and trace programme in england failed to achieve its main objective of breaking chains of transmission — despite costing an "eye—watering" amount of money. the queen withdraws on medical advice from hosting a reception at the global climate summit in glasgow. and d—day veteran harry billinge finally visits the memorial in normandy he helped to fund. good morning. the chancellor rishi sunak will deliver his budget and spending review today. a number of policies have already been announced, but the government is under pressure to do more to help people struggling with the rising cost of living. so far, we've been told there will be a rise in the national living wage from £8.91 per hour to £9.50, and an end to the pay freeze for public sector workers. there'll be £5.9 billion for nhs england to tackle the backlog of people waiting for tests and scans. and £2.6 billion will be spent on creating 30,000 new school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities. in all, the promises already unveiled add up to around £20 billion of extra spending. but we'll have to wait until after midday to hear how the chancellor plans to fund these policies, and labour has warned the spending pledges do not go far enough to make up for tax and price hikes. here's our political correspondent chris mason. rishi sunak showing off his footwear and socks in a set of photos released by the treasury of the chancellor preparing for today. chatting through the budget with his advisers, always with an eye to his image. his dog nova even features, as do his snacks. but by the time we get to this moment later on... can the country afford this budget, mr sunak? ..and him addressing the commons, what will really matter is what it means for each of us. the biggest question for him is how much is he going to have to spend on all those public services, particularly the ones that have really suffered during the austerity years, in a world in which the economy, i'm afraid, is smaller as a result of the pandemic than it would have otherwise been. a big issue for many right now is the cost of living, and whether the government's upbeat language matches how things feel week by week for lots of people. this is going to be a brutal and bitter winter for millions of householders who are not going to be able to bear the extra cost of heating their homes because of the price rises. the chancellor today has got to match his fiscal responsibility with a bit of moral responsibility. in the last few days, loads of stuff about today's budget been already been announced. nhs england will get £5.9 billion to tackle the backlog of people waiting for tests and scans. £6.9 billion has been allocated to transport projects, including in west yorkshire, the west midlands and greater manchester. and the minimum pay rate for those aged 23 and over, known as the national living wage, will go up to £9.50 per hourfrom april. but even though plenty has been announced, what we will get from the chancellor later still really matters because it will be the detail about the state of the economy and the state of the government's finances, and so crucially, where our money will be spent and where it won't. now, then, it's over to the chancellor and his big moment at lunchtime. chris mason, bbc news, at westminster. 0ur chief political correspondent adam fleming is in downing street. good morning. so many announcements in advance. i wanted to ask whether you were expecting any surprises, any rabbits to perhaps come out of the hat? there is talk this morning about perhaps a change to universal credit. , ., , ., ., ., credit. yes, it would be a tradition for the chancellor _ credit. yes, it would be a tradition for the chancellor to _ credit. yes, it would be a tradition for the chancellor to have - credit. yes, it would be a tradition for the chancellor to have a - credit. yes, it would be a tradition for the chancellor to have a big - for the chancellor to have a big surprise at the end of the speech, something people were not expecting which gets all the headlines and maybe distracts from any bad news thatis maybe distracts from any bad news that is contained therein. there is lots of speculation it could be something to do with the cost of living. yesterday, the treasury was rejecting labour's idea of reducing the vat on domestic energy, saying that was poorly targeted and would not help the people that needed it the most. does that mean there's another idea being worked on that would perhaps work in a better way from the treasury's point of view? we will wait and see but the thing that will unlock this whole budget is not the budget document or the spending review which sets out the spending review which sets out the spending totals for the government departments over the next three years. i think it is actually going to be the economic forecasts from the office for budget responsibility, the independent watchdog that works out what could be happening with the economy and the expectation, quite well—informed expectation is that they are going to find that the permanent effects on the economy of the covid epidemic are much less than they were predicting, evenjust are much less than they were predicting, even just a few months ago. that means rishi sunak could have more money to splash than he was expecting. he could use that to give more money to government departments, so we are expecting to white —— were expecting quite tight budgets over the next four years, or he could spend it as a rainy day fund or he could use it on other things. lots of mps waiting to find out if they are going to get a size of the new levelling up fund which will send money to projects in people's neighbourhoods and high streets. will we get to see a down payment on the billions and billions of pounds of investment that will be needed to get to net zero? the big government climate change targets. 0r back to where we started, will there be some extra money there to help people with their household bills? , ., ., ., ~ ., help people with their household bills? , ., ., ., bills? plenty to look out for, as ou sa . bills? plenty to look out for, as you say- can — bills? plenty to look out for, as you say- can you _ bills? plenty to look out for, as you say. can you help - bills? plenty to look out for, as you say. can you help me - bills? plenty to look out for, as you say. can you help me withl you say. can you help me with something that has been puzzling me? the chancellor has been talking about an economy fit for a new age of optimism. what do you think that means? �* , ., , means? there's two things, there, all politicians _ means? there's two things, there, all politicians like _ means? there's two things, there, all politicians like to _ means? there's two things, there, all politicians like to talk _ means? there's two things, there, all politicians like to talk about - all politicians like to talk about the future because they know that is where the next battle is fought and they know that is what people are thinking about. that is classic political tactics, to associate yourself with a brighter future. and the better life just beyond the horizon. also, it is a big signal from the treasury that they think the covid emergency is over. the virus might not be done with us as a country and as a planet yet but they think the face that we have been through is done. that means an end to the emergency spending and the eye watering sums that were spent on covid but also potentially a return to old—fashioned things like the chancellor saying they need to balance the books and i bet we will get some language in the speech today about the fiscal rules, the kind of rules that rishi sunak will try to bind himself to as he manages the nation's finances before the next election.