know that this will be taken forward carefully. we have been grateful to leaders across all faiths who have worked closely with us on a voluntary basis. we've also discussed with the church leaders the benefit of prayer and reflection in the comfort that that can bring whether that is the perspective of our faith or a whether that is the perspective of ourfaith or a personal whether that is the perspective of our faith or a personal reflection of the year gone by. making time for this on easter sunday we think will be timely. was a personal matter for everyone but we are facing into a difficult first anniversary and we all feel a sense of loss whether thatis all feel a sense of loss whether that is loss of loved ones, or loss of the things we enjoy in life. so taking a moment of prayer or reflection will be a powerful active support for each other and wait to look forward to with hope. we have a long way to go, but the steps of we as an executive have agreed are designed to start that process in line with our pathway commitments and to give that bit of hope that everyone is seeking. thank you. find everyone is seeking. thank you. and i called the — everyone is seeking. thank you. and i called the chairperson of the committee. can you bring mr mcgrath on the _ committee. can you bring mr mcgrath on the screen, please?— committee. can you bring mr mcgrath on the screen, please? thank you, mr seaker, on the screen, please? thank you, mr speaker. and — on the screen, please? thank you, mr speaker. and i — on the screen, please? thank you, mr speaker, and i think— on the screen, please? thank you, mr speaker, and i think the _ on the screen, please? thank you, mr speaker, and i think the first - speaker, and i think the first ministerfor her speaker, and i think the first minister for her statement today. these relaxations to the lockdown announced are well overdue and people's minds and lives, it's been a long winter and the lockdown was tough. not least on people public mental health given the long, dark and depressing winter period and especially during january. the exhibitions announced today, many parents will welcome this announcement but many teachers and principals may be a bit more reticent given that the education minister promised teachers two weeks notice and has a practice given the majority of schools given just two daysin majority of schools given just two days in effect some of them two hours given that the close today and don't open until next monday. the announcement today call stand accused of being a little bit like touched. if people are complying at the camp at the moods are modest in many areas are not budging from another two weeks. and some further into april. again there's not much information of how we get from here to the next and for businesses or supporting fraternities there left again wondering when progression will be made. can i ask the first minister to expend differentials between the stages and some of the pathways move and some we are moving to all of what's in level two and in others only some. i predicted at the last announcement that without proper and robust messaging these announcements would become massive confusion events. taking place now to detailed information taking place of people. thank you.— of people. thank you. thank you to the chairman _ of people. thank you. thank you to the chairman of— of people. thank you. thank you to the chairman of the _ of people. thank you. thank you to the chairman of the committee. - of people. thank you. thank you to | the chairman of the committee. we have been in lockdown for a long time, nobody denies that that's the case. and i think it has been well signals that the education minister wanted all primary school children back as quickly as possible. i welcome the fact that colleagues have agreed with that position and that children will go back to school next monday. as is that we've been talking about this for quite some considerable time. i do also except from the chairman of the committee that these are modest lifting of restrictions, nobody said it was going to be otherwise. we did say that we would be relying on advice from our medical advisers and we have taken that advice. here is what he is comfortable with given where we are in terms of the pandemic. we will leave arlene foster there in stormontjust we will leave arlene foster there in stormont just announcing those restrictions. let's go to emma vardy. she was saying, careful and sustainable. small steps out of lockdown after a pretty tough period of lockdown. yes lockdown after a pretty tough period of lockdown-— of lockdown. yes i think those were - re of lockdown. yes i think those were pretty cautious _ of lockdown. yes i think those were pretty cautious announcements - of lockdown. yes i think those were | pretty cautious announcements that we heard today. in reality we are seeing pupils here at schools in northern ireland going back in a staggered way, more slowly than they are in england. things will start to lift a little bit from the 1st of april, so six people able to meet up in a private garden, for example, and really the next tranche of lifting restrictions will come more around after the easter holidays around after the easter holidays around the 12th of april when things like some outdoor sporting training for both our teams and things like that and get back, and we heard arlene foster saying there the approach is cautious but optimistic. she said we don't elect restrictions too quickly because of course in the past decisions have shown everybody just how rapidly numbers can increase. and they said look we are saying to the public we want to keep instructions for a day longer than is needed. there's been a lot of frustration here in northern ireland that our pathway from the executive to the lifting restrictions does not include dates, some people looking over the water and looking up boris johnson's plan think it's much easier because they do have a few dates there and people are able to plan more easily. we heard arlene foster defending that decision yet again and with stop got dates for a lot of sectors but saying redoing up because it gives as the flexibility to take decisions depending on the current health data. what to take decisions depending on the current health data.— current health data. what is likely to be the reaction _ current health data. what is likely to be the reaction of— current health data. what is likely to be the reaction of business, . current health data. what is likely| to be the reaction of business, the hospitality industry, is there going to be disappointment and frustration? j to be disappointment and frustration?— frustration? ithink so, a continuation _ frustration? ithink so, a continuation of - frustration? ithink so, a continuation of that - frustration? i think so, a - continuation of that because there was not a lot there today for hospitality or for close contact services, it was very much those cautious steps in terms of meeting other people outdoors and schools which has always been one of the big priorities. another�*s little frustration because the executive has let his reject the plan for some primary schools go back and has not given schools an awful lot of notice. they had promised they would give schools two weeks notice but at the same time as many parents out there that will very much welcome there that will very much welcome the idea that their kids are going back to school. it's been an awful long time, 80 days of lockdown ever since the 26th of december, boxing day here in northern ireland we went straight back into that very strict lockdown. schools may have to speed things up a little bit, they had been left a little bit of uncertainty. a bit of frustration there. even so actually here in northern ireland all school pupils will not be back until the 12th of april, so still a very staggered and slow approach to all of this today. thank you very much from our ireland correspondent there at stormont. afterfour weeks in hospital, the duke of edinburgh has been discharged and has returned to windsor castle. prince philip was admitted to king edward vii's hospital in central london on february 16 after feeling unwell. the duke, who's 99, later underwent a successful procedure for a pre—existing heart condition at another london hospital. 