Has died at the age of 8a. Good afternoon, and welcome to bbc news. President biden will meet virtually with G7 Leaders on tuesday to discuss continuing close coordination on Afghanistan Policy and the evacuation of citizens. The meeting was convened by borisjohnson, who has called on the international community to work together to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Nato officials say over the past week at least 20 people have died at Kabul Airport, where crowds of afghans have continued to gather in a desperate attempt to flee the country. The taliban has blamed the chaos on the United States. But the uks armed Forces Minister, james heappey, said the situation at the airport was improving, and that the royal Air Force had flown out more than 1,700 people in the last 2a hours. Today the marshalling that the taliban are doing is making a big difference and so if people have had the instruction from the Ministry Of Defence or the Foreign Office to come forward and to get on a flight, we encourage them to do so because we are getting people through now at a good rate. Already this morning, 731 people have been successfully admitted and processed through the Handling Centre and are now ready to fly. So it is. For all that weve seen on the news over the last few days, and they have been the most awful images, the reality is things are flowing now quite well and we need people who are being told to come forward, to have the confidence to do so. That was the uk armed Forces Minister. The taliban have been giving their first response to the situation at the airport in kabul, blaming the chaos there on The Americans. Our correspondent, dan johnson, is monitoring developments from delhi. He told us more about the statement from the taliban and what was known about the current situation at the airport in kabul. The situation does seem calmer today in the streets around the airport. The taliban helping to organise the crowds, forming people into queues, which is making the Processing Effort more efficient and people are more quickly able to get through The Gates into the airport, and then onto those flights. One development is that the us Department Of Defence has announced that it will activate what it calls the civil Reserve Air Fleet that essentially means it commandeers a set of commercial airliners to help with the evacuation. So 18 airliners from different us airlines will now be taken over by the military and will support the evacuation effort. They wont be flown directly into Kabul Airport but theyll be used to collect people from the nearest Air Bases so that the military flights can focus on ferrying people out of kabul to whichever bases in the region are being used. Qatar has been used extensively. The facilities there were said to be overcrowded and qatar had to turn people away for a time. So this will help move people on, either to the us or to other countries that have agreed to accept them. Thats one development in the evacuation effort, but we have had a response from the taliban leadership to this whole situation. In a sense saying, dont blame us, this is on the us. One of their senior figures released a statement in the last hour that said, our Victory And Success have shocked the west. They cannot digest it. Hence, theyll deliberately try to create Panic And Chaos just to make the situation look tense. The only place in chaos right now is Kabul Airport. People there are being shot and killed. He says, the situation that is being created will have an impact on aviation across the country, and the us is trying to hide its defeat by putting this Evacuation Drama in place actually creating panic amongst the general population. The taliban says, if afghans want to travel abroad, they could do so in a normal way with valid visas and passports. But the us wants to do this differently, they are dragging people out of the country. I think thats the first signs of the divergence in viewpoint here, the perspectives between nato forces and the taliban very different on this. The taliban also saying that the us is encouraging its Media Outlets to find issues in the country and exaggerating very minor things. The taliban saying this is not on us, this is a situation created by the us and other nations. Another point that the taliban reportedly saying is that theyre seeking clarity on the exit date, that August 31st date. I mean, they wont be the only ones, will they . Many questions and lots of pressure being put on what will happen as we head towards August 31st. Yeah, theres huge doubt amongst many nations that the Evacuation Operation can be completed by that August 31st deadline. So weve seen hints from the Uk Defence secretary, the armed Forces Minister that they would support an extension to that, that if The Americans are able to stay, if they can agree that with the taliban, that Uk Forces at least would stay beyond that deadline to continue evacuating people. But its reliant, really, on whether the us intends to do that and whether it is able to reach some sort of agreement with the taliban. By the tone of that latest statement, it doesnt sound like things are in a particularly good state. So well have to see if that is possible or if the us even