— the nation's finances before the next election. ., ., ~ ., next election. good to talk to you. adam fleming. — next election. good to talk to you. adam fleming, our— next election. good to talk to you. adam fleming, our chief - next election. good to talk to you. adam fleming, our chief political. adam fleming, our chief political correspondence, in downing street. —— correspondent. let's go to burnley now and join ben thompson. good morning. welcome to burnley, we are at queen street mill outside the town centre, this place was built in 1894 and testament to the rich history of this part of the country. east lancashire on the map for selling cotton right around the world, it brought wealth, prosperity and growth and it paid a lot of the bills in this part of the world. but as manufacturing declined, this town struggled for a purpose. and without manufacturing, it fell into hard times. and so, the town put its faith in tory promises of levelling up faith in tory promises of levelling up in the last election. but what does levelling up look like someone like this? in a moment, i'm going to speak to a couple of the guests i have got on the sofa in queen street mill. we will assess what the chancellor's budget could mean for people here but also for our personal finances, people here but also for our personalfinances, too. but before that, i have been taking a trip around town and looking at how the chancellor might make those numbers this afternoon add up. the chancellor's challenge — claw back the cost of covid or protect people from the squeeze on living. begin to balance the books or give in to the prime minister's urge to splurge on levelling up places like here in burnley. some of the big budget numbers are pretty eye—watering. the uk deficit — the difference between what the government spends and brings in — rose to £320 billion last year. that is the highest level since the second world war. the chancellor's instinct is clear. tax rises are unpopular. some will even say un—conservative. i will tell you what is un—conservative — unfunded pledges, reckless borrowing and soaring debt. the problem is, the independent institute for fiscal studies says the uk's tax burden is set to reach its highest sustained peacetime level, even before today's speech. the new health and social care levy will raise £36 billion. the treasury will also make more from corporation and income tax. but where else can the chancellor find some cash? asking students to repay their loans sooner, higher council tax, alcohol duty, or a levy on online retailers, pensions or taxes on inheritance and profits. it is notjust cuts in the chancellor's sights, there is also a pay rise on the way for millions. but can it keep up with the rising cost of living? inflation is currently at 3.1% and it is forecast to rise even higher. even though the climate summit may be just around the corner, persistently high prices could force another freeze in petrol duty and there could be more support for the price we pay for our home energy bills. government departments that are not protected, including courts, local government and prisons, could reporedly see their day—to—day budgets squeezed. last week, the chancellor was given a boost. borrowing for this year is so far lower than forecast, but with the economic recovery still fragile, that will not make today's decisions any easier. so those are the big numbers but what will it mean for places like this? let me introduce you to a member of burnley borough council and lancashire county council and a personal finance expert. and lancashire county council and a personalfinance expert. good personal finance expert. good morning personalfinance expert. good morning to you both. first, explain to me why you are carrying a giant match? pa, to me why you are carrying a giant match? �* ., ., ., match? a few weeks ago, i had the honour of lighting _ match? a few weeks ago, i had the honour of lighting the _ match? a few weeks ago, i had the honour of lighting the boilers - match? a few weeks ago, i had the honour of lighting the boilers at - honour of lighting the boilers at queen street mill, where we are today, for the first time in three years, so it is the start of our rejuvenation of the cultural offer at the mill, which has needed a lot of repair over the years. find at the mill, which has needed a lot of repair over the years.— of repair over the years. and this mill is fascinating _ of repair over the years. and this mill is fascinating because - of repair over the years. and this mill is fascinating because it - mill is fascinating because it speaks of a time when burnley was leading the way the world, wasn't it, selling cotton right around the world? it brought wealth and prosperity of the reason we have it todayis prosperity of the reason we have it today is because the chancellor will stand up and has promised to level “p stand up and has promised to level up places like this. what does levelling up meaning burnley? i think a cleaner, healthier, levelling up meaning burnley? i thinka cleaner, healthier, more think a cleaner, healthier, more prosperous burnley and county. 0ne prosperous burnley and county. one of the things we come in levelling up, which is the term they like to use but i think it really is just fairness of bringing this back to the north, where we do feel that we have been slightly overlooked in former times, especially in favour of manchester, leeds and liverpool, which i think ought to remember that we are the places that have also fed into their benefit. but yes, so our levelling up will be our town centres. it will be our health offer, better education, better transport, green infrastructure, because that will lead into our health offer. but also on the county side, we are working with our borough's towards the same goal. yes, of course. we will talk about some of those goals in a second but laura, quite a wish list, there, about what the chancellor might be able to offer. will we get any of it? it feels like we've heard a lot of the announcements are ready. yes. of the announcements are ready. yes, i think we have — of the announcements are ready. yes, i think we have heard _ of the announcements are ready. yes, i think we have heard a _ of the announcements are ready. yes, i think we have heard a lot of the good _ i think we have heard a lot of the good news — i think we have heard a lot of the good news announcements and obviously — good news announcements and obviously a couple of months ago we had the _ obviously a couple of months ago we had the big _ obviously a couple of months ago we had the big announcement about national— had the big announcement about national insurance which was a big bad news — national insurance which was a big bad news announcement for people's personal— bad news announcement for people's personal finances. there are definitely some areas we are still looking _ definitely some areas we are still looking for more clarity on. so things— looking for more clarity on. so things like _ looking for more clarity on. so things like student loans, they are talking _ things like student loans, they are talking about changing the criteria for that _ talking about changing the criteria for that and lowering the threshold. there _ for that and lowering the threshold. there also— for that and lowering the threshold. there also talk about a big reform of the _ there also talk about a big reform of the alcohol taxes, and the way duty is_ of the alcohol taxes, and the way duty is applied to alcohol. and also more _ duty is applied to alcohol. and also more on _ duty is applied to alcohol. and also more on personal finances. sol think— more on personal finances. sol think there _ more on personal finances. sol think there could still be some tax hikes _ think there could still be some tax hikes. interestingly, when the chancellor was interviewed earlier this week, — chancellor was interviewed earlier this week, he refused to rule out any further— this week, he refused to rule out any further tax hikes so we could see it _ any further tax hikes so we could see it on — any further tax hikes so we could see it on some things like wealth taxes. _ see it on some things like wealth taxes. like — see it on some things like wealth taxes, like capital gains and inheritance tax, things like that. i want inheritance tax, things like that. want to inheritance tax, things like that. i want to talk a little bit as well about burnley being a place for investment and this is my hometown, i grew up here, and i have seen it change a lot. and there is investment and growth, a lot of business is doing great things but the town has a reputation that it struggles to shake off, doesn't it? i wonder when that starts to change and it becomes a place that people see as a place to hire skilled workers and to invest and to grow. that is the challenge, isn't it? it is but we have always been skilled but i think, and i do have to put some blame on the media come here, they have certain causes they like to espouse. we have always been innovative and imaginative. we have always had people who have started their own businesses and worked jolly hard with them. as a county as well as a borough, we reflect that. and we are battling against prejudice from the south. and and we are battling against prejudice from the south. pre'udice from the south. and as far as prejudice from the south. and as far as skills are — prejudice from the south. and as far as skills are concerned, _ prejudice from the south. and as far as skills are concerned, are - prejudice from the south. and as far as skills are concerned, are people. as skills are concerned, are people coming out of schools and colleges around here with the skills for the jobs that are available? we know the jobs that are available? we know the jobs market has changed. it is not about meals in manufacturing but tech and innovation. it is about meals in manufacturing but tech and innovation.