0ur royal correspondent nicholas witchell reports. shielded by a screen, a patient, evidently in a wheelchair, was brought out from the king edward vii hospital to a waiting vehicle. moments later, the vehicle left with the duke of edinburgh safely aboard, on his way home to windsor after his longest hospital stay, 28 nights in total, four of them at st bartholomew's hospital for specialist heart treatment. as the car left, photographers caught sight of the duke sitting in the rear of the vehicle. little has been said by the palace about the reasons for his hospital stay, other than he had been suffering from an infection and the unspecified pre—existing heart condition. but the treatment, evidently having been successful, he was on his way to be reunited with the queen at windsor. she has continued with her official programme as normal, marking commonwealth day among other things, as well as coping with the fallout from the us television interview given by the sussexes, a troubling family issue on which the queen would normally be able to rely on the duke for first—hand advice and support. fanfare. he is now less than 90 days from his 100th birthday, a milestone he is said to be determined to celebrate, and it will be a matter of reassurance to his family that his four weeks in hospital are now over and his doctors have decided that he is well enough to go home. nicholas witchell, bbc news. on a visit to finsbury park mosque prince charles was asked to comment on the news about the duke of edinburgh. very good news. i'm thrilled. have you spoken to him yet? yes, i have, several times! we are very pleased he's out. helena wilkinson is at windsor castle. and no doubt the queen come after a rather turbulent few weeks in her family will be delighted to have the duke of edinburgh back by her side and back at home. yes. duke of edinburgh back by her side and back at home. yes, absolutely. if ou and back at home. yes, absolutely. if you could — and back at home. yes, absolutely. if you could not _ and back at home. yes, absolutely. if you could not make _ and back at home. yes, absolutely. if you could not make out _ and back at home. yes, absolutely. if you could not make out what - if you could not make out what prince charles was saying that because of the mask, it's difficult to hear sometimes, he was asked about his father and what he thought of the news about him being discharged from hospital, prince charles said it was very good news and he was thrilled that his father has come back here to windsor castle, and he also has confirmed that he has spoken to his father as well. yes, absolutely the queen has been here, of course commit at windsor castle for the 28 days that the duke of edinburgh spent in two hospitals in london. no doubt some form of communication whether that be by telephone or perhaps by zouma for example. but is now back here and as you say the queen has been dealing by herself, really, with other members of the royal family but always relied on the duke of edinburgh, her husband to be her support. also taken the lead when it comes to family matters and she has not had that. as nick mentioned his report the duke of edinburgh taken from the hospital, put into a car in the back seat in a wheelchair. all of the palace will say will say he's in good spirits, a term heat they've used a number of times so he's been in hospital. so we don't really know just how well he is doing. he did look very tired in the back of that car but that's of course understandable. he has spent months in hospital and he is 99, close to his 100th birthday. he's back here at windsor castle and no doubt watched by doctors here as he continues his rest with his wife, the queen at the castle. star; continues his rest with his wife, the queen at the castle. stay with us because _ the queen at the castle. stay with us because i— the queen at the castle. stay with us because i want _ the queen at the castle. stay with us because i want to _ the queen at the castle. stay with us because i want to talk - the queen at the castle. stay with us because i want to talk to - the queen at the castle. stay with us because i want to talk to about j us because i want to talk to about another royal development. in other royal news, cbs this morning host gayle king, who is a friend of the duke and duchess of sussex, has said that there have been phone calls between prince harry, his brother and his father, but they have been unproductive. king gave this update on cbs this morning. harry has spoken to his brother and his father as well. the word i was given is that those conversations were not productive, but they are glad that they at least have started a conversation. i think what is upsetting to them is that the palace keeps saying they want to work it out privately but yet these false stories have come out which are very disparaging against meghan still and no one in the royal family has spoken to meghan yet, at this particular time. it is frustrating to them that it is a racial conversation about the royal family when all they wanted all along is for the royals to intervene and tell the press to stop with the unfair and inaccurate and false stories that definitely have a racial slant. until you can acknowledge that, it's going to be hard to move forward but they both want to move forward with this. they want healing in this family. at the end of the day it's harry's family. the american tv anchor gayle king there, streets were getting updates on the royal family from her in the united states, but there we are. that's the road we live in. she saying there have been phone calls between the royals but unproductive phone calls and conversations. yes. phone calls and conversations. yes, these are new _ phone calls and conversations. yes, these are new forms _ phone calls and conversations. yes, these are new forms or _ phone calls and conversations. yes, these are new forms or new- phone calls and conversations. 1a: these are new forms or new ways of communication, and i don't think the palace will be terribly pleased that they have been talking to this us broadcaster, and it has been broadcaster, and it has been broadcast on an american network. we know from the interview that the couple gave to 0prah that it really laid bare the difficulty in the relationship between harry, his father and his brother william. and that was really laid bare in the interview. but as we just heard their gayle king had a conversation, she said come over the weekend with meghan and harry, and she said she was told by them that those phone calls had taken place. but that they were not productive. at least some form of communication is taking place and as i go back to the fact that the duke of edinburgh is now back here at windsor castle and he and the queen will no doubt have a lot to talk about.— lot to talk about. maybe there will be talkin: lot to talk about. maybe there will be talking about _ lot to talk about. maybe there will be talking about what _ lot to talk about. maybe there will be talking about what gayle - lot to talk about. maybe there will be talking about what gayle king i lot to talk about. maybe there will i be talking about what gayle king has been saying. we will probably never know. the prime minister laid out his plans for a foreign policy overhaul today, in an integrated review which sets out the uk priorities for defence until 2030. the prime minister, speaking in the commons, said the review would make britain "stronger, safer "and more prosperous". in the review, which runs to more than 100 pages, it was revealed that the uk would boost its military presence overseas, shift its focus towards indo—pacific countries, described as the "world's growth engine" and reverse its plans to reduce its stockpile of nuclear weapons. the review pledges that the uk will do more on the "systemic "challenge of china" whilst also identifying russia as the "most "acute threat" to national security. the uk will also set up a new counter—terrorism operations centre. labour leader sir keir starmer accused the conservatives of overseeing an "era of retreat", saying there had been armed forces cuts "every