For news, well look at how The Social Network is increasingly going head to head with National Governments and its not always going the way of the countries. And lady gaga has offered half 1 million reward after a gunman shot her dog walker and carried her dogs away. We start with the Stuttering Roll out of vaccines in the european union. Leaders have met to work out how to speed up the process. Theyre facing a combination of problems lower than expected supply, bureaucratic glitches, and reluctance to take the british Astrazeneca Jab. European Union Leaders are holding a Virtual Meeting to address speeding up the distribution of coronavirus vaccines. The European Commission has been heavily criticised over its vaccine Mainland Europe is lagging far behind the uk, where 27 have had at least one dose of vaccine. Spain, germany, italy, belgium and france are all at between five and 7 . And look at this from germanys biggest selling newspaper. Dear britain, we envy you, it says. Separately, Vaccine Makers have been answering questions to the European Parliament about why some supplies are lower than expected. Heres the ceo of astrazeneca. Its to do with a lower productivity than we expected, unfortunately. Some sites have ramped up very quickly, and other sites have been a little bit slower. And so this question of yield has impacted our ability to deliver the volume we were looking for for the eu. Professor Thomas Mertens is a scientific adviser to the german government. He told the bbc they have about1. 4 million doses of astrazeneca vaccine in store, and only about 240 thousand have been given to the people. Thats more than a million doses left unused. The times has reported that officials in berlin may give surplus doses to homeless people. And there have been issues elsewhere. France has only used half its vaccine supply. These countries including belgium, the netherlands, and croatia, have used two thirds or less. Jean mackenzie is in brussels. The queues they planned for. Inside, chairs sit empty. Belgiums largest Vaccination Centre finally opened last week, but theres barely a person in sight. They have the capacity to vaccinate 5000 people a day, but today they say they have only done 200, and in the hour that we have been here we have seenjust one person arrive for their vaccination. So whats going on here . Jean has tweeted to say officials blame lack of vaccine. But even with shortages they say they could be doing 1000 vaccines a day. Thats about 5 times what theyre actually doing. Heres a medical advisor to the belgian government. Maybe four, five, six e mails every day of nurses, even medical doctors saying they dont want the astrazeneca vaccine. They refuse, and they want to wait for a better vaccine, which is a bit strange because thats not really based on solid evidence or science. What we want a vaccine to do is keep people. Out of the hospital, keep them out of intensive care, keep them from dying. And as far as i have seen, all vaccines that are on the market for the moment can do that. Some have blamed this on the decision by many european governments not to give the Astrazeneca Jab to older age groups. That has reduced some peoples confidence in it, even though studies have shown it to be effective and safe. Heres one doctor in germany. When we have 1000 appointments then may be 50 people say, no we dont want to have this vaccination, we dont want to have astrazeneca. Authorities in germany have recognised the problem. Heres Thomas Merterns again he said theyre working quite hard on this point, trying to convince people to accept the vaccine and build up trust in the vaccine in the population. Nick beake in brussels. This is a bit of a mass. Its a big mess, this is a bit of a mass. Its a big mess. And this is a bit of a mass. Its a big mess, and the this is a bit of a mass. Its a big mess, and the problem this is a bit of a mass. Its a big mess, and the problem for this is a bit of a mass. Its a big mess, and the problem for the | this is a bit of a mass. Its a big i mess, and the problem for the eu this is a bit of a mass. Its a big mess, and the problem for the eu is turning around is going to be really difficult and there are no quick fixes. The eu is facing this a triple whammy, Distribution Problems after the initial production problems, and within the scepticism that we are seeing, and particularly in germany and france as well. By the scenes we talk about new things we can do, Production Sites and new vaccines that could be made. That will take months to get us up and running. Also the idea of speeding up running. Also the idea of speeding up the system of approving vaccines, to be honest thats only going to help in the autumn when potentially Second Generation vaccines that are created in response to new variants, when they start to come online. So its tough and the leaders talking forfour its tough and the leaders talking for four hours this evening and getting hints of what they might discuss but in terms of any sort of new policy coming from this i think that instant sort of, something that really improves the situation is going to be really tough. Lets really improves the situation is going to be really tough. Lets be clear on the going to be really tough. Lets be clear on the vaccine going to be really tough. Lets be clear on the vaccine complete clear on the vaccine complete medical agency as i understand has not said it wont work on the over 65 is, they said it expects to work but does not have the data, is that right . But does not have the data, is that riuht . � , but does not have the data, is that riuht . � ,. , but does not have the data, is that riht . , p, right . Thats actually right. Along the powers right . Thats actually right. Along the powers that right . Thats actually right. Along the Powers That Be right . Thats actually right. Along the Powers That Be in right . Thats actually right. Along the Powers That Be in germany i right . Thats actually right. Along l the Powers That Be in germany and france have said that when it comes to the over 65 they dont believe that theres enough evidence yet to suggest that should be given to that age group. Not because they think it is unsafe but because they think want to see more data. The required bodies is defined for all adults and if you look at the data coming from scotland this week they have said that the astrazeneca vaccine really reduces the number of hospitalisations, particularly in the over 80s. The problem is youve had the likes of Emmanuel Macron who has been very publicly suggesting whether its has been very publicly suggesting whether its efficient and the older age group, this scepticism seems to have struck a chord with a lot of people in germany, france we have heard from doctors saying a lot of people are turning up for their Vaccine Appointments or even not turning up but saying can i have another one, is there a better one . Despite the evidence that says the astrazeneca vaccine is a good, efficientjab. Astrazeneca vaccine is a good, efficient jab astrazeneca vaccine is a good, efficient ab. � , ~. ,. , efficient ab. And president macron does efficient jab. And president macron does not seem efficient jab. And president macron does not seem like efficient jab. And president macron does not seem like a efficient jab. And president macron does not seem like a man efficient jab. And president macron does not seem like a man racked i efficient jab. And president macron i does not seem like a man racked with self doubt but has event regrets about him or anyone else of how they have discussed this publicly . I dont think so it was this build is the bad blood that we have had between some member state over the way that the European Commission at the centre here in brussels has taken on the