— about meals in manufacturing but tech and innovation. it is but there is still manufacturing _ tech and innovation. it is but there is still manufacturing here, - tech and innovation. it is but there is still manufacturing here, we - is still manufacturing here, we still have companies likejohn spencer that are doing modern textiles for people like the landmark trust. we have british aerospace, we have modern engineering, digitalservices. aerospace, we have modern engineering, digital services. we havejust taken, i engineering, digital services. we have just taken, i think there is the didyou services and i know i always —— digital services unlike with get the name on but it has been announced to come to lancashire itself so we have a vast and wide number ofjobs but we do need more money into skills to upscale people. i am very glad there is going to be a rise in the minimum wage. we still do need to do work on education but thatis do need to do work on education but that is something we are concentrating on at the county level, and the borough's are working with us on that.— with us on that. laura, you talked about national— with us on that. laura, you talked about national insurance - about national insurance contributions going up, and one of the giveaways is a rise in the national living wage so people on the lowest income get a bit more cash but how far does that extra cash but how far does that extra cash goat given that we know petrol prices are going up and gas prices are going up and food prices are going up, that'll be eaten up, won't it, then you increase so going up, that'll be eaten up, won't it, then you increase— it, then you increase so inflation is the big issue _ it, then you increase so inflation is the big issue here _ it, then you increase so inflation is the big issue here and - it, then you increase so inflation is the big issue here and we - it, then you increase so inflation is the big issue here and we had| is the big issue here and we had expectations which were in place that it _ expectations which were in place that it would go to 4% by the end of the above _ that it would go to 4% by the end of the above that was before we saw the massive _ the above that was before we saw the massive hikes in energy prices so we are expecting it to go a bit higher now so— are expecting it to go a bit higher now so the — are expecting it to go a bit higher now so the increase in the national living _ now so the increase in the national living wage — now so the increase in the national living wage is about 6% but if 5% is swallowed — living wage is about 6% but if 5% is swallowed up with inflation and keeping — swallowed up with inflation and keeping up with rising costs, the real impact on families is less. nice _ real impact on families is less. nice to — real impact on families is less. nice to see you both, thank you for explaining those things and being with us this morning. we will get many more details from the chancellor later today, who stands up chancellor later today, who stands up in parliament at 12:15pm and we will begin to get some of the announcements through. the real challenge is what is decided in westminster, and how it translates to places up and down the country, places like here in burnley that put faith in the promises to level up. what does levelling up look like on the ground? we will find out later today. ben, we will talk to you later. thank you for now. i'm joined by pauljohnson, director of the institute for fiscal studies. good morning. iwould good morning. i would like to start if i may with the big picture. as far as you are concerned, where are we as a nation with regard to the public finances?— we as a nation with regard to the public finances? obviously, we have the bi est public finances? obviously, we have the biggest level— public finances? obviously, we have the biggest level of _ public finances? obviously, we have the biggest level of borrowing - public finances? obviously, we have the biggest level of borrowing everl the biggest level of borrowing ever in peace time last year and so debt has increased. we have got a pretty high level of borrowing this year but borrowing is much lower, significantly lower than expected because the economy has bounced back quite a lot faster. and looking two or three years hence, quite remarkably, actually, it looks like borrowing will be completely under control, back down to the kind of levels we might have expected had it not been for the pandemic. so as far as the public finances are concerned, i think the chancellor is going to be pretty pleased. i think he is going to get some good news today and he is going to potentially have room for either not introducing some of the huge tax rises he has announced or having a bit more money to spend on public services. qm. to spend on public services. ok, that leads _ to spend on public services. ok, that leads me _ to spend on public services. ok, that leads me onto _ to spend on public services. ok, that leads me onto the fact that he has already announced, hasn't he, £20 billion worth of spending. how is he going to pay for all of those pledges? are you suggesting it could come out of what you have just been describing? come out of what you have 'ust been describin: ? ~ ~' ., describing? well, i think we need to be ve , describing? well, i think we need to be very. very _ describing? well, i think we need to be very, very careful— describing? well, i think we need to be very, very careful about - describing? well, i think we need to be very, very careful about saying i be very, very careful about saying he has promised £20 billion worth of spending because i certainly don't have a clue what that means, because the kind of numbers he has been bandying about don't really make any sense. it is unclear whether some of it is new money, it is unclear over what period of time, and so on and so forth. all of that said, all of the indications seem to be that because borrowing looks like it will because borrowing looks like it will be lower than otherwise, he is going to spend at least some of that as additional spending on public services. remember, he has already pledged a vast amount of additional money for the nhs, that is what the prime minister said in september. but other parts of government, the court system, the justice system, prisons, local government, social care, they have been starved of funding for a decade and it looks like they will start to get a bit of a boost after today. the like they will start to get a bit of a boost after today.— a boost after today. the cost of livin: of a boost after today. the cost of living of causes _ a boost after today. the cost of living of causes a _ a boost after today. the cost of living of causes a big _ a boost after today. the cost of living of causes a big worry - a boost after today. the cost of living of causes a big worry forl living of causes a big worry for many people. we were hearing then in burnley talking about petrol prices, rising energy prices. could there be helped there? there is some talk this morning of a tweak to the rules around universal credit. fin this morning of a tweak to the rules around universal credit.