Epidemic gun violence in this country is an epidemic. And its an international embarrassment. You know, we saw it again embarrassment. You know, we saw it again last embarrassment. You know, we saw it again last night as i was coming to the 0vat again last night as i was coming to the oval office. I got the word that in south the oval office. I got the word that in South Carolina a physician with his wife, in South Carolina a physician with his wife, two grandchildren and a person his wife, two grandchildren and a person working at his house was gunned person working at his house was gunned down, all five. So many people gunned down, all five. So many people sitting here today know that well unfortunately. They know what its like well unfortunately. They know what its like when the seconds change your life its like when the seconds change your life forever. Ive had the pleasure your life forever. Ive had the pleasure of getting to me in awful circumstances, many of you who have lost your circumstances, many of you who have lost your children, your husband, your lost your children, your husband, your wives lost your children, your husband, your wives. You know, they know what its like your wives. You know, they know what its like to your wives. You know, they know what its like to bury a piece of their soul its like to bury a piece of their soul deep its like to bury a piece of their soul deep in the earth. They understand that. Mark and jackie, i want understand that. Mark and jackie, i want to understand that. Mark and jackie, i want to tell understand that. Mark and jackie, i want to tell you its always good to see you want to tell you its always good to see you but want to tell you its always good to see you but not under these circumstances. I want to say before i circumstances. I want to say before i introduce circumstances. I want to say before i introduce the rest of the folks, a lot of i introduce the rest of the folks, a lot of people have not been through what they lot of people have not been through what they have been through, they dont what they have been through, they dont understand. It comes with a lot of dont understand. It comes with a lot of courage to come to an event like this lot of courage to come to an event like this. They are absolutely determined to make change, but mark and jackie determined to make change, but mark and jackie whose son daniel was a first grader and jackie whose son daniel was a first grader at sandy hook elementary school, daniel love sports. Elementary school, daniel love sports, loved outdoor sports, getting sports, loved outdoor sports, getting muddy. I see my friend fred guttenberg, His Daughterjamie was a freshnran guttenberg, His Daughterjamie was a freshman at Marjory Stoneman douglas hih freshman at Marjory Stoneman douglas high school. She was an accomplished dancer~ high school. She was an accomplished dancer~ i high school. She was an accomplished dancer~ isee high school. She was an accomplished dancer. I see brandon wolf, who is at the dancer. I see brandon wolf, who is at the shooting at the pulse nightclub. He survived but his two best friends died. Greg jackson, who wasjust best friends died. Greg jackson, who wasjust walking down best friends died. Greg jackson, who was just walking down the street when was just walking down the street when he was just walking down the street when he was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight, and of course i see a close of a gunfight, and of course i see a close friend of a gunfight, and of course i see a close Friend Ofjails and mine, congresswoman Gabby Gifford who is here congresswoman Gabby Gifford who is here who congresswoman Gabby Gifford who is here. Who was speaking with her constituents in front of a Grocery Store constituents in front of a Grocery Store in constituents in front of a Grocery Store in her constituents in front of a Grocery Store in her state when she was shot and a store in her state when she was shot and a member of her staff was killed and a member of her staff was killed. You know, they are here. And their pain killed. You know, they are here. And their pain is killed. You know, they are here. And their pain is immense. And what a lot of their pain is immense. And what a lot of you. Their pain is immense. And what a lot of you, hopefully many of you dont lot of you, hopefully many of you dont know lot of you, hopefully many of you dont know is you had gone through a traunra, dont know is you had gone through a traunra, the dont know is you had gone through a trauma, the matter how much you urge to make trauma, the matter how much you urge to make sure trauma, the matter how much you urge to make sure others dont go through it. To make sure others dont go through it every to make sure others dont go through it. Every time you show up at an event it. Every time you show up at an event like it. Every time you show up at an event like this then brings back when event like this then brings back when you event like this then brings back when you got that phone call. It twings when you got that phone call. It brings back the immediacy of what happened brings back the immediacy of what happened at that moment. So i genuinely mean it, thank you. Thank you for genuinely mean it, thank you. Thank you for having the courage to be here you for having the courage to be here the you for having the courage to be here. The courage to continue this fight here. The courage to continue this fight. Senator blumenthal understands it. A lot of folks out here understands it. A lot of folks out here understand it. But it takes real courage, so thank you. To turn pain into real courage, so thank you. To turn pain into purpose and demand we take the action pain into purpose and demand we take the action gives meaning to the word enough the action gives meaning to the word enough. Enough, enough, enough. Because enough. Enough, enough, enough. Because what they want you to know, what they because what they want you to know, what they want you to do is not just listen what they want you to do is not just listen every what they want you to do is not just listen. Every day in this country 316 people are shot. Every single day. 316 people are shot. Every single day 106 316 people are shot. Every single day. 106 of them die every day. Our day. 106 of them die every day. Our fla day. 106 of them die every day. Our flag was day. 106 of them die every day. Our flag was still flying at half staff for the flag was still flying at half staff for the victims of the horrific murder for the victims of the horrific murder of for the victims of the horrific murder of eight, primarily asian people murder of eight, primarily asian people in murder of eight, primarily asian people in georgia when ten more lives people in georgia when ten more lives were people in georgia when ten more lives were taken in the mass murder in colorado lives were taken in the mass murder in colorado. You probably did not hear in colorado. You probably did not hear it in colorado. You probably did not hear it between two incidents less than one hear it between two incidents less than one week apart, there were more than one week apart, there were more than 850 than one week apart, there were more than 850 additional shootings. 850. That took than 850 additional shootings. 850. That took the lives of more than 250 people. That took the lives of more than 250 people. And that took the lives of more than 250 people, and left 500 injured. This is an people, and left 500 injured. This is an epidemic for god sake. And it has to is an epidemic for god sake. And it has to stop is an epidemic for god sake. And it has to stop. So im here to talk about has to stop. So im here to talk about two has to stop. So im here to talk about two things first the steps we are about two things first the steps we are going to take immediately and second we are going to take immediately and second the we are going to take immediately and second the action that needs to be taken second the action that needs to be taken Going Forward to curve the epidemic taken Going Forward to curve the epidemic of gun violence. I asked the Attorney General and his team to identify the Attorney General and his team to identify for the Attorney General and his team to identify for me immediate concrete actions identify for me immediate concrete actions i identify for me immediate concrete actions i could take now without having actions i could take now without having to actions i could take now without having to go through congress, and today having to go through congress, and today im having to go through congress, and today im announcing several initial steps today im announcing several initial steps try today im announcing several initial steps by administrations my administration is taking to curb gun violence administration is taking to curb gun violence. The first, want to rain and the violence. The first, want to rain and the proliferation of ghost guns. These and the proliferation of ghost guns. These are and the proliferation of ghost guns. These are guns that are homemade, they go these are guns that are homemade, they go from a kit and include directions they go from a kit and include directions on how to finish the Firearm Directions on how to finish the firearm. You can go by the kit. They have firearm. You can go by the kit. They have no firearm. You can go by the kit. They have no serial firearm. You can go by the kit. They have no serial numbers so when they show have no serial numbers so when they show up have no serial numbers so when they show up at have no serial numbers so when they show up at a have no serial numbers so when they show up at a crime scene they cannot be traced show up at a crime scene they cannot be traced. And the buyers are not required be traced. And the buyers are not required to be traced. And the buyers are not required to pass a Background Check to by the required to pass a Background Check to by the kit. To make the gun. Consequently, anyone from a