responsibility for the procurement, across the 27 countries. We know that they were slow to sign deals and we know that last month they were really blaming astrazeneca for allegedly favouring the uk over eu countries. Of course astrazeneca says that simply not the case. Its no sort of Public Acceptance that they may have got the wrong emphasis, but you just wonder how long it will take for the french and the German Authorities to have enough data and, at this point, maybe that will start to change attitudes. France famously pretty sceptical when it comes to some vaccines but this is the last thing the medical experts say they need at this point. They need people to be happy to come forward, take the vaccine and really make a difference in tackling this pandemic. Appreciate the update, thank you very much indeed. Lets turn to armenia where the fall out from its Military Defeat by azerbaijan continues. The two are neighbours and now the armenian Prime Minister is accusing the military of an attempted coup hours after the military called on him to resign. Well supporters have taken to the streets. This is yerevan and you can the Prime Minister walking with a loudspeaker surrounded by supporters. And morejoined him. Look at this its Republic Square where an estimated 20,000 people turned out. And the Prime Minister addressed them. Translation as an elected Prime Minister, i am ordering all generals, officers and soldiers, do yourjob of protecting the countrys borders. This is my order, and no one can breach it the Prime Minister has been facing growing pressure to resign after he agreed a deal last year that ended the war over the disputed region of Nagorno Karabakh but only ended it by effectively accepting defeat. Many called it a betrayal. And heres a statement from the military. The Prime Minister and the government are no longer able to make reasonable decisions. It accuses him of. Serious mistakes in Foreign Policy and says they have resulted in the armenian state being on the verge of destruction. Within hours the Prime Minister posted his reply on faceboook. Translation i made decisions to dismiss the head of the General Staff of the armed forces and the deputy head of General Staff, after it followed the announcement of high ranking military officials demanding my resignation. The most important problem now is to keep the power in the hands of the people, because i consider what is happening to be a Military Coup. Behind all this is Nagorno Karabakh. It is recognised as part if azerbaijan but had been controlled by Ethnic Armenians and become in effect part of armenia. These are some pictures from during the conflict. This was the aftermath of violence in barda. And after six weeks a peace deal was brokered by russia. But only after azerbaijan was allowed to keep areas it had captured. An angry reaction in armenia was immediate. Protesters stormed Parliament Within hours of the deal being announced. But armenias Prime Minister said he had no choice because he feared his forces would suffer even bigger losses. Since then Anti Government protests in armenia have been gaining momentum. This was yerevan on wednesday. These are members of an Opposition Alliance forcing their way into the yerevan state university. We told they were trying to gain support from students. There were a few scuffles. And they are trying to enter another university. And more than a dozen Opposition Parties now want the Prime Minister to go. Two powerful players have expressed concern. Russia a Military Ally of armenia has called for calm. While turkey which backed azerbaijan in the conflict said this. Translation Coup Attempts can only destabilize the region, and thats why we are against it. In democracies, people could criticise the government and demand its resignation. This is natural. But the armys call to resign on a government that came to power through elections, let alone stage a coup, is unacceptable. We should add here that there is no evidence of a coup taking place. Armenias Prime Minister took office after leading a Peaceful Revolution in 2018. Since then hes survived several attempts in parliament to remove him. Heres Reyhan Demitrye On what might happen next. Its still unclear whats going to happen. Because he fired the head of the armed forces earlier today, but the president of armenia is yet to sign that order. So what appears to be happening now in armenia is that the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is really on the other side of the spectrum from the army generals, from the president , and the head of the countrys church. All of them demanded for him to resign. Lets get more on the coronavirus pandemic as the number of deaths across the world have now surpassed two and a half million, according to thejohns hopkins university. Weve spoken about Vaccine Passprts a lot recently on outside source. The concept is simple to stop new cases entering the country from abroad some governments will require anyone arriving in their country to provide proof that they have been vaccinated. One country looking to implement the idea is greece. It already has an agreement in place with israel they are leading the world in their Vaccination Programme. Well have more on that in a minute. But in the agreement vaccinated citizens can fly between the countries despite each nation having closed borders. And greece is now in � talks with the uk about a similar plan for summer when the uk government hopes to have all Lockdown Restrictions lifted. Greece is also pushing the eu to adopt digital Vaccine Certificates to help regain fredom of Movement Across the bloc. Greeces Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Akees Skert Sos has been explaining to the bbc sot we know the eu has reached an agreement on the details of the vaccination certificate. We now need to move faster and bolder on the political level. To plan now for the resumption in the summer. We are not desperate but its a big component of our economy. We want double what we see last year in 2020. We think that by using all of these Digital Tools this will be achieved. Now to israel. As i mentioned their Vaccination Program is world leading. A third of israelis are now fully vaccinated. On top of its Travel Agreement with greece the Israeli Government are going further using Vaccine Certificates to help ease local restrictions. Holders of whats being called the Green Passport can now go into synagogues, theatres, gyms and hotels. Heres our middle east correspondent, yolande knell. After nearly a year, this Vaccine Passport app gives the green light for israelis to go back to training. Its not been easy keeping a gym body, without the gym. Closed for 11 months and very excited, very excited, i want to open, want to reopen my place. Without vaccination, you are left outside. It raises ethical questions. Im not vaccinated. Its my personal choice. We dont have to be discriminated for our choices. Its not going to affect my choice, think. Im still not going to get vaccinated. You know what you could expect and how to handle. Simple pleasures like having Friends Round for a catch up over coffee have not been possible for many older israelis until now. Im so glad that after a whole year we are able to get together. For this family, small things mean a lot after a year of shielding. I feel like a free bird. I know what solitary confinement| feels like now and its great to be able to have the freedom. Israels rapid vaccine roll out offers a taste of the return to normality, but numbers getting the jab are dropping off. Im going to count to three and you will feel a little prick and we will continue. Now i am fully vaccinated, that is my second shot of the pfizer vaccine. Medics think the Green Passport could give younger israelis the push they