wants to do that. Joe biden has already said that he thought that all us citizens could be evacuated by the end of august, but how many people that would mean leaving behind in terms of afghans who may be eligible to leave the country is a major question, and the Uk Government has said that despite this huge effort which it is trying to ramp up, it does accept that some people through other countries after the military has left. He is monitoring from delhi, the latest details regarding the situation at the airport in kabul and the wider issues in the country. As you just heard, dan described the activation of the us civil Reserve Air Fleet. Now, that is The Americans ordering commercial airlines to provide passengerjets for evacuation of americans and afghan refugees. This is actually only the third time that this has been activated. Not directly flying to kabul but rather flying and operating from within those third countries that are helping the us with the evacuations, such as those basesin with the evacuations, such as those bases in the middle east. Lets get more from our state department correspondent, barbara plett usher. As you were saying, these Aeroplanes Arewt as you were saying, these aeroplanes arent going as you were saying, these aeroplanes arent going to be travelling to Kabuh Arent going to be travelling to kabul. They are going to be used to try to kabul. They are going to be used to try to move kabul. They are going to be used to try to move evacuees further on in The Process try to move evacuees further on in The Process. What is happening is, backs The Process. What is happening is, backs the The Process. What is happening is, backs the set theres places are filling backs the set theres places are filling up. Backs the set theres places are filling up, which means that it is harder filling up, which means that it is harder to filling up, which means that it is harder to get more people out of kabul harder to get more people out of kabul. These are Civilian Aircraft will be kabul. These are Civilian Aircraft will be taking people from those spaces will be taking people from those spaces and moving them further along in the spaces and moving them further along in The Process so that more people can come in The Process so that more people can come out of kabul. That is the general can come out of kabul. That is the general idea. It is only the third time general idea. It is only the third time the general idea. It is only the third time the us has ever brought in civiliah time the us has ever brought in Civilian Aircraft to help with a military Civilian Aircraft to help with a military operation, so it showsjust how desperate the situation is, trying how desperate the situation is, trying to how desperate the situation is, trying to get so many people out of afghanistan so quickly. Its almost unprecedented, this march and are left. Unprecedented, this march and are left 0h unprecedented, this march and are left. On the ground in kabul, theres left. On the ground in kabul, theres been a lot of questions to american theres been a lot of questions to american officials about people getting american officials about people getting to the airport, the safety of people getting to the airport. And of people getting to the airport. Ami they of people getting to the airport. And they have been on the Sunday Morning and they have been on the Sunday Morning programme is talking about how they Morning Programme is talking about how they have now tried to overcome the logistical challenges and are finding the logistical challenges and are finding alternative methods to get americans there because of the difficulty americans there because of the difficulty of large crowds outside making difficulty of large crowds outside making it hard for them to get through making it hard for them to get through The Gates. The alternative methods through The Gates. The alternative methods have not been defined but we do know methods have not been defined but we do know that they have previously at least once do know that they have previously at least once sent out helicopters to pick up least once sent out helicopters to pick up some other citizens. Do any of those alternate pick up some other citizens. Do any of those alternate routes pick up some other citizens. Do any of those alternate routes have of those alternate routes have anything to do with a briefing that was had earlier with President Biden on a potential Security Threat . Timer;r on a potential Security Threat . They have talked on a potential Security Threat . They have talked quite on a potential Security Threat . They have talked quite openly, especially today on have talked quite openly, especially today on the Talk Shows, about their Concern Today on the Talk Shows, about their concern that the islamic State Group in afghanistan does pose a threat, that they in afghanistan does pose a threat, that they are monitoring it very closely that they are monitoring it very closely and theyre worried about threats closely and theyre worried about threats around the airport. It still not clear threats around the airport. It still not clear whether there have been specific not clear whether there have been specific threats but