Mps and peers call for Long Covid to be recognised as an occupational disease, but the bbc has been told key workers may face a year long wait for a decision on compensation. Police searching for the remains of Mary Bastholm, missing since the 1960s, are to excavate a Gloucester Cafe linked to serial killer West'>Fred West. President biden says the us is working to secure a ceasefire, after more than a week of violence between israel and palestinian militants. He urges both sides to protect civilians. And coming up this hour just 20 companies produce more than half of all the single Use Plastic thrown away Around The World, according to a Climate Change report. Ministers are stepping up calls for people to accept a Covid Vaccination as soon as theyre offered one. There are fears the spread of the India Variant could jeopardise The End of Lockdown Restrictions next month and a review into Social Distancing expected next week may be delayed. There are now 2,323 confirmed cases of the strain in the uk with 86 local authorities now having five or more cases. The Health Secretary Matt hancock told the house of Commons Yesterday that the India Variant is now the dominant strain In Bolton and neighbouring blackburn and darwen, and was rising in all Age Groups. He said most people in hospital in those areas had been eligible for a jab but had chosen not to have one, and he urged anyone who was unsure about vaccines to look at whats happening In Bolton. But yasmin qureshi, the Labour Mp for bolton South East, challenged mr hancocks suggestion that her constituents had refused the vaccine, blaming poor organisation instead. Amid the rising numbers of the variant, the government has warned its next review of Social Distancing measures may be delayed, saying its decision would be based on the latest data. Lets get more on this from our correspondentjon donnison. A lovely day. A lovely day, and for those out on the town indoors in manchester Last Night One thats been a long time coming. A chance to get the glad rags on, or maybe just a pint with the pooch. Do you know what . Its just amazing. You know, we spent so long, like. Even being outside is not the same thing as being inside. And just the atmosphere, people, live music its brilliant, i love it. Indoor soft play areas for children are also now open welcome news for parents in hull. Its amazing, just that he gets to be around other children and interact. Hes not had that for the last year so, yeah, its great for him. Wales has also seen its restrictions eased and, in cardiff, the bingo was back. It made me feel great to be able to. Ive missed it so much. Its not as if i even win in scotland, measures have been relaxed. Requires are now allowed to sing together, but only outdoors. You raise me up, to walk on Stormy Seas but at the same time as its easing restrictions, the government in Westminster says its urging caution, amid growing concerns about the new indian variant of the virus. The Vaccination Programme can give us confidence, but we must be alert to new variants that could jeopardise the advances that weve made. In bolton, which has the highest Infection Rates in england, the Vaccine Programme has been stepped up, with long queues forming outside vaccination centres. The government says there are now 86 local authorities with at least five cases of the indian variant. Bedford is the latest place to roll out Surge Testing, and some say the government needs to slow down. My feeling is that we really need tojust be a little bit more cautious in the speed at which we open up, and keep a very close eye on this variant. But while the restrictions weve all lived under are being eased now, it could be several weeks before we know what impact that has on the numbers. Jon donnison, bbc news. Lets speak to our chief political correspondent, adam fleming. Good morning to you, adam. Caution seems to be the word of the moment when ministers are doing interviews. Is this preparing us for a possible delay to The End of Lockdown Restrictions . I delay to The End of Lockdown Restrictions . Delay to The End of Lockdown Restrictions . ~. , restrictions . I think the government wants us to restrictions . I think the government wants us to have restrictions . I think the government wants us to have a restrictions . I think the government wants us to have a sense restrictions . I think the government wants us to have a Sense Of wants us to have a Sense Of perspective about the potential risk posed by this new variant of coronavirus identified in india. They are still waiting for hard and fast data from scientists aboutjust how much more transmissible it may be than the previous variant that was dominant in the uk. 0n be than the previous variant that was dominant in the uk. On that information will be very important for decisions made in future. I also think the government feels its strategy for dealing with these hotspots is potentially being vindicated because officials say there is early evidence that some of those people in the queues for vaccinations around the block In Bolton at the weekend were people from at risk groups in the right Age Groups who had not come forward for the first dose until then, so that would suggest that this message off, if you are eligible for a vaccine, just get it because that will help to stop the spread of the variant eventually, could be getting through to people. And that is despite calls from local leaders and some scientists and some mps to actually expand the eligibility of the vaccine down the age ranges in those hotspots. Having said that, though, Downing Street admit there is a huge extra amount of uncertainty thats been injected into the system, if you excuse the vaccine metaphor, by the indian variant. We saw an example of that yesterday in that this review into general Social Distancing measures like The One Metre Plus Rule in pubs and restaurants and where you should and might not have to wear a mask in future, that was due to report by The End of this month and its now looking like it will be delayed. Although, having said that, the government is still intending to make a decision on the 14th Ofjune about whether to go with the final stage of the Road Map in england for the unlocking on the 21st ofjune. So im afraid, i hate saying this, werejust going to so im afraid, i hate saying this, were just going to have to wait and see. Were ust going to have to wait and see. ,. ,. , see. That is the only thing for it. Adam, see. That is the only thing for it. Adam. Thank see. That is the only thing for it. Adam, thank you see. That is the only thing for it. Adam, thank you very see. That is the only thing for it. Adam, thank you very much. See. That is the only thing for it. I adam, thank you very much. Adam fleming. Lets speak to our correspondent, phil mccann. Hejoins us from he joins us from blackburn. Hejoins us from blackburn. Good morning to you. Tell he joins us from blackburn. Good morning to yon he joins us from blackburn. Good morning to you. Tell us about what is happening morning to you. Tell us about what is happening behind morning to you. Tell us about what is happening behind you. Morning to you. Tell us about what is happening behind you. Good is happening behind you. Good morning, and eta. Well, theres been a surge of Vaccine Resource to blackburn and next door In Bolton. They are the two boroughs that have the highest number of people with the highest number of people with the indian variant in the country. Thats what it looks like. This pp� up thats what it looks like. This pop up Vaccination Clinic appeared overnight, dropped off by a lorry. The Reason Theyve done that is because there has been concern that not enough people as weve heard, have been coming forward to get the vaccine and its not The One of the reasons for that, other than people being hesitant is that the vaccines may not be close enough to poor people live. And so this centre has papped up people live. And so this centre has popped up here and there is another one across Town And Something similar is happening over In Bolton. We heard Matt Hancock, the health secretary, saying if you are hesitant about getting