— around universal credit. on petrol specifically. _ around universal credit. on petrol specifieally. i _ around universal credit. on petrol specifically, i am _ around universal credit. on petrol specifically, i am sure _ around universal credit. on petrol specifically, i am sure we - around universal credit. on petrol specifically, i am sure we will - around universal credit. on petrol| specifically, i am sure we will have what we call the 11th or 12th year of no increase in petrol duty which against inflation is yet another cut. no doubt it is welcome as a boost to living standards but hardly consistent with a government that claims to be concerned about net zero. in terms of benefits for universal credit, yes, there seems to be some well informed speculation that the taper rate, in other words, the rate at which universal credit is reduced as your income increases, that will be cut which will mean that will be cut which will mean that a lot of people in work we'll see some increase in the amount of universal credit receive. clearly, it does not help people who are out of work because they are not affected by the taper so those out of work will still be losing the full £20 per week that was cut back at the beginning of the month. just to end at the beginning of the month. just to end where we began in a sense with the larger economic picture you paint it, is it your view that this is a quick, temporary bounce back, or is the economy and the public finances looking stronger in the long term?— finances looking stronger in the lona term? ~ ., long term? well, so far as we can tell at the — long term? well, so far as we can tell at the moment, _ long term? well, so far as we can tell at the moment, it _ long term? well, so far as we can tell at the moment, it looks - long term? well, so far as we can tell at the moment, it looks like l tell at the moment, it looks like they are looking stronger in the long term but of course, there are risks, and a big risk that you have alluded to is inflation. everyone is hoping that this is a one—off bounce in prices, driven by increased product cost, petrol and fuel and so on, and supply chain problems. but if that gets into the system, if everybody starts putting up higher wages which drive higher prices, which drive higher wages and so on, thatis which drive higher wages and so on, that is the kind of thing that can cause real problems over the next several years. cause real problems over the next severalyears. i cause real problems over the next several years. i think at the moment, the outlook is not looking too bad although remember, not too bad is still against a pretty low base. the last decade has seen growth at miserable levels, one, 1.5% per year against the much higher growth prior to 2008. and i suspect the best we can hope for the next decade is another decade of growth but at a rolls of the miserable rate. == growth but at a rolls of the miserable rate.— growth but at a rolls of the miserable rate. -- out rather miserable — miserable rate. -- out rather miserable rate. _ miserable rate. -- out rather miserable rate. paul- miserable rate. -- out rather| miserable rate. pauljohnson, miserable rate. -- out rather. miserable rate. pauljohnson, a miserable rate. -- out rather- miserable rate. pauljohnson, a busy day ahead for you, i know but thank you for talking to us and bbc news. mike cherry is chair of the federation of small businesses. hejoins us now. good morning. what are you looking for, what do you want to hear from the chancellor today? want to hear from the chancellor toda ? ~ ~ , .., want to hear from the chancellor toda? , . today? mike, cherry, can you... we are struggling _ today? mike, cherry, can you... we are struggling to — today? mike, cherry, can you... we are struggling to hear— today? mike, cherry, can you... we are struggling to hear you, - today? mike, cherry, can you... we are struggling to hear you, i - today? mike, cherry, can you... we are struggling to hear you, i am - are struggling to hear you, i am sorry. despite everything almost being announced, we are still very hopeful that as the chancellor announced the... hopeful that as the chancellor announced the. . .— hopeful that as the chancellor announced the... ~ ~' , ., announced the... mike cherry, we are havin: announced the... mike cherry, we are having problems _ announced the... mike cherry, we are having problems hearing _ announced the... mike cherry, we are having problems hearing you. - announced the... mike cherry, we are having problems hearing you. we - announced the... mike cherry, we are having problems hearing you. we will| having problems hearing you. we will come back to you and try to sort the technical difficulties out and hope to catch up with you in a few moments. can you hear me? no, we will return to you later. mike cherry, for now, bear with us, many thanks. and we'll bring you the budget speech in a special programme later this morning here on bbc news. we'll have pre—budget analysis and all the reaction. that's live from 11.15. the government's coronavirus test and trace programme in england has failed to achieve its "main objective" of helping break chains of covid transmission — that's according to a group of cross—party mps. the public accounts committee says a number of the programme's aims have been "overstated or not achieved," despite costing an "eye—watering" amount of money. 0ur health correspondent dominic hughes reports. the performance of the test and trace programme in england has been under scrutiny for months. this assessment by mps could hardly be more damning. the public accounts committee, which examines value for money of government projects, says the programme's outcomes have been muddled and it hasn't achieved a number of its main objectives despite costing the taxpayer millions. the nhs test and trace programme has been one of the most expensive health programmes delivered during the pandemic. it has cost £37 billion over two years, equal to nearly a fifth of the entire nhs england budget. when it comes to test results, just 14% of 691 million lateral flow tests distributed by test and trace were registered. and in periods of pressure, like december 2020, just 17% of people were receiving test results within 24 hours. we found it very difficult to see what it had achieved for the 37 billion. it set out very bold aims, it failed on many of its own terms. crucially now, its responsibilities are in the new uk health security agency. but that's still got a lot to prove. the main objective for test and trace was to help break chains of covid—19 transmission and enable people to return towards a more normal way of life. instead, england experienced two more national lockdowns and saw a dramatic rise in case numbers. the use of expensive private sector consultants who were meant to deliver the programme comes in for particular criticism. for all the eye—watering sums of money spent on test and trace, mps say it's far from clear whether it will be a legacy system that's built to last, one that will be ready for the next crisis. dominic hughes, bbc news. insulate britain have blocked the a40 in west london. a temporary injunction was granted against the group earlier this week, after protesters brought parts of london to a standstill. 14 people have also been arrested in kent, after another major road was obstructed in both directions earlier this morning. 0ur reporter greg mckenzie is at the protest in west london. hejoins us now. what is happening where you are? he joins us now. what is happening where you are?— he joins us now. what is happening where you are? good morning. in ch britain arrived _ where you are? good morning. in ch britain arrived on _ where you are? good morning. in ch britain arrived on the _ where you are? good morning. in ch britain arrived on the a40 _ where you are? good morning. in ch britain arrived on the a40 in - where you are? good morning. in ch britain arrived on the a40 in west i britain arrived on the a40 in west london at 8am. we were the first to break that news. many of them have been removed but if you look around, this is the a40, you would never be able to walk along here, in the middle of the road, in fact, given that this is one of the busiest roads in the capital, leading down to heathrow airport. many of the protesters have been arrested. there were a few here and a you hear now are being spoken to by the police. what do you find as many of them have glued themselves to the ground and the police are using a solution to glue them. this man has glued his feet to the ground, why have you done this? i feet to the ground, why have you done this?