they talk about the Security Situation being an issue the Security Situation being an issue irr the Security Situation being an issue in terms of getting their Citizehs Issue in terms of getting their citizens and the afghan allies to the airport, and that has been one particular the airport, and that has been one particular concern. It is the airport, and that has been one particular concern. Particular concern. It is really all Hands On Deck particular concern. It is really all Hands On Deck at particular concern. It is really all Hands On Deck at the particular concern. It is really all Hands On Deck at the moment, l particular concern. It is really all Hands On Deck at the moment, because reports that the Organisation Of Islamic Cooperation are also seeking to help with these evacuations. Weve got the g7 coming up on tuesday and President Biden will be appearing virtually. Yes. Tuesday and President Biden will be appearing virtually. Appearing virtually. Yes, thats ri. Ht, appearing virtually. Yes, thats right. And appearing virtually. Yes, thats right. And the appearing virtually. Yes, thats right, and the international appearing virtually. Yes, thats right, and the international element of this right, and the international element of this is right, and the international element of this is interesting because one of this is interesting because one of the of this is interesting because one of the thing that President Biden said irr of the thing that President Biden said in his of the thing that President Biden said in his most recent address to the nation said in his most recent address to the nation was that he had not heard~~~ the nation was that he had not heard. He had not heard that any allies heard. He had not heard that any allies had heard. He had not heard that any allies had questioned the credibility of the United States over this credibility of the United States over this evacuation, which is not the case over this evacuation, which is not the case. Theres been a lot of criticism, the case. Theres been a lot of criticism, not least from some elements criticism, not least from some elements in britain. Perhaps he did not hear elements in britain. Perhaps he did not hear those criticisms from the leadership not hear those criticisms from the leadership but they have been happening in the government. And that is happening in the government. And that is one happening in the government. And that is one question that the Talk Shows that is one question that the Talk Shows were putting to administration officials shows were putting to administration officials. This is clearly misleading or wrong. Again, officials. This is clearly misleading orwrong. Again, not officials. This is clearly misleading or wrong. Again, not a clear misleading or wrong. Again, not a clear response, but also pointing out that clear response, but also pointing out that these administration officials out that these administration officials have had support from allies officials have had support from allies as officials have had support from allies as well and that they are working allies as well and that they are working very closely together with them working very closely together with them to working very closely together with them to deal with this mission, to et them to deal with this mission, to get evacuees out. But also to deal in the get evacuees out. But also to deal in the future with the taliban led government. How should they do that . What sort government. How should they do that . What sort of government. How should they do that . What sort of recognition should be given . What sort of recognition should be given . 0h what sort of recognition should be given . On what basis . I know is of the kinds given . On what basis . I know is of the kinds of given . On what basis . I know is of the kinds of things that will be talked the kinds of things that will be talked about at the g7. But yes, there talked about at the g7. But yes, there is talked about at the g7. But yes, there is a talked about at the g7. But yes, there is a lot of criticism here and analysis there is a lot of criticism here and analysis here about how the biden Administrations Leadership Position on afghanistan, but even generally, has been on afghanistan, but even generally, has been tarnished by The Way that this and has been tarnished by The Way that this and to has been tarnished by The Way that this and to the war has carried out. 0k, this and to the war has carried out. 0k. Thank this and to the war has carried out. Ok, thank you for that update in washington. Meamwhile, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, has said President Bidens policy which led to the withdrawal of troops from afghanistan was imbecilic. Mr blair called the decision to leave tragic, dangerous and an unnecessary abandonment of the country. This morning, he urged the government to use its role as chair of the G7 Group of nations to coordinate international efforts to help the afghan people. Days after President Biden said theres been no criticism from allies of his withdrawal of troops, in comes a scathing attack from the us� s original ally back in 2001. Youve now got this group back in charge of afghanistan. They will