the vaccine, then just look at bolton because the majority of people in hospital In Bolton are people who were eligible for the vaccine but have not had it. And part of the reason for that, we were hearing from Health Officials here this morning, is linked to deprivation. People perhaps not being able to book or not being able to get out to go to the vaccination centre. But Health Officials have been speaking to this morning are saying they were concerned by the queues seen In Bolton over the past few days. Long queues around the streets at vaccination centres. So this one will be appointments only. No queues this morning, there is an orderly Car Park System of people who have booked appointments. They dont want people to be put off by seeing pictures on tv of people queueing up to get their vaccination. For people here in blackburn, they have to get on the internet are ring up and book, but they said that by The End of today, it might be the case that they have left over vaccine as a short Shelf Life and so the men they might then put a call out to say that people can come along on spec to try to get Vaccinated. Can people can come along on spec to try to get Vaccinated. To get Vaccinated. Can i ust clarify with i to get Vaccinated. Can i ust clarify with you, i to get Vaccinated. Can i ust clarify with you, who is h to get Vaccinated. Can i just. Clarify with you, who is eligible to get Vaccinated. Can i just clarify with you, who is eligible to come along . 0bviously anyone from the groups already Vaccinated or is not yet been Vaccinated, but who can actually turn up and make an appointment to centres like The One behind you . It is appointment to centres like The One behind you . Behind you . It is anyone of any age who has underlying behind you . It is anyone of any age who has underlying health who has underlying Health Conditions, but if you dont have an underlying Health Condition, then its people over the age of 36. Yesterday, Matt Hancock was saying they are not going to expand it to all Age Groups at the moment because they really want to concentrate resource on those people who are older and therefore more vulnerable to getting seriously ill and those people getting their second jabs and therefore receiving full protection. In the first person came here today for vaccination was 20 years old. David. He said he was able to get the jab because one of his parents has an underlying Health Condition and he is a front Line Worker in a supermarket as well, so he was able yesterday to book a jab, but most people his age would not be eligible for it. I asked him whether most people his age here in blackburn were wanting to get the vaccine, he said the vast majority wanted but some were not and were worried because of things they had read online. ~. , because of things they had read online. A. �. ,. ~, online. Phil mccann in blackburn, thank Yom Cases of the indian variant are also on the rise in bedford. The Towns Director of Public Health, vicky head, gave this update on the situation. What we know, though, is that we are seeing transmission now within the community more generally. So having had cases mostly in our School Age, younger population, we see movement into their households, and that is one of the really striking things about the variant, is just how transmissible it is. So if someone who goes to school tests positive, we then see their whole Family Testing positive. But we are now seeing more cases in the community where there is no connection to a school, so we are now moving to that Surge Testing model, so we are working closely with our Phe Dhsc colleagues regionally and nationally to get fat in place, so we will be identifying some small areas in bedford where we will be targeting for that Surge Testing. Im nowjoined by professor keith neal, Emeritus Professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the university of nottingham. Thank you very much forjoining us, professor. First of all, based on what we know about this particular variant, the India Variant, how infectious is it . We variant, the India Variant, how infectious is it . Variant, the India Variant, how infectious is it . We are not totally sure whether infectious is it . We are not totally sure whether it infectious is it . We are not totally sure whether it is infectious is it . We are not totally sure whether it is more infectious is it . We are not totally sure whether it is more infectious| sure whether it is more infectious about the same, its actually quite difficult tojudge at about the same, its actually quite difficult to judge at times because the areas that are being most affected areas which are being more affected areas which are being more affected with other strains of covid. Its sufficient to call it a variant of concern because we are concerned about it, but the important thing is it appears that the vaccine is effective. The vaccine is effective. Thats a very important the vaccine is effective. Thats a very important factor the vaccine is effective. Thats a very important factor and the vaccine is effective. Thats a | very important factor and clearly behind this drive, the messaging coming from government ministers, scientists etc, to say to people, going of the vaccine if you have not had it already. In terms of the Age Group of people who are eligible to get Vaccinated at the moment, i want to talk to you about that because we just heard from the director of Public Health in bedford, one of the areas where this is a variant of concern and she, if you heard the club a second ago, was saying it seems to have circulated amongst School Age children then to their families and its now spreading into a wider community transmission, solar is there an argument for a younger Age Groups to be eligible for the vaccination at the moment . I think you could actually argue for both ways. At the moment, i dont think the Licence Vaccine is licensed for those under the age of 18, c would need to have special circumstances to use it in that Age Group. I think if you had severe asthma or were one of the people in that Age Group with cancer, you would be able to receive it. It will take longer into the vaccine after giving it before it actually starts interrupting transmission. The real point of the Vaccine Campaign is to stop people getting seriously ill, ending up in hospital and dying. If we compare bolton, i used to live in surrey, and thats just down the road. Year old in Bury is more at risk than an 18 year old In Bolton. A35 risk than an 18 year old In Bolton. A35 year in Bury. Brute risk than an18yearold In Bolton. A35 year in Bury. A35 year in Bury. We know that ounu A35 Year in Bury. We know that young adults A35 Year in Bury. We know that young adults are A35 Year in Bury. We know that young adults are highly A35 Year in Bury. We know that young adults are highly unlikely i A35 Year in Bury. We know that young adults are highly unlikely to become unwell, but if we look at the situation in bedford, should we be looking at all other measures to stop transmission, if it is circulating among children, for example, all other measures to stop them transmitting it . Wearing masks in school which some children are still doing, others are not . I would favour wearing still doing, others are not . I would favour wearing masks still doing, others are not . I would favour wearing masks in still doing, others are not . I would favour wearing masks in schools, L Favour wearing masks in schools, particularly in areas where this virus is spreading, particularly importantly. Weve seen a number of big outbreaks in schools. I do know the details of one in particular which is outside my region, but essentially there was a lot of inappropriate, incorrect mixing amongst staff and pupils that contributed to it, so i think its a good time to tighten up on the restrictions within the school environment. But its quite likely, as anyone who is older teenagers will know, they mix out of school as well. , ,. ,. ,. , well. Professor, interesting to hear our well. Professor, interesting to hear your thoughts well. Professor, interesting to hear your thoughts. Thank well. Professor, interesting to hear your thoughts. Thank you well. Professor, interesting to hear your thoughts. Thank you for well. Professor, interesting to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your i your thoughts. Thank you for your time. The united states has said it will give an additional 20 Million doses of covid vaccines to other countries, amid renewed warnings about a lack of supplies in poorer countries. The us had already pledged to donate 60 Million doses of the astrazeneca jab. President biden said the us would become the arsenal of vaccines for the rest of the world. The Uks Unemployment Rate fell slightly to 4. 