— feet to the ground, why have you done this? ., ., , , .. , done this? i have done this because every single — done this? i have done this because every single year— done this? i have done this because every single year in _ done this? i have done this because every single year in the _ done this? i have done this because every single year in the uk, - done this? i have done this because every single year in the uk, 8000 l every single year in the uk, 8000 pensioners— every single year in the uk, 8000 pensioners die names because they can't afford central heating, because _ can't afford central heating, because millions of families in the uk can't _ because millions of families in the uk can't afford their heating bills and it's— uk can't afford their heating bills and it's only getting worse as the heating _ and it's only getting worse as the heating prices go up. we are asking the government to insulates all the homes _ the government to insulates all the homes of— the government to insulates all the homes of the uk. by doing that, obviously. — homes of the uk. by doing that, obviously, you will bring millions of people — obviously, you will bring millions of people out of fuel poverty and it is the _ of people out of fuel poverty and it is the most — of people out of fuel poverty and it is the most cost—effective way to reduce _ is the most cost—effective way to reduce carbon emissions and you will create _ reduce carbon emissions and you will create hundreds of thousands ofjobs so we _ create hundreds of thousands ofjobs so we are _ create hundreds of thousands ofjobs so we are asking the government, to do it as _ so we are asking the government, to do it as a _ so we are asking the government, to do it as a no—brainer, they should do it as a no—brainer, they should do it— do it as a no—brainer, they should do it today — do it as a no-brainer, they should do it today-— do it today. people are not happy that ou do it today. people are not happy that you are _ do it today. people are not happy that you are doing _ do it today. people are not happy that you are doing this, _ do it today. people are not happy that you are doing this, angry - that you are doing this, angry motorists this morning, i have seen them swearing at you and some of them swearing at you and some of them almost came to a physical altercation. the police are having to patrol this and move you so some will say that is a waste of police resources and they should be elsewhere. what do you say to those people that you are causing disruptions to normal people trying to get to work with blue we are very sympathetic to all of these people who have been disrupted but we have to tell them, we have tried every else. ' i: i: i: i: to tell them, we have tried every else. ':: 11:11: , .,, else. there were 10,000 people outside parliament _ else. there were 10,000 people outside parliament in _ else. there were 10,000 people outside parliament in august - else. there were 10,000 people | outside parliament in august and else. there were 10,000 people - outside parliament in august and no one has— outside parliament in august and no one has heard about it. there have been _ one has heard about it. there have been petitions to parliament, letters— been petitions to parliament, letters to mps, and it is all ignored. _ letters to mps, and it is all ignored, and it is only when you cause _ ignored, and it is only when you cause disruption that you get interviewed and go on the news. 100 people _ interviewed and go on the news. 100 people have had a bigger impact than 10,000 _ people have had a bigger impact than 10,000 people, just because we have cause _ 10,000 people, just because we have cause disruption. all 10,000 people, just because we have cause disruption.— cause disruption. all right, thank ou ve cause disruption. all right, thank you very much- _ cause disruption. all right, thank you very much. you _ cause disruption. all right, thank you very much. you mentioned l cause disruption. all right, thank - you very much. you mentioned those injunctions earlier. transport london were granted an injunction to prevent protesters from carrying out such actions and these protesters will now be liable to go to jail, they will be arrested and they will get their moment in court. but in terms of going forward, insulate britain say they will continue these actions until they are listened to. greg, we will leave it there for now, greg mckenzie in west london. protests are also taking place across london at dartford crossing — our reporterjames waterhouse is there. what is happening where you are? it is the now familiar scene, police have arrived with the solution which dissolves glue in large syringes, it feels quite well rehearsed on both sides now, the protesters have one blockage here and they staged another on a neighbouring roundabout and then half an hour later, they came here, hoping it would be a diversion. they laid themselves in the middle of the road, as you can see, arrests have quickly been made as people have been dragged to the site and the remaining few have glued themselves to the road. but that does not take away the anger that does not take away the anger thatis that does not take away the anger that is felt by all of these drivers that is felt by all of these drivers that are trapped on this bridge which cuts across the m25, one of the busiest motorways in the country, which connects to, i don't know whether you can see it, the dartford crossing, this is the main connection between essex and kent on the eastern side of london. at the moment, traffic is jamming up a bit at the end but that is nothing out of the ordinary. it seems to be at this specific junction that of the ordinary. it seems to be at this specificjunction that the disruption has been caused. the insulate britain protesters, their message has been well broadcast, they want all homes in the uk to be insulated by 2030 and they say their issueis insulated by 2030 and they say their issue is with the government as they call for action and not members of the public. the members of the public trapped on this stretch of junction will probably feel they are pretty effective as well.— pretty effective as well. thank you for that update, _ pretty effective as well. thank you for that update, james _ pretty effective as well. thank you | for that update, james waterhouse near the dartford crossing. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol kirkwood. good morning. it is a wet morning for some of us, especially across northern england, northern wales, parts of northern ireland and southern scotland. the weatherfront producing this rain will move a bit further north through the day. ahead of it, there is a bit of sunshine, variable amounts of cloud and showers across western scotland. to the south of it, still a lot of cloud but we will see some breaks in the sheltered east as we go through the sheltered east as we go through the day. gusty winds through the irish sea and locally, we are looking at gales. the average temperature at this time of year is ten to 14 degrees. today we are looking at 18. this evening, we have the rain ensconced in more or less the rain ensconced in more or less the same place, if anything getting to more of wales and south—west england. 0n either side of it, variable amounts of cloud again. it is not going to be a cold night. still gusty winds across the irish sea. tomorrow, we still have this rain. some sunshine on both sides of it. biter in northern ireland and scotland and still mild. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines: chancellor rishi sunak is limbering up to deliver his budget speech to the house of commons. measures announced so far include a rise in the national living wage and an end to the public sector pay freeze. but the government's under pressure to do more to help with the rising costs of living. a report by mps says the government's coronavirus test and trace programme in england failed in its main objective of breaking chains of transmission — despite costing an "eye—watering" amount of money. and the queen withdraws — on medical advice — from hosting a reception at the global climate summit in glasgow. time for the sport now. there has been a lot going on on and off the pitch? good morning. a group of former rugby league players are taking legal action against the rfl, claiming they've been left with brain damage and are suing for alleged negligence. its alleged the rfl failed in its duty of care to protect the players from the risks associated with concussions and sub—concussions. lawyers for the former players, which includes great britain star bobbie goulding, say there is a "ticking timebomb" of potentially hundreds of former players who are developing various neurological issues. earlier i spoke to former wales prop micki edwards, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia earlier this month. it started years and years after playing the game, wandering around like a lost soul. you suffer in silence, because we're not really guys to talk about our feelings, it's not seen as right. i had headaches, bright lights, confusion, being clumsy. and that was never me, so ijust basically wanted to get tests done to see what was up with me. it was a great night for two out of the three home nations in their women's world cup qualifier with wins for england and wales. northern ireland came agonisingly close to beating an austrian side ranked 27 places above them — while england were the giants in latvia, and the lionesses showed no mercy. jo currie reports. stepping out in chilly latvia, england cruising through qualifying looking for another big win. and they only had to wait seven minutes to find their opener. ella toone, with time and space on the edge of the box, had no problem slamming it home. a minute later, she was at it again with almost a carbon copy of her first. good work from fran kirby on her 50th cap, set toone up to score again, with white and bright adding two more before the break. england made four changes at the start of the second half, but there was no change of pace. with this individual effort to net england's fifth, before toone notched up her hat—trick, picking herself up and going it alone to make it a very special night on only her sixth appearance. and the goals kept coming, with rachel daly eventually wrapping up proceedings and a 10—0 win to make it four wins from four and a very happy birthday for manager sarina wiegman. elsewhere in group d, northern ireland came within seconds of a famous win. after going behind in the first half, they hit back twice after the break, with demi vance scoring a stunning free kick to give them the lead. they couldn't cling onto it, though, and they conceded in injury time to settle for a draw. but many of northern ireland's squad are semiprofessional and this point could go a long way in their bid to qualify for the cup. meanwhile, wales claimed a comfortable 4—0 victory at home to estonia in cardiff in front of a record crowd. the pick of the goals came from helen ward, who got on the end of a brilliantly weighted pass. wales now have ten points in their opening four games. a great night for arsenal, they are through to the last eight of the league cup. they beat leeds 2—0 at the emirates stadium. calum chambers scored the first, then a mistake in the leeds defence allowed former leeds loanee eddie nketiah to get arsenal's second and secure their place in the next round. chelsea are also through to the quarter finals after beating southampton on penalties at stamford bridge. the game finished 1—1. reece james scored the decisive spot—kick for chelsea. elsewhere, sunderland beat qpr, also on penalties. and emma raducanu has won her first match since her stunning us open triumph, and herfirst ever wta match, at the transylvania open in romania. she came from a set down to beat polona hercog to move into the second round. this was her first time competing in her father's homeland. there were no fans present but her 88—year—old grandmother niculina was there to watch her. that's all the sport for now. let's get more now on the chancellor's budget speech — which you can watch live here on bbc news at midday. mike cherry is chair of the federation of small businesses. mike, ithink mike, i think we have sorted out the technical issues and hopefully we can see and hear you perfectly now. what do you want to hear from the chancellor today?— what do you want to hear from the chancellor today? there are a couple of very early — chancellor today? there are a couple of very early wins _ chancellor today? there are a couple of very early wins that _ chancellor today? there are a couple of very early wins that small - of very early wins that small businesses have been asking for ever since the chancellor announced his increase in the national insurance contributions, which pushed that to over 15% for employers. and that is a simple increase in the employment allowance that employers get relief against that national insurance on from £4000 to £5,000, which would help the smallest businesses maintain the jobs they are struggling to keep at the moment. that would be a simple one. the second one of course is with regard to business rates. let me remind your viewers that the business rate does notjust your viewers that the business rate does not just affect your viewers that the business rate does notjust affect retail on the high street, it affects the whole chain behind retail, hospitality leisure and manufacturers. this is a regressive, anti growth tax. we need to see the threshold increased again to see the threshold increased again to take the smallest businesses out of the amount they have to pay for business rates, pending the long—awaited review that has now been kicked further down the road by the chancellor in not coming forward with his review of his budget. and how confident are you are getting what you want?— how confident are you are getting what you want? well, as i say, there are some simple _ what you want? well, as i say, there are some simple things _ what you want? well, as i say, there are some simple things he _ what you want? well, as i say, there are some simple things he can - what you want? well, as i say, there are some simple things he can do. . are some simple things he can do. there are also other anomalies with regard to business rates. if you want to go towards net zero, for instance, and green your business by putting solar panels on the roof to help with your energy costs, which have also massively increased at the moment, then those solar panels should also be included in the business rates assessment, which increases the bill you have to pay when you are trying to do the right thing by going green.— thing by going green. businesses have a course _ thing by going green. businesses have a course received _ thing by going green. businesses have a course received millions l thing by going green. businesses| have a course received millions in government support during the pandemic, including the furlough payments. do your members accept that they have a role to play in getting the economy back on track? absolutely. let's not forget, all of that money that was there to support businesses and get them through the pandemic and even as far as now has been gratefully received. it has keptjobs going where they could be kept. and it has kept businesses alive. the problem now is that so many of them are not back to normal trading. they have taken on additional debt, whether it be through the different loan schemes the government has been able to put in place to help support businesses, that they are finding the increasing costs, whether that be increases in energy costs, whether it be the increases in diesel for doing their own business and supply chain issues as well as significant cost increases, all of that is impacting businesses as much as consumers. so there has to be some relief for the smallest businesses to help them get through what is still a mixed message coming through from government, that gets them through the winter and into 2022, when we can get the economy recovering and growth under way. bud can get the economy recovering and growth under way.