are mencap and other disability— ourselves are mencap and other disability charities are supporting many— disability charities are supporting many families in a similar position and this_ many families in a similar position and this has— many families in a similar position and this has been a terrible time for everybody since we first heard those _ for everybody since we first heard those dreadful words covid and coronavirus, but for people with a learning _ coronavirus, but for people with a learning disability and their families it has really been an incredibly challenging time, asjo has described, and our argument in the context— has described, and our argument in the context of the vaccination edge that if— the context of the vaccination edge that if you — the context of the vaccination edge that if you have a learning disability at all you should absolutely be on a higher priority list for— absolutely be on a higher priority list for the — absolutely be on a higher priority list for the vaccine because of the data we _ list for the vaccine because of the data we have recorded in the first wave _ data we have recorded in the first wave of— data we have recorded in the first wave of the pandemic showing that if you have _ wave of the pandemic showing that if you have a _ wave of the pandemic showing that if you have a learning disability you are six— you have a learning disability you are six times more likely to die if you contract coronavirus, if you are baddeley's — you contract coronavirus, if you are baddeley's age range, 18 to 34, up to 30 _ baddeley's age range, 18 to 34, up to 30 times more likely to die. we do not _ to 30 times more likely to die. we do not understand why there are arbitrary— do not understand why there are arbitrary definitions that he was making — arbitrary definitions that he was making these decisions, things like severe _ making these decisions, things like severe and — making these decisions, things like severe and profound learning disability, there is no real reason for using — disability, there is no real reason for using a — disability, there is no real reason for using a definition like that when — for using a definition like that when we _ for using a definition like that when we know... for using a definition like that when we know. . ._ for using a definition like that when we know... .,, ,., when we know... those government firures when we know... those government figures are — when we know... those government figures are really _ when we know... those government figures are really shocking. - when we know... those government figures are really shocking. they i figures are really shocking. they are more likely to die compared to the general population. this is what the general population. this is what the government state about the immunisation programme, they are following the advice of independent experts on the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation which looked at all the available data including that on people with learning difficulties and advise the most immediate priority should be to prevent deaths of clinically extremely vulnerable individuals and protect front—line health and care staff. presumably you would say people with complex needs and learning disabilities likejo's son are clinically extremely vulnerable? absolutely, we have spoken personally to the vaccination minister— personally to the vaccination minister and the care minister in the uk_ minister and the care minister in the uk government on this issue and directly— the uk government on this issue and directly to— the uk government on this issue and directly to members of the committee, and we do not understand even in _ committee, and we do not understand even in the _ committee, and we do not understand even in the statement she read out, they use _ even in the statement she read out, they use the — even in the statement she read out, they use the term learning difficulties, which is not correct, it should — difficulties, which is not correct, it should be learning disability. i have _ it should be learning disability. i have no— it should be learning disability. i have no evidence for this but we wonder— have no evidence for this but we wonder whether they are looking at learning _ wonder whether they are looking at learning difficulty edits entirety and including people who might have things— and including people who might have things like _ and including people who might have things like dyslexia or adhd. do and including people who might have things like dyslexia or adhd.