8 in the three months to march, down from 4. 9 in february. The Office For National Statistics says the figures show early signs of recovery and that the number of workers on payrolls had risen between march and april, but was still more than three quarters of A Million lower than before the pandemic struck. President biden has said the us is working to secure a ceasefire, after more than a week of violence between israel and palestinian militants. Palestinian officials said 200 people had died since last monday, while Israels Government said ten people had been killed there. During a Phone Call to the israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Biden said the us was working with egypt and others towards ending the violence. 0ur middle East Correspondent is yolande knell. Bring us up to date first of all in what has been happening with regards to attacks between gazza and israel. There were dozens of air overnight. My there were dozens of air overnight. My colleague said that building shook violently. Israel are going for underground tunnels, what it calls the metro. 0n the other side, there were a barrage of rockets fired by militants in gaza towards southern israel. Importantly, there were no deathS Reported on either side immediately and this file and seems to be at a slower level than we have seen in recent days. That could be an encouraging sign, all of this against the backdrop of diplomacy picking up. We know there are egyptian Intelligence Official speaking to those on either side. Egypt is always a key player in trying to secure a ceasefire between israel and her mass because the two sides do not speak to each other directly. It is encouraging the israelis to try to seek a ceasefire and that is not something the us has done up until now. They have three times what the un Security Council from passing a resolution, using its Veto Power. From passing a resolution, using its Veto Power Veto Power. Given that they have blocked that Veto Power. Given that they have blocked that resolution, Veto Power. Given that they have blocked that resolution, does Veto Power. Given that they have | blocked that resolution, does that Add Weight now, do you think, to its direct message to the israeli government to work towards a ceasefire . Government to work towards a ceasefire . ,. ,. , ceasefire . Israel is always looking to the us as ceasefire . Israel is always looking to the us as its ceasefire . Israel is always looking to the us as its staunch ceasefire . Israel is always looking to the us as its staunch ally. Ceasefire . Israel is always looking to the us as its staunch ally. That| to the us as its staunch ally. That relationship remains intact. We have heard from Benjamin Netanyahu and indeed from Military Spokespeople that they are continuing to go after the targets in gaza, particularly militants and their networks. But yes, we need to see what happens on the ground, whether this leads to a bit of a change. We have actually got hope that during the day from a humanitarian perspective, the commercial crossing between Israel And Gaza could open for the first time in a week to allow some fuel for the Power Station in gaza. People are suffering with electricity shortages. Also for medicines and things, so that could be another possible sign that at least diplomacy is delivering something. Least diplomacy is delivering something least diplomacy is delivering somethina. , ~ ,. Something. Thank you very much. I will shortly something. Thank you very much. I will shortly be something. Thank you very much. I will shortly be talking something. Thank you very much. I will shortly be talking to something. Thank you very much. I will shortly be talking to the will shortly be talking to the former swedish leader ahead of Eu Leaders meeting to discuss the conflict. Police in gloucester say theres enough evidence to begin Excavation Work at a cafe, as they search for the body of a suspected victim of serial killer, West'>Fred West. 15 year old Mary Bastholm worked at the clean Plate Cafe before she went missing in 1968. Will batchelor reports. Hes been dead for more than a quarter of a century, but West'>Fred Wests crimes still cast a shadow over gloucester. Earlier this month, Police Officers began an initial search of this cafe in the town where West was a regular customer and where he carried out building work in the late 1960s. It was also the cafe where 15 year old Mary Bastholm worked as a waitress. She was last seen in 1968 while waiting for a bus nearby. West was charged with murdering 12 women and girls in 1994, many of them buried at his house on cromwell street. He took his own life before he could stand trial. Although never charged with marys murder, many people in gloucester suspected his involvement. Now the Police Search of the Cafe Basement has provided enough evidence to prompt Excavation Work, which is due to start tomorrow and likely to last several weeks. Marys family have been kept abreast of developments and are said to be happy at the thought of potentially solving the mystery of her disappearance. Will batchelor, bbc news. 0ur Correspondent Andrew plant joins us from gloucester. Good morning to you, andrew. Have police said anything more about why they believe there is evidence, enough evidence, to begin Excavation Work at the cafe . Work at the cafe . Yeah, this search has been a work at the cafe . Yeah, this search has been a very work at the cafe . Yeah, this search has been a very long work at the cafe . Yeah, this search has been a very long time work at the cafe . Yeah, this search has been a very long time coming. | has been a very long time coming. Mary disappeared more than 50 years ago. She was last seen not far from here, at a Bus Stop in the centre of gloucester. She was carrying her Monopoly Board in a Plastic Carrier Bag and was on her way to see her boyfriend for the day. That was the very last time she was ever seen. There was a huge Police Search at the time to try discover what happened to her, but there was absolutely no trace. In 1968, she was 15 years old and was working as waitress in this cafe. Its been here for decades. 0ne Waitress in this cafe. Its been here for decades. One of her regular customers was a builder from gloucester called West'>Fred West. Fast forward to the early 1990s when fred and rose Wests trains started coming to light. At that point, people started wondering whether or not West'>Fred West might have been responsible for marys disappearance, but there was never enough evidence to warrant a search. But in the past couple of weeks a Documentary Team making a film about the crime of fred and rose West said they found something in the cellar of this cafe which required police attention. Last night, police told us they had photographed blue material in the cellar of this cafe and we know that mary had been wearing a blue coat when she disappeared. And they said they found some kind of structural anomaly in there which warrants them digging further. A statement from police said they had been in touch with marys family. They have made it clear it is possible they wont find human remains, but they have said it will do everything possible to establish if mary really is buried here. We had a statement from herfamily. They buried here. We had a statement from her family. They say they are being keptin her family. They say they are being kept in close contact with the Investigation And Hope this is a chance to finally get closer, in other words to hopefully, after five decades, solve the mystery