year for the last decade". and the snp's ian blackford said the prime minister's statement to the commons gave "insight into just how hollow the brand "of global britain actually is". paul adams reports. have ships, will travel. as hms queen elizabeth prepares to sail to the far east later this year, the government is getting ready to tell us what all this is for. a post—brexit nation on the hunt for new alliances facing new challenges. this, we are told, the biggest shake—up of defence and security since the end of the cold war. for us, there are no far—away countries of which we know little. global britain is not a reflection of old obligations, still less a vainglorious gesture, but a necessity for the safety and prosperity of the british people in the decades ahead. for all the apparent ambition, the opposition is unimpressed. we welcome the deepening of engagement in the indo pacific region. but this comes on the back of an inconsistent policy towards china for a decade. conservative governments have spent ten years turning a blind eye to human rights abuses, while inviting china to help build our infrastructure. now that basic inconsistency is catching up with them. the government is looking east, to the indo pacific, and ways to counter the challenge posed by china. is the world's next superpower a partner or a threat? china represents the generational threat. the reason for that is the idea that china will become more like us as it got richer or as its economy matured is clearly for the birds. that's not going to happen. that means finding new allies among the ten south—eastern asian states that make up asean. could britain become a closer partner? and india, the world's biggest democracy. borisjohnson is going there at the end of april, his first big foreign trip since britain left the eu. some old alliances remain — the government says nato is still the bedrock of defence and security in the north atlantic region, part of the glue that binds us to america. defence spending has already been increased, although mps are still concerned about the mod�*s finances. and some question plans to increase the number of britain's nuclear warheads. the government insists it represents a minimal credible deterrent against the very worst threats. the review brings change to whitehall, a new white house style situation room at the cabinet office, and a counterterrorism operation centre designed to ensure faster responses to future emergencies. there are plenty of big ideas in this big review, the need to tackle a hostile russia, efforts to combat climate change. above all, it's about britain's place in the world, about playing a significant role now that being part of europe is not what it was. paul adams, bbc news. as we've heard, the uk is set to reduce its nuclear weapons stockpile by the middle of the decade. under previous plans from 2010, the cap on the number of warheads was due to drop to 180. now, they will instead increase to 260. statista, a statistics and data company, report that as of january 2020, russia had 6,375 nuclear warheads. the us had 5,800. china 320. and france 290 lord dannatt was the chief of the general staff at the british army from 2006 to 2009 and joins me now. this is all about global briton post—brexit and how it positions itself in the world, has boris johnson got that balance right do you think? share johnson got that balance right do ou think? �* ~ , , ., ., you think? are the keys made a sirited you think? are the keys made a spirited attempt _ you think? are the keys made a spirited attempt in _ you think? are the keys made a spirited attempt in this, - you think? are the keys made a spirited attempt in this, prettyl spirited attempt in this, pretty comprehensive review bringing for security under this and develop a policy together at the a worthwhile attempt to get substance to global britain. make it more thanjust attempt to get substance to global britain. make it more than just a bumper sticker which is what the big criticism was before. the devil is going to be in the details and the subsequent white papers particularly the white paper on defence which will be coming out next week. so i think we have to give them to cheers of the time being as being a good chance to reposition britain and the world but the devil will be in the detail. ., ., ., ., detail. part of that repositioning is towards asia _ detail. part of that repositioning is towards asia and _ detail. part of that repositioning is towards asia and the - detail. part of that repositioning is towards asia and the indo - detail. part of that repositioning i is towards asia and the indo pacific countries. does that make sense and also how do you see china? we were talking to the chair of the common select committee, he said china is the big threat to britain now, not russia, it's china. how do you see that? l russia, it's china. how do you see that? ., �* 4' russia, it's china. how do you see that? ., �* ~ , ., russia, it's china. how do you see that? q ~ ,., ,._ that? i don't think these are binary choices, russia _ that? i don't think these are binary choices, russia remains _ that? i don't think these are binary choices, russia remains an - that? i don't think these are binary choices, russia remains an acute l choices, russia remains an acute threat but china is indeed, willis going as a new thread, but not a new threat as such but i think it's a threat as such but i think it's a threat that is good growing in its the drains and hostility. as that of the drains and hostility. as that of the last ten years that i thought we probably ought to consider china so we competed with rather than getting into conflict with but i think we are seeing a much harder edge on china at the moment. just look at the recent microsoft attack in the last week or so undoubtedly orchestrated by chinese hacker organisations and nothing happens in china without government backing. we've got to be very careful in our approach with china. 0n the one hand we want to be tough with them, on issues like human rights but equally they are a huge trading block and we need to bear that in mind. it's a nuanced risk approach to the chinese were much more straightforward than the attitude we take to russia currently. $5 the attitude we take to russia currentl . �* , . �* , the attitude we take to russia currentl. ~ , ., the attitude we take to russia currentl. a ., ~ , ., ., the attitude we take to russia currentl . �* , ., ~ , ., ., , currently. as an army man what is our view currently. as an army man what is your view on _ currently. as an army man what is your view on what _ currently. as an army man what is your view on what the _ currently. as an army man what is your view on what the premise - currently. as an army man what is your view on what the premise orl currently. as an army man what is i your view on what the premise or set about defence spending itself, he said he spending £24 billion on military, increasing as we were just hearing strategic nuclear warheads by 40%, hearing strategic nuclear warheads by a0%, but at the same time trying to increase attention to electronic and cyber warfare and terrorist threats as well. a lot of ground to cover but again has he got the balance on all that right? the roblem balance on all that right? the problem to — balance on all that right? the problem to any _ balance on all that right? he problem to any prime minister balance on all that right? ttj: problem to any prime minister or secretary of state has is that as new threats to our security or emerge it does not necessarily follow that the older threats disappear. so therefore the challenge for our government and the challenge for our government and the challenge of our defence budget is too broaden the scope of our capabilities and make sure that we can meet all threats that challenge us. we talked about russia, the russian combat formation at its british equivalent would see the russians having three times the firepower that the british equivalent would have today. now that's a real threat, and that's a challenge that's in front of us. of course it is right to spend more on cyber attacks and trying to think about space, and spend more on counterterrorism. at some of the conventional old challenges have not gone away. so the challenge to the government is to be able to increase the broad range of capabilities with defence budget that will still remain under pressure. a lot of the extra money that came in has got to filling in potholes and the defence programme that have grown once again in the last ten years.