need. Hopefully when they open the open markets, all the shows and musical shows and everything, i hope that more people will finally realise that its good for them and start coming here. You think when people see this as the ticket back to normal life they will come . Of course. We are israelis. We always need a little boost before we do something. In tel aviv there is a carrot as well as a stick being used. A free drink at this bar for those getting a jab. Israel has been a Living Laboratory for other countries to watch and that now includes the moral quandaries and legal challenges over its new Vaccine Passport. To the Czech Republic now it currently has the highest rate of infection in the world when you take into account population. Authorities say the high rate has a lot to do with the kent variant of the virus which as im sure you will remember is more contagious. It has been spreading rapidly across the country. And the government is looking at a new lockdown to try and curve the spread. Heres our prague correspondent rob cameron. There have never been so many people in intensive care. 1400. In fact, even the Prime Minister says the situation in the countrys hospitals in the next few weeks is going to be hellish. So what can the government do . Well, they are currently locked in talks with the opposition on declaring a new state of emergency, and a new lockdown. Closing those classes who are still physically present in school, making test mandatory in all firms and all factories. But the problem is even the Health Minister admits, is that if people fail to respect those regulations to my theres no point introducing new ones. And there is a curious sense of normality around here as people are enjoying the spring sunshine. And even on vaccination, the country is lagging behind her. Behind its european neighbours. Just today the french president offered the Czech Republic 100,000 doses of vaccine as a gesture of solidarity when the Czech Vaccination Effort is so sluggish. Now here in the uk the covid 19 alert level has been reduced in all four nations. The alert has been at level five the highest since early january and is now going down to four. This doesnt mean the lockdown is relaxed all of the current restrictions remain in place. Our Health Editor hugh pym has more. Its based on a decision by the uks for chief medical officers working with officials from the joint bio security centre. Its, in a way, a Nonpolitical Independent take on how serious the alert level is. Now, it was level three from may onwards all the way through to september when it was moved up to level four. Thats when cases were really beginning to accelerate again, and then level five, the highest level onjanuary the 4th, the day the Prime Minister announced Lockdown Restrictions for england, and of course there were similar measures being taken in the uks other nations. And the key determining factor for level five is a Material Risk of the nhs being overwhelmed within 21 days without further action. And given that risk them as they perceived it, the chief medical officers moved up to level five. They are now moving back down to level four. In a Statement Released on behalf of the four uk cmos, they say Hospital Numbers have been consistently declining for covid patients. And therefore the pressure is considerably less. So it is a moment to move back to level four, but they added that there are still significant issues and relatively high numbers of patients in hospital. In time, vaccines will have a major impact, but for the time being everybody vaccinated or not should remain vigilant. Finally the World Health Organization is warning that long covid could have severe social and economic consequences. It says governments must set up Services Dedicated to these patients. At least one in ten people who had the virus, still experiences some of the symptoms months after theyve been infected. Fiona lowenstein has suffered from long covid, and set up a Support Group for others with similar experiences. You know, i got sick with covid in march you know, i got sick with covid in march 2020, and was experiencing longterm march 2020, and was experiencing long term symptoms, debilitating symptoms for about three months. Was hospitalised briefly and released after my hospitalised briefly and released after my symptoms seem to be Getting Better after my symptoms seem to be Getting Better and after my symptoms seem to be Getting Better and then everything from sore throat, better and then everything from sore throat, classic flu symptoms to dermatological issues, functioning issues, dermatological issues, functioning issues, severe fatigue, issues with my menstrual cycle, the list goes on and on my menstrual cycle, the list goes on and on through earlyjune. But its important and on through earlyjune. But its important to know i am anyways the best case important to know i am anyways the best case scenario, many of the patients best case scenario, many of the patients in best case scenario, many of the patients in the Support Group i run ot patients in the Support Group i run got sick patients in the Support Group i run got sick in patients in the Support Group i run Got Sick In March and april and are still sick Got Sick In March and april and are still sick today. Lets go to the us Where Pop Superstar lady gaga, is reportedly offering half a Million Dollars in reward for the return of two dogs. They were stolen by a gunman who shot her dog walker in los angeles. These pictures have just come into the newsroom. This is where the shooting took place in hollywood just before 6am local. The dog walker is being treated in hospital and is apparently recovering well. We think the French Bulldog on the right was stolen. And that the blag dog in the picture called miss asia managed to escape. Its not clear whether lady gagas dogs were specifically targeted in the attack. French bulldogs are a sought after breed in the us. Peter bowes is in los angeles. Peter, a horrible story, a strange one as well. What else can you add to this . ,. , ,. , one as well. What else can you add to this . ,. ,. , one as well. What else can you add tothis . ,. ,. ,. , to this . Obviously a very worrying sto , to this . Obviously a very worrying story. Certainly to this . Obviously a very worrying story, certainly for to this . Obviously a very worrying story, certainly for lady to this . Obviously a very worrying story, certainly for lady gaga to this . Obviously a very worrying story, certainly for lady gaga and | story, certainly for lady gaga and for dog owners across the city of los angeles because there have been other reports of similar incidents from these French Bulldogs are indeed very valuable. Very high profile case a few months ago in san francisco, a woman was attacked in the street and her French Bulldog taken. As far as what happened last night was concerned, just before ten oclock in the evening in the middle of West Hollywood summer in the centre of los angeles, and a dog walker believed to be a good friend of lady gaga was walking the three dogs and as you said one managed to escape. And one called by the police and returned by a bodyguard to the home of lady gaga. The other two dogs were stolen. This is what has led to half a Million Dollar reward put up by lady gaga, no questions asked for anyone that has information leading to the return of these dogs. Just anyone that has information leading to the return of these dogs. To the return of these dogs. Just as i to the return of these dogs. Just as i understand. To the return of these dogs. Just as i understand, more to the return of these dogs. Just as i understand, more broadly to the return of these dogs. Just as i understand, more broadly what i to the return of these dogs. Just as i i