front line. are you an nhs frontline worker? or have you or your loved ones experienced delays obtaining nhs treatment? we'd love to hear from you. get in touch at @annitabbc #bbcyourquestions new figures show the number of uk workers on company payrolls rose by 160,000 last month despite the furlough support scheme coming to an end what they show is unemployment has consistently and continuously fallen for nine months in a row now and record numbers of people are in work. the us has condemned russia for conducting a "dangerous and irresponsible" missile test that it says endangered the crew aboard the international space station. good morning and welcome to bbc news. police say it could be weeks before the full picture emerges about sunday's explosion outside liverpool women's hospital. meanwhile, details have been emerging about the man who died when the home—made bomb exploded in a taxi as it pulled up outside the hospital. it's understood that 32—year—old emad al swealmeen was an asylum seeker from the middle east who converted to christianity in 2017. it's also reported that he suffered from mental health problems. investigators say the property at rutland avenue near sefton park, in the south—east of the city, is "becoming central to the investigation". this was the address where al swealmeen was picked up by the taxi before being driven to the maternity hospital. four men arrested in the city following the explosion have been released after detectives say they were satisfied with the accounts they had provided. this report from simonjones. what led emad al swealmeen to get a taxi to liverpool women's hospital on remembrance sunday carrying an improvised explosive device? his motive isn't clear. the consequences are. the taxi driver managed to scramble out of the vehicle. al swealmeen didn't. within moments, the taxi is engulfed in flames. al swealmeen was 32, a refugee from the middle east. it's believed he'd converted to christianity. he's said to have had mental health issues. when he arrived in the uk, he was befriended by malcolm and elizabeth hitchcott, who knew him as enzo. we're just so, so sad. yeah. and what do you remember of enzo? well, we just loved him. he was a lovely guy. were you shocked when you saw this today? very. part of the hospital remains a crime scene. police are trying to establish if it was the intended target of the attack. searches too at rutland avenue from where al swealmeen had been picked up by the taxi. he'd recently rented a place there. officers say they've recovered important evidence and now have a better understanding of how the explosive device was put together. it's a horrific incident. it's not a regular occurrence. thank goodness. i would just reassure our communities these incidents are rare. but i would say at this moment in time, i know people are feeling a little bit worried. so be vigilant, be alert. the national terror threat has been raised from substantial to severe. the family of the taxi driver, david perry, believe he's lucky to be alive. "it's an utter miracle," they say, that he escaped this. he's now trying to process the events. four men arrested in relation to the explosion have been released from custody. police say they're gaining a better insight by the hour into what happened, but it could take weeks to establish how the incident was planned and prepared. simon jones, bbc news. the shadow home secretary, nick thomas symonds, has said it was "understandable" that the terror threat level had been raised to severe "after the second incident in a matter of weeks". he called for an examination into attacks organised by individuals. we have to ask the public to be alert but we have to have the most effective measures of prevention in place. i previously called after the terrible stabbings that occurred in forbury gardens in reading that we needed specifically to be looking at the issue of lone actors but we don't know the specific conclusions of the case in liverpool yet as to whether someone was acting alone or in concert, and not for a moment are we drawing that conclusion but i do think we need to be looking at the attacks that have taken place, do we need something like a judge—led inquiry to look at the issue of lone attackers? what we need now, as i say, is to get this investigation concluded as swiftly as possible and then to look at the wider conclusions that perhaps we need to draw. the security minister damian hinds said security forces need to take account of a possible trend of attacks from individuals. it is certainly true there's been a move over time from what we call directed attacks, so where something is directed, as part of a sort of larger organisation, sometimes quite a complex organisation and a complex plot, and move from that to self—directed terrorists, self radicalised, sometimes totally alone although actually, as i said earlier, often interacting in some way or another and often of course online and so on, interacting with others, both in consuming propaganda and also in interacting and combining with others. and that is work that is ongoing the whole time to continue to understand that evolving and changing threat. 0ur correspondent, fiona trott, is at the scene of the blast. good morning to you, fiona. what is the latest on the investigation? the release of the latest on the investigation? tue: release of four the latest on the investigation? tte: release of four men last night, we get the sense the investigation is centred on emad al swealmeen, his background, his beliefs, we understand he had mental health issues. we understand it looks as though he was not known at this stage by mi5, counterterrorism police, merseyside police, mi5 working together on this investigation. counterterrorism police telling us they are learning more about the device itself, working on the assumption he made that device. they know more about the parts obtained, how they were likely to have been assembled. remember yesterday, an expert told us looking at the car wreckage, it looked as though there was a lot of fire damage, not a lot of blast damage so the device was not very large or it did not seem to go off properly so the investigation is still very much centred here where the explosion to place. according still in place, this morning, staff are coming and going, they have been offered counselling, patients have been told they can return here, it's very strange for them, women coming here for an appointment or mother is coming here with their babies. with enhanced security and cars being checked as they arrive at the hospital. investigation is centred here at that sefton park address that you heard about in the report earlier, the police saying to us this morning it may be some time, perhaps weeks, until we are confident in our understanding of exactly what happened.