— in the last ten years. some people miaht in the last ten years. some people might listening — in the last ten years. some people might listening to _ in the last ten years. some people might listening to you _ in the last ten years. some people might listening to you say - in the last ten years. some people might listening to you say it's - in the last ten years. some people might listening to you say it's a . might listening to you say it's a bit old—fashioned this cold war way of thinking, focus on tanks and ships and planes cadets from another era. , ., ., ., era. does the whole point of what i'm not saying. — era. does the whole point of what i'm not saying, what _ era. does the whole point of what i'm not saying, what i'm - era. does the whole point of what i'm not saying, what i'm saying i era. does the whole point of what i'm not saying, what i'm saying is| i'm not saying, what i'm saying is of course there's new threats that we must rise to and develop new capabilities to deal with. it is because those new capabilities have a risk does not mean the old capabilities have gone away. you must ask yourself why the russians have mobilised their war fighting capability is because they take that seriously and challenging us in northern europe and intend to continue to do that. just because we want to switch to the threats we want to switch to the threats we want to switch to the threats we want to challenge to the newer and perhaps more exciting high—tech adventures and is not me which take our eyes off conventional threats which are still there.— our eyes off conventional threats which are still there. going back to where we started _ which are still there. going back to where we started do _ which are still there. going back to where we started do you _ which are still there. going back to where we started do you think- which are still there. going back to where we started do you think the | where we started do you think the fact that we are now left the european union and set aside all the arguments over brexit does that give britain the united kingdom a kind of free her role in the world to carve out whatever position it once and whatever alliances it once around the world? {lit whatever alliances it once around the world? _, , whatever alliances it once around the world?— the world? of course it does. everyone _ the world? of course it does. everyone has _ the world? of course it does. everyone has got _ the world? of course it does. everyone has got their - the world? of course it does. everyone has got their view l the world? of course it does. l everyone has got their view on the world? of course it does. - everyone has got their view on with the support the idea of brexit or not but undoubtedly one factor of brexit is that we are now able to conduct our own foreign security policy. we are free from having to be in agreement with all of the nations of the european union. so if we choose to prevent somewhat towards the indo pacific area that's our choice. we've always kept an eye and a defence agreement in that part of the world, the firepower defence agreement which we had with four other countries, and been there for many decades. this is not new but an important shift. we must also remember that as the second largest supporter of nato, the largest european military power in europe, that actually we have to take our responsibilities to the security of europe seriously still and watch with going out in the arctic and far north. it's notjust a question of looking for the indo pacific, we have to look at europe and the far north. t have to look at europe and the far north. ~' ., . ., north. i think we have covered the whole world _ north. i think we have covered the whole world there. _ north. i think we have covered the whole world there. thank- north. i think we have covered the whole world there. thank you i north. i think we have covered thej whole world there. thank you very much for being with us and for your analysis. very good to talk to you. first minister nicola sturgeon says the positive news around the vaccination programme in scotland gives her more confidence about mapping a path out of lockdown, with a firmer timeline for lifting restrictions. updating msps in the scottish parliament, the first minister said she expected to lift the current stay—at—home rule on the second april and replace it with guidance to stay local — hopefully for no more than three weeks. by the 5th of april, there will be a phased re—opening of nonessential retail. click and collect services and garden centres will be able to open — as will hairdressers and barbers. from the 26th of april, it's thought that restrictions onjourneys within mainland scotland will be lifted entirely. it's hoped travel restrictions between scotland and other parts of the uk will also be able to ease around this time. also from the 26th of april, cafes, restaurants and bars will be able to serve people outdoors — in groups of up to six from three households until 10pm. nicola sturgeon told msps that today's announcements were an important step on the road back to normal life. three months ago when we had to reimpose lockdown in the depths of december, it was a dark moment in an unbelievably tough year, and i know how difficult the last few months have been and i will never underestimate and i will never stop being grateful for the sacrifices, the hard painful sacrifices that everyone has made, but now thanks to those sacrifices and the success of the vaccination programme we are in a much better position. as we move further into spring children and young people will be back in school full—time, shops and services we hope will be reopened and we will be able to travel more widely and we will be able to see more of friends and loved ones and start to meet again in bars, cafe and restaurants. let's hear now from our correspondent lorna gordon in glasgow. so the message of cautious optimism there from nicola sturgeon. she has been cautious throughout but today definitely an underlying message of hope moving forward. there was a lot to unpick in that statement she gave at holyrood earlier this afternoon, you picked out some of the key dates and the big one amongst them all is the 26th of april. at that point she said that supplies permitting they hope that all over 50s and every aduu hope that all over 50s and every adult with an underlying health condition will have been offered the vaccine. and the 26th will be a couple of weeks after that point, and that's the point whether you see this really significant easing of restrictions in particular in terms of travel throughout may scotland. important to note that that will not apply to international travel. she said that won't be permitted until the 17th of may. at the earliest. but also on the 26th as well as travel within mainland scotland be permitted from that point onwards. all shops or remaining shuffle beat neighbour to reopen and dreams reopen. hospitality in some form will be able to reopen on that day as well. interesting we've had some responses from organisations involved in the hospitality trade and a business. the federation of small businesses say the survival of many businesses is still in doubt and the scottish licence trade association says for many businesses reopening in april will still be unviable and they say there's tough times ahead. so cautious optimism for nicola sturgeon but from organisations representing businesses they are still worried about this timetable going forward. now it's time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes. hello again. we are going to see plenty of sunshine today working across most parts of the uk over the next few hours. we've already seen almost clear blue skies across parts of scotland and northern ireland, and these sunnier skies will chase southwards. so, the cloud will start to break up across parts of southern england and