perhaps of what happened to mary. Of what happened to mary. Andrew plant, thank of what happened to mary. Andrew plant, thank you of what happened to mary. Andrew plant, thank you for of what happened to mary. Andrew plant, thank you for that of what happened to mary. Andrew plant, thank you for that update i plant, thank you for that update from gloucester. Government advisers have told the bbc any decision over compensation for key workers with Long Covid could take more than a year. 65 mps and peers have written to borisjohnson asking for the illness to be made an occupational disease. Its estimated more than A Million people in the uk have Long Covid, including over 120,000 Health Care workers. The government says it is committed to supporting people throughout the pandemic. One of those people still suffering the effects of Long Covid is dr asad khan, a Consultant Respiratory Physician at Manchester University Hospital nhs trust. He has had to take time off work for the last six months. And hejoins me now. Thank you very much for talking to us today. Tell us first of all how you are. What have been a long lasting impacts of Contracting Covid Backin lasting impacts of Contracting Covid back in november last year . Good morninu. Back in november last year . Good morning as back in november last year . Good morning as You Back in november last year . Good morning. As you said, back in november last year . Good morning. As you said, i back in november last year . Good morning. As you said, i have back in november last year . limp. Morning. As you said, i have been off work for six months. There hasnt been any perceptible improvement. At the moment, i am unable to stand for a significant duration. I get dizzy, i get palpitations, i have extreme fatigue and require regular naps. The via virus has affected different parts of my body. Skin, heart, small joints on the right hand, its also affected the automatic Nervous System which supplies the heart and the bladder, amongst other organs. In one of the most distressing features for me at the moment is that i can be incontinent on a regular basis. And if i contrast this to how i was functioning during the first and second peaks on the Front Line on respiratory wards, looking after covered patients covid patients and sporting junior doctors, its very different me. Aha, doctors, its very different me. A devastating impact. What have doctors helping you now said about the prospects for recovery from these different conditions which have resulted from you initially getting covid . As weve learned, over the last year or so, there can be so many symptoms of this condition known as Long Covid. The Roanosis Condition known as Long Covid. Iie prognosis is not condition known as Long Covid. Ii2 prognosis is not clear condition known as Long Covid. Ii2 prognosis is not clear because condition known as Long Covid. Ii2 prognosis is not clear because this is a new condition, as you said. And what im going to be like in six months� time what i� m going to be like in six months� time when i complete my one year off from work is very uncertain. Will i be able to go back to work at all . Will i be able to go back to work put in a reduced capacity . There are lots of unknowns here. I do worry about the future and some of the conditions have improved but some of them have actually got worse. You improved but some of them have actually got worse. Improved but some of them have actually got worse. You are on sick a at the actually got worse. You are on Sick Pay at the moment, actually got worse. You are on Sick Pay at the moment, when actually got worse. You are on Sick Pay at the moment, when would i actually got worse. You are on sick i pay at the moment, when would that Run Out . Mr; pay at the moment, when would that Run Out . ~ ,. , pay at the moment, when would that Run Out . P ,. ,. , Run Out . My understanding is that in encland Run Out . My understanding is that in england sick Run Out . My understanding is that in england Sick Pay Run Out . My understanding is that in england Sick Pay for Run Out . My understanding is that in england Sick Pay for covid Run Out . My understanding is that in england Sick Pay for covid is Run Out . My understanding is that in england Sick Pay for covid is full england Sick Pay for covid is full pay for a year. It is unclear what happens once that period is over. If i am unable to get back to work, it is likely i will be retired on ill health grounds. At the age of 45, i don� t have enough of my pension to be able to manage on that. Even if i go back to work on reduced hours, that is a financial disadvantage. I think it� s worth remembering here that front Line Workers, and i� m including health workers, and i� m including health workers, teachers, Police Officers, etc, we got it in the line of duty. And the prospect that we could actually lose out financially is just not worth thinking about. 25nd just not worth thinking about. And this is why you are joining many others, calling for a Long Covid to be classified as an occupational disease. That would give you the right to claim compensation and take away some of that financial insecurity that you are feeling right now . Insecurity that you are feeling riaht now . ,. , ~ right now . Yes, it would. I think the uncertainty right now . Yes, it would. I think the uncertainty is right now . Yes, it would. I think the uncertainty is really right now . Yes, it would. I think the uncertainty is really the right now . Yes, it would. I think| the uncertainty is really the most difficult thing to deal with. My understanding is that wales and scotland have extended covid pay for a further year, so there is a discrepancy already. In england, we just don� t know what will happen. I think the right thing to do here is to recognise that front Line Workers got this disease in the line of duty. They got it because the Ppe Guidance from public Health Guidance was inadequate. We know that in countries where they had proper personal protective equipment, the rates of Covid Infection in Health Care workers were negligible. 120,000 people have Long Covid in the uk, but we have also lost 880 Health Care worker colleagues. This is absolutely scandalous. And it Beggars Belief that public Health England still haven� t updated Ppe Guidance. England still havent updated ppe ruidance. ~. ,. , , guidance. When Government Advisers sa an guidance. When Government Advisers say any decision guidance. When Government Advisers say any decision on guidance. When Government Advisers say any decision on compensation guidance. When Government Advisers say any decision on compensation for| say any decision on compensation for key workers could take more than a year, what is your response to that . I would like to say it� s just not good enough. There are people who have already completed a year off sick with Long Covid. People who got it in the first peak and have not been able to work since then. I will complete a year off sick in six months. What happens to me after that . I think we need urgent clarity on this and we need assurance that nobody who got covid from work and is unable to work or who has had to reduce their work as a result of that will be financially disadvantaged at all. That will be financially disadvantared at all. ,. , disadvantaged at all. Thank you so much for talking disadvantaged at all. Thank you so much for talking so disadvantaged at all. Thank you so much for talking so frankly disadvantaged at all. Thank you so much for talking so frankly to disadvantaged at all. Thank you so much for talking so frankly to us. | much for talking so frankly to us. We wish you the very best for your recovery. I hope to soon. Thank you much. , recovery. I hope to soon. Thank you much. , and you can listen to file on 4� S Report on all this. The cost of Long Covid Airs Tonight on Radio 4 at 8pm. Thousands of british Holiday Makers have jetted off on their first foreign holiday in months, as Travel Restrictions have been eased around the uk. Portugal is one of the 12 destinations currently on the government� s Green List, which means british tourists won� t have to self isolate on their return. 