— confident in our understanding of exactly what happened. fiona, thank ou for exactly what happened. fiona, thank you for that — exactly what happened. fiona, thank you for that update. _ mps will hear evidence in the next half an hour from the former yorkshire county cricket player, azeem rafiq, about the racism he experienced at the club. the club's former chairman roger hutton, and the chief executive of the england and wales cricket board tom harrison, will also be appearing before the digital, culture, media and sport committee. laura scott reports. yorkshire is at the centre of a storm that has rocked the wider game. but farfrom blowing over, today, the focus moves from a fractured headingley to the corridors of westminster, as a select committee investigates a crisis that has dominated the headlines. first to give evidence will be azeem rafiq, whose revelations and allegations about yorkshire more than a year ago set the scandal in motion. playing professional cricket for yorkshire should be the best time of your life. unfortunately, for me, it wasn't. appearing alone, protected by parliamentary privilege, rafiq will be asked about his calls for disciplinary action to be taken by his former club after a report concluded he'd been the victim of racial harassment and bullying there. one of the allegations that the panel upheld included that in 2009, the former england and yorkshire captain michael vaughan made racist comments to a group of asian players, including rafiq, telling them, "too many of you lot, we need to do something about it." england bowler adil rashid yesterday said he heard the comment, but vaughan categorically denies ever saying it, and said being confronted with the allegation was the worst thing he'd ever experienced. under immense pressure, and an exodus by the club's sponsors, heads have rolled at yorkshire with chief executive mark arthur following chairman roger hutton out of the door. appearing in front of mps today, hutton will face questions over the club's handling of rafiq's allegations. watching on will be his successor, lord patel, who has acknowledged the road ahead will be challenging. after 158 years, we're ready to change. we're ready to accept the past, and we're ready to become a club, which people can trust to do the right thing. yorkshire's investigating several new allegations and has set up a hotline for anyone with complaints. it's also suspended head coach andrew gaile over an alleged anti—semitic tweet. but the cloud enveloping cricket extends beyond the borders of one county. essex county cricket club's chairman john farragher resigned last friday over allegedly using racist language in a board meeting in 2017. allegations he denies. two players have since come forward to say they suffered racist abuse at the club, with one of them making claims about northamptonshire too. bosses from the ecb can expect scrutiny over how the governing body deals with complaints and the wider implications of this crisis for cricket, a matter that's already concerning many in the game. what you don't want it to do is be a bit of a talking shop, a bit of a hoo ha for a week or two, and then suddenly azeem gets his little bit, and yorkshire get their little bit and they've had a slap on the wrist and we all move on because it's a lot deeper than that. it's a lot more embedded. today's proceedings centre on allegations by elite players. but they'll affect those who play forfun, as those in positions of power prepare for difficult deliveries about where the sport has fallen short and what more it can do to make cricket a game for all. laura scott, bbc news. at about 9:30 this morning, the former yorkshire player azeem rafiq will be addressing the digital, culture, media and sport select committee. we'll bring that to you live. nhs leaders are warning that this could be the most difficult winter in the history of the health service . nhs providers, which represents trusts in england, says bosses are concerned about increased demand for emergency care and staff shortages. the government says it's investing £5.a—billion over this winter, including £478—million to help get patients out of hospital. this is likely to be the busiest time of year for us. we're already very busy before we hit those winter months. we're looking to recruit as many staff as we possibly can. we're looking to expand accident and emergency departments, we're looking to ensure we have got mental health crisis services in place. wherever you look, the nhs is doing its very best to be ready for what we think could be probably the most difficult winter for the nhs we have ever seen. we will be back with more on that story very soon. let's get more on this with our chief political correspondent adam fleming. adam joins us now. remind us of the story so far on this. why or how, what is the mechanism i guess, one mp can block this. about two weeks ago. _ guess, one mp can block this. about two weeks ago, parliament - guess, one mp can block this. about two weeks ago, parliament was - guess, one mp can block this. .