- things like dyslexia or adhd. do you think that is — things like dyslexia or adhd. do you think that is a _ things like dyslexia or adhd. do you think that is a possibility? _ things like dyslexia or adhd. do you think that is a possibility? i - things like dyslexia or adhd. do you think that is a possibility? i think i think that is a possibility? i think it miuht think that is a possibility? i think it might be. _ think that is a possibility? i think it might be. i _ think that is a possibility? i think it might be, i am _ think that is a possibility? i think it might be, i am sure _ think that is a possibility? i think it might be, i am sure they'll- it might be, i am sure they'll worried — it might be, i am sure they'll worried about the numbers, that is understandable, if you privatise another— understandable, if you privatise another group you are increasing the numbers— another group you are increasing the numbers and somebody has to go further— numbers and somebody has to go further down the left —— if you prioritise _ further down the left —— if you prioritise i_ further down the left —— if you prioritise. i would further down the left —— if you prioritise. iwould know further down the left —— if you prioritise. i would know definition of severe — prioritise. i would know definition of severe learning disability and this is— of severe learning disability and this is the — of severe learning disability and this is the destination they are using, — this is the destination they are using, we _ this is the destination they are using, we do not know who is making the decision— using, we do not know who is making the decision because there is only a learning _ the decision because there is only a learning disability register in england, not in scotland, for example _ england, not in scotland, for example, so howedes somebody know if somebody— example, so howedes somebody know if somebody has been classified as having _ somebody has been classified as having a — somebody has been classified as having a severe, mild or moderate learning _ having a severe, mild or moderate learning disability? —— how does somebody— learning disability? —— how does somebody know? the gps are the only people _ somebody know? the gps are the only people who _ somebody know? the gps are the only people who can make thatjudgment, in some _ people who can make thatjudgment, in some cases they are not having a say. in some cases they are not having a sa . g ., in some cases they are not having a sa . , ., y ., in some cases they are not having a sa m, ,.,, in some cases they are not having a say. jo, you said bradley does not really understand _ say. jo, you said bradley does not really understand what _ say. jo, you said bradley does not really understand what is - say. jo, you said bradley does not really understand what is going i say. jo, you said bradley does not. really understand what is going on, why did he think he has not been able to see you as much as normal? he does not understand, we have tried to whatsapp a few times, he does not speak, hejust tried to whatsapp a few times, he does not speak, he just makes sense. you try to sing his favourite nursery rhymes and talk to him, there have been 80 time he walks away because he does not understand. once we were singing one of his favourite nursery right that he started to cry, you think, my god, this must be seriously affecting him. obviously he misses as a lot, he netted being with us, the cuddles and kisses. watching things on telly that he loved to watch, we just do not know when we will be able to do that again or whether we will ever get the chance, will i be able to cuddle him again, told him again? i don't know. it is just horrible, horrendous. we need help and we need it now. . ~ horrendous. we need help and we need it now. ., ~' , ., horrendous. we need help and we need it now. ., ,, i. ., horrendous. we need help and we need it now. ., ,, ., ,, .,~ horrendous. we need help and we need it now. ., ,, i. ., , , ., ,, ., it now. thank you for speaking to us, i it now. thank you for speaking to us. i hope _ it now. thank you for speaking to us. i hope he _ it now. thank you for speaking to us. i hope he is _ it now. thank you for speaking to us, i hope he is vaccinated i it now. thank you for speaking to us, i hope he is vaccinated soon, | us, i hope he is vaccinated soon, even then, you would have to wait for the second one but a plan which had started. thank you very much, and edel harris from mencap, many thanks for highlighting these issues. we talked a lot about the elderly in care homes and left those with learning disabilities and other complex medical needs —— and less about those. we will bring you the latest news headlines and sport in a moment. there's been some heavy snowfall across parts of northern england overnight. this is how it was looking on the m62 near rochdale earlier — the road had to be closed while the snow was cleared. the are reports of similar disruption in parts of south yorkshire, with more snow expected. let's see where the snow is falling — the weather with carol kirkwood. hello again. parts of northern england have seen some heavy snow already this morning. the met office still has an amber weather warning in force for that heavy snow, with the likelihood of disruption till 1.00 today. now, slowly through the afternoon you will see the southern edge of that snow move northwards, up behind it for a time, fair conditions with a few wintry showers in scotland. for northern ireland, for england and wales, we are looking at more showers, some of them heavy and thundery, but relatively mild — up to 1a degrees. the showers making progress across northern ireland, england and wales through the night, with snow coming in as cross parts of scotland. meanwhile in the south, a new band of rain shows its hand. now tomorrow, the northern extent of this band of rain still open to question, but it's falling on already saturated ground, so there is the risk of flooding, as there is from the showers — heavy at times across north—west england. tomorrow, too, further snow across southern and eastern scotland, but still mild in the south. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines. extensive testing begins in eight areas of england where the south african variant of covid has been found. scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon, will set out how and when her government is likely to ease lockdown rules. firms offering interest—free buy—now—pay—later services are to face stricter controls — after these services saw a big rise in take—up last year. a court in moscow is due to decide whether to jail president vladimir putin's leading critic, alexei navalny. and coming up this hour. the link between football and dementia — could football authorities be about to limit heading during training? sport, and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's sally. good morning. it was a very quiet transfer deadline day for obvious reasons, but liverpool were relatively busy. they already had two experienced defenders out of action so that was always going to be their focus, and they brought in ben davies from preston for £2 million, as well as turkey international ozan kabak on loan — and they're going to need them, with the news that centre—back joel matip will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury. and in another merseyside move — josh king hasjoined everton from bournemouth until the end of the season. there's a full rundown of the day's deals on the bbc sport website — but it was pretty quiet. it's what managers like to call a blip, but after a good run, manchester united have suffered a defeat and a draw in the past week. they're at home to southampton tonight and they need to get their title challenge back on track — not that ole gunnar solskjaer will allow such talk. it's good that we talk about it, we highlight it again, but it's unacceptable behaviour, and it happens all across the society, and we should, of course, we work with the authorities and it has to be stopped. this way of discrimination on social media, we, we can't do a lot, can we, so we have to work with the, the platforms, and they've got to be more stronger to make sure that we stop this. the president of the tokyo olympics says the games will go ahead in the summer, regardless of the covid—19 situation in the country. yoshiro mori did admit, though, that they were looking at new ways of hosting the event. it's looking likely that the japanese government will extend the state of emergency covering tokyo by a month, which would take it to march 7th — just four and half months before the games are due to begin. the prime minister will make a final decision after hearing from an expert panel today. britain's katie boulter has claimed one of the biggest wins of her career in the run—up to the australian open. she came from a set down to beat coco gauff in melbourne — her second win in a row against a player ranked far higher. gauff is a8, to boulter�*s 371. she'll play the us open champion naomi osaka next. and after emerging from quarantine, novak djokovic has made a good start to his season — he's leading serbia's title defence in the atp cup — and he kicked off with victory over denis shapovalov in the rod laver arena at melbourne park, before winning the doubles as his team beat canada. england's cricketers will train as an entire group today for the first time since they arrived in india for the four—test series. the players, who travelled from sri lanka, all tested negative for coronavirus. ben stokes, joffra archer and rory burns were already there when the rest of the squad joined them. and they could be playing in front of fans in the second test in chennai, with reports suggesting a 50% crowd will be allowed in. that's all the sport for now. the russian dissident alexei navalny is being held in a glass cage at a court in moscow, where it's being decided whether his suspended sentence should be converted into an actual prison term. mr navalny was detained two weeks ago when he returned to russia from germany, where he'd spent months recovering from nerve poisoning. dozens of protesters outside the court were arrested this morning. it comes after thousands of pro—navalny activists were arrested at the weekend in the biggest protests in russia since 1991. our moscow correspondent sarah rainsford is at the court in moscow. what is going on inside right now? well, yes, the court room here in moscow is really the scene of a massive police operation this morning, which is quite extraordinary. i have never seen anything like it at a court room, a courthouse in this city or country before. there are huge numbers of riot police on the scene basically and perhaps you can see a bit behind me. the whole area has been barricaded off. there are metal barriers in place, riot police in helmets and body armour checking anybody who wants to get close, if people have court business they are allowed through, if not they are not allowed through, if not they are not allowed near the building. that is because alexei navalny called op supporters to turn out and protest, along the road here there were dozens of protestors earlier today, standing quietly, here to support mr navalny in his court hearing. we saw a few being bundled into the police vans and