0ur Transport Correspondent Caroline Davies joins us from the beaches of southern portugal this morning. Good morning. We saw you make the Plane Journey Yesterday and describe what that felt like. Now you are there, what is it like for Holiday Makers . Is it the experience they have imagined and dream job. Along . Morning. The first thing that struck us when we arrived was quite how empty everything is. There were over 20 flights yesterday, more expected today, there are not many people On The Beach behind me at the moment. But those people are coming, they have plenty more plans, plenty of operators are planning to bring more tourists. I am joined by Matt Callaghan from Easyjet Qatar holidays. How many people do you have coming to portugal soon . From easyjet holidays. It have coming to portugal soon . From easyjet holidays. From easyjet holidays. It was wonderful from easyjet holidays. It was wonderful to from easyjet holidays. It was wonderful to welcome from easyjet holidays. It was| wonderful to welcome people from easyjet holidays. It was wonderful to welcome people and share wonderful to welcome people and share the wonderful to welcome people and share the excitement. We have over 200 flights share the excitement. We have over 200 flights between the uk and portugal, so plenty of opportunity for many portugal, so plenty of opportunity for many more people to end Joy Everything the algarve has to offer. People everything the algarve has to offer. People are everything the algarve has to offer. People are concerned that now portugal is on the Green List, some of the low prices they saw before will shoot up. Will you be taking advantage of the fact that people know where they can go on holiday now and charge more . We know where they can go on holiday now and charge more . Know where they can go on holiday now and charge more . We know value for money is now and charge more . We know value for money is important now and charge more . We know value for money is important and now and charge more . We know value for money is important and we now and charge more . We know value for money is important and we are for money is important and we are really for money is important and we are really proud of that, we have been increasing really proud of that, we have been increasing the number of flights between increasing the number of flights between the uk and greenest countries to provide great Value And Offer as countries to provide great Value And Offer as much choice as we can to customers offer as much choice as we can to customers offer as much choice as we can to customers Green List countries. We will customers Green List countries. We will continue to do that in the weeks we will continue to do that in the weeks and we will continue to do that in the weeks and months to come. It was relatively light weeks and months to come. It was relatively light that weeks and months to come. It was relatively light that portugal weeks and months to come. It was relatively light that portugal was i relatively light that portugal was confirmed as being on the Green List and there is uncertainty over where will be added over the next few months, so how is some looking . Brute months, so how is some looking . We are really optimistic. Portugal and are really optimistic. Portugal and a number are really optimistic. Portugal and a number of other countries are on The Green a number of other countries are on the Green List and there is a review in early the Green List and there is a review in earlyjune the Green List and there is a review in earlyjune where we hope many other in earlyjune where we hope many other countries will be added so people other countries will be added so people can have a greater choice of where people can have a greater choice of where to people can have a greater choice of where to holiday this summer. It big where to holiday this summer. A big Cost Or Concern where to holiday this summer. A big Cost Or Concern for where to holiday this summer. A big Cost Or Concern for people where to holiday this summer. A; Cost Or Concern for people is the additional paperwork, additional pcr tests. Do you think that will put people off going on holidays, as well as potentially concerned that the borders should not be open yet . Since the Traffic Light System has been since the Traffic Light System has been announced, it can potentially been announced, it can potentially be confusing for some customers. Green be confusing for some customers. Green countries, many customers and people green countries, many customers and people watching will be confused about people watching will be confused about why you go to a green country, why do about why you go to a green country, why do i about why you go to a green country, why do i have about why you go to a green country, why do i have to do multiple tests to come why do i have to do multiple tests to come home . We have been working with the to come home . We have been working with the government on greater transparency about Decision Making and leaning on the government to Help Drive and leaning on the government to Help Drive down the cost of testing, which Help Drive down the cost of testing, which can Help Drive down the cost of testing, which can be prohibited. Customers. Good to speak which can be prohibited. Customers. Good to speak to which can be prohibited. Customers. Good to speak to you, which can be prohibited. Customers. Good to speak to you, thank which can be prohibited. Customers. Good to speak to you, thank you. I good to speak to you, thank you. More tourists are expected in the algarve in the next few days and weeks. ,. , algarve in the next few days and weeks. ,. , algarve in the next few days and weeks. , i i. ,. , algarve in the next few days and weeks. , i. ,. , sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here� s sally. Harry kane might be on the move . What can you tell us . Reporter it is just speculation at the moment, It Isjust Speculation is just speculation at the moment, it is just speculation at the moment, but it is dominating Social Media and the back pages about the future of England Captain Harry kane. Reports suggest kane has told tottenham he wants to leave, although we understand that although he is frustrated, he hasn� t said he wants to depart the club. Spurs say their focus is on finishing the season as strongly as possible that� s what everybody should be focused on. It was a big Day Yesterday as spectators were officially allowed to return to sporting events. There were limited Capacity Rules in place around the country, as well as numerous Covid 19 Protocols but fans were back to watch horse racing, Rugby Union, Rugby League and the first legs of the championship play off matches, as Michael Redford reports. Solanke to danjuma crowd cheers. The roar of a crowd how we� ve missed that. The Sound Ofjoy fills the air on the South Coast this is the next step to sport returning to some kind of normality supporters back in stadiums, albeit in a limited capacity. There were 2,000 lucky Ticket Holders at bournemouth last night in their championship playoff semifinal. And there were around 4,000 at barnsley for their match against swansea. Over a year away from the terraces, it doesn� t take long for the raw emotion to return. And it wasn� t just football that reopened its doors fans were flying high at newcastle with live Rugby Union on offer, their pre Match Pie now accompanied by a squeeze of sanitizer. I think it� s a mixture of relief and excitement. Relief because perhaps, you know, during the dark days, we didn� t believe that we� d get to this point and excitement, really, because, you know, it� s going to be great to hear the Kingston Park Stadium Roar as the fellas Run Out for the first time. Switching codes but not switching Attire Face masks aplenty at warrington as around 4,000 fans packed in to see their beloved wolves in the super league. And from wolves to horses where fans returned to a handful of racecourses around the country. Plenty turned up at redcar to see miss Houdini Escape with the tightest of wins. It� s so nice to have the atmosphere back. Everyone� s