understand, more broadly what kind of crime is common, are they simply being stolen for someone else because of that they are being generally stolen for resale, so for someone else. Havent heard of any cases of actual ransom being involved. This is a very popular breed of dog, the fourth most popular in the United States according to the American Kennel Club and the reason they are so valuable is that they are very difficult to breed. The puppies generally almost always have to be born through caesarean section and thats a large part because the structure of this breed very broad shoulders and a large head makes it difficult for a natural birth. So that clearly adds to the expense of breeding these dogs. Talking to a dog walker, not connected to this case who works in los angeles. He looks after a French Bulldog and said that on occasions he has been walking this particular dog. Bend said that on occasions he has been walking this particular dog. Walking this particular dog. And he has noticed walking this particular dog. And he has noticed vehicle walking this particular dog. And he has noticed vehicle slow walking this particular dog. And he has noticed vehicle slow down walking this particular dog. And he has noticed vehicle slow down in i walking this particular dog. And he i has noticed vehicle slow down in the road to get a closer look at the breed or at least the dog that he was walking. And they found that quite disconcerting. This is an issue, this is a much sought after breed and clearly leading to these very awkward and difficult situations where they are being stolen. ~ ,. , situations where they are being stolen. , ~ y. ,. Stolen. Thank you very much indeed. Lets ho e stolen. Thank you very much indeed. Lets hepe the stolen. Thank you very much indeed. Lets hope the return stolen. Thank you very much indeed. Lets hope the return to stolen. Thank you very much indeed. Lets hope the return to lady stolen. Thank you very much indeed. Lets hope the return to lady gaga i lets hope the return to lady gaga as soon as possible. Hello there. Its been another mild day across the uk, however compared with yesterday when we had that extreme heat for february when temperatures got to pretty crazy levels with heights up to 18 degrees, today it has been fresher. Temperatures down to about 12 celsius which is still about three Orfour Celsius which is still about three or four celsius above average for the time of year. That change was brought about and this area of light patchy rain, these cold front the air has been fresher. See a few showers for Northern Ireland and many of us as he and many of us has see in sunshine as well. The temperatures of onlyjust been above normal across parts of england by a few degrees celsius, across europe meanwhile the deeper the reds show with the unusual warmth is its been pretty widespread over recent days, a number of cities have set all time records for february. The weather has been very unusual. Overnight tonight pressure is going to build across the uk and that means for many of us the winds will be light and clear skies. A recipe for turning pretty cold indeed. Patches of frost around particularly in the countryside but notice Northern Scotland frost free around 5 degrees, and about six here. Figure cloud for the Weather Front bringing rain here. Towards the end of the night and on friday as well. That will set of the way and they will thin and break up and turned quite a bit brighter. For most of the uk after a cold and locally frosty start for many there will be pretty much sunshine from dawn till dusk, a glorious kind of day. And again mild, temperatures ten to 12 celsius which is similar to what we had today. Beyond that on its that we can forecast this area of High Pressure going to wear very far very fast. Week with her friends just crossing into this area of High Pressure bringing slightly thicker cloud with that across parts of scotland northern england. Could squeeze a few spots of light and patchy rain but many, again will have more fun weather with further sunshine to go around. Temperatures not changing very much day by day, again ten to 12 celsius very widely. Perhaps 14 with sunshine across the warmest part of the country in the southeast. Beyond that into sunday into next week it stays very quiet with High Pressure in charge there will be a lot of dry weather, it will be a lot of dry weather, it will stay just on the will be a lot of dry weather, it will stayjust on the mild side of things. Thats your weather. Hello, im ros atkins, this is outside source. The eus Vaccination Drive is not going to plan. In beligum there are no queues and no people at some Vaccination Centres. First there were problems with supplies now some people wont take what theyre being offered. I get maybe four, five e mails every day of nurses, even medical doctors saying they dont want the astrazeneca vaccine. They refused and they want to wait for a better vaccine. The bbc learns that Princess Latifa the missing dubai princess, asked British Police to investigate her sisters disappearance two decades ago. Shamsa has not been seen in public since. Huge crowds in armenia the Prime Minister calls his supporters out on the street, to stop what he says is an attempted coup. And the popstar lady gaga has offered a half Million Dollar reward, after a gunman shot her dog walker, and carried her dogs away. Last week we reported on the plight of Princess Latifa who says she is being held captive by her father Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of dubai. Now, in a letter obtained by the bbc, she has appealed to uk police to re investigate the kidnapping of her older sister princess shamsa from a cambridge street more than 20 years ago. A Police Investigation at the time was closed and there have been questions about why that happened. Our correspondent Nawal Al Maghafi has been following the story. Sheikh Mohammed Rashid al maktoum. The Billionaire Ruler of dubai, and one of the most powerful men in the middle east. Last week, the bbc released secret recordings of his daughter, Princess Latifa. In them, she claims he is responsible for her abduction and imprisonment. The messages sparked international concerns. But latifa is not the only daughter of Sheikh Mohammed to try to escape. 20 years ago, her sister shamsa ran away from the Family Estate in surrey. In 2000, my sister shamsa, while she was on holiday in england, she was 18 years old, going on 19, she ran away. So, yeah, after two months, they found her. The police launched an investigation, but it hit a dead end. Now the bbc has obtained an Exclusive Letter written by Princess Latifa from her captivity. In it, a plea to reopen her sisters case. The letter, delivered by her friends yesterday to cambridgeshire police, says shamsa has strong links with england. Herfondest memories are of her time here. Weve pieced together shamsas extraordinary story. She was a passionate horse rider and Loved Spending summers at her fathers estate in the surrey countryside. Shamsa was cheeky, liked to push all the boundaries, and she wasnt what you would call a princess, you know . She was full of life and adventure. She dreamt of going to university, but says that her father wouldnt allow it. So in the summer of the year 2000, she drove a black range rover to the edge of the estate and she ran away. After shamsa escaped her fathers estate in longcross, she lived as a free woman for around two months. She then checked into this hotel in cambridge. Suddenly, herfather� s operatives arrived and she was captured. By sam the next morning, she was on a helicopter to northern france, where she was transferred to a private jet that took her to dubai. On her enforced return to dubai, shamsa was kept locked up for the next eight years. She was