being driven away, detained by the police and others have been detained at a metro station as well. the whole idea to keep the protests down around this courthouse. inside the courthouse itself mr navalny�*s hearing has begun. he is in a glass cage and the prosecutors and the prison service have been making their case for converting his previous suspended sentence into real prison time, so the custodial sentence could be spending up to two—and—a—half years behind bars. is two—and—a—half years behind bars. is it a fair hearing? two-and-a-half years behind bars. is it a fair hearing? it _ two-and-a-half years behind bars. is it a fair hearing? it is _ two-and-a-half years behind bars. is it a fair hearing? it is a _ two-and-a-half years behind bars. is it a fair hearing? it is a russian i it a fair hearing? it is a russian courthouse. — it a fair hearing? it is a russian courthouse, the _ it a fair hearing? it is a russian courthouse, the vast _ it a fair hearing? it is a russian courthouse, the vast majority, | it a fair hearing? it is a russian i courthouse, the vast majority, 99% orso courthouse, the vast majority, 99% or so of people who end up in court end up being found guilty this is different in the fact this is a prison service applying to the courts to have a spending sentence converted, so it's a different pro#150ed your but you know, most people watching this will tell you this is a political process t way there navalny has been treated. the fact he is the most vocal opponent of vladimir putin in this country, he is now, he has faced multiple prosecutions before but the calculation appears to have been from the kremlin they didn't want to risk sending him to prison for the potential of a backlash on the street. we have seen big protests in the past two weeks, the past two weekends so the kremlin has been watching what happens while it decides what to do next. so it will be interesting to see will mr navalny be going to jail and if he does what will the reaction be on the street of moscow.— does what will the reaction be on the street of moscow. when will we here, the street of moscow. when will we here. sarah? _ the street of moscow. when will we here, sarah? fairly— the street of moscow. when will we here, sarah? fairly soon, _ the street of moscow. when will we here, sarah? fairly soon, i- the street of moscow. when will we here, sarah? fairly soon, ithink. . the street of moscow. when will we here, sarah? fairly soon, ithink. i| here, sarah? fairly soon, ithink. i don'tthink— here, sarah? fairly soon, ithink. i don't think this _ here, sarah? fairly soon, ithink. i don't think this is _ here, sarah? fairly soon, ithink. i don't think this is going _ here, sarah? fairly soon, ithink. i don't think this is going to - here, sarah? fairly soon, ithink. i don't think this is going to be i here, sarah? fairly soon, ithink. i don't think this is going to be a i don't think this is going to be a long hearing. it is a restricted hearing, only a small amount of press has been allowed in. and protestors have been kept as far back as possible. there was one old lady here, who had come with a picture of mr navalny pinned to the front of herjumper, she had it under her coat. it said fighting against corruption so he has support in unusual places. thank you sarah. there's a lot of choice about which type of face covering to wear — and in some countries the advice is changing as we learn more about how the virus spreads. in certain countries a specific type of mask is required in public areas. our science editor, david shukman, explains what's the difference between a cloth mask, surgical mask and an n95 — or whether we should be double masking. all over the world, people are now covering theirfaces in a million different ways. there is a lot of choice about what type to wear, and in some countries the advice is changing, as we learn more about how about how the virus spreads. so what are the options? well, a home—made face covering is the simplest and cheapest and it was promoted in 2020 because of worries about shortages of professional masks that medics desperately needed. this one, it made from an old t—shirt, it's got three layers so should do a reasonable job of stopping any virus that i might release, which really matters, because up to one in three people may be infected without even realising. and to make it more effective, there's the idea of doubling up, having two coverings, one on top of the other, because that gives you more layers to stop the virus getting through. so if you have a physical covering with one layer you put another layer on. itjust makes common sense that it likely would be more effective, and that's the reason why you see people either double masking or doing a version of an n95. we saw a lot of these double masks on inauguration day in washington. they are not recommended by the us government or by the world health organization, but they are catching on. next up in quality is the surgical mask. these are water resistant, so if someone coughs right at you, the virus should be blocked. they should provide you with some good protection, and others around you, but they don't fit very well, there are gaps at the side that tiny virus particles called aerosols could get through. you can see how that happens in these lab