in, you know, great spirits and it� s just a complete. Sort of uplifting mood. But for some, the excitement of fans returning may have been too much. And for some well, the occasion was simply just a bit overwhelming. Whatever the emotion, it� s good to be back. Michael redford, bbc news. Just 24 hours after it looked like the big fight between Anthonyjoshua And Tyson fury was definitely going to happen, it� s seemingly been thrown in to doubt. It comes after a ruling by an american court. Ajudge has said fury must fight Deontay Wilder for a third time before September The 15th just a Month Afterjoshua and fury are set to meet in saudi arabia. Fury� s promoter Frank Warren says talks with the Wilder Camp are ongoing. With the olympics getting closer, there� s been more good news for Adam Peaty as he won the 100m Breaststroke Semifinal at the european championships. The final is today. But it was britain� S 4x100m Relay team who stole the headlines last night. They won gold at the championships for the first time in 94 years finishing ahead of the netherlands. And they did it in a new british record time to secure a place in tokyo. Im so happy. I knew it was going to be a relatively quick turnaround after the 50 and im not always the best at doing that, i so its just about just focusing | on the 50 to start with and then getting prepared for the 100 after. And the whole team did i an amazing job and i think we all pulled our weight and i dont think any of us expected to get the gold, but its an amazing feeling. Well done to them all. That� s all the sport for now. Thank you, sally. Spain has deployed soldiers to the Land Border of its north african enclave of theyoota, after an estimated Five Thousand people arrived there yesterday. We can see some live pictures now. Many of the migrants gathered at the border fence. Witnesses said moroccan police appeared to do nothing to intervene, fuelling speculation that the relaxing of the Border Controls is a political move by morocco. Mark lobel reports. You can you can see you can see and estimated 5000 arriving yesterday, along with Spanish Soldiers trying to control the situation on this Land Border of its north africa non clay. North african enclave. Mark lobel reports. 0ne person� s voyage for a more buoyant life, resting on inflatable ring. Children were among the groups of families and many young men making the short trip from neighbouring morocco. This area is a known magnet for african migrants. But it� s the sheer number who entered spain� s Ceuta Enclave in a single day that has surprised officials here. Leaving morocco, these people either walked across at low Tide Or Swam around fences in the sea. In sunny scenes, not a Far Cry from a relaxed day out On The Beach. Taken to a migrant Reception Centre on arrival, guards a gesture of empathy on arrival, but many are likely to have to return. Last month almost all the dozens of Young Moroccans who Made A Similarjourney were sent packing, except for unaccompanied minors. Spain is belatedly bolstering its Police Presence here. It� s media blames moroccan Border Guards for not stopping the latest arrivals from leaving. But why would morocco let its guard down . The two countries are currently in dispute as madrid has allowed the treatment for covid on Spanish Soil of a political leader fighting for the independence of Western sahara from morocco, angering the kingdom. Morocco� s Foreign Minister had warned the move would have consequences. Spanish officials insist it was done for strictly humanitarian reasons an explanation that is no doubt also driven these thousands of others to make theirjourney to spain as well, but for many of them, their stay in europe may be short lived. Mark lobel, bbc news. President Biden Hasjoined calls for a ceasefire between israel and palestinian militants. The upsurge in violence has now entered its second week. It� s triggered an unprecedented wave of protests across the wider middle east. As our Correspondent Martin Patience reports from beirut, The Fighting Is Galvanising Support for the palestinian cause. Palestinian anger has been roused across the region. In jordan, Security Forces battled to keep protesters away from the border with israel. This was the scene at the lebanese border. What we� re witnessing is a resurgence in palestinian identity. Hundreds of thousands of palestinians fled or were forced out of their homes in what they call al nakbah, the catastrophe, when israel was created in 1948. They have never been allowed to return, and many still live in camps. This is sabra and shatila, infamous for a massacre carried out here almost 40 years ago by lebanese christian gunmen while israeli forces looked on. And it is in these refugee camps, where opportunities and jobs are hard to come by, that the Sense Of palestinian injustice is at its strongest. 0ne Family bound by a single cause across three generations. This man was born in the galilee, now part of israel. He fled to lebanon when he was just a boy. Translation its the new generation that are going to make history. The israelis thought that when the elderly died the youth would forget the cause, but no. They are even more determined. His son tells me that he wishes he was there so he could join the fight. While his granddaughter has this message. Translation my wish is to return to palestine, and ifi cant, then i want to die a martyr for my country. Well, as we heard there from three different generations, the palestinians in this camp want to return home one day. And it is that powerful combination of Nationalism And Religion that has fuelled this conflict for more than 70 years, and the reality is it is likely to continue fuelling it for decades to come. Martin patience, bbc news, beirut. The headlines on bbc news. Ministers urge people to book a Coronavirus Jab as soon as they� re offered one due to the threat of the India Variant. More than 2,000 cases of the India Variant have been confirmed across the Uk 86 local authorities now have at least five cases. Mps and peers call for Long Covid to be recognised as an occupational disease, but key workers may face a wait for compensation decisions. Figures due to be released this morning are expected to show that almost A Million people were admitted to hospital with obesity related illnesses, in the year leading up to march 2020. If that� s the case, that figure will be the highest ever recorded. The figures are also expected to highlight how our weight is likely to have changed during the pandemic with me isjenny eldred, who was motivated to lose weight during the pandemic. Also i� m joined by Dr 0livia Barata cavalcanti, who� s from the world 0besity federation. Thank you both very much for your time. Jenny, i know you have been on and off diets your whole life, why was the pandemic the clincher for you to dramatically lose weight . I always knew i was at risk for Health Conditions in future, but the pandemic really felt like it was immediate, that i could go outside, get coronavirus and potentially lose my life in a couple of weeks, and thatis my life in a couple of weeks, and that is really what motivated me to start trying to get a bit healthier. I know you were looking at your daughter and thinking all of this, what would happen if you caught covid . ,. ,. ,. , covid . Yes, rather than it being at some Point Covid . Yes, rather than it being at some Point In covid . Yes, rather than it being at some Point In the covid . Yes, rather than it being at some Point In the future covid . Yes, rather than it being at some Point In The Future She Covid . Yes, rather than it being at| some Point In the future she might lose me, she wasjust some Point In the future she might lose me, she was just going through her A Levels and i was thinking, you know, in a few weeks i could not be here and she would have to deal with that at that point. Bud here and she would have to deal with that at that point. That at that point. And describe for us over the that at that point. And describe for us over the course that at that point. And describe for us over the course of that at that point. And describe for us over the course of the