wales, perhaps struggling to break a little across the extreme south. it is going to be a mild day for this stage of march, highs up to 16 degrees, but around the coasts, a good deal cooler than that, the seas are about as cold as they get, at this time of the year. looking at the weather picture overnight, we will keep the clear skies for most areas, a dry night, temperatures low enough for a bit of frost in the very coldest areas. tomorrow, more cloud on the way for northern areas of scotland and perhaps western scotland into the afternoon and cloud affecting parts of eastern england and scotland could thicken just enough to bring the odd passing shower, the best of the sunshine further inland, particularly towards south—western parts of the uk, which is where the highest temperatures will be tomorrow. this is bbc news, i'm ben brown. the headlines. the european medicines agency says the benefits of the astrazeneca vaccine outweigh the risks after some eu countries halt the vaccine roll—out because of concerns about blood clots. we are still firmly convinced that the benefits of the astrazeneca vaccine in preventing covid—19 with its associated risk of hospitalisation and death, outweigh the risk of these side—effects. scotland will lift its coronavirus stay—at—home order on april the 2nd — with hairdressers to reopen three days later. northern ireland will also begin to ease some restrictions on outdoor gatherings from april. the duke of edinburgh returns to windsor — four weeks after going into hospital for an infection and undergoing a heart procedure. the american tv presenter gayle king, a friend to the duke and duchess of sussex, reveals details of talks between harry and his brother prince william and their father, prince charles. harry has spoken to his brother and father and the word i was given, those conversations were not productive, but they are glad they have at least started a conversation. borisjohnson unveils a new vision for the uk's place in the world — less europe, more asia. # one more look and iforget everything # whoa, whoa...#. and mamma mia, will we go again? how british theatres are hoping to attract audiences after the pandemic. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here'sjohn watson. ben thank you. we'll get straight to cheltenham where jockey rachel blackmore riding honeysuckle made history by becoming the first female rider to win the champion hurdle. it was the feature race of the day on day one of the four—day festival in what is another significant moment in women's sport. 0ur senior sports reporter laura scott is there. laura a really special win for blackmore. no fans sadly there to see it? you can't really understate the size of this achievement. tt you can't really understate the size of this achievement.— of this achievement. it was a really stunnin: of this achievement. it was a really stunning victory. _ of this achievement. it was a really stunning victory. she _ of this achievement. it was a really stunning victory. she won - of this achievement. it was a really stunning victory. she won by - of this achievement. it was a really| stunning victory. she won by nearly seven lengths to preserve honeysuckle's unbeaten record and she said after it she was speechless and could not really believe that she had won the champion hurdle. she said but so far from anything she could have dreamt of when she was growing up in ireland and getting into racing and although she doesn't like to dwell on the fact that she is a female jockey, she said she hopes that her achievement today hasn't shown anyone of any sex that anything is possible. she said standing here literally, anything can happen and it really was a special moment today. == special moment today. -- honeysuckle. _ special moment today. -- honeysuckle. i— special moment today. —— honeysuckle. i guess the only real one shaman all of this was there were no fans there inside the course. —— the one shaman in this. very different to last year, no spectators. very different to last year, no spectators— very different to last year, no sectators. ~ , , , ., spectators. absolutely, the festival is behind closed _ spectators. absolutely, the festival is behind closed doors _ spectators. absolutely, the festival is behind closed doors for - spectators. absolutely, the festival is behind closed doors for the - spectators. absolutely, the festival is behind closed doors for the firstl is behind closed doors for the first time in its history. it really contrasting scenes to last year when the cheltenham festival was one of the cheltenham festival was one of the last sporting events to go ahead before the pandemic struck in line with what the government said and this being held behind closed doors is also in line with government guidelines. we have seen only a few hundred people are allowed, almost as many horses as there are people. the irish contingent has been kept very separate to all the other participants because of covid rules and it is been a beautiful day here, i don't know if you can see but the sun is shining, it would have been a really wonderful day for fans to see and with the performances on the track. it's been a real difficult few weeks for racing given the distressing images that emerged of the top irish trainer gordon elliott and at the top irish jockey sitting on top of dead horses. they said hopefully this would be a positive shop window for the sport and rachel blackmore's achievement today it could well be the tonic that racing needed today. could well be the tonic that racing needed today-— could well be the tonic that racing needed today. they're hoping that the positives _ needed today. they're hoping that the positives will _ needed today. they're hoping that the positives will grab _ needed today. they're hoping that the positives will grab the - the positives will grab the headlines this week. maurice got at cheltenham for us, many thanks for that. —— doris —— laura scott. england's cricketers beat india to moved 2—1 up in their twenty20 series after an emphatic eight wicket win in ahmedabad. after defeat in the second test, england bounced back thanks to a brilliant innings from joss butler who made 83 as they chased own their target of 158 for the loss of two wickets. mark wood took three wickets as india struggled, only rescued by virat kohli who made 77. so advantage england with two matches remaining. at 39 years old, zlatan ibrahimovic is returning to the swedish manchester united women are set to play their first ever match at old trafford. next week's wsl clash with west ham united will be played at the theatre of dreams, in a historic step for the club. casey stoney�*s side will take advantage of a gap in the schedule at old trafford with the match moved from the leigh sports village. stoney called it a fantastic opportunity to showcase the women's game and a special moment in the history of her team. england pot segment and will play to friendly�*s next month to be shown live on bbc four, they will be against france before taking on canada four days later. the lionesses have played only once in the past 12 months, a 6—0 win over northern ireland with their new manager's first match in charge. we'll have more for you in sportsday at half past six. plenty more to come at half past six. thank you very much indeed. the vaccine at... several countries have suspended the roll—out of the job because of a small number of cases of blood clots which were reported after it was administered. the ema says it has seen no evidence that the vaccine does cause blood clots but it's experts are still reviewing the vaccine and their findings will be published on thursday. asjim read reports. in vaccine centres across france, germany and other eu countries, there is now one less jab to use. 11 european states have paused the roll—out of the astrazeneca vaccine while reports of rare blood clots are investigated. translation: i can't understand this. i there are always vaccine risks and my daughter is a doctor and she said, do it, it's better to have this vaccine than none at all. translation: it's a precautionary principle, and then we have - to see what happens next. i am worried about my second dose of astrazeneca in 90 days. the number of cases of