— growth under way. and we'll those extra costs — growth under way. and we'll those extra costs that _ growth under way. and we'll those extra costs that your _ growth under way. and we'll those extra costs that your members - growth under way. and we'll those extra costs that your members are experiencing, will they mean higher prices ultimately for customers? ibis prices ultimately for customers? as we prices ultimately for customers? is we have seen through this pandemic, with businesses still struggling, not getting the capacity, whether it be in the local restaurants are having problems getting the key members of staff that they need to employ, that is going to be an ongoing open. they can't absorb these cost increases. we are not talking about 2% or 3%, we are talking about 2% or 3%, we are talking about 2% or 3%, we are talking about much larger increases. and at some point, that will not be sustainable unless it is passed on. mike cherry, chair of the federation of small businesses, good to have your thoughts. a number of policies have already been announced, including an extra £5.9 billion funding for nhs england. i'm joined by saffron cordery, deputy chief executive of nhs providers. asi as i say, the government has announced this £5.9 billion to the nhs to tackle, among other things, waiting lists. the government says it is a game changing amount of money. i assume you agree? it is ureat money. i assume you agree? it is treat to money. i assume you agree? it is great to have — money. i assume you agree? it is great to have that _ money. i assume you agree? it s great to have that investment in tackling the waiting lists. but we have to remember that we are dealing with both demand that has built up during covid, but also, we have an nhs that was looking fragile before covid came in. so alongside investing in things like diagnostic testing and cutting waiting lists with surgical hubs, which is a fantastic investment, we also need investment in the overall nhs estate, the buildings and facilities. there is a £9.7 billion backlog there. we need to be able to fix things like leaking roofs, broken boilers and really transform mental health wards. there is a lot of wider investment in the estate across the nhs. we also need a longer term perspective on investing in the workforce. so longer term perspective on investing in the workforce.— in the workforce. so to be clear, are ou in the workforce. so to be clear, are you asking — in the workforce. so to be clear, are you asking for _ in the workforce. so to be clear, are you asking for another - in the workforce. so to be clear, are you asking for another £9.7l are you asking for another £9.7 billion on top of the £5.9 billion you have already been promised, or is it actually more than that? we are saying _ is it actually more than that? - are saying that the government need to look at that backlog maintenance that we know is at such a high level, and make sure it puts on the table some money to tackle that, because that has been rising year on year, before covid and during covid. but the important thing here is to think about the buildings and services, but also to think about investing in the workforce, because thatis investing in the workforce, because that is critical. without the supply of well—trained staff, we cannot deliver the services. [30 of well-trained staff, we cannot deliver the services.— of well-trained staff, we cannot deliver the services. do you think ou're deliver the services. do you think you're going _ deliver the services. do you think you're going to — deliver the services. do you think you're going to get _ deliver the services. do you think you're going to get all— deliver the services. do you think you're going to get all of- deliver the services. do you think you're going to get all of this, - you're going to get all of this, though? there is in the money, is there? ~ ~' ., though? there is in the money, is there? ,, ., , , . though? there is in the money, is there? ,, ., ,,., , though? there is in the money, is there? , there? we know the public purse is incredibly challenged. _ there? we know the public purse is incredibly challenged. we - there? we know the public purse is incredibly challenged. we know- incredibly challenged. we know services like local government, which provide social care and public health also need investment. but what we are looking at here is the costs of covid, which are high and they make the running costs of public services even higher. we are also looking at where the investment didn't take place before covid. so we know we are talking about large sums of money, but we are also talking about investing in services for the future and we have to remember that.— for the future and we have to remember that. ' ., ., , ., remember that. saffron cordery from nhs providers. _ remember that. saffron cordery from nhs providers, good _ remember that. saffron cordery from nhs providers, good to _ remember that. saffron cordery from nhs providers, good to have - remember that. saffron cordery from nhs providers, good to have you - remember that. saffron cordery from | nhs providers, good to have you with us. and we'll bring you the budget speech in a special programme later this morning here on bbc news. we'll have pre—budget analysis and all the reaction. that's live from 11.15. the headlines on bbc news... the chancellor is preparing to deliver his budget statement to the house of commons — we'll have full coverage. a report by mps says the coronavirus test and trace programme in england failed to break chains of transmission — and cost an eye—watering amount of money. the queen withdraws on medical advice from hosting a reception at the climate summit in glasgow. water companies will face new rules to reduce the amount of sewage dumped into waterways during wet weather, following a partial government u—turn. ministers say the new measures will force industries to make a "progressive reduction" in the sewage dumped in rivers. it follows pressure from the house of lords and campaign groups — after mps originally rejected the proposal. in light of the amendment that was debated last week, we are now saying we will also write that onto a statutory footing so that there will be a statutory requirement on what companies to create those progressive declines in the use of storm overflows. we have listened to the debate that took place in parliament, so we will write what is already government policy into the statutes to give people the reassurance they seek. a man is believed to have died after falling from a boat off the essex coast while attempting to cross the channel. two other men, both of whom are somali nationals, were rescued on monday near the port of harwich. the home office said the incident was a "reminder of the extreme dangers of crossing the channel in small boats". a teenager has been charged with the murder of two boys after an incident in essex in the early hours of sunday morning. 