then released from confinement, but her life remained heavily controlled. We spoke to someone who had regular contact with her after she was released. She was tranquilised all the time. Everything she did was controlled. There was no spark in shamsa any more. There was no fight in her. And i understand that people cant get their head around it. Theyjust see some rich girl. Its not like that at all. Its horrific. The uae government maintain that shamsa and latifa are cherished and adored by their family. They� re yet to prove that they are still alive and well. Nawal al maghafi, bbc news. Lets go to the trigray region in ethiopia now and these Satellite Images weve received. These before and after pictures suggest that hundreds of structures have been destroyed by fire in tigray this week. They show blackened circles in the gijet area, south of the regional capital, mekelle. And in recent days there have been unconfirmed reports of atrocities against civilians near gijet. Late last year we reported extensively on the fighting in tigray between Ethiopian Government forces and the tigray Peoples Liberation front. This is a map of the area. Tensions between ethiopias federal government and the tigray Peoples Liberation front or tplf until recently tigray� s governing party had been simmering for years, and the fighting broke out in september. It officially ended when ethiopias government toppled the tplf in november, but there have been reports of sporadic fighting in tigray ever since. Now to scotland where, right at the moment when support for independence from the United Kingdom is running high two figures whove dominated the Ruling Scottish National Party are locked in a fierce battle. One which is about to come to a head. These are the people concerned, Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister and her predecessor and one time mentor, alex salmond. This is them campaigniing together in happier times. Fast forward to now, hes accusing her of Misleading Parliament in evidence she gave to an inquiry into his personal conduct. Hes also accusing her of conspiring against him to have him removed from public life. Allegations which, she denies. As we said, theyre both in the same party the snp, which governs scotland. Heres what the Opposition Conservative Party had to say on thursday. A culture of secrets and cover up that is only growing, and it is all taking place on Nicola Sturgeons watch. And theres just one further question i want to ask. First minister, is saving your own skin worth all the damage that you are doing . Those watching say it was some of the fiercest exchanges theyd ever seen in the Scottish Parliament. Well hear how Nicola Sturgeon responded in a moment. First heres nick eardley with some of the background. Its raining on and on and there are Big Questions from Nicola Sturgeon about when she knew about allegations against them. Did it matter . I thought about the chain of events and how conversations with him happened at her house. Whether they were a government or party business. And how it contributed to the radio to the way that her government ultimately botched the investigation into it and allegations of harassment. You heard Ruth Davidson alleging a moment ago that there had been a cover up. That allegation refers to the Scottish Governments decision to publish an incomplete version of written evidence mr salmond gave to parliament. The conservatives allege if the whole of mr salmonds evidence was published it would show Nicola Sturgeon lied to parliament. This is how the First Minister described anyone taking that view. Notjust not just wrong and notjust wrong and notjust completely lacking in a single shred of evidence to back that came up, but i would also suggest that they are signing up to dangerous and quite deluded conspiracy theories. Theres a lot of backstory to this this was two years ago, alex salmond went on trial in a criminal court, he was eventually cleared of 13 charges of sexually assaulting women who worked for him. However, he did admit to inappropriate behaviour touching, and kissing women who were on his staff late at night when he was drunk. Now, alex salmond is accusing Nicola Sturgeon and some of those around her of conspiring to fabricate exaggerate some of the allegations against him. One of his Friends Alex Neill member of the Scottish Parliament alex neill, spoke to the today programme. He believes that there was a conspiracy to get him. Initially ive been keeping for extended attempt to keep him out of public life and not allow him back into the Scottish Parliament after he lost it but i think since the empties has grown and he believes a number of people have been involved in conspiring against him and teaching him up. Nicola sturgeon and those around her all deny that. Both she and alex salmond are due to give evidence over the coming days and the stakes are incredibly high. If Nicola Sturgeon is shown to have lied that would be a breach of the ministerial code and there would be huge pressure on her to resign. Theres plenty of drama to this story but also a very complicated plot, heres nick eardley with more on how all of this fits together. There is a committee in the Scottish Parliament which is looking into how the Scottish Government dealt with Harassment Allegations which were made against alex simon back in 2010. That will process was flawed. The artist chance in court and he won and the court set the Scottish Government approach had been unlawful and painted back apparent bias. That committee has regularly found himself struggling to get documents it wants and there was an army backed almighty fight yesterday when the crown office Richard Scott ands Prosecution Service asked the parliament to unpublished parts of his evidence. The argument the crown of a sneyd was part of the evidence could be in contempt of court. It was an offence that them up on the website. There are many people disputing back on the other argument we heard today from the First Ministers questions was that the part of the evidence which had been taken down are some of the most damaging for Nicola Sturgeon. The accusation that she brought the ministerial card. She accuses her opponent of what she calls the scorched earth policy. This is an over the next few days its only going to get more intense. He will hearfrom him and i am told that session could last up to four hours. So get the coffee in. Stay with us on outside source still to come after australia passed a Law Interesting Big Tech Pay for and use thatis interesting big tech pay for and use that is being shared on their platform even looked at how facebook is increasingly rubbing up against some National Governments and how that plays out on the global stage. After last years exam fiasco when grades were decided by an algorithm this year the government has opted to pass the responsibility of gcse and a level grades on to teachers. With so much term time lost and exams cancelled, pupils in england will be assessed only on what theyve been taught. Our Education Editor Branwen Jeffreys reports. Rules will be testing all pupils and they return. But for covid 19, not their grades. When youre in that in our back, and the work counts. Abs, iat our back, and the work counts. A lot of pressure our back, and the work counts. A lot of pressure has our back, and the work counts. A lot of pressure has been our back, and the work counts. A lot of pressure has been put our back, and the work counts. Int of pressure has been put on all of us. It of pressure has been put on all of us. , of pressure has been put on all of us,. , of pressure has been put on all of us. ,. , , of pressure has been put on all of us. It is the crucial gcses year for an of us. It is the crucial gcses year for any of elizabeth. Us. It