blood clots after using the vaccine is small. astrazeneca said 37 have been detected in the uk and eu, but that's after 17 million jabs have been given. in germany, there have been seven cases of a rare blood clot in the brain in people who have had the astrazeneca jab, with another three in the uk. but with so many taking the vaccine, the difficulty for scientists is working out if that is more than should normally be expected. the eu medicines regulator said there is currently no indication that the blood clots have been caused by the jab itself but that its experts were now assessing that possibility. while the investigation is still ongoing, we are still firmly convinced that the benefits of the astrazeneca vaccine in preventing covid—19 with its associated risk of hospitalisation and death, outweigh the risk of the side effects. many eu countries are dealing with a sharp spike in virus cases at the moment. other scientists have warned suspending the roll—out of a vaccine for any length of time would inevitably lead to more severe covid cases and deaths. i think it's very important that people don't worry at the moment. this is being sorted out, it's being looked into. but, at the moment, there doesn't appear to be any signal that would make us feel concerned about the risk of clotting. i would be much more worried about not being vaccinated than being vaccinated at this present time. in the uk, where 11 million doses of the astrazeneca jab have already been given, the roll—out will continue. both the eu medicines agency and the world health organization are now reviewing the data. their final opinion should decide if other european countries will start using the vaccine again quickly. jim reed, bbc news. the police officer accused of the kidnap and murder of sir everett has appeared at the old daily via videolink. he was remanded in custody until a hearing injuly. his trial is supposed to take place at end of october. the government announced measures to improve safety for women and girls in england and wales including an additional £25 million for better street lighting and cctv. here is richard galpin. amid the morning for the loss of sarah everard, a growing sense that decisive action must be taken and it seems the government is listening. t seems the government is listening. i feel very strongly about this. we want our streets to be safe for women to walk at night or at any time of the day. there is if you like a jigsaw of measures that we have got to put in place. measures that we have got to put in lace. �* ., , , place. amongst the measures the government _ place. amongst the measures the government is _ place. amongst the measures the government is promising - place. amongst the measures the government is promising is - place. amongst the measures the government is promising is a i government is promising is a significant improvement in lighting and cctv coverage in the streets of england. an extra £25 million being provided for this. but the labour party is critical. irate provided for this. but the labour party is critical.— provided for this. but the labour party is critical. we always say yes to more funding _ party is critical. we always say yes to more funding for _ party is critical. we always say yes to more funding for street - party is critical. we always say yes to more funding for street lighting | to more funding for street lighting and we _ to more funding for street lighting and we know that in my area and every— and we know that in my area and every area — and we know that in my area and every area we have suffered huge cuts to _ every area we have suffered huge cuts to local government which mean that some _ cuts to local government which mean that some of these things fall by the wayside. cctv is incredibly important _ the wayside. cctv is incredibly important but i think it doesjust stightly— important but i think it doesjust slightly missed the point about the scale of— slightly missed the point about the scale of the crisis that we have. and some — scale of the crisis that we have. and some women's organisations and say the threatened women face on the streets particularly at night is not being focused on enough. male violence against _ being focused on enough. male violence against women - being focused on enough. t—l: violence against women and girls is not a priority for us as a society, for our parliament, and our laws, in ourfunding. ithink for our parliament, and our laws, in ourfunding. i think that for our parliament, and our laws, in our funding. i think that this for our parliament, and our laws, in ourfunding. i think that this is the time to draw a line under that and say we cannot continue to excuse male violence. and say we cannot continue to excuse male violence-— male violence. 17-year-old ellie . old male violence. 17-year-old ellie old was male violence. 17-year-old ellie gold was stabbed _ male violence. 17-year-old ellie gold was stabbed and _ male violence. 17-year-old ellie gold was stabbed and killed i male violence. 17-year-old ellie gold was stabbed and killed by. male violence. 17-year-old ellie i gold was stabbed and killed by her ex—boyfriend in wiltshire, her friends are now shocked by the murder of sarah everard. hearing that happen _ murder of sarah everard. hearing that happen to — murder of sarah everard. hearing that happen to someone - murder of sarah everard. hearing that happen to someone else i murder of sarah everard. hearing that happen to someone else is l murder of sarah everard. hearing | that happen to someone else is so sad and _ that happen to someone else is so sad and i_ that happen to someone else is so sad and i hope people can step back and think— sad and i hope people can step back and think it — sad and i hope people can step back and think it could be me, it could be my— and think it could be me, it could be my mum, it could my sister, he could _ be my mum, it could my sister, he could be _ be my mum, it could my sister, he could be my— be my mum, it could my sister, he could be my payment or anyone. it is devastating — could be my payment or anyone. it is devastating to see the family having to -o devastating to see the family having to go through — devastating to see the family having to go through something _ devastating to see the family having to go through something very - devastating to see the family havingl to go through something very similar we had _ to go through something very similar we had to— to go through something very similar we had to go— to go through something very similar we had to go through. _ to go through something very similar we had to go through. title— to go through something very similar we had to go through.— we had to go through. we are still in a situation _ we had to go through. we are still in a situation where _ we had to go through. we are still in a situation where women - we had to go through. we are still in a situation where women are i we had to go through. we are still i in a situation where women are dying weakly because of men. and i think it there comes a time where you need to come to the source of the problem and may need to change. haifa to come to the source of the problem and may need to change.— and may need to change. how to revent and may need to change. how to prevent more — and may need to change. how to prevent more deaths _ and may need to change. how to prevent more deaths like - and may need to change. how to prevent more deaths like those l and may need to change. how to | prevent more deaths like those of ellie gould and sarah everard now a crucial question facing the authorities. richard galpin, bbc news. nicola sturgeon has set out a timetable for getting out of lockdown which she said was possible because of the fall in coronavirus case numbers and the success of the vaccination programme. she told the scottish parliament that the taurus a combination of pubs and restaurants should be able to reopen on the 26th of april and we can talk now to joining me now is duncan mcconchie, he runs his own wedding now to venue, and is co chair of the scottish wedding industry alliance. good to have you with us. just explain where you are. this is where you have your weddings. this explain where you are. this is where you have your weddings.