19—year—old frankie watson will appear before southend magistrates�* court charged with two counts of murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon. two other men connected to the incident have been released on bail. the us prosecutor investigating the accidental fatal shooting on the set of the film rust in new mexico, says the weapon fired by alec baldwin was a real gun and not a prop. criminal charges have not been ruled out. it's also emerged that the assistant director of the production had been previously sacked over gun safety violations. according to a production company, dave halls was dismissed from a set in 2019 when a firearm unexpectedly went off. halyna hutchins died last thursday after being accidentally shot by actor alec baldwin. public health experts in the united states have recommended children aged five to 11 should get the pfizer/biontech vaccine. the decision will affect around 28 million children and is likely to come into place within a matter of weeks. it now awaits further approval from the the food and drug administration and the centres for disease control and prevention. the queen will not attend next week's climate change summit in glasgow following medical advice to rest. the announcement comes a week after the 95—year—old monarch spent a night in hospital for preliminary medical checks. buckingham palace says she'll address the delegates in a pre—recorded video message instead. james reynolds has this report. on tuesday last week, the queen hosted a reception for business leaders at windsor. the next morning, her trip to northern ireland was cancelled and she stayed overnight in hospital. yesterday, she gently resumed her public schedule. a video audience with the new korean ambassador. this was then followed by a palace statement. i'm quite sure what she's got at the back of her mind is that she wants to be absolutely fine and fighting fit on november 14, which is remembrance sunday. that is the most sacred day in her calendar. but i think to go to glasgow to stand in a room full of coughing, wheezing delegates from all over the world is probably an engagement too far. preparations for the climate change conference have been of keen interest to the queen. "we still don't know who's coming", she was overheard saying when opening the welsh senedd two weeks ago. we now know it won't be her. and so the queen will now rely further on that useful pandemic tool, the video message or call. she won't get to meet the glasgow delegates, but they will still get to hearfrom her. james reynolds, bbc news. he's been praised for his tireless fundraising efforts over more than six decades — and now world war two veteran harry billinge has finally had the chance to see one of his biggest dreams become a reality. the 96—year—old has travelled to normandy to visit a special memorial honouring soldiers, sailors and airmen who died under british command following the d—day landings — a project his efforts helped to fund. john maguirejoined him. as a former soldier, harry billinge would have done this thousands of times. but never was a salute more poignant and heartfelt. what a waste of life. marvellous men, marvellous men. this is a marvellous memorial. i never thought i'd be here. but it's wonderful. i feel very humble today and i'm deeply moved, because i didn't realise what a wonderful place it is now. beyond all comprehension. marvellous. he was just a teenager when he was one of the first to land here in normandy on what the allies called gold beach. he wanted to come to the british memorial, for the very first time, and to see the names of some of the men who died on d—day and during the battles that followed. alexander. and up there, look — bates. bates. can you see him? yes. chiselled into the memorial�*s stone are the names of 22,442 people who were killed here during the summer of 1944. marvellous man. he got promoted to lance corporal. he was a sapper. but he was an elderly bloke to be over here, really. i think he was old enough to be my dad. harry's fundraising has been tireless. a regular fixture at par market near his home in cornwall, he has raised almost £40,000. and that dedication is recognised here on one of the walls. but typically, harry's reaction to seeing his name was to think of others. don't deserve that. i don't. we did it with all these wonderful men. thank you very much. can't believe it. i didn't expect my name to be here. the covid pandemic had prevented d—day veterans from being at the official opening back injune. harry was joined then by family and friends to watch the ceremony via a video link. but, today, he was able to see and to touch what he had dreamed of for so many years. and he was able to see another special tribute to his endeavours — harry's bench. marvellous. thank you very much. give me a kiss. and when you are laid in a hole in the ground, being shelled... and machine guns, rifle fire. when you're in a hole with a bloke, you get to know him. you get to know his very soul. i think it's a wonderful monument to all those wonderful men who gave up their lives. for a very small amount of money — they did it in a form of duty. at the site's centre, a sculpture depicts three men fighting their way up the beach. it captures their determination, their aggression and their youth. bear with me. i'm breaking my heart standing here. i love you all. if you can hear me. just tanks and guns, weapons of murder. we did it, though, didn't we? we knocked �*em back. harry is well known in the towns that line this coast and people here are eternally grateful to their liberators. for the local, it is something very important. we live with it. we had to go on living, but never forget, never forget. it is so important to remember that they came here, that they managed to pass so many obstacles to get freedom for us, first of all, but then for europe and the world. and it is amazing, all those young guys. yeah, it's important. and there's no rest for the committed. he's planning to spend this afternoon collecting in the nearby town of arromanches, continuing to raise money for the memorial�*s upkeep and a planned education centre — something harry is passionate about. a man who has already done so much believes there is yet more to do to ensure his friends and colleagues who never made it home are always remembered. and may god bless you all. and may god bless me, too, and to give me strength to carry on a little while longer. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. good morning. today, we are looking at rather unsettled conditions for some of us. there is heavy rain not just today, but for the next few days. but for all of us, it's very mild for the time of year. this is the weatherfront causing all this rain. it is moving northwards and at times southwards. it is again going to be breezy. but the rain is the main story. we have heavy rain this morning other parts of north—west england into wales. and we have heavy showers across scotland, with showers and drizzle across parts of england and wales. 0ver showers and drizzle across parts of england and wales. over the next few days, the heaviest rain will be across southern scotland, north—west england and west wales. there is a high possibility that we will see some flooding. the rainfall totals are already starting to mount up and you can see how the rain today stays the same in areas, but if anything spreads further north into central and southern scotland. to the north of that, if you showers in the north—west, but some bright skies in the shelter of the grampians for a little sunshine. some of that rain getting to the east of northern ireland. showers in the north and you can see the rain continuing across the north of england in particular and north—west wales. for the rest of england and wales, quite a lot of cloud, but if you are in the shelter, you are likely to see sunny intervals. the other feature is the wind today, especially around the irish sea coastline. gusty winds, gale force for some. temperatures are above average for the time of year, which is usually ten to 14 degrees north to south. this evening, we still have a weatherfront wrecked around england and southern scotland, but extending into wales and the isles of scilly. 0n either side of that, it will be mostly dry. it's not going to be a cold night and it was still be windy in areas next to the irish sea. tomorrow, here is our weatherfront. if anything, it will drift further eastwards. ahead of it, still a lot of dry weather. we will see some sunny intervals develop and on the other side of that weatherfront for scotland and northern ireland, it's going to be brighter than today. still some clout around, but we will see more sunshine. the rain continues on friday. but temperatures will slowly start to come down. this is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. it's budget day in the uk and the chancellor rishi sunak is preparing to deliver his big speech to the house of commons. measures announced so far include a rise in the national living wage and an end to the public sector pay freeze. but the uk government's under pressure to do more to help with the rising costs of living in other news — a new report says the government's coronavirus test and trace programme in england failed to break chains of transmission despite costing an "eye—watering" amount of money. pipeline politics. the gas crisis intensifies in moldova, europe's poorest state, as moscow threatens to turn off the taps.