�*5.j�*,t7t,ii two weeks ago, parliament was going to vote on emotion from the committee which is the committee that oversees the conduct of mps, which was going to censor the former conservative mp 0wen paterson for mixing up his outside commercial interests with his role as an mp and lobbying the government. then, that was going to be amended by some of his allies are so that his case would be paused and a new committee would be paused and a new committee would look at potentially introducing an appeals process into the disciplinary process. that was backed by the government. it caused massive uproar when that went through. and then, the government did a massive u—turn, this latest notion would basically be the last stage of that u—turn. it would restore the original verdict on lord patterson 0wen paterson. the government was hoping to get this motion through parliament late last night. at the end of the parliamentary day. without a debate, potentially without a vote. the mechanism that was used meant if just one mp objected to the process it would not happen and that is what happened. it was christopher chopra who has got a history of doing this sort of thing. likes parliamentary procedure to be reflected and often is tools at his disposal to thwart anyone who tries to subvert the procedure. what it means is that motion will now be discussed today, there is a good chance there will be a debate and there is a good chance there will be a vote so it will be a little bit more high—profile than if it had been the late—night little snake through that the government originally intended.— originally intended. frustrating for the government _ originally intended. frustrating for the government that _ originally intended. frustrating for the government that it's _ originally intended. frustrating for| the government that it's happening this way, not the way they intended? you know what? let's see what happens in a few hours. do we see allies of 0wen paterson standing up to criticise the government? is it an opportunity for opposition mps to have another go at the government for how this was handled? and then, onceit for how this was handled? and then, once it goes to a vote, if it does, because it still could be noted through, it will be another opportunity to see what sort of divisions there are on the tory benches between those people supportive of 0wen paterson, those people who want a change to the system, those tory mps who frankly think the whole thing stinks and there will be another day at this, at least, because tomorrow, labour have got control of a couple of hours of the parliamentary agenda and they are going to do a debate on standards. they will be calling for a ban on mps having outside commercial interests, saying they should only be able to do second jobs that are of true public service, interesting to see how labour would define that and also i think they're going to call for the government to publish the minutes of the discussions between government departments and randox, the medical testing company that owned paterson was employed by. that's an opposition day debate at westminster in the jargon, that means any vote is not binding on the government but the government will have to take a view on how to handle it and then labour will presumably weapon eyes any position that the government takes in a debate.— any position that the government takes in a debate. the headlines on bbc news... the liverpool explosion — police name the suspect who was killed in the blast as 32—year—old emad al swealmeen. four men who were arrested have been released. the former yorkshire county cricket player, azeem rafiq, prepares to give evidence to mps about the racism he experienced at the club. we'll have coverage from parliament. and that will start in the next 15 minutes. pressure on the nhs in england — hospital trusts warn "it will be the most difficult winter in the history of the health service" let's continue with that story, the warning about this potentially being the most difficult winter in the history of the nhs in england. dominic hughesjoins us. history of the nhs in england. dominic hughes joins us. dominic hughes “oins us. good mornin: dominic hughes “oins us. good morning from _ dominic hughes joins us. good morning from here _ dominic hughes joins us. good morning from here in - dominic hughesjoins us. (emf. morning from here in newcastle. the royal victoria infirmary. this is one of the largest teaching hospitals in england, where the very first covid—19 patients were treated at the end of january 2020. like many nhs staff across the country, staff are braced for what could be a very tough winter indeed. i'm delighted to say i am joined by some guests. director of infection prevention and control. and a consultant microbiologist. thanks so much forjoining me. you were involved in the treatment of the very first cases of covid—19 so when that happened injanuary very first cases of covid—19 so when that happened in january 2020, very first cases of covid—19 so when that happened injanuary 2020, did you envisage that we would be where we are now? hot you envisage that we would be where we are now?— we are now? not at all. i think it was very difficult _ we are now? not at all. i think it was very difficult to _ we are now? not at all. i think it was very difficult to predict, - we are now? not at all. i think it| was very difficult to predict, even there _ was very difficult to predict, even there the — was very difficult to predict, even then. the extent it would affect the country. _ then. the extent it would affect the country, never mind the length of time _ country, never mind the length of time we _ country, never mind the length of time we have been going through this _ time we have been going through this and — time we have been going through this. and it is still going. we must remember— this. and it is still going. we must remember that. this. and it is still going. we must rememberthat. do this. and it is still going. we must remember that.