tests. they show how air and aerosols can escape from around the masks. so to guard against that there are better grades of mask. they are called n95 in the us or ffp2 or ffp3 in the uk. they've got filters inside them to screen out those aerosols. in austria, they are now required on buses and in other public areas, while in germany elderly people have been given them for going shopping. these have a much closer fit, no gaps, which means you should be safer, but they are a lot more expensive. while home—made coverings are basically free, surgical masks cost about 10p each, while the ffp2 costs about £3. on their own, masks are not going to defeat the pandemic, no one is claiming that, but research shows they can make a difference. look how far a cough goes when there is no say when there is no face covering to stop it. so anything that helps is worth pursuing. but they've got to be worn and removed really carefully, and they are bound to be with us for some time to come. "buy—now pay—later" services, which offer interest free financing at major retailers, are set to be regulated. the financial conduct authority says the credit—agreements allow customers to build—up debts too easily. so how do they work? well, they split up payments of items. so you can pay a third on the day you buy it, another third a month later and the rest a month after that. if you pay on time, there's no interest or other fees. if you pay late, or can't pay at all, you could face extra charges and your details could be passed to a debt collection agency. there are several providers in the uk — clearpay, laybuy, but, by far, the biggest is klarna. it's a swedish company and has seven million customers in the uk. they offer credit through some big name retailers — marks & spencer, asos, boohoo, h&m, jd sports. they say it provides a convenient choice for shoppers when deciding how to pay for things. it's also good for business. one survey found that over a fifth of shoppers spent more than they had planned because the service was available. and another study found that 20% of adults who used a buy now pay later scheme this christmas will struggle to meet repayments without borrowing even more money. so the worry is that some people end up spending more than they really intended to. i didn't have the money in my bank at that point, so i thought, you know what, if i can pay for it in a couple of months, i kind of pushed it to the back of my head. i've done it numerous times before, and never had an issue with it, but on this occasion, i didn't make the payment in time, and luckily they extended the deadline, so i managed to make the payment in time, but obviously, they did say that if you didn't pay within a certain period of time they would obviously put it on your credit score and that. now, if i want to buy something i know that i've got the money for it and i prefer to pay it outstanding so i don't have that, i don't know, that debt or that idea i have to owe something. injanuary more than 70 mps called for the regulation of buy now, pay later firms saying it could be "the next wonga waiting to happen." the review by the financial conduct authority came out this morning — its chair, christopher woolard, says the market is skewed in favour of the retailer. most providers don't use full credit checks, they might use soft checks but they don't use full credit checks, and they certainly don't report credit data, and that means for many people it's very easy to get some sort of line of credit through one of the firms that you mention. now, that in itself isn't necessarily the start of the problem. used well, this can be a much cheaper alternative to other forms of borrowing, but unfortunately, we can see that many people were doing exactly what you just described a moment ago. they're optimistic about their ability to pay back in future. they're not clear about what happens if things do go wrong. in march last year my next guest was £25,000 in debt, deep into her overdraft and earning less than usual whilst on maternity leave with her second child. a couple years and 70,000 instagram followers later, she has now managed to pay off £8,000 and publish herfirst book �*real life money: an honest guide to taking control of your finances'. clare sealjoins me now. what is wrong with buy now pay later. , , .., , later. used well they can be positive- — later. used well they can be positive. they _ later. used well they can be positive. they can _ later. used well they can be positive. they can be i later. used well they can be positive. they can be a i later. used well they can be i positive. they can be a cheaper later. used well they can be - positive. they can be a cheaper way of spreading the cost of something but actually, they are very different from a credit card, you are making the decision to borrow at the point of check out, so you're not, you don't have those decision making measures in place, and i think it's very very easy for people to get into a bit of a snowball and be optimistic about how they are going to pay it back but at the moment, everybody�*s quite financially precarious, because of covid, so you know, we can't be certain about our prospects, a lot of us can't be certain about our prospects in a month or two of us can�*t be certain about our prospects in a month or two months�* time. prospects in a month or two months' time. a . prospects in a month or two months' time. . 