give Protection And Succour to alanda. Youve got isis already in the country trying to operate at the same time. You know, you look round the world and the only people really cheering this decision are the people hostile to western interests. Tony blair himself has come under criticism, too, for his role in afghanistan. The world understands that whilst of course there are dangers in acting, the dangers of inaction are far, far greater. Now does he have any regrets, and what would he say to families who lost Loved Ones . We went in there for very good reasons and we achieved a lot thanks to those british and american and other Armed Forces over the last 20 years. What id say to them is the sacrifice was not in vain. Those 20 years, by The Way, matter. Its notjust former Prime Ministers that have had a pop at the us president. His own predecessor, donald trump, who signed the original Withdrawal Deal with the taliban, levelled this attack at him to a rally of supporters. Bidens botched exit in afghanistan is the most astonishing display of gross incompetence by a nations leader, perhaps at any time that anybodys ever seen. But while Downing Street here say the current Prime Minister is not criticising the us, pressure continues to build on biden to extend his Withdrawal Deadline as fears grow that not everyone will get out from the airport in time. Ione wells, bbc news. More than 2,000 people have died in haiti after a devastating earthquake hit the country. Anger has been mounting amongst survivors over the slow delivery of medical, Food And Sanitation aide to affected areas. Haitians, who have lost their homes, say theyre unsure how to start rebuilding their lives. Its 4 15pm. The headlines on bbc news. President biden is to attend a virtual meeting of G7 Leaders on tuesday convened by borisjohnson to discuss the situation in afghanistan. Thousands of people are trying to flee the taliban advance. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has criticised the us withdrawal from afghanistan calling it unnecessary and tragic. Covid Antibody Tests are to be widely offered to Uk Adults for the first time to try to find out how much natural protection people have after getting coronavirus. Sport, and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, heres austin halewood. Good afternoon. All the latest news from the Premier League to come, but were going to start in scotland because were midway through the Final Round of the womens open at carnoustie. Its the final major of the season and Theres Plenty of british interest in contention. Scottish amateur Louise Duncan has shown no sign of nerves with a bogey free Final Round so far. Shes just three shots off the lead on eight under par approaching the turn. On ten under are the two overnight leaders, Anna Nordqvist and nanna madsen. Lizette salas has joined them, but out in front is australian Minjee Lee fresh from winning her first major at the Evian Championship a month ago. This putt on the 16th took her to 11 under par. So heres the latest leaderboard from carnoustie. A four Way Tie at the top. Louise duncan and englands Georgia Hall the 2018 champion i still both in contention on eight under par. Its another busy day in the Premier League. Arsenal Host Chelsea in the late kick off, but already this Afternoon Southampton have managed to restrict Manchester United to a draw at st marys. Ole gunnar solskjaer� s side needed a second Half Equaliser from Mason Greenwood to get a point from the game, as Lydia Campbell reports. The last time southampton faced Manchester United, they were at the end of a 9 0 hammering, and the early signs here werent particularly good. It was one of the scottish contingent that helped them, a shot deflected. Waste coast was off in the second half, but for united the gloves were off. Mason greenwood pulled them level with another assist. And pug but came closejust another assist. And pug but came close just minutes later himself, just not close enough. Then it was southamptons turn to search for a second. Before blocking away a free kick. And that was the last real chance of the game, with southampton picking up their first point of the season. Meanwhile, tottenham made it two wins from two as they beat wolves 1 0 at Mollyneux In Manager Nuno Espirito santos first trip back to his former club. A first Half Dele Alli penalty was enough for the win, before Harry Kane came on as a second half substitute his first minutes of the season, amid plenty of speculation about his future at the club. In the scottish premiership, dundee rescued a 2 2 draw against League Leaders hibernian in the early game. Dundee took the lead early on through former Hibs Strikerjason cummings, before Martin Boyle equalised for hibs from the Penalty Spot against his former club. But after hibs took the lead through ryan porteous, Paul Mcgowan popped up with seven minutes to go to put dundee level, which meant the sides shared the points. Some pretty raucous celebrations in the crowd. Hibs stay top of the table for now, with seven points. And were well into the second half in the other games. Aberdeen or hearts could both Go Top with a win and its hearts who have struck first, 1 0 there. Champions rangers are 3 1 