that at that point. And describe for us over the course of the last that at that point. And describe for| us over the course of the last year, how much weight you lost . Your Starting Point was . Just how much weight you lost . Your Starting Point was . How much weight you lost . Your Starting Point was . Just shy of 23 stone, Starting Point was . Just shy of 23 stone. And Starting Point was . Just shy of 23 stone. And i Starting Point was . Just shy of 23 stone, and i have Starting Point was . Just shy of 23 stone, and i have lost Starting Point was . Just shy of 23 stone, and i have lost nearly Starting Point was . Just shy of 23| stone, and i have lost nearly nine stone, and i have lost nearly nine stone since The End of february last year, and i amjust stone since The End of february last year, and i am just about 14 stone now. Year, and i am ust about 14 stone now. ~. , year, and i am ust about 14 stone now. ,. , year, and i am ust about 14 stone now. ~. ,. Year, and i am ust about 14 stone now. ,. , now. What did you do . Was it all about the psychological now. What did you do . Was it all. About the psychological motivation, or was there something else you could pass on by way of tips to anyone else looking to lose weight . I used an app that it� s quite holistic in its approach, it talks about diet and nutrition, also the psychological aspects, as you said, which, for me, i think was a huge factor, and alsojust which, for me, i think was a huge factor, and also just starting to move your body a little bit and the importance of exercise and, i guess, balance across all of those things. Let� s bring you in, jenny eldred. Looking broadly at the impact of the pandemic, what can you say about the impact on people� s wait . 0bviously lots of people have gone out to exercise, lots of people have wanted to comfort eat, have got into cooking and eating out home all, so what have the impact been . It is hard to generalise, but eating at home hard to generalise, but eating at home has hard to generalise, but eating at home has been a benefit for people able to home has been a benefit for people able to cook at home and stay away from able to cook at home and stay away from the able to cook at home and stay away from the Ultra Processed Food And Unk from the Ultra Processed Food And Junk food from the Ultra Processed Food And Junk food and go back to more natural Junk Food and go back to more natural eating. Obviously this is a very complicated puzzle, so we have nutrition, very complicated puzzle, so we have nutrition, physicalactivity, stress, nutrition, physicalactivity, stress, which is something we all suffered stress, which is something we all suffered throughout the pandemic and we know suffered throughout the pandemic and we know stress elevates cortisol, which we know stress elevates cortisol, which in we know stress elevates cortisol, which in turn makes us Retain Weight in our which in turn makes us Retain Weight in our bodies, it makes it harder to lose weight in our bodies, it makes it harder to lose weight. Our Sleep Patterns were disturbed. Lose weight. Our Sleep Patterns were disturbed, the pandemic affected us all in different ways. Some people found all in different ways. Some people found motivation to lose weight, it is great found motivation to lose weight, it is great we found motivation to lose weight, it is great we were taking care of our health. Is great we were taking care of our health. But is great we were taking care of our health, but the very important message health, but the very important message is it is absolutely crucial to shift message is it is absolutely crucial to shift this narrative and the idea that obesity is the Result Ofjust Individual that obesity is the Result Ofjust Individual responsibility and personal decision. Obesity is a chronic personal decision. Obesity is a chronic disease, a complex disease. Individuals chronic disease, a complex disease. Individuals might be able to lose weight individuals might be able to lose weight on their own, but many cannot and will weight on their own, but many cannot and will not weight on their own, but many cannot and will not be able just because they need and will not be able just because they need help regulating their whole they need help regulating their whole moans and metabolism, it is not entirely whole moans and metabolism, it is not entirely under someones control regulating their hormones. What regulating their hormones. What do we know regulating their hormones. What do we know this regulating their hormones. What do we know this far regulating their hormones. What do we know this far in regulating their hormones. What do we know this far in the regulating their hormones. Transit do we know this far in the pandemic about the impact of obesity on covid and how somebody reacts to the virus . ,. ,. , virus . Unfortunately we saw what we called a perfect virus . Unfortunately we saw what we called a perfect storm, virus . Unfortunately we saw what we called a perfect storm, we virus . Unfortunately we saw what we called a perfect storm, we had virus . Unfortunately we saw what we called a perfect storm, we had the i called a perfect storm, we had the obesity called a perfect storm, we had the Obesity Epidemic already going on around Obesity Epidemic already going on Around The World, especially in the uk, then Around The World, especially in the uk, then you get covid on top of that and uk, then you get covid on top of that and as uk, then you get covid on top of that and as a disease, Obesity Reducesm that and as a disease, obesity reduces. Decreases pulmonary function, reduces. Decreases pulmonary function, so reduces. Decreases pulmonary function, so people with obesity tend to function, so people with obesity tend to have some respiratory issues, tend to have some respiratory issues, we tend to have some respiratory issues, we have seen that with the flu every issues, we have seen that with the flu every year, and with sars. Obesity flu every year, and with sars. Obesity impact the metabolism which puts the Obesity Impact the metabolism which puts the individual in a chronic state puts the individual in a chronic state of puts the individual in a chronic state of low rate information, which reduces state of low rate information, which reduces the state of low rate information, which reduces the immune response to infection. Reduces the immune response to infection, meaning people with obesity infection, meaning people with obesity are much more vulnerable to the virus. Obesity are much more vulnerable to the virus, that is what we have seen the virus, that is what we have seen most the virus, that is what we have seen. Most people in hospitals that have had seen. Most people in hospitals that have had complications from covid19. Have had complications from covid 19, unfortunately, are overweight or have obesity, and we are seeing overweight or have obesity, and we are seeing that even with younger people are seeing that even with younger people. We are seeing and younger people people. We are seeing and younger people admitted to hospital, most of them had people admitted to hospital, most of them had overweight or obesity. So after age. Them had overweight or obesity. So after age. I them had overweight or obesity. So after age, i think we can now say that obesity is a crucial factor for covid that obesity is a crucial factor for covid complications. Covid complications. Jenny, brilliant News Covid complications. Jenny, brilliant news for covid complications. Jenny, brilliant news for you, covid complications. Jenny, i brilliant news for you, through covid complications. Jenny, brilliant news for you, through the Weight Loss you have reversed your pre diabetic status, which is fantastic. Now you have got to this point, do you feel there is no going back, you are firmly On The Road to living at a healthy weight . For back, you are firmly On The Road to living at a healthy weight . Living at a healthy weight . For the first time ever living at a healthy weight . For the first time ever in living at a healthy weight . For the first time ever in my living at a healthy