11" ., time. until march 2019 you had £27,000 worth _ time. until march 2019 you had £27,000 worth of _ time. until march 2019 you had £27,000 worth of credit - time. until march 2019 you had £27,000 worth of credit card, | time. until march 2019 you had i £27,000 worth of credit card, store card and overdraft debt, half of which you have now paid off, were you a high spender or was it years of accumulating a bit of debt here and bit of debt there? it of accumulating a bit of debt here and bit of debt there?— of accumulating a bit of debt here and bit of debt there? it was years of accumulation, _ and bit of debt there? it was years of accumulation, and _ and bit of debt there? it was years of accumulation, and then - and bit of debt there? it was years of accumulation, and then you i and bit of debt there? it was years i of accumulation, and then you ghetto a certain point where you don�*t really want to let on that you�*ve got any financial difficulties so you keep up your spending to keep up that illusion, you hide it from yourself, which i think is a problem for a lot of people, head in the sand, and yeah, we are nearly two years on, we have paid off much more than you mentioned, previously, we are nearly done with it.— are nearly done with it. wow. and it feels a lot lighter, _ are nearly done with it. wow. and it feels a lot lighter, but _ are nearly done with it. wow. and it feels a lot lighter, but when - are nearly done with it. wow. and it feels a lot lighter, but when you i feels a lot lighter, but when you are trapped in that kind of shame and you know the judgment that�*s out there it is very very difficult to reach out for help, and i think that the regulation of by now pay later it won�*t take the the responsibility of borrowing from the consumer, because that does, that does lie with us and you have to take responsibility if you have borrowed more than you can pay back, but it is, until now it has been treated with a real levity, you know, this is an easier way to pay, rather than you are borrowing money, so i think the regulation is going to make it so that people have an idea of what they are committing to, and i think thatis they are committing to, and i think that is so important when you take on credit. what was the wake up call for you? it on credit. what was the wake up call for ou? . , . on credit. what was the wake up call for ou? .,, ., , ., , for you? it was a phone call with my bank, for you? it was a phone call with my bank. actually. _ for you? it was a phone call with my bank, actually, where _ for you? it was a phone call with my bank, actually, where i _ for you? it was a phone call with my bank, actually, where i was - for you? it was a phone call with my bank, actually, where i was in i for you? it was a phone call with my bank, actually, where i was in an i bank, actually, where i was in an unarranged overdraft which is the really bad one and i realised, i had been shifting small amounts of money from one account to another to try and plug the holes in my budget, and actually, i got to the end of the rope wit, there was no, i heard myself say to the adviser, there�*s just no money left, and that�*s when i realised something�*s got give. i�*m not managing this, and fortunately, the adviser was really kind, and refunded some charges, that really like bounced me back in the right direction, it is testament to the fact if the help is there when you reached that turning point moment you can spin things back around, and you can spin things back around, and you know, for a lot of people the amount of time that it is going to pay off if they have a large amount of debt is very daunting, but what i would say is that time is going to pass any way, and a couple of years down the line you might be feeling like me, optimistic about your finances, potentially, for the first time in your adult life. bud finances, potentially, for the first time in your adult life.— time in your adult life. and i am cruessin time in your adult life. and i am guessing there _ time in your adult life. and i am guessing there is _ time in your adult life. and i am guessing there is no _ time in your adult life. and i am guessing there is no secret, i time in your adult life. and i am guessing there is no secret, you time in your adult life. and i am i guessing there is no secret, you are living within your means and not spending very much money, you are able to pay off the debts?