— you have your weddings. this is our ceremony win. _ you have your weddings. this is our ceremony win, we _ you have your weddings. this is our ceremony win, we created - you have your weddings. this is our ceremony win, we created this i you have your weddings. this is our. ceremony win, we created this venue three years ago and this is a 200—year—old farmstead that we have turned into a wedding venue. and t turned into a wedding venue. and i rather in turned into a wedding venue. and i gather in scotland _ turned into a wedding venue. and i gather in scotland from _ turned into a wedding venue. and i gather in scotland from april the 26th, is this right that weddings can take place with up to 50 people but with no alcohol? that can take place with up to 50 people but with no alcohol?— but with no alcohol? that is right then and we _ but with no alcohol? that is right then and we are _ but with no alcohol? that is right then and we are broadly - but with no alcohol? that is right l then and we are broadly supportive of the approach. it is the first time we will have had more than 20 people at a wedding ceremony reception since march last year. an industry that has toed the line from the starving and total lockdown from a 95% of the industry has not operated but all of a sudden we have some real hope to cling onto that in the next six, eight, ten weeks we can be back up and running. t the next six, eight, ten weeks we can be back up and running. i know that the pandemic _ can be back up and running. i know that the pandemic has _ can be back up and running. i know that the pandemic has been - can be back up and running. i know that the pandemic has been a - that the pandemic has been a nightmare for young couples everywhere wanted to get married not sure when they can and how many people they can invite. are you likely to get a rush of bookings now for april the 26th onwards? certainly couples do like a glass of champagne on a rifle after the ceremony so we think there may be more of a rush from the 17th of may on those. but as we are finding out in england today, the criteria, the critical part is the small print. but we have an amazing working relationship with the scottish government and shortly after the first minister's announcement, we had a phone call from the policy team at scottish government to invite us to a meeting to discuss the small print with public health officials so we can create the small print in a balanced way that can give us as an industry but also our couples faith and belief that we can deliver the weddings that they want. on the small print, 50 people, no alcohol from the 26th of april and then maybe, it is alcohol and how many people after that? shall then maybe, it is alcohol and how many people after that?— then maybe, it is alcohol and how many people after that? all we know now at the moment _ many people after that? all we know now at the moment is _ many people after that? all we know now at the moment is it _ many people after that? all we know now at the moment is it is _ many people after that? all we know now at the moment is it is 50 - now at the moment is it is 50 people. we are hopeful we will fall in line with hospitality which will allow alcohol inside from the 17th of may but also in a broad brush stroke in smaller print from the end ofjune, the scottish government are going to discuss with stakeholders such as ourselves how we can go to potentially socially distance capacity weddings with much fewer restrictions because we did quite an in—depth survey with a500 couples in scotland maybe three weeks ago and 80% of the couples won't proceed with a wedding if social distancing and mass are still a thing. then;r and mass are still a thing. they want to maybe _ and mass are still a thing. they want to maybe wait _ and mass are still a thing. they want to maybe wait until- and mass are still a thing. they want to maybe wait until later in the summer. we have a minute or so left, how tough has it been for you and for the wedding industry in scotland in general, the whole pandemic? tt scotland in general, the whole pandemic?— scotland in general, the whole andemic? , ., ., , pandemic? it has been horrendous. mental health _ pandemic? it has been horrendous. mental health of _ pandemic? it has been horrendous. mental health of people _ pandemic? it has been horrendous. mental health of people within i pandemic? it has been horrendous. mental health of people within the l mental health of people within the industry have been awful, we have heard of people losing their homes, jobs, partners, everything they have known and the security around them has vanished over the last year but equally as tough for us it is been equally as tough for us it is been equally as tough for us it is been equally as tough for couples. their dream day has been shattered and some are on their fourth, fifth postponement. so hopefully this gives us the hope that we all need a bit of belief that we can get back to some sort of normal byjune — july time. to some sort of normal by june - jul time. �* , to some sort of normal by june - july time-— to some sort of normal by june - july time. let's really hope so for ou and july time. let's really hope so for you and all— july time. let's really hope so for you and all of— july time. let's really hope so for you and all of those _ july time. let's really hope so for you and all of those couples. i you and all of those couples. duncan, thanks for speaking to us from your wedding venue and very good luck to you for the future and the coming months. thank you so much. now on bbc news it's time for your questions answered. you've been sending in lots of questions about the oxford/astrazeneca vaccine, and here to try and answer the current controversy with a number of european countries suspending the use of the vaccine, germany and italy and so on because of blood clots in a certain number of blood clots in a certain number of people who have had the vaccine. let's try to answer some of your questions with professor of medicine paul hunter from the university of east anglia. good to have you with us, paul, thank you so much for being with us. first of all, generally, what do you think of this decision by various european countries, a domino effect, one after the other, suspending their roll—out of the vaccine? i mean, it is very difficult, it is difficult to get your head into the regulatory authorities in other countries. i think even where they have actually suspended the vaccination, i get the impression that very few people actually believe that this association between blood clotting and vaccine is actually a real cause and effect relationship, rather than just a statistical association. and hopefully, once the european medicines agency and the world health organization comment in the next day or so, we can look forward to many of them actually reversing these decisions pretty promptly. first question, then, from a viewer, who says... please could you tell me if the astrazeneca vaccination is safe to have if you have previously had a blood clot? well, i think the balance of opinion amongst people who know about these sorts of things seems to be very much that they doubt that there is an association anyway. and so, if you don't believe that this suggestion that it is causing clotting is true, then actually, the rest of the question becomes immaterial. if the astrazeneca vaccine isn't causing clotting, then neither is the pfizer vaccine. just to be clear, coronavirus itself, covid, can cause a blood clotting, it quite often causes a thickening of the blood? yes, absolutely. but generally only in the more advanced stages of the disease, when you're getting things there is a condition that is very similar to something that we call disseminated intravascular coagulation, so we do know that the disease itself can cause this, but generally only when you have fairly severe disease. marilyn roberts asks... do you think it is possible that the reluctance to give the oxford astrazeneca vaccine in europe isjust down to sour grapes? personally, i never like to believe that any of my colleagues around the world are making decisions other than based solely on what they