is the crucial gcses year for any of elizabeth. It us. It is the crucial gcses year for any of elizabeth. It would us. It is the crucial gcses year for any of elizabeth. It would let us. It is the crucial gcses year for any of elizabeth. It would let me | any of elizabeth. It would let me aet into any of elizabeth. It would let me get into the any of elizabeth. It would let me get into the colleges any of elizabeth. It would let me get into the colleges and get into the colleges and universities i want to get to. Relief that teachers will decide what counts towards their grades. I find it better because i get under pressure a lot more exams so i think what im comfortable in my lessons its a lot better for me. This what im comfortable in my lessons its a lot better for me. Its a lot better for me. This is the eastwest its a lot better for me. This is the eastwest option. Its a lot better for me. This is the eastwest option. Our its a lot better for me. This is the eastwest option. Our approach in the face of the eastwest option. Our approach in the face of the the eastwest option. Our approach in the face of the worst the eastwest option. Our approach in the face of the worst disruption i in the face of the worst disruption to education in the face of the worst disruption to education since in the face of the worst disruption to education since the in the face of the worst disruption to education since the second in the face of the worst disruption. To education since the Second World War has to education since the Second World War has been to education since the Second World War has been to to education since the Second World War has been to protect to education since the Second World War has been to protect the to education since the Second Worldl War has been to protect the progress of pupils war has been to protect the progress of pupils and war has been to protect the progress of pupils and students. War has been to protect the progress of pupils and students. If war has been to protect the progress of pupils and students. Of pupils and students. If grapes go u. Of pupils and students. If grapes go u a lot of pupils and students. If grapes go up a lot this of pupils and students. If grapes go up a lot this year, of pupils and students. If grapes go up a lot this year, then of pupils and students. If grapes go up a lot this year, then teenagers l up a lot this year, then teenagers will benefit and their families are not likely to complain immediately. But if they are massively out of line with other years, then they will not hold their value and of course not everyone will get the results they want. Leading schools to tread a very tricky, difficult path. To tread a very tricky, difficult ath. ,. ,. , to tread a very tricky, difficult ath. ,. ,. ,. , to tread a very tricky, difficult ath. ,. , path. Schools do have their work cut out. Well coming path. Schools do have their work cut out. Well coming back path. Schools do have their work cut out. Well coming back every path. Schools do have their work cut out. Well coming back every year i out. Well coming back every year group and bite you and telling people pupils what they will use to work out grades. This is outside source live from the bbc newsroom. Our lead story is . Eu leaders are meeting to discuss how to speed up delivery of vaccines, after further problems with the supply and takeup ofjabs. Every week on outside source, we take an in depth look at one of the big issues in the news. This week, were turning to facebook� s role in our world and whether its success has given it too much power. Facebook is pervasive. The worlds population is of a 7 billion come across that 3 billion of us are active facebook users and that scare creates power. The power to turn off the means. Creates power. The power to turn off the means the means. Social media giant facebook has the means. Social media giant facebook has followed the means. Social media giant| facebook has followed through the means. Social media giant facebook has followed through on its direct restricting people in australia from viewing news content. The power to turn the power to turn off those in power. The power to turn the power to turn off those in power. Turn off those in power. Accusing the president turn off those in power. Accusing the president of turn off those in power. Accusing the president of using turn off those in power. Accusing the president of using the turn off those in power. Accusing l the president of using the platform to incite insurrection. The the president of using the platform to incite insurrection. To incite insurrection. The power to chan. E to incite insurrection. The power to change how to incite insurrection. The power to change how we to incite insurrection. The power to change how we connect to incite insurrection. The power to change how we connect how to incite insurrection. The power to change how we connect how we change how we connect how we communicate. For better test facebook, forrest says this former employee. Brute facebook, forrest says this former emlo ee. ~. Facebook, forrest says this former emlo ee. ~. ,. , employee. We have created tools that are ri |n~ employee. We have created tools that are ripping apart employee. We have created tools that are ripping apart the employee. We have created tools that are ripping apart the social employee. We have created tools that are ripping apart the social fabric are ripping apart the social fabric of how society works. Are ripping apart the social fabric of how society works. Facebook is owerful. Of how society works. Facebook is powerful ibut of how society works. Facebook is powerful. But is of how society works. Facebook is powerful. But is facebook of how society works. Facebook is powerful. But is facebook too powerful. But is facebook too powerful . Well, this is how Mark Zuckerberg sees its role. Facebook is an idealistic zuckerberg sees its role. Facebook is an idealistic and zuckerberg sees its role. Facebook is an idealistic and optimistic is an idealistic and optimistic company. For most of our existence, we focused on all of that that that connecting people can do. Idealistic, optimistic, focused on the good. Lets keep those words in mind as we consider three stories. The news that in australia, the storming of the capitol in washington, and first a coup. This is me and my military moving them to stop protesters getting on the street in early february. It removed the civilian government from power and the noncontrolling the military is commander in chief. He is a fan of facebook and has been an active userfor of facebook and has been an active user for years. Of facebook and has been an active userforyears. Not of facebook and has been an active userfor years. Not so much now. Facebook has taken down some of the military pages because of repeated violations of other community standards. Face looks straight forward. If you launch a Military Coup and threaten peaceful protest, you lose your facebook page. But the story of facebook� s power mnr is not straightforward. Here is why. It is a country of 54 million people. Over half of them have a facebook account. That did not happen by chance. One third of people live in poverty. To help people get by facebook were moved all data charges and organise for the facebook app to be preloaded onto many phones. The entire internet use facebook and facebook is the internet. Mast facebook is the internet. Most Eo Le Facebook is the internet. Most peeple dont facebook is the internet. Most people dont necessarily facebook is the internet. Ilirrst people dont necessarily know how to operate or get on a regular websites. They live eat and breathe facebook. ,. ,. , websites. They live eat and breathe facebook. ,. , facebook. Soon it was accused of