— able to pay off the debts? yeah, absolutely. _ able to pay off the debts? yeah, absolutely, and _ able to pay off the debts? yeah, absolutely, and i _ able to pay off the debts? yeah, absolutely, and i think— able to pay off the debts? yeah, absolutely, and i think it's i able to pay off the debts? yeah, absolutely, and i think it's also l absolutely, and i think it�*s also about being able to manage your, any increases in income, i think for a lot people, once you�*re above a living wage, you can�*t then really outearn a terrible relationship with money, because if you are in the habit of spending beyond your means, you willjust carry on absorbing any extra income that you have, so it�*s, for me, really, it was about taking it right back to my mind set and my attitude, and making sure that you know t when i was earning a bit more, when my son started school and we didn�*t have any childcare bill, that that extra money was going to pay off debt, rather than us just thinking, well we have a bit more to spend. thinking, well we have a bit more to send. . ~ thinking, well we have a bit more to send. ., ~' ,, thinking, well we have a bit more to send. ., ,, i. i. thinking, well we have a bit more to send. ., ,, , . spend. thank you you very much claire. thank— spend. thank you you very much claire. thank you _ spend. thank you you very much claire. thank you for _ spend. thank you you very much claire. thank you for talking i spend. thank you you very much claire. thank you for talking to l spend. thank you you very much l claire. thank you for talking to us. thank you. storm figures coming out about the number of people who have die. with coronavirus. 8,a22 deaths registered in the week ending january 22nd mentioned covid on the death certificate. now that is the second highest weekly number since the pandemic began, and is up from the 7,2a5 deaths in the week to the end of january 15th. nearly half of all deaths registered in england and wales in the week to january 22nd mentioned covid—19 on the death certificate, that is the highest proportion recorded during the pandemic. the sports minister oliver dowden will hold a virtual summit later to discuss the effect of head injuries upon players. it comes as football�*s governing bodies are reported to be preparing to make england the first country to formally limit heading in professional training as part of a strategy to tackle the game�*s links with dementia. one of the people at that virtual summit will be dawn astle, who has spent years campaigning for greater research into head injuries following the death of her father, former west brom and england strikerjeff astle, from a degenerative brain disease at the age ofjust 59. a coroner ruled that mr astle�*s brain had been damaged by years of heading heavy leather footballs. we can speak to dawn now. hello to you, thank you for talking to us. now when the coroner ruled your dad�*s death was due to repeated heading of the ball, that was back in 2002. what has changed since then, dawn? in 2002. what has changed since then. dawn?— in 2002. what has changed since then, dawn? ~ �* . then, dawn? well, untilthe fa and then, dawn? well, untilthe fa and the pfa funded _ then, dawn? well, untilthe fa and the pfa funded the _ then, dawn? well, untilthe fa and the pfa funded the field _ then, dawn? well, untilthe fa and the pfa funded the field study, i the pfa funded the field study, which has showed that footballers are five times more likely to die of dementia than you and i, they are four times more likely to die of motor neurone disease than you and l, motor neurone disease than you and i, and twice as likely to die of parkinson�*s disease than you and i, basically there was nothing, and i firmly believe that he nothing would have been done bar the footballing authorities, if we hadn�*t have shamed them into action 16 years after my dad died, and that is still unforgivable. bud after my dad died, and that is still unforgivable— after my dad died, and that is still unforgivable. and in terms of what ou still unforgivable. and in terms of what you still want _ unforgivable. and in terms of what you still want to _ unforgivable. and in terms of what you still want to see _ unforgivable. and in terms of what you still want to see happen, i unforgivable. and in terms of what you still want to see happen, whatl you still want to see happen, what are you hoping for, from the culture secretary? are you hoping for, from the culture secreta ? ~ , are you hoping for, from the culture secreta ?~ , h ,, a, secretary? well, this discussion this afternoon, _ secretary? well, this discussion this afternoon, in _ secretary? well, this discussion this afternoon, in ewe _ secretary? well, this discussion this afternoon, in ewe know, . secretary? well, this discussion this afternoon, in ewe know, is| this afternoon, in ewe know, is definitely welcome, victoria, but only time will tell if this summit will lead to meaningful change. as you know my family and i have campaigned for a long time now to try and raise awareness, understanding, of the ling between head injuries, and head impacts and dementia, as well as the short—term risks of concussion amend over the years it's been a real challenge to get people to listen, and for most of that journey it get people to listen, and for most of thatjourney it has been a very lonelyjourney, i know through dad's charity, the jeff astle town location and charities like headway, the work of researches and scientists we are making a different now. there does seem to be the opportunity to change things, but there needs to be a consistent message, there needs to be greatly increased awareness through education and real focus on safety. the health, the wellbeing and safety of the player, must also, sorry always paramount players, both past and present. find always paramount players, both past and present-— and present. and briefly dawn... factors in _ and present. and briefly dawn... factors in decision _ and present. and briefly dawn... factors in decision making. - and