interpret as the evidence, so personally i would doubt that any of them would believe that they are making these decisions based on sour grapes only. lynn asks... how are these blood clot reports picked up, how does a vaccine actually cause a blood clot? i suppose that refers back to what you were saying, is there any possible causal link? no, but in the uk, we have a system called yellow cards, where, if you are given a new drug or a new vaccine and you suffer any real adverse event, whether or not the doctor is convinced that it was caused by that drug or vaccine or not, he or she would then report that, and what we are able to see is, looking at the number of yellow cards that have been submitted for both astrazeneca and pfizer, and there doesn't seem to be any particular increase in either vaccine associated with blood clotting, and i don't think there is any real difference between the two, either. so, given the fact that we've given in this country getting on for 26 million vaccines—plus, i think there is very little evidence that actually clotting would be a problem in the uk, at least. you have probably answered the next question but i will put it to you anyway — how many people have developed blood clots after taking the pfizer and other vaccines? thatis that is from oliver in chichester. is there any difference in incidence? in pfizer compared to oxford/astrazeneca? no, part of the problem is that when you're talking about blood clots, blood clots can be listed under so many different parts of the report form, so, you could have blood clots in the lung, blood clots in the brain. looking at them as a whole, yes, there have been reports, but not really more than you would expect in the background instance of the disease anyway, of normal, pre—covid, disease. and so, i think of the order of about 13—15 cases of pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot going on to the lung, have been reported, for both vaccines. and typically, particularly when you consider the age groups being vaccinated, that is less than you would actually expect to see normally. just a more general question about the vaccine — are vaccines being changed to address new variants or are they having to use all the stockpiles? yes, whether they have to use all the stockpiles or not is something i don't know the answer to. but the fact is, they are changing the vaccines, they are modifying them, particularly for the ea rate for mutation which is present in the south african variant and indeed the brazilian p1 variant. -- ea8ak. that is important because we do know that the vaccines are less effective against, the current vaccines, against this mutation, called an escape mutation. and by modifying the vaccines when we have immunisation again in the winter, probably, we can look forward to having protection against this new variant as well. the evidence, however, on balance, is that even though the existing vaccines aren't as effective against these escape mutation variants, they still seem to be pretty good at stopping people getting severe disease, severe enough to require hospitalisation. so, the current vaccines still have a lot of value, but not quite as much as we would like. final question... is it true that like most vaccines, the oxford vaccine is technically under a trial period until 2023, is that right? i haven't heard it expressed like that. the existing phase three trials that were started last year are intending to continue on for several months yet, in part to see whether or not, to see how long immunity lasts, and how long the protection lasts, and those will be continuing probably throughout this year and may well be into next. the current authorisations of all of the vaccines are done under what is called emergency authorisation, and so, yes, at some point, all of those emergency authorisations will be reviewed and a determination will be made about whether or not to extend that authorisation, and perhaps ultimately make those authorisations permanent. but as yet, no vaccine has had a full authorisation that i am aware of. and just a very last question from me, obviously, there might be some people watching this thinking, i am booked in for my astrazeneca vaccine, i'm hearing all of this stuff about blood clots and maybe i'm having second thoughts, what is your message to them? i would still go ahead and have it. i had my own astrazeneca vaccine only a few days ago. i didn't know about the association, this reported association, with blood clots, but even if i had, and my vaccine appointment was tomorrow, i personally would still go, because the evidence is very clear, that the vaccine substantially reduces your risk of dying from covid, and that, to me, is far more important than just the association, possible association, with small numbers of thromboembolism. that is good timing because someone is calling you for your next interview! thank you so much, professor hunter, professor of medicine at university of east anglia. hello, there. the weather is going to be turning increasingly dry spent turning increasingly dry a glorious afternoon with l( of spent a glorious afternoon with lots of spring sunshine on offer and what a beautiful day it has been in the highlands of scotland. you kind of wish you were there, yeah? for scotland it was the warmest day of the year so far, temperatures reaching 15 degrees in edinburgh but it was on the warmest spot, of the spots got to 17 degrees and amongst them cardiff making it well sponsored warmest day of the year as well. looking overnight tonight we will start with those clear skies. temperatures drop away quickly and there may be some clouds to waft in across the far north of scotland with a few showers in shipment for a time but for the most part we will keep us clear skies for the majority of the night. a colder night than last night temperatures typically between 3—6 celsius but cold enough for a nip of frost and are very cold this rural areas. for a nip of frost and are very cold this ruralareas. high for a nip of frost and are very cold this rural areas. high pressure so to the rest of the uk but this system dives southwards across the north sea and a warm front will move into western scotland thickening the cloud and bringing the prospect of a few spots of light rain and drizzle. could be showers anywhere across eastern england into wednesday, the best of the sunshine was the south west but with the wind coming in from a northerly direction, they are coming more across from the cold north to see where sea temperatures are only six celsius at the moment and that subtle change in the wind direction means that there will be a cooler day across central and eastern england and across parts of northern and eastern areas of scotland as well. temperatures more typically around ten or 11 but mild around parts of south—west england. we could see rain could be parts of east england but otherwise the dry weather, it breaks in the cloud across western areas of dumfries and galloway, a favourite spot might see a few breaks down in county down, and in west wales in south—west wales and south blessing and might see sunshine at times. the high—pressure is still there but we will be tracking and colder winds from the near continent, not an arctic blast but there will be a sharp drop—off in temperature particularly focused in parts of eastern anga, areas of set the scene, mark hs six celsius on friday in the week and with strong winds around as well. making things feel quite chilly. elsewhere quite cloudy with temperatures staying in double figures. today at six — prince phillip returns to windsor castle after his longest ever stay in hospital. he went in fighting an infection and leaves after undergoing a heart procedure. reunited with the queen after four weeks in which she's had to deal with a very public rift within the royal family. also tonight — sweden is the latest european country to suspend the roll out of the oxford covid jab. but as vaccination centres lie idle across the eu, its medical regulator says there is no evidence the jab causes blood clots. the benefits of the astrazeneca vaccine in preventing covid—19, with its associated risks of hospitalisation and death, outweigh the risk of the side effects.