la in a facebook. Soon it was accused of Playing A Determining facebook. Soon it was accused of Playing A Determining role facebook. Soon it was accused of Playing A Determining Role In facebook. Soon it was accused of. Playing a determining role in grave crimes. In 2017 veggies were ransacked and people were murdered and Hundreds Of Thousands fled into bangladesh and the un says facebook platform helps create this. Brute bangladesh and the un says facebook platform helps create this. Platform helps create this. We know that the buddhists platform helps create this. We know that the buddhists have platform helps create this. We know that the buddhists have their platform helps create this. We know that the buddhists have their own i that the buddhists have their own facebook that the buddhists have their own facebook and really inciting a lot of violence and a lot of hatred against of violence and a lot of hatred against ethnic minorities. And afraid against ethnic minorities. And afraid facebook has now turned into afraid facebook has now turned into a beast afraid facebook has now turned into a beast than what it was originally intended a beast than what it was originally intended to be used. A beast than what it was originally intended to be used. Facebook was the main platform intended to be used. Facebook was the main platform for intended to be used. Facebook was the main platform for sharing the main platform for sharing horrific contact that insight and violence against their will hinge us. Mark zuckerberg was asked about this in 2018 and he said it has done more to remove content and now its close to the military pages after a coup. This is this a military that affect their well hinges up and reach continued to use facebook. The point being in myanmar, facebook dominates how information is shared and decides who gets to share it. That is a lot of responsibility for one company. And if that is facebook� s role, let us turn to washington. On the storming of the capital. This was early 2021. Americas fractured politics when they bear and lick the very opposite of Mark Zuckerbergs ambition for america and for facebook as he outlined them in 2017. ~. ,. , 4 facebook as he outlined them in 2017. ~. ,. , ~. ,. ,. , 2017. When he look around our society is 2017. When he look around our society is very 2017. When he look around our society is very divided. 2017. When he look around our society is very divided. And 2017. When he look around our society is very divided. And so | 2017. When he look around our society is very divided. And so now i believe that you have a responsibility to do even more. We are not simply connecting the world, but also work to bring the world closer together. By, but also work to bring the world closer together. Closer together. A space but actually doing closer together. A space but actually doing that . Closer together. A space but actually doing that . To closer together. A space but. Actually doing that . To consider that, we need to look at how facebook works. This is a former president. It facebook works. This is a former resident. ,. Facebook works. This is a former president facebook works. This is a former resident. ,. , president. It is a social buzzard Validation Feedback president. It is a social buzzard Validation Feedback loop president. It is a social buzzard Validation Feedback loop and president. It is a social buzzard Validation Feedback loop and its i Validation Feedback loop and its exactly the kind of thing that a hacker like myself would come up with because they are exploiting a vulnerability in human psychology. And then a version of those concerns were seen in a 20 20 week the Wall Street For journal. It can we connect the experience of being on facebook with real life action . 38 Congress Members inc. Cell. In the aftermath of the storming of the capital they sent a letter to Mark Zuckerberg saying letter to Mark Zuckerberg it is congress clement of alexandria or because he acquired tas. Mark zuckerberg or because he acquired tas. Mark zuckerberg and or because he acquired tas. Mark zuckerberg and facebook or because he acquired tas. I zuckerberg and facebook their partial responsibility for our wednesdays events. One New York Times columnist wrote translation there if that accusation that technology designed to make a product popular has ended up undermining the democracy and encouraging prejudice. Ih undermining the democracy and encouraging prejudice. Encouraging preudice. In response to the l encouraging preudice. In response to the t attack encouraging prejudice. In response to the l attack facebook encouraging prejudice. In response to the l attack facebook cll encouraging prejudice. In response to the l attack facebook cll said l encouraging prejudice. In response to the l attack facebook cll said . | this highlights the truth about facebook� s power. It is ruler of its vast domain and it can remove whatever it likes. Be that hate speech or Donald Trumps account or the news. ,. , speech or Donald Trumps account or the news. ,. , speech or Donald Trumps account or the news. ,. ,. ,. ,. , the news. This is an assault on a sovereign the news. This is an assault on a sovereign nation. The news. This is an assault on a sovereign nation. It the news. This is an assault on a sovereign nation. It is the news. This is an assault on a sovereign nation. It is an the news. This is an assault on a sovereign nation. It is an assault on peoples freedoms and in particular it is an utter abuse of the technologies, market power and control over technology. The the technologies, market power and control over technology. Control over technology. The third sto we control over technology. The third story we are control over technology. The third story we are looking control over technology. The third story we are looking at control over technology. The third story we are looking at is control over technology. The third story we are looking at is about i control over technology. The third i story we are looking at is about how without warning facebook removed all news content in australia and let us go back to Mark Zuckerberg in 2019. Facebook is about putting power in Peoples Hands. But facebook is about putting power in Peoples Hands Peoples Hands. But there was not tower in Peoples Hands. But there was not power in the Peoples Hands. But there was not power in the hands Peoples Hands. But there was not power in the hands of Peoples Hands. But there was not power in the hands of australians | power in the hands of australians who get their news via facebook. They need is have vanished. Responding to this Scott Morrison posted on facebook saying . Facebook is a Company Fighting for its interest. As companies do. In this case it is over in an argument over whether way that the providers for content. The context is facebook scale. Its estimated 40 of australians use facebook as their primary news source. That is a problem according to this former facebook executive. And that consent has reached the uk. It is the head of the competition and Market Authority talking to the bbc. I and Market Authority talking to the bbc. 4 and Market Authority talking to the bbc. ~ , and Market Authority talking to the bbc. 4 ,. ,. , bbc. I think it is a Worrisome Development bbc. I think it is a Worrisome Development and bbc. I think it is a Worrisome Development and i bbc. I think it is a Worrisome Development and i think bbc. I think it is a Worrisome Development and i think it i bbc. I think it is a Worrisome Development and i think it really shows that we need to urgently do something to bradys disc and balance of power. Br; something to bradys disc and balance of power. Something to bradys disc and balance of power. Something to bradys disc and balance of tower. � , balance of power. By turning off the news, balance of power. By turning off the news. Albeit balance of power. By turning off the news, albeit temporary, balance of power. By turning off the news, albeit temporary, facebook. News, albeit temporary, facebook showed its extraordinary power and if countries feel they are at risk of being overpowered a more fundamental issue arises. Here is my colleague. The fundamental issue arises. Here is my colleatue. ,. ,. ,. , colleague. The only real action that can really affect colleague. The only real action that can really affect facebook colleague. The only real action that can really affect facebook is colleague. The only real action that can really affect facebook is to can really affect facebook is to break it up and they will be quoting discussion about that. Even in the United States there are certain democratic congressman to say this is the only way forward. It is too powerful and you can try two basement what you need to do is lessen its power and that means breaking it up. Tbs, lessen its power and that means breaking it up lessen its power and that means breakint itu. �. ,. , ~. , breaking it up. A man who we knows uses sace breaking it up. A man who we knows uses space breaking it up. A man who we knows uses space see breaking it up. A man who we knows uses space see facebook breaking it up. A man who we knows uses space see facebook as breaking it up. A man who we knows uses space see facebook as a uses space see facebook as a problem. Ifound it useful to go back to that famous clip of david Bowie Talking to the bbc about the internet. I Bowie Talking to the bbc about the internet. , � ~ Bowie Talking to the bbc about the internet. , � ~. , internet. I dont think we have even seen the tip internet. I dont think we have even seen the tip of internet. I dont think we have even seen the tip of the internet. I dont think we have even seen the tip of the iceberg. Internet. I dont think we have even seen the tip of the iceberg. I internet. I dont think we have even seen the tip of the iceberg. I think. Seen the tip of the iceberg. I think the potential of what the internet is going to do to society both good and bad is unimaginable. Ithink is going to do to society both good and bad is unimaginable. I think we are on the cusp of something exhilarating and terrifying. I wanted to play thats because the issues raised by facebook are really fundamental issues raised by the internet. The australian story is about all Business Models being broken. Economies being restructured, the stories in myanmar and america in very different ways shall countries navigating the company to be arrangement of how we produce and consume information. These are vast, political, economic, and social shifts and facebook is right in the middle of all of that. It has extraordinary power perhaps too much. But more powerful is the internet and how its changing every facet of our lives. That is the power that we are really wrestling with. That is all today. You can get more of our analysis in a range of places across the bbc on high player. If you are watching in the uk. You can get it on the bbc news website Whether Inside Or Outside Plus on the bbc news twitter and facebook feed as well. If you prefer to listen, you can get it through bbc sound as well. Lots of analysis from us and you can do this as an on demand lesson or get it as a podcast as well. Plenty of different options if you would like more from us and you can see as light as usual on Bbc World News and bbc news channel into usual times. Just before we wrap up the organisers of bcs olympics in tokyo asked fans not to shout or cheer during the torch relay. They are sending out the Safety Measures they� re relay. They are sending out the Safety Measures theyre putting in place ahead of the games. The relay starts in fukushima and covers all 47 of japans regions before arriving at the main Olympic Stadium on the 23rd ofjuly. While that is only the torch relay, with the announcement being made with masks and with people not chairing as it goes past regarding getting the early signs that this will not be getting fixed like any of those which have gone before. It cannot be a boisterous celebration of sport we become accustomed to because the pandemic has changed that. So do the pressure is on the organisers if the games go ahead. They will be relieved and delighted. Thank you for watching and we will see you next week. Goodbye. Hello there, its been another mild day across the uk. However compared with yesterday where we had that extreme heat for february when temperatures got to pretty crazy levels, really, with highs up to 18 celsius well, today, it has been fresher. Temperatures down to about 12 celsius which is still about three or 4 degrees celsius above average for the time of year. And that change was brought about by this area of cloud, this area of light patchy rain. Its a Weather Front, a cold front. And behind that, the air has been fresher. Seen a few showers for scotland and Northern Ireland, many of us have seen some sunshine as well. The temperatures have onlyjust been above normal across parts of england byjust a few degrees celsius. Across europe meanwhile, the deeper the reds shows you where the really unusual warmth is and its been pretty widespread. Over recent days, a number of cities have set all time records for february. The weather has been very unusual there. Overnight tonight, temperature is going to build across the uk. That means for many of us, the winds will be light and there be clear skies. Its a recipe for turning pretty cold indeed. There will be some patches of frost around, particularly in the countryside but notice Northern Scotland, frost free. Around 5 celsius in stornoway, about 6 in lerwick overnight and the reason for that is youve got thicker cloud and this Weather Front is going to bring some rain here towards the end of the night and at first on friday as well. Now, that rain will tend to push out of the way, the clouds within thin and up and turned quite a bit brighter. For most of the uk though after a cold and locally frosty start to the day, for many there will be pretty much sunshine from dawn till dusk. It will be a glorious kind of day. And again, mild. Temperatures 10 12 celsius which is similar to what we had today. Now beyond that on into the weekend forecast, this area of High Pressure going nowhere very far very fast but we do have weak Weather Fronts just crossing into this area of High Pressure bringing slightly thicker cloud with that across parts of scotland, northern england. Could squeeze out a few spots of light patchy rain from that but many again will have more fine weather with for the sunshine to go around. Temperatures not really changing very much day by day. Again, 10 12 says is fairly wide way, perhaps 14 with some sunshine across the warmest parts of the country in the south east. Beyond that through sunday and into next week, it stays, well, very quiet really. With High Pressure in charge, there will be a lot of dry weather. Itll stayjust on the mild side of things. Thats your weather. This is bbc news. The headlines at eight. Teachers will decide gcse and a level grades in england this summer, to avoid a repeat of last years exams chaos no algorithms will be used and students will be sent their results earlier than usual. The uks chief medical officers move the covid 19 alert level from the highest level of five down to four. Lady gaga is reportedly offering half a Million Dollars in reward for the return of two dogs they were stolen by a gunman who shot her dog walker in la. Coming up well be hearing from radio 2 dj jo whiley� s family, after her younger sisters hospitalisation for coronavirus. The uk government now promises that all adults on the learning