up against Ross County Alfredo morelos with the third goal. And in the last few minutes, Dundee United have taken the lead at saintjohnstone. And finally. What a summer its been for great britains Beth Shriever just three weeks after winning olympic gold in the bmx in tokyo, the 22 year old has now been crowned world champion. Shriver had a great start and that proved to be key. There was a crash just behind her that took out three riders, including defending Champion Alise willoughby. That gave shriver an advantage she never looked like losing. Shes britains second female world bmx champion, following in the footsteps of Shanaze Reade to wear the famous rainbow jersey. Thats all the sport for now. Ill have more for you in the next hour. Look forward to that, austen. Thank you. A State Of Emergency has been declared in parts of new york as the outer bands of Tropical Storm Henri bring heavy rainfall. The outgoing governor, andrew cuomo, said President Biden is preparing to release Emergency Funding for the area. Its expected to be one of the most powerful storms in years. Lebo diseko reports. It was meant to be a celebration of new Yorks Triumph over the worst of the pandemic. But at this star studded concert, it was Mother Nature who stole the show. Thousands of people told to leave for their own safety. Please pay close attention to the following safety message. Due to approaching severe weather, all persons should move quickly and calmly to the nearest exit. Flash flooding has already hit, with up to six inches of rain and winds of up to 75 mph expected. The new York State governor is urging people to move to higher ground. New yorkers, please take this storm seriously. I know its short notice. Think super storm sandy. That was a category one. This is a category one. A State Of Emergency has been declared in parts of new york and around Six Million people in long island, connecticut and massachusetts are under a hurricane warning. Trying to ready themselves for an event that on this part of the us coastline is so rare. On saturday, Hurricane Grace tore through eastern mexico, leaving a trail of destruction. At least eight people have died, including a mother and six of her children. Translation i turned around to go into the house and thats when the roof came off The Hill and they were all down there. My wife and my six children. Although this storm has weakened and is predicted to ease by tomorrow, the potential for more flooding and further destruction continues. Lebu diseko, bbc news. A Government Minister in new zealand, has acknowledged that the Countrys Strategy of trying to eliminate the coronavirus may no longer be viable. Chris hipkins said the Delta Variant posed big questions about how to deal with the disease in the long term. A growing covid outbreak, after six months without a local infection, has triggered a nationwide lockdown. In australia, the Prime Minister, scott morrison, warned that people would have to learn to start living with the virus. But he said lockdowns would continue until at least 70 of the population was fully vaccinated. If youre an adult in the uk who tests positive for covid 19, you could be invited to take part in a new programme, that aims to find out more about the effectiveness of vaccinations. From tuesday, up to 8,000 volunteers a day who receive a positive Pcr Result will be asked to check whether they have developed antibodies. Our reporter, chi chi izundu, has more. This research is trying to work out whether people get antibodies from vaccinations or the virus itself. Antibodies are part of the bodys natural Defence System and they can take time to develop. Most people make antibodies within 28 days of being infected or vaccinated, but it can take longer. Unlike some other blood tests, you dont need to fast and you can do the test at any time of day, just dont do your test or post your test on a saturday as it might sit in the post for too long. Any other day is fine. For the first time from tuesday, any adult in england, scotland, wales and Northern Ireland who has a positive Pcr Test will be offered the chance to have two Antibody Finger Prick tests at home. Check that your test is addressed to you before starting. This is especially important if other members of your household are also having the test done. Lay your kit out on a low table and get familiar with the components. The two tests one to be taken as soon as you test positive, and the other 28 days later, will look for a response to the vaccination, and the other will look at past infection only. The Uk Health Security Agency is working alongside Nhs Test and trace to monitor levels and trace to monitor levels of antibodies in positive cases. Of antibodies in positive cases. They hope to test up to 8,000 people they hope to test up to 8,000 people a day and will also use the data that Testing Positive for antibodies a day and will also use the data collected to help provide further collected to help provide further insight into vaccines, insight into vaccines, especially when it comes especially when it comes to different variants. To different variants. But people are still being reminded but people are still being reminded that Testing Positive for antibodies