criminal to a terrorist consequently, anyone from a criminal to a terrorist can buy this kit in as little to a terrorist can buy this kit in as little as to a terrorist can buy this kit in as little as 30 minutes put together weapon~ as little as 30 minutes put together weapon~ i as little as 30 minutes put together weapon. I want to see these treated as firearms weapon. I want to see these treated as firearms under the gun control act. As firearms under the gun control act~ which as firearms under the gun control act. Which is going to require that the seller act. Which is going to require that the seller and manufacturers make the seller and manufacturers make the key the seller and manufacturers make the key parts with serial numbers and run the key parts with serial numbers and run Background Checks on the buyers and run Background Checks on the buyers when they walk into buy them. The second buyers when they walk into buy them. The second action we are going to take, the second action we are going to take, back the second action we are going to take, back in the year 2000 deep euro take, back in the year 2000 deep euro of take, back in the year 2000 deep euro of alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms euro of alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms released a report on its investigation of Firearms Trafficking in america. The report was a trafficking in america. The report was a pivotal value, an important tool for was a pivotal value, an important tool for policymakers when i was in the senate tool for policymakers when i was in the senate and beyond at all levels. To stop the senate and beyond at all levels. To stop firearms from being illegally diverted into dangerous hands~ illegally diverted into dangerous hands. Today, with online sales and ghost hands. Today, with online sales and ghost guns. Hands. Today, with online sales and ghost guns, times and trafficking things ghost guns, times and trafficking things have changed. And we have to adjust things have changed. And we have to adjust we things have changed. And we have to adjust. We also have to ask the justice adjust. We also have to ask the Justice Department to release a new annual Justice Department to release a new annual report. This report will better annual report. This report will better Help Policymakers address firearms better Help Policymakers address Firearms Trafficking as it is today. Not what Firearms Trafficking as it is today. Not what it was yesterday. The third change. Not what it was yesterday. The third change, will want to treat pistols modify change, will want to treat pistols modify was Stabilising Braces with the seriousness they deserve it. A stabilising the seriousness they deserve it. A Stabilising Brace essentially make that Pistol A Hell of a lot more accurate that Pistol A Hell of a lot more accurate and a mini rifle. As a result accurate and a mini rifle. As a result its accurate and a mini rifle. As a result its more lethal and effectively turned into a short barrel effectively turned into a short barrel rifle. Thats with the alleged barrel rifle. Thats with the alleged shooter in boulder appears to have alleged shooter in boulder appears to have done. I want to be clear. These to have done. I want to be clear. These notifications to firearms that make these notifications to firearms that make them more lethal should be subject make them more lethal should be subject to make them more lethal should be subject to the National Firearms act. Subject to the National Firearms act the subject to the National Firearms act. The National Firearms act reguires act. The National Firearms act requires that a potential owner pay 200 requires that a potential owner pay 200 fee requires that a potential owner pay 200 fee and submit their name and other 200 fee and submit their name and other identifying information to the justice other identifying information to the Justice Department. Just as they would Justice Department. Just as they would if Justice Department. Just as they would if they went out and purchased a silencer would if they went out and purchased a silencer for a gun. Would if they went out and purchased a silencerfora gun. Fourth, drama a silencerfora gun. Fourth, drama came a silencerfora gun. Fourth, drama came pain for president want to make drama came pain for president want to make it drama came pain for president want to make it easier for states to adopt to make it easier for states to adopt extreme Risk Protection order laws, adopt extreme Risk Protection order laws, also adopt extreme Risk Protection order laws, also called Red Flag Laws Which laws, also called Red Flag Laws Which everybody in this long nose but many which everybody in this long nose but many people listening do not know but many people listening do not know. These laws allow police or family know. These laws allow police or Family Members to petition a court in their Family Members to petition a court in theirjurisdiction and say i want you to in theirjurisdiction and say i want you to temporarily remove from the following you to temporarily remove from the following people any firearm they may possess. Because they are a danger may possess. Because they are a danger and may possess. Because they are a danger and a crisis, they are presenting a danger to themselves and others. And a court makes a ruling and others. And a court makes a ruling to and others. And a court makes a ruling. To put this in perspective, more ruling. To put this in perspective, more than ruling. To put this in perspective, more than half of all suicides for example more than half of all suicides for example involve the use of a firearm example involve the use of a firearm. But when a gun is not available, firearm. But when a gun is not available, and attempted suicide the death available, and attempted suicide the death rate available, and attempted suicide the death rate drops precipitously. States death rate drops precipitously. States that have Red Flag Laws have seen and states that have Red Flag Laws have seen and see the reduction in the number seen and see the reduction in the number of seen and see the reduction in the number of suicides in their states. Every number of suicides in their states. Every single month, by the way, an average every single month, by the way, an average of every single month, by the way, an average of 53 women are shot and killed average of 53 women are shot and killed by average of 53 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner. I wrote killed by an intimate partner. I wrote the killed by an intimate partner. I wrote the Violence Against Women Act. Wrote the Violence Against Women Act~ its wrote the Violence Against Women Act. Its been a constant struggle to keep act. Its been a constant struggle to keep it act. Its been a constant struggle to keep it moving. We know Red Flag Laws can to keep it moving. We know Red Flag Laws can have significant effect and protecting women from Domestic Violence protecting women from Domestic Violence. And when a Red Flag Laws can stop violence. And when a Red Flag Laws can stop the mass shooters before they can can stop the mass shooters before they can act out their violent plans~ they can act out their violent plans~ im they can act out their violent plans. Im proud, that the red flag law and plans. Im proud, that the red flag law and my plans. Im proud, that the red flag law and My Home State Of Delaware was named law and My Home State Of Delaware was named after my son, im sorry, our son was named after my son, im sorry, our son excuse me, jill, who proves that legislation back in 2013. I want that legislation back in 2013. I want to that legislation back in 2013. I want to see a National Red Flag law. And legislation to incentivize states and legislation to incentivize states to enact their own Red Flag Laws~ states to enact their own Red Flag Laws. Today i asked the Justice Department to publish a mottled red Fla Department to publish a Mottled Red Flag legislation so states can craft their own flag legislation so states can craft their own laws right nowjust like with Background Checks the vast majority with Background Checks the vast majority of the americans support these majority of the americans support these extreme Risk Protection order laws~ these extreme Risk Protection order laws~ and these extreme Risk Protection order laws. And its time to put these laws laws. And its time to put these laws on laws. And its time to put these laws on the books and protect even more laws on the books and protect even more people. The Attorney General will have more people. The Attorney General will have more to say about this in a moment will have more to say about this in a moment. Additionally, we recognise that cities a moment. Additionally, we recognise that cities across the country are experiencing historic spikes in homicide experiencing historic spikes in homicide as the Law Enforcement can tell you homicide as the Law Enforcement can tell you its homicide as the Law Enforcement can tell you. Its heading black and brown tell you. Its heading black and brown communities the hardest. Homicide brown communities the hardest. Homicide is the leading cause of death homicide is the leading cause of death of homicide is the leading cause of death of black boys and men ages 15 to 34 death of black boys and men ages 15 to 34 the death of black boys and men ages 15 to 34. The leading cause of death. But there to 34. The leading cause of death. But there are proven strategies that reduce but there are proven strategies that reduce gun violence in urban communities. And as programmes that demonstrate that they can reduce homicides demonstrate that they can reduce homicides of up to 60 in urban communities. But many of these have been bad communities. But many of these have been bad the underfunded or not funded been bad the underfunded or not funded at been bad the underfunded or not funded at all. Gun violence in america funded at all. Gun violence in america for those of you thinking of this as america for those of you thinking of this as an america for those of you thinking of this as an economic standpoint estimate this as an economic standpoint estimate across the nation 280 billion, estimate across the nation 280 billion, let me say it again, 280 billion billion, let me say it again, 280 billion a billion, let me say it again, 280 billion a year. You say how can that be . Hospital bills, physical therapy, trauma counselling, legal fees, therapy, trauma counselling, legal fees, prison costs and the loss of productivity. Not to mention the psychological damage done to the children psychological damage done to the children who live in the cities watching children who live in the cities watching this happen knowing someone it happened to. As gun violence in our neighbourhood, its had a profound our neighbourhood, its had a profound impact on our children. Even profound impact on our children. Even if profound impact on our children. Even if they are never involved. In pulling even if they are never involved. In pulling the even if they are never involved. In pulling the trigger or being the victim pulling the trigger or being the victim on pulling the trigger or being the victim on the other side of the trigger~ victim on the other side of the trigger. Fora victim on the other side of the trigger. For a fraction of the cost of gun trigger. For a fraction of the cost of gun violence we can save lives, create of gun violence we can save lives, create safe of gun violence we can save lives, create safe and Healthy Communities and build create safe and Healthy Communities and Build Economies that work for all of and Build Economies that work for all of us and Build Economies that work for all of us. And save billions of american all of us. And save billions of american dollars in the meantime. Much american dollars in the meantime. Much of american dollars in the meantime. Much of it american dollars in the meantime. Much of it as we know is Taxpayer Money much of it as we know is Taxpayer Money. Finally the bureau of alcohol. Money. Finally the bureau of alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms, the key agency alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms, The Key Agency Enforcing Gun Laws has not had key agency enforcing gun laws has not had a key agency enforcing gun laws has not had a permanent director since 2015 not had a permanent director since 2015. Today, im proud to nominate david 2015. Today, im proud to nominate David Chipman to serve as director of the David Chipman to serve as director of the atf, David Chipman to serve as director of the atf, he knows the atf well, he served of the atf, he knows the atf well, he served there for 25 years. The Vice President and i believe hes the right Vice President and i believe hes the right person at this moment for this important agency. Ive said before this important agency. Ive said before my this important agency. Ive said before myjob, the job of any president before myjob, the job of any president is to protect the American People president is to protect the American People. Whether Congress Acts or not, people. Whether Congress Acts or not. Im people. Whether Congress Acts or not, im going to use all the resources not, im going to use all the resources at my disposal to keep people resources at my disposal to keep people safe from gun violence. There is much people safe from gun violence. There is much more that congress can do to help that is much more that congress can do to help that effort. And they can do it iiliit help that effort. And they can do it right now help that effort. And they can do it right now. They have offered plenty of thoughts and prayers, members of congress of thoughts and prayers, members of congress. But they have passed on a single congress. But they have passed on a single new congress. But they have passed on a single new federal law to reduce gun violence single new federal law to reduce gun violence. Enough prayers, time for some violence. Enough prayers, time for some action. I believe the senate should some action. I believe the senate should emulate past three house passed should emulate past three house passed bills to close loopholes that allowed passed bills to close loopholes that allowed gun purchases, purchasers to bypass allowed gun purchases, purchasers to bypass the allowed gun purchases, purchasers to bypass the Background Checks. The vast majority of the American People including vast majority of the American People including gun owners believe there should including gun owners believe there should be including gun owners believe there should be Background Checks before you purchase a gun. As was noted earlier you purchase a gun. As was noted earlier hundreds of thousands of people earlier hundreds of thousands of people have been denied guns. What more would have happened . These bills, more would have happened . These bills, require Background Checks from bills, require Background Checks from anyone purchasing a gun at a lufi from anyone purchasing a gun at a gun show from anyone purchasing a gun at a gun show. Oran from anyone purchasing a gun at a gun show. Or an online sale. Applause. Gun show. Or an online sale. Applause gun show. Or an online sale. Applause. , ~. , applause. Most people dont know you walk into a store applause. Most people dont know you walk into a store and applause. Most people dont know you walk into a store and buy applause. Most people dont know you walk into a store and buy a applause. Most people dont know you walk into a store and buy a gun applause. Most people dont know you walk into a store and buy a gun you walk into a store and buy a gun you have walk into a store and buy a gun you have a walk into a store and buy a gun you have a Background Check, but you go to a gun have a Background Check, but you go to a gun show you can buy whatever you want to a gun show you can buy whatever you want with no Background Check. Second you want with no Background Check. Second thing is to close whats known second thing is to close whats known as second thing is to close whats known as the charleston loophole. Like people know here i spent time down like people know here i spent time down that like people know here i spent time down that church in charleston. What happen down that church in charleston. What happen here is that someone was allowed happen here is that someone was allowed to happen here is that someone was allowed to get the gun used to kill those allowed to get the gun used to kill those innocent people in a Church Service those innocent people in a Church Service if those innocent people in a Church Service. If the fbi has not completed the Background Check within completed the Background Check within three days. As a process. If it was within three days. As a process. If it was not within three days. As a process. If it was not done in three days to get to by it was not done in three days to get to by the it was not done in three days to get to by the gun. They bought the gun he killed to by the gun. They bought the gun he killed a to by the gun. They bought the gun he killed a hell of a lot of innocent people who invited him to pray with innocent people who invited him to pray with them. And three, reauthorise the Violence Against Women Reauthorise the Violence Against Women Act. Which it so closed. Applause women act. Which it so closed. Applause women act. Which it so closed. Applause. ,. , ~ applause. The boyfriend and stalking looholes applause. The boyfriend and stalking loo holes to applause. The boyfriend and stalking loopholes to keep applause. The boyfriend and stalking loopholes to keep guns applause. The boyfriend and stalking loopholes to keep guns out applause. The boyfriend and stalking loopholes to keep guns out of applause. The boyfriend and stalking loopholes to keep guns out of the loopholes to keep guns out of the hands loopholes to keep guns out of the hands of loopholes to keep guns out of the hands of people. Found by a court to be an hands of people. Found by a court to be an abuser hands of people. Found by a court to be an abuserand hands of people. Found by a court to be an abuser and continuing threat. I be an abuser and continuing threat. I held be an abuser and continuing threat. I held over be an abuser and continuing threat. I held over 1000 hours of hearings to pass i held over 1000 hours of hearings to pass the i held over 1000 hours of hearings to pass the Violence Against Women Act and to pass the Violence Against Women Act and one to pass the Violence Against Women Act and one thing came through. If in fact act and one thing came through. If in fact a act and one thing came through. If in fact a stayaway order, and order preventing in fact a stayaway order, and order preventing the abuser from coming in a certain preventing the abuser from coming in a certain distance of the person he or she a certain distance of the person he or she has a certain distance of the person he or she has abused, and now the idea that they or she has abused, and now the idea that they can or she has abused, and now the idea that they can own a weapon when they have a that they can own a weapon when they have a court that they can own a weapon when they have a court order saying they are an Abuserm Have A Court Order saying they are an abuser. These are some of the best an abuser. These are some of the best tools an abuser. These are some of the best tools we an abuser. These are some of the best tools we have right now to prevent best tools we have right now to Prevent Gun Violence and save lives. But all Prevent Gun Violence and save lives. But all of Prevent Gun Violence and save lives. But all of these bills had support both democrats and republicans in the house. And universal Background Checks the house. And universal Background Checks are the house. And universal Background Checks are supported by the vast Majority Checks are supported by the vast majority of the American People. And i majority of the American People. And i may majority of the American People. And i may add majority of the American People. And i may add to, the vast majority of responsible gun owners. So let me be cleai, responsible gun owners. So let me be clear. This responsible gun owners. So let me be clear. This is responsible gun owners. So let me be clear, this is not a partisan issue among clear, this is not a partisan issue among the clear, this is not a partisan issue among the American People. This is a view by among the American People. This is a view by the among the American People. This is a view by the American People as an american view by the American People as an american issue. And im willing to work american issue. And im willing to work with american issue. And im willing to work with anyone to get these done. Its work with anyone to get these done. Its long work with anyone to get these done. Its long past time that we act. I know its long past time that we act. I know this its long past time that we act. I know this has been a hobbyhorse of mine know this has been a hobbyhorse of mine for know this has been a hobbyhorse of mine for a know this has been a hobbyhorse of mine for a long time. I got it done once, mine for a long time. I got it done once, we mine for a long time. I got it done once, we should also ban Assault Weapons once, we should also ban Assault Weapons and high capacity magazines in this weapons and high capacity magazines in this country. For that ten years we had in this country. For that ten years we had it in this country. For that ten years we had it done, the number of Mass Shootings we had it done, the number of Mass Shootings actually went down. Even Law Enforcement officials have told me and Law Enforcement officials have told me and told others may sometimes feel outgunned by Assault Weapons and some feel outgunned by Assault Weapons and some large capacity magazines. Theres and some large capacity magazines. Theres no and some large capacity magazines. Theres no reason they need a weapon of war theres no reason they need a weapon of war with theres no reason they need a weapon of war with 100 bullets that can be fired from of war with 100 bullets that can be fired from that weapon. Nobody needs that. Nobody needs that. We got that done when that. Nobody needs that. We got that done when i was the United States senator, done when i was the United States senator, it done when i was the United States senator, it was not easy going against senator, it was not easy going against The Gun Lobby but it saves lives against The Gun Lobby but it saves lives and against The Gun Lobby but it saves lives. And we should also eliminate lufi lives. And we should also eliminate Gun Manufacturers from the community they receive Gun Manufacturers from the community they receive. We realise again that people they receive. We realise again that people here are so ineligible here in the people here are so ineligible here in the rose people here are so ineligible here in the rose garden, but a lot of people in the rose garden, but a lot of people dont realise the only industry people dont realise the only industry in america, a billion dollar industry that cant be sued billion dollar industry that cant be sued has been exempt from being sued, be sued has been exempt from being sued. Are be sued has been exempt from being sued, are Gun Manufacturers. Imagine how different it would be in that same how different it would be in that same exemption been available to tobacco same exemption been available to Tobacco Companies who knew and lied about Tobacco Companies who knew and lied about the Tobacco Companies who knew and lied about the danger they were causing come about the danger they were causing come of about the danger they were causing come of the cancer caused and the like come of the cancer caused and the like and come of the cancer caused and the like. And measure where we would be. This is like. And measure where we would be. This is the like. And measure where we would be. This is the only outfit thats exempt this is the only outfit thats exempt from being sued. If i get one thin exempt from being sued. If i get one thing on exempt from being sued. If i get one thing on my exempt from being sued. If i get one thing on my list of the lord came down thing on my list of the lord came down and thing on my list of the lord came down and said you get one of these, ive down and said you get one of these, give me down and said you get one of these, give me that one. Because i tell you what, give me that one. Because i tell you what. There give me that one. Because i tell you what, there would be a comfort the lords what, there would be a comfort the lords moment these folks would have really lords moment these folks would have really quickly. But they are not, they really quickly. But they are not, they are really quickly. But they are not, they are not. They are exempt. I know they are not. They are exempt. I know that they are not. They are exempt. I know that the conversation about guns know that the conversation about guns in know that the conversation about guns in this country can be a difficult guns in this country can be a difficult one. Even here much more common difficult one. Even here much more Common Ground than any moment you would Common Ground than any moment you would believe. Anything being proposed today is totally consistent with the proposed today is totally consistent with the second amendment. And theres with the second amendment. And theres a with the second amendment. And theres a wide consensus behind the need to theres a wide consensus behind the need to take action. I know that an overwhelming majority of americans affect overwhelming majority of americans affect their lives and can still be demoralising to our fellow citizens. Can feel demoralising to our fellow citizens. Can feel like our political process is broken can feel like our political process is broken i can feel like our political process is broken. I know its painful and frustrating is broken. I know its painful and frustrating that we have not made the progress that we would hope for, but it the progress that we would hope for, but it took the progress that we would hope for, but it took five years to get the brady but it took five years to get the brady vote past and even more to get the Assault Brady Vote past and even more to get the Assault Weapons ban. And it save lives the Assault Weapons ban. And it save lives no the Assault Weapons ban. And it save lives. No matter how long it takes we are lives. No matter how long it takes we are going to get these past. We are not we are going to get these past. We are not going to give up. We have an opportunity are not going to give up. We have an opportunity to fulfil the first responsibility to keep our people safe responsibility to keep our people safe in responsibility to keep our people safe. In the process wreckage of the world safe. In the process wreckage of the world assure ourselves that democracy works and we can come Together Democracy Works and we can come together and get big things done. When together and get big things done. When i together and get big things done. When i look around and see such brave when i look around and see such brave survivors sitting out here in the rose brave survivors sitting out here in the rose garden, Public Servants who devoted the rose garden, Public Servants who devoted their lives to dealing with this, advocates who feel strongly and are this, advocates who feel strongly and are pushing every day to make the rational and are pushing every day to make the rational changes, and courageous parents the rational changes, and courageous parents and the rational changes, and courageous parents and Family Members, i know the progress even in this most difficult the progress even in this most difficult of issues is possible. So folks, difficult of issues is possible. So folks, this difficult of issues is possible. So folks, this isjust the start. Weve ot folks, this isjust the start. Weve got a folks, this isjust the start. Weve got a lot folks, this isjust the start. Weve got a lot of folks, this isjust the start. Weve got a lot of work to do but i know almost got a lot of work to do but i know almost everyone of you sitting in the garden here, none of you have ever given the garden here, none of you have ever given up. The idea that we have so many ever given up. The idea that we have so many people dying every single day from so many people dying every single day from Gun Violence In America is a blemish day from Gun Violence In America is a blemish on day from Gun Violence In America is a blemish on our character as a nation a blemish on our character as a nation let a blemish on our character as a nation. Let me say to all of you might nation. Let me say to all of you might god nation. Let me say to all of you might God Bless You but most importantly the memory of all the many importantly the memory of all the many of importantly the memory of all the many of you have lost any senseless uifi many of you have lost any senseless gun violence, and now i would like to handed gun violence, and now i would like to handed over to the Attorney General to handed over to the Attorney General for him to speak and make some general for him to speak and make some comments. I hope i get a chance to see some comments. I hope i get a chance to see some some comments. I hope i get a chance to see some of you after this is over to see some of you after this is over thank to see some of you after this is over. Thank you, thank you, thank you over. Thank you, thank you, thank ou. ~. ,. , over. Thank you, thank you, thank ou. ,. ,. You. We are going to leave that event at the you. We are going to leave that event at the white you. We are going to leave that event at the white house, you. We are going to leave that event at the white house, President Biden talking about gun violence in the us, he described as an epidemic, he said that 316 people are shot every day in the United States, 106 of those people die every single day. And he announced various measures by Executive Order Meaning that they dont have to be passed through congress including curbs on ghost guns which are effectively assembled at home and also on arm braces for pistols, stabilisers for pistols and these have been characterised by our North America editor as extremely modest changes because anything more meaningful road require legislation that would not necessarily get past. So a sort of Signal Type Statement they are from the president. Political leaders in Northern Ireland have condemned the rioting thats raged in belfast for six nights, but criticised each other about the underlying causes. Police were attacked, petrol bombs were thrown and a bus was set on fire last night. In total, 55 Police Officers have been injured in the violence. The Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis has been holding talks with political and faith leaders this afternoon and gave an update on the situation. I welcome the statement from the executive today, it was really good seeing all five parties Cross Community coming together with a clear common statement. Which is that violence is nonsensical, theres no legitimisation for violence of any issue. The ranges of issues we referenced today and i will be the first to acknowledge over the first of this year there were real issues about how the protocol has landed for people both as consumers and those in the unionist Loyalist Community and the sense of identity. The way to deal with these things the diplomatic political process. Note legitimisation to take from violence deal with these issues. It does not serve anybody pause not because given their concern to any issue to take the violence. Share given their concern to any issue to take the violence. Given their concern to any issue to take the violence. Are you planning on readin take the violence. Are you planning on reading the take the violence. Are you planning on reading the loyalist take the violence. Are you planning on reading the loyalist counsel take the violence. Are you planning | on reading the loyalist counsel back injanuary on reading the loyalist counsel Back Injanuary Given that on reading the loyalist counsel back in january given that some sources are saying in january given that some sources are saying that loyalist or militaries may be orchestrating these militaries may be orchestrating these riots . | militaries may be orchestrating these riots . Militaries may be orchestrating these riots . ,. , these riots . I have not match of the lo alist these riots . I have not match of the loyalist counsel, these riots . I have not match of the loyalist counsel, but these riots . I have not match of the loyalist counsel, but ive these riots . I have not match of the loyalist counsel, but ive always loyalist counsel, but ive always been a very willing to meet and engage with anybody who is very clear that the process for taking issues forward and concerns forward if the democratic proper political process. Its right to be wide the engage. The kind of engagement that is go to the anniversary of the good friday agreement, people were able to engage with people who wanted to move in a positive way away from violence. At the right way to take things forward. Ive been engaging over the last few months and last two days across the communities to talk to them about the issues and talk to them about the issues and talk to them about the issues and talk to them about how and what we need to do to see a column or situation and thats what i think it was good. We were talking last night and this morning to all the political leaders and pleased to see them come together with that statement this morning. Brenda lewis speaking after a meeting about the violence going on. Brandon. Ahead of that meeting political leaders and the police have all called for an end to the violence. Our ireland correspondent chris page reports. The barrier, which is commonly known as a peace line, was anything but peaceful last night. The wall was built 20 years ago to try to stop clashes between politically divided communities in west belfast. But there was trouble on both sides as crowds threw petrol bombs, fireworks and bricks. Violence began on the loyalist Shankill Road where protesters had gathered. A bus was hijacked and set on fire. There were no passengers on board, but the driver was said to be very shaken. Then, across the peace wall in the Springfield Road area, republican youths rioted. Community representatives tried to calm the situation. Sad to see this. We are trying to appeal to these young people that this isnt the answer. They shouldnt be engaging in violence, sectarian violence. Its only a matter of time, i feel, before someone gets seriously hurt. People in Northern Ireland had hoped that scenes of destruction like this belonged well in the past. But today, as the debris and damage from last night is cleaned up, the question is, does the violence of the past week have the potential to escalate . My appeal to those who whisk the narrow wish to organise the disorder is not to do it. It serves no purpose and nobody wants to see the scenes we have seen last night. We now have a new generation of children and young people who are being exposed to things they wont have seen previously. Following Standing Order 11, i have summoned the assembly to meet today. Police briefed ministers in the devolved government this morning, and the Stormont Assembly returned early from its easter break to discuss the issues. There can be no place in our society for violence, or the threat of violence, and it must stop. Just as it was wrong in the past and was neverjustified, so it is wrong now, and cannot be justified. As political leaders, we must stand united in appealing to all concerned to refrain from further threats or use of violence, and recognise that is only through Democratic Politics that we can solve problems and concerns. Borisjohnson and the irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin have condemned the violence. It has been a more sustained level of violence in streets in Northern Ireland for some time. It has been the most sustained period of unrest on the only small areas have been affected so far, but many people in this part of the uk are feeling a new and yet familiar sense of concern. Chris page, bbc news, belfast. In the past few minutes weve had further developments at westminster about the ongoing row over the influence of in the past few minutes the chancellor rishi sunak has published Text Messages he sent to the former Prime Minister David Cameron a year ago. This comes amid the ongoing row at westminster over the influence of the financier Lex Greensill. Our deputy Political Editor vicki young is at westminster. Vicki, just remind us of the background to this story and then tell us what we find out today if. David Cameron Committee former Prime Minister, to spend lots of stories in the papers about this, the Financial Times and the sunday times in particularfinding out that Financial Times and the Sunday Times In Particular Finding Out that David Cameron had contacted the chancellor rishi sunak on behalf of the company who David Cameron was working for. We knew that there had been some texts sent from the former Prime Minister and he has been accused of intervening where he should not have been but hes been cleared of any wrongdoing, he was working for the company and that was transparent. The chancellor has been dragged into this because he was the recipient of those Text Messages. What he has done tonight unusually is to publish his responses to David Cameron. He obviously wants to clear his name to make it plain that he has done nothing wrong. So those have just been published and there are two responses, ive been told that he was texted multiple times by the former Prime Minister. In the first response, rishi sunak said hi, david, thanks for your message, im stuck in back to back meetings on calls but will try you later this Evening Orfirst Calls but will try you later this evening or first thing tomorrow. Best, rishi. And then in april 2020 he apologise for the delay and said the proposals in the end they require a change the Market Notice but i push the team to explore an alternative with a bank that might work. At the bank are currently looking at it and says a Treasury Official will be in touch. This is because Lex Greensill want to be part of the government backed scheme where the government were going to guarantee loans that were being lent to companies struggling with covid. Greensill did not qualify for that, but David Cameron was trying to say that they should. A spokesperson for the chancellor has suggested that he was making it clear to David Cameron here that what he was proposing, what greensill wanted to simply was not going to happen and that there was an official process and they insisted that chancellor has done absolutely nothing wrong here. And they are publishing these messages a source says to reassure beyond doubt that there was no wrongdoing that the chancellor acted with integrity and prepared t. Than . The chancellor acted with integrity and prepared t the chancellor acted with integrity and prepared t. Any comment from David Cameron and prepared t. Any comment from David Cameron or and prepared t. Any comment from David Cameron or mr and prepared t. Any comment from David Cameron or mr greensill . And prepared t. Any comment from | David Cameron or mr greensill . Not et but David Cameron or mr greensill . Jjrrt yet but David Cameron has not said anything response of the stories of the last few weeks. He has been working for this company, and really this goes to the heart of lobbying rules. The loving rules are not particularly strict, what habits of eight Prime Minister leaves government they have to wait a couple of years before they can get a job in couple of years before they can get ajob in certain couple of years before they can get a job in certain areas. David cameron did that. He worked openly for this company, but of course we have others including labour party who say the former Prime Minister as it should not be doing this and using access and using their contacts to try and get something for a Company Contacts to try and get something fora company in contacts to try and get something for a company in which they have investments. But the rules dont prohibit that. Others say this is exactly what lobbying is all about, people like former Prime Ministers can get lucrativejobs people like former Prime Ministers can get lucrative jobs because of course they do have the contacts. Many thanks. Vicki young reporting there from westminster. The Health Secretary matt hancock says the uk has more than enough supply for pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccines to treat all adults under the age of 30 after the medicines regulator said people aged between 18 29 should be offered an alternative to the astrazeneca jab because of a possible link with where blood clots. With me is the Programme Manager of the vaccine Preventable Diseases Programme at the World Health Organization Regional Office for europe, good afternoon to you doctor. We are in this situation with Different Countries in europe have gotten very different recommendations about astrazeneca. We are in the uk of course focusing on this guidance now that people under 30 should not be given the astrazeneca jab if it is possible. How would you characterise the situation in europe, the way in which the astrazeneca jab is being restricted . Let which the astrazeneca ab is being restricted . ,. ,. , restricted . Let me try to answer our restricted . Let me try to answer your Question Restricted . Let me try to answer your question into restricted . Let me try to answer your question into different restricted . Let me try to answer. Your question into different parts. One is that the reporting of the Safety Events that we have seen from several of the eu Member States and the uk demonstrates one thing. That the uk demonstrates one thing. That the Vaccine Safety is a concern that we have always raised is being picked up by the National Systems which is extremely important because the rare events are often not identified during the Clinical Trials and the Clinical Trials usually looking to the common Safety Events. That means these events that have been picked up our demonstration that the National Vaccine Safety Systems are working. The second one is these Safety Events need to be investigated, looked into very closely by the National Authorities and that is what the regulatory authorities, the uk mhr and whos what the regulatory authorities, the uk mhr and whos Global Advisory Safety Committee have done yesterday with the release of the statement. The Policy Decisions in the countries will have to be looked into country by country and then this also depends upon the local disease epidemiology. The hospitalisations and the deaths happening from covid 19, and what other vaccines products which are available in the country. So all these factors will have to be looked into by every country before a Policy Decision is made. We talk about a statement europe released by the uk nhra and thejcvi from the uk. It by the uk nhra and the jcvi from the uk. ,. ,. , uk. It is the World Health Organizations uk. It is the World Health Organizations position i uk. It is the world health | organizations position that uk. It is the world health. Organizations position that a uk. It is the World Health Organizations position that a blood clot and link up with it the astrazeneca vaccine is plausible but not confirmed and that in the context of these cases remaining very rare . Context of these cases remaining ve rare . Context of these cases remaining very rare . Context of these cases remaining ve rare . ,. , , very rare . Indeed, absolutely. These Safety Events very rare . Indeed, absolutely. These Safety Events that very rare . Indeed, absolutely. These Safety Events that we very rare . Indeed, absolutely. These Safety Events that we have very rare . Indeed, absolutely. These Safety Events that we have seed very rare . Indeed, absolutely. These Safety Events that we have seed of i Safety Events that we have seed of the Blood Clot Disorders are extremely rare adverse events and just to also outline here that the who is looking into the cases beyond the European Union Member States and the European Union Member States and the uk across the coven that is what the uk across the coven that is what the Global Advisory committee is looking into more wider in a domain. Because a number of doses of the astrazeneca vaccine which have been used in other countries outside the eu and the uk also comes in the purview and we need to see what are the Safety Events or signals that we are getting from those countries and at this point in time as you have correctly mentioned, these are very rare events and the benefits of vaccinations still outweighs the risk of anything that can happen from the vaccines. find risk of anything that can happen from the vaccines. Risk of anything that can happen from the vaccines. And that message has been about from the vaccines. And that message has been about and from the vaccines. And that message has been about and clear from the vaccines. And that message has been about and clear from has been about and clear from experts around the globe. You talk about needing evidence from Around The World and outside the eu as we have been discussing right now and i wondered the World Health Organization is working through kovacs which is ischemic distributing vaccines to developing countries. What do you think about the use of the astrazeneca vaccine in the covax scheme . Does some of the caution around the astrazeneca jab be extended to its use in developing countries as well . So developing countries as well . Sr thank you for asking that question, very important but i will try to at least say that who has been closely monitoring the roll out of covid 19 vaccines not only for astrazeneca, for any other vaccines that have been rolled out through covax or beyond covax. And i think this remains one of our important engagements with our Member States who are making all of us to make this Global Public good as one of the effective tools on hand to pink contained this pandemic. Within the covax facility there have been several countries which have received astrazeneca vaccines and whos received astrazeneca vaccines and whos Global Advisory comittee and more data shared directly with other states. We will continue to work with all of the regulatory authorities across the globe to understand any such events happening, the characteristics that they are being investigated and then what of those different Policy Implications that can happen once countries share this, collectively we pull all the Safety Events vis a vis a number of the doses given and then we come to a conclusion. Given and then we come to a conclusion. ,. , ,. , conclusion. Sorry to put in but do ou think conclusion. Sorry to put in but do you think the conclusion. Sorry to put in but do you think the astrazeneca conclusion. Sorry to put in but do| you think the astrazeneca vaccine should go on being distributed to developing countries and be used for younger people in a way that is not being used for younger people in various European Countries . That being used for younger people in various European Countries . At this oint in various European Countries . At this point in time various European Countries . At this point in time with various European Countries . At this point in time with the various European Countries . At this point in time with the available point in time with the available data that we have on hand not only from the European Union Member States, the uk but also from the other parts of the globe, the use of astrazeneca vaccine or the covid 19 vaccine still out weigh the risk we see. The Global Advisory comittee on the Vaccine Safety will be meeting next week again to look into the available data and together as we are engaged with European Medicine Agencies and others, we will be reviewing this reviewing this data again. I think it is important to you and our listeners that we make any decision based on hard facts and science and i think these reported events are extremely important as i mentioned. This also indicates the Safety System is working in the countries for reporting but we need to look into much more detail into all these events that are happening and then come out with a hard base evidence and informed scientifically robust Decision Making process. And informed scientifically robust decisionmaking process. And informed scientifically robust decisionmaking process. Thank you very much decisionmaking process. Thank you very much that decisionmaking process. Thank you very much. That is decisionmaking process. Thank you very much. That is doctor decisionmaking process. Thank you very much. That is doctor siddhartal very much. That is doctor Siddharta Datta from the World Health Organization. Thank you. Time for a catch up with all the support now. Sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, heres olly foster. The early starters are just reaching the Augusta National club house on the opening day of the masters, the course clearly back to its challenging best after the more favourable conditions when it was played in november. Hideki matsuyama leads on three under at the moment. Its been a shaky start for lee westwood in his 20th masters appearance. His tee shot on the third found the trees and he couldnt get out of them with his second shot, that led to a double bogey. 10 years on since rory mcllroy famously blew a final round lead at augusta, hes still chasing the career grand slam, hes one over after bogeying the fifth. The american dustinjohnson won the masters five months ago with a record low score of 20 under par. Hes one over so far after two bogeys and a birdie. Its been a great day for sir Alex Ferguson at aintree, the grand National Festival is under way and the former Manchester United manager had a share in each of the first three winners all eyes were on the two Time National winner tiger roll in the betway bowl chase, but he could only finish a very distant fourth as clan des obeaux brought up the hat trick for ferguson, ridden by harry cobden and trained by Paul Nicholls he came home 26 lengths clear. Sir alex says its the best days racing hes had since getting involved in the sport 20 years ago. Thats great, how about that . That was his words not mine. Great performance out of the top draw from him one of his best performances, it just shows that keeping them fresh and it was all right today. Swansea city say they wont post anything on social post anything on social media for the next seven days to take a stand against continuing online racist abuse. The Championship Club say the first team squad, academy professionals, their womens team and club staff will boycott all channels for the next week. Three of their players were recently targeted with abuse. We are not doing this and is taking everyone to follow. If they do great, but we are looking after our own and showing a bit of a united front in what has gone on in our circle if you like that if that helps fight the bigger issues and the people want to follow us, then great. But that has got to be down to the clubs in particular. Theres more european football this evening, the first legs in the quarterfinals of the europa league. Arsenal are at home against slavia prague, Manchester United away to spanish side granada. If you get the chance to play in a quarterfinal in europe for man united, every player knows this is a massive game and its an important game for you. And for me as well. Im the manager and i know that, of course, it is just of the first half in a two leg affair, but it is a big game for us. The french open will start a week later than scheduled, it will run from the 30th of may to the 13th ofjune. Tournament organisers at Roland Garros say they want the largest number of fans to be able to attend, and with france in a Third National lockdown, moving the championships will give them the best possible chance. This will impact on the Grass Court Season in the build up to wimbledon. The lta say they are looking at the implications for their events and might make changes to the calendar. Sarah hunter will play her first england game for 13 months when they face italy on saturday in the womens six nations. She comes staright back into the side and will reclaim the captaincy. Shes one of ten changes to the side that beat scotland last weekend. In a revamped format for the six nations, the red roses will reach the final of the tournament if they beat the italians in parma. Hunter has struggled with a Hamstring Strain and more recently nerve damage in her hand. Thats all the sport for now. Jane dougal will be back after the 6pm news with sportsday. You can find more on all those stories on the bbc sport website. You can keep right on top of what is going on at augusta and reaction to that entry first grand National Festival as well. Thanks very much indeed. News that we have just had in which is that Sir Richard Sutton who is known to have been one of the richest men in britain has been found stabbed to death at his home in dorset. Sir richard was believed to be 83. He died at his home near gillingham. A woman in her 60s we are told was also critically injured in the attack and is in hospital in a serious condition. Dorset police have set a vehicle linked to the incident was followed to london and stopped in west london and they say that a 34 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to hospitalfor arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital for treatment for injuries which are not believed to be life threatening. They also say the man and the victims are known to each other. A spokesman from Sir Richard Suttons Companies Say they are deeply saddened and devastated by the sudden death of sir Richard Which was announced this morning. Sir Richard Sutton was on the sunday times richard west and was said to be worth around £300 million. His was the centre of come from hotels, property and from farms. The sunday times rich list. And that news just in. The Health Secretary, matt hancock, has tried to reassure people about the safety of the astrazeneca jab, saying there was no evidence of rare blood clots after the second dose of the vaccine. He said the uks Vaccination Programme was breaking the link between covid cases and deaths and saving thousands of lives. Joining me now is professor Beate Kampmann, director of the Vaccine Centre at the London School of hygiene and tropical medicine. Good afternoon to you. Would you go along with that reassuring tone from the Health Secretary saying there is no evidence of any link between blood clots and a second dose of the astrazeneca vaccine and urging people to get there second does . Yeah, good afternoon. The perception of risk consists of two things, there are facts and numbers and there are facts and numbers and there are facts and numbers and there are personal perceptions and there are personal perceptions and the dont always overlap and this is where i think we find ourselves a little bit in. What man had cox said is borne out by the facts there are because all of these clots in the uk occurred after the first is posted what matt hancock is set. We have no evidence of clotting after the second dose but also must be stressing that this is a very tiny number of people who unfortunately have had these side effects amongst the millions of doses that have been applied of this vaccine. Adore the millions of doses that have been applied of this vaccine. Applied of this vaccine. Are there other reasons applied of this vaccine. Are there other reasons why applied of this vaccine. Are there other reasons why people applied of this vaccine. Are there other reasons why people mightl other reasons why people might suffer these clots apart from the vaccine . Is there a possibility that this might not be connected . Sure. There is a biological this might not be connected . Sis there is a biological possibility it could be connected but as we know covid causes blood clots itself and there is not great detail on the cases that we have seen that is unshared because it is confidential information. But there are other conditions, for example covid, for example undergoing autoimmune diseases, the contraceptive pill, people sitting in aeroplanes for a long time that can cause blood clots. There is a whole range although what we are seeing here is quite an unusual phenomena because it goes together with very low Platelet Count and get this clotting which is caused by a Platelet Activation Factor for how we understand it. Iwonder what activation factor for how we understand it. I wonder what you make of the difference with the european medicines agency. Band european medicines agency. And the. European medicines agency. And the and european medicines agency. And the. And the european medicines agency. And the. And the regulator in the uk. The European Agency says that there is a link but a very rare side effect of the vaccine. Going rather further than in the uk. What do you make of that disparity . I further than in the uk. What do you make of that disparity . Make of that disparity . I believe that the very make of that disparity . I believe that the very rare make of that disparity . I believe that the very rare side make of that disparity . I believe that the very rare side effect make of that disparity . I believe that the very rare side effect of. That the very rare side effect of this is now a part of the label for the astrazeneca vaccine. And countries have made different decisions and also depending on their vaccine supplies, the alternatives and to some degree on their regulatory requirements and epidemiology. I think one of the reasons why we have drawn the line in the under 30s may be also because it gives us a little bit more time to assess some more of the biological phenomena that could be part of the spectrum and the time it will be, several weeks before anyone under 30 unless they are a Health Care Professional book at the astrazeneca vaccine, and that gives a little bit more time. And in europe the vaccine supply chain looks a bit different and that might be one of the reasons and they might have taken a more slightly precautionary approach. And have taken a more slightly precautionary approach. And you say the Vaccine Chain precautionary approach. And you say the Vaccine Chain looks precautionary approach. And you say the Vaccine Chain looks a precautionary approach. And you say the Vaccine Chain looks a bit the Vaccine Chain looks a bit different because they have more alternatives . Alternatives . Well, they have the pfizer and the alternatives . Well, they have the pfizer and the moderna alternatives . Well, they have the pfizer and the Moderna Vaccine i alternatives . Well, they have the pfizer and the Moderna Vaccine in europe. But also we must not forget that europe is in a position where we were literally injanuary and they have hundreds and hundreds of people in hospital and gets every single day. So for them to restrict vaccination, i think, single day. So for them to restrict vaccination, ithink, is really single day. So for them to restrict vaccination, i think, is really a risky situation because they are not going to get on top of the pandemic in the same way as we have no sort of put ourselves in the position in the uk and that raises further that the uk and that raises further that theissues the uk and that raises further that the issues of variance arising of course. ,. ,. The issues of variance arising of course. , course. Ok, thanks so much, good to touch ou course. Ok, thanks so much, good to touch you always. Course. Ok, thanks so much, good to touch you always. That course. Ok, thanks so much, good to touch you always. That is course. Ok, thanks so much, good to touch you always. That is professor. Touch you always. That is professor Beate Kampmann from the Vaccine Centre at the London School of hygiene and tropical medicine. Thank you. As england begins to open after it walked on, the Public Transport System is preparing for an influx and passengers. Operators are trying to reassure travellers that trains and buses will be safe but Passenger Groups have warned that social distancing wont always be possible. The Industry Body says bus services in england should be up to 100 of pre pandemic levels by monday. Heres our transport correspondent, caroline davies. Empty arrival halls in birmingham, deserted carriages in manchester, and quiet top decks on london buses. Please ensure you wear a face covering. This pandemic has meant many of us have spent months hardly using this network. But as the world begins to venture outside, Public Transport is once again getting ready to take us there. At this depot in hull, they began fogging their buses 14 months ago. Theyre planning extra services into the summer to help with social distancing, but theres still some uncertainty from potential passengers. I wouldnt like to use the bus. It can be so busy i wouldnt want to be that close to people, especially if its so full you have to sit next to a random person. As long as people wear their mask, i think you can get as many people on as you want. Changes are happening around the country. By monday, therell be 18,000 Train Services each weekday across britain thats 1,000 more since february. But how many passengers will take rail trips over the next few months is still guesswork. We want people to travel with confidence, so were making as much Space Available for people whether thats extra Daily Services or longer trains. Were also making sure that those trains are spotlessly clean, but also were giving better information so that people can find out which services are busier and so they can plan theirjourneys better. While Commuter Services are likely to be busier, theres also transport to sports events, Music Festivals even just trips to the beach that are likely to fill up. While the industry has always said that it will do what it can, its down to the police to enforce the rules. While most services have been quiet during lockdown, there have been images like this, taken on the London Underground in january. Maintaining social distance and wearing a mask will be crucial to getting people back on board confidently. Returning to Public Transport may well feel strange and unsettling after months of keeping apart the industry know that they need to rebuild that confidence to get passengers on board. Caroline davies, bbc news. Almost 100 theatres across france have been occupied by protestors calling on the government to do more to support artists during the covid crisis. The occupations, which began a month ago at the Odeon Theatre In Paris, were triggered by planned changes to Unemployment Benefits for artists, due to take effect this summer. Heres our paris correspondent, lucy williamson. This is where we are doing our daily. Frances newest Protest Movement is held together as much by schedules as slogans. With one shower between 50 people, the Odeon Theatre In Paris wasnt designed for live in guests. We have also messages from Around The World, from japan, argentina, new zealand. Batiste is a Sound Engineer when he is not managing an occupation. Baptiste is a Sound Engineer when he is not managing an occupation. Their demands reopen cultural venues and stop the planned reform of Unemployment Benefits, which artists say could reduce their daily payment at a time when they are unable to work. When your message involves the calculation of benefit policies, though, it helps to have a nation of adoring fans. I think there is a place to open our theatre. I know that nothing is easy and all the decisions are quite complex, but unfortunately there is a choice, our government has made a choice, and it is not the choice that i would have made. The protests have now spread to 90 theatres across the country, where president macron is once again seen as cutting benefits to those already struggling. I think itsjust, little king on his castle, he doesnt want to look down and hes just trying to get money from the poor and isjust increasing the difference between rich and poor. But feelings of anger and inequality stretch far beyond frances theatres. At the tap theatre here in poitiers, the movement is allied with a range of causes, from migrants to palestinians to yellow vests. This is a fairly low key protest compared to many that president macron has faced, but it is now a nationwide movement and it is linking up with other, more established protest groups. The yellow vests may have left the headlines, but a handful still protest each week in towns like this. Now they lending their support to the Theatre Protest here. Weve kept the flame alive, mohammed told me, waiting for the time it will catch fire again. Last week, president macron announced a new national lockdown. The government is now spending 11 Billion Euros a month to support businesses and workers. Caught between unsustainable spending and unacceptable reforms, mr macron is set to face his critics again. The plays may have stopped here, but politics goes on. Lucy williamson, bbc news, paris. Now its time for a look at the weather with nick miller. Hello. Temperatures may have headed up briefly during thursday but theyre about to go right back down again. Behind this Weather Front thats Working South across the uk right now is a cold front. The leading edge of notjust colder air but arctic air spilling its way south again with a few wintry showers to come into places particularly to start friday in northern scotland. It could be icy in some spots here. Now, a cold front with cloud and a bit of Showery Rain Stretches from wales to midlands across to parts of east anglia during friday morning pushing south into southern england. Behind it for northern england, for Northern Ireland and for scotland, youre back into the sunshine. You may catch a wintry shower especially in northern scotland. Its feeling cold, although a strong wind is slowly easing. Now into the weekend, our front clears away but another set of fronts approaching from the south just brushing a bit of rain in towards Southern Southeastern Parts of england. Still something to play for in how far north that may get on saturday but if youre away from that and particularly through parts of wales, northern england, Northern Ireland and scotland its sunny spells, its a few wintry showers, its cold. As that system pulls away on saturday night, not out of the question there could be a little bit of sleet or wet snow on its back edge before it does so. And then during sunday, theres some sunshine again with lower air coming down from the north or northeastjust bringing a few more of Those Wintry Showery Rain rain, sleet, hail, a bit of snow possible. Could also see just a bit of rain heading towards the far north West Of Scotland as the day goes on, thats from this area of low pressure. But for much of the uk, sunday night into monday, its High Pressure nosing its way in. It does mean though under clear skies for many as monday begins, there will be a widespread frost so gardeners take note over the weekend and then into the first part of next week some frosty nights to come. For monday, that area of low pressure sitting to our north west could well bring a bit of showery rain into parts of Northern Ireland, scotland, perhaps north west england and the rest of england and wales closer to higher pressure looking fine and that similar split going into tuesday with High Pressure here closer to that. Youll be dry closer to low pressure, you could see a bit of rain on tuesday and thats more especially affecting scotland and Northern Ireland. And temperatures . Well, just a hint they are heading their way up because weve cut off the flow of arctic air, the wind switching round to a more west south westerly. Now beyond that next week, a lot of uncertainty about what might happen. Weve looked at a few computer models. What the output is suggesting the actual weather were going to get is going to be in the second half of next week and this is the european ecmwf model which you can see a predominance of low pressure close by this is thursday going into friday which would suggest a likelihood of some of us seeing some rain. But contrast that with the american gfs model and this is how fridays looking. Its got High Pressure close by which suggests its settled, just slowing the progress of the arrival of the slow pressure turning things wetter. So, a difference of opinion about how our weathers going to turn out later next week. Now, the preferred idea at the moment, the weight of evidence would suggest that it is fairly unsettled and perhaps showery. Whatever happens, were more confident that this will happen. Well cut off the flow of the arctic air we have over this weekend and through next weekjust gradually and this is leeds but many of us in the same boat gradually bringing those temperatures closer to average. Well keep you updated on the next weather for the week ahead. Today at 6pm, police say last nights rioting in belfast was the worst theyve seen in years. There were clashes between Northern Irelands catholic and protestant communities at the so called peace wall no sign of peace last night. The two and four attacks, which lasted over an hour, havejust been interrupted by the arrival of this line of police land rovers, who pushed the crowd back from this side of the peace wall. Eight officers were injured thats more than 50 in total after several nights of rioting. We do believe that there was a level of preplanning. We dont come by such volumes of petrol bombs and missiles and fireworks without preplanning. Northern irelands assembly went into emergency session today. Well be looking at whats behind the violence. Also tonight. Englands Health Secretary says the risk of getting a blood clot after the astrazeneca jab is the same as getting one