present. and briefly dawn... factors in decision making. youl and present. and briefly dawn... . factors in decision making. you said ou are factors in decision making. you said you are still — factors in decision making. you said you are still look _ factors in decision making. you said you are still look for _ factors in decision making. you said you are still look for meaningful- you are still look for meaningful change, what would that look like? well, the main things is actually the introduction of limiting heading in training, there should be temporary concussion substitutes, not permanent concussion substitute, the whole problem with that is about the whole problem with that is about the medics not getting the time to properly assess what could be a complex brain injury, and permanent concussion substitutes doesn't address that and there needs to be proper ca care in place for all those players and their families who have become victim of something which is really an industrial disease and it was industrial disease and it was industrial disease on the bottom of my dad's death certificate and it will be an industrial disease on the bottom of many more, ifeel. industrial disease on the bottom of many more, i feel.— many more, i feel. thank you very much dawn- _ many more, i feel. thank you very much dawn. all— many more, i feel. thank you very much dawn. all the _ many more, i feel. thank you very much dawn. all the best _ many more, i feel. thank you very much dawn. all the best for - many more, i feel. thank you very much dawn. all the best for the i much dawn. all the best for the conversation with the culture and sports secretary. dawn astle. a major winner storm has hit the us bringing snow falls and blizzard like conditions to new york and new jersey, a state of emergency has been declared there. more than 1600 flights have been cancelled. schools have been closed and coronavirus vaccines have been postponed. snow is not a problem if you are amanda. these are the giant pandas from the smithsonian zoo in the us, they were caught on camera playing in the snow. they were making the most of the chilly conditions! pandas can have snow days too! now it's time for a look at the weather. path parts of northern northern england have seen a fair amount of snow. there is a weather washing in force, disruption is likely and an amber weather warning mikes an increased impact due to the weather. we have mild air coming in across england and wales and northern ireland, bumping into the cold air across scotland in the far north and this is where we are seeing the snow. earliertoday this is where we are seeing the snow. earlier today this was the picture, on the coast, more likely to be rain than snow but inland we have been seeing the centimetres totalling. you can see this morning how it continues to move northwards, clearing southern parts of northern england moving across parts of scotland. the far north of scotland largely dry, some hazy sunshine, just a few wintry showers and for northern ireland, england and wales, we are looking at further showers coming in, some will be heavy and thundery. blustery winds in the south—west and also across the central lowlands, here it will remain cold but very mild across southern areas, with temperatures between ten and 1a degrees. as we head on through the evening and overnight the, some snow in the pennines, further snow to fall in perth and kinross, angus, stirling and the borders, a new area of rain. here the ground is saturated so there is the risk of further flooding as there is from the rain across north—west england. the extent of this rain is still open to question, it might be a bit further north, it may not as it pushes into the south—east and then we still have further snow to come in the south and east of scotland. in between something drier and brighter, still mild in the south, cold as we push up to the north. into thursday, we will have further snow to follow in parts of scotland, some rain coming in right behind it, and also some further showery outbreaks of rain coming in in southern areas, in between sunshine, temperatures still tens and 11s in the south, three, fours and five as we push further north. 23 you like something colder you can expect that as we head into the weekend, and the early part of next week as temperatures where they have been so high fall away. this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. extensive testing begins in eight areas of england where the south african variant of covid has been found. a uk government minister says a hotel quarantine —— called for tighter border controls to stop the variant spreading, but a controls to stop the variant spreading, buta uk controls to stop the variant spreading, but a uk government minister says hotel quarantine for all arrivals would be unfeasible. do you think it would work? let me know — it's @vicderbyshire on twitter or instagram, or email victoria@bbc.co.uk the uk records the second highest weekly number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic in figures released this morning. a court in moscow is due to decide shortly whether to jail president vladimir putin's leading critic, alexei navalny. nicola sturgeon is set to confirm whether scotland's covid lockdown will be extended beyond mid—february.