weight . For the first time ever in my life, living at a healthy weight . For the first time ever in my life, i living at a healthy weight . For the first time ever in my life, i do. Living at a healthy weight . For the first time ever in my life, i do. I. First time ever in my life, i do. I feel has been a shift and it has been that whole change. Nutrition, exercise, being happier in myself and being aware of what i and understanding that a lot better, so for the first time ever i feel that it might even be sustainable being aware of what ie to. It might even be sustainable being aware of what ie to. There is so much more being aware of what ie to. There is so much more we being aware of what ie to. There is so much more we could being aware of what ie to. There is so much more we could talk being aware of what ie to. There is so much more we could talk about| being aware of what ie to. There is so much more we could talk about but we are out of time. Jenny eldred and dr olivia Barata Cavalcanti from the world obesity federation, thank you both. New research suggests more than half of single Use Plastic items thrown away Around The World are made from materials produced by just 20 companies. The authors of the Study Say Firms should take more responsibility for the impact of the waste. Our Science Editor David shukman reports. It all begins with oil pumped from underground, the start of a plastic journey. In refineries and processing plants, the oil is turned into the raw materials for plastic. And the New Research finds that of those destined to make single use items, half are produced byjust 20 companies. Those ingredients are sold to manufacturers who make everything from plastic cups to plastic bottles. Most of them used just once and then thrown away, often polluting the environment. The study says the original producers need to take responsibility for that. The future of the plastic Waste Crisis really sits in the hands ofjust 20 companies who account for more than half of the waste we generate. We need to go after the tap to turn off the tap of Fossil Fuel plastics, and we need to create plastics from recycled materials. The producers say they are trying to recycle as much plastic as possible and that they� re investing in new ways to do that. They say it� s not as easy as it looks and that anyway, we all depend on plastic to keep ourselves safe and to keep our food fresh. But pressure is mounting on the companies involved to do more. These rivers are choked with plastic waste and at the moment there� s No End In Sight to scenes like this. David shukman, bbc news. The government is expected to announce a legally binding target to halt the decline of nature and wildlife. It will outline plans for a Task Force to reintroduce animals such as the wildcat to england, as our Science Correspondent Victoria Gill reports. Emerging Post Lockdown into spring sunshine. When we have been allowed out, so many others headed to green spaces. But while it� s helped us to cope, nature is in crisis. In the uk one in seven species is under threat. Now the government� s revealed how it plans to build the restoration of the natural world into a post pandemic recovery, with a legally binding target to halt the loss of species by 2030. Bringing together all the different actors in those landscapes the farmers, the conservation groups, the water companies, the house builders, the local government then this really could work. And if you see the power of a legally binding target that we� ve seen on Climate Change which has really shifted the dial in this country then i� m very hopeful that something comparable on nature will begin to move us in the right direction on that subject, too. The new plans set out to tackle the nature and climate crises together, by planting more trees and also restoring 35,000 hectares of peatland an area about the size of the isle of wight. But that� s only about 5 of the peatland in england. So this is black lake. A promise to phase out the sale of peat in Garden Centres has been welcomed by conservation groups, but they say it� s long overdue. It� d be deeply embarrassing if, by the time cop26 happens, that this is still for sale in our Garden Centres. That we� re still bagging up a Carbon Sink and selling it to gardeners. Absolutely right. Peatland is really valuable for our carbon, it� s really valuable for tackling Climate Change. And what we� re doing at the moment is we� re digging it up, putting it in plastic and putting it on sale. Sites like this have been a refuge for many of us, and these new plans aim to make space for nature in every landscape. Victoria gill, bbc news. Now, the weather with nick miller. Hello. It may have been a fine start to the day out there across many areas, but don� t be deceived, because it is another day for dodging the downpours now. After the early sunshine and the pleasant sunrise, if you were up early enough, well, the clouds are building and the showers will break out. And yet again there will be some heavy, indeed thundery, downpours out there. A chance of hail too. It is a low Pressure Weather Pattern across the uk at the moment, and that is not changing for the rest of the week, indeed into the weekend. Let� s see how today is going to pan out. Already some showers for wales and south West-england'>West England, they are going to feed their way further east across the midlands, towards the east and South East of england. Some prolonged heavy and thundery downpours here. They will be rather more scattered across north east england, eastern and Northern Scotland and Northern Ireland. There will be parts of south West-scotland'>West Scotland and north West-england'>West England that have a largely dry and sunny afternoon. Temperatures where they have been for several days now, in the range mainly of 12 to 16 celsius. Now, there will be some patchy rain in the far north of scotland, we� ll continue with that overnight, and we� ll Hold On to some cloud and some showers across parts of wales and Southern England through the night, whereas elsewhere where skies are clear and winds are light, temperatures will be lower than this in rural spots. I can� t rule out A Touch Of Frost in the coldest most frost prone parts of Northern England but especially Northern Ireland and scotland going into the morning. And as for wednesday, yes, there will be some showers again, could be heavy in places, but i think not as many as we� ve had recently. Largely across eastern parts, some to Northern Ireland, but there will be many across the Western side of the uk that will have a largely fine day with some sunny spells. All that will change, though, On Thursday, as another area of low pressure moves in from the atlantic. May get off to a fine start On Thursday, it� s likely not to stay that way as that low Pressure System feeds in an area of Rain North and eastward, heavy showers following on behind and a difference On Thursday will be the wind picking up. These are the gusts, we will get around 40, 50 mph across the Western coasts and hills, so some gales developing here and, again, your temperatures mainly around the mid to low teens. They are not getting any higher going into the weekend. In fact, as that area of low pressure pulls away after a very windy friday, Cold Winds come down from the north for the weekend, with showers and then more rain arriving to at least Western areas on sunday. This is bbc news. These are the latest headlines in the uk and Around The World. The Uk Government is urging people to book a Coronavirus Jab as soon as they� re offered one due to the threat of the indian variant. Downing street has warned its review of Social Distancing may now report back later than planned. More than 2,000 cases of the indian variant have been confirmed across the uk , it� s thought to be the dominant strain in at least two towns in the West'>North West of england. Do you think vaccines should be mandatory . If you� re in the uk, have you now decided to get your vaccine, having not taken the offer up earlier . You can contact me annita mcveigh. President biden says the us is working to secure a ceasefire, after more than a week