— this. and it is still going. we must remember that. do you think back to those da s remember that. do you think back to those days and _ remember that. do you think back to those days and think, _ remember that. do you think back to those days and think, we _ remember that. do you think back to those days and think, we just - remember that. do you think back to those days and think, we just had - remember that. do you think back to those days and think, we just had no| those days and think, we just had no idea what was coming our way? often, and es, idea what was coming our way? often, and yes, absolutely. _ idea what was coming our way? often, and yes, absolutely. yes. _ idea what was coming our way? often, and yes, absolutely. yes. a _ idea what was coming our way? often, and yes, absolutely. yes. a little - and yes, absolutely. yes. a little bit. i mentioned _ and yes, absolutely. yes. a little bit. i mentioned that _ and yes, absolutely. yes. a little bit. i mentioned that you - and yes, absolutely. yes. a little bit. i mentioned that you are - bit. i mentioned that you are direction of infection prevention and control so how difficult is that, controlling infection in an atmosphere like this, a hospital of this size? we atmosphere like this, a hospital of this size? ~ . , atmosphere like this, a hospital of this size? ~ ~ , ~ this size? we are very lucky in newcastle _ this size? we are very lucky in newcastle that _ this size? we are very lucky in newcastle that we _ this size? we are very lucky in newcastle that we all - this size? we are very lucky in newcastle that we all have - this size? we are very lucky in | newcastle that we all have this desire — newcastle that we all have this desire to — newcastle that we all have this desire to work together and we do, we have _ desire to work together and we do, we have robust infection prevention and control— we have robust infection prevention and control policies covering everything from the ppe that health care workers where to ventilation, hand _ care workers where to ventilation, hand hygiene, and also testing patients— hand hygiene, and also testing patients often because it lets not forget, _ patients often because it lets not forget, infection is still ongoing in the _ forget, infection is still ongoing in the community and we also ask our visitors _ in the community and we also ask our visitors to— in the community and we also ask our visitors to wear a mask is an additionat— visitors to wear a mask is an additional precaution. as we are today _ additional precaution. as we are today. absolutely.— today. absolutely. thank you so much. today. absolutely. thank you so much- and _ today. absolutely. thank you so much. and i'm _ today. absolutely. thank you so much. and i'm joined _ today. absolutely. thank you so much. and i'm joined by - today. absolutely. thank you so much. and i'm joined by a - today. absolutely. thank you so - much. and i'm joined by a consultant physician in infectious diseases, ashley price. thank you forjoining us. you also were involved in those first cases, so how do you look back on that time? t first cases, so how do you look back on that time?— on that time? i think those first cases were _ on that time? i think those first cases were all _ on that time? i think those first cases were all very _ on that time? i think those first cases were all very well - on that time? i think those first cases were all very well when i on that time? i think those first i cases were all very well when they came _ cases were all very well when they came to _ cases were all very well when they came to hospital, they had mild respiratory symptoms. but i think that was— respiratory symptoms. but i think that was not what we sought later. within _ that was not what we sought later. within about a couple of months, we were seeing — within about a couple of months, we were seeing patients who were critically— were seeing patients who were critically ill and dying from coronavirus and that is what we see ongoing _ coronavirus and that is what we see ongoing since, people who are clinically— ongoing since, people who are clinically vulnerable, sometimes people _ clinically vulnerable, sometimes people you would not expect to succumb — people you would not expect to succumb to the virus, to succumb to it and _ succumb to the virus, to succumb to it and become very sick. how succumb to the virus, to succumb to it and become very sick.— it and become very sick. how big a threat as coronavirus _ it and become very sick. how big a threat as coronavirus remain - it and become very sick. how big a threat as coronavirus remain in - it and become very sick. how big a l threat as coronavirus remain in your view? t threat as coronavirus remain in your view? ., �* , , threat as coronavirus remain in your view? ~ �* , , ., view? i think it's still a huge threat. view? i think it's still a huge threat- to — view? i think it's still a huge threat. to an _ view? i think it's still a huge threat. to an individual- view? i think it's still a huge i threat. to an individual person, view? i think it's still a huge - threat. to an individual person, it may— threat. to an individual person, it may not— threat. to an individual person, it may not feel like a large threat, if you are _ may not feel like a large threat, if you are healthy and well. but we still have — you are healthy and well. but we still have a — you are healthy and well. but we still have a lot of vulnerable people _ still have a lot of vulnerable people and we are still getting people — people and we are still getting people admitted to hospital, either not vaccinated, who may be vulnerable, but also people who are old and _ vulnerable, but also people who are old and have immune problems, either because _ old and have immune problems, either because medically or naturally but do not _ because medically or naturally but do not have a response to the vaccine — do not have a response to the vaccine. the vaccine has changed everything. — vaccine. the vaccine has changed everything, really. if we had the number— everything, really. if we had the number of— everything, really. if we had the number of people in the community that we _ number of people in the community that we have now, at the beginning, our hospital— that we have now, at the beginning, our hospital would be absolutely swamped. as it is, we still have a lot of— swamped. as it is, we still have a lot of admissions with covid—19 at the moment. we lot of admissions with covid-19 at the moment-— the moment. we are all wearing masks. the moment. we are all wearing masks but _ the moment. we are all wearing masks. but when _ the moment. we are all wearing masks. but when you _ the moment. we are all wearing masks. but when you are - the moment. we are all wearing masks. but when you are out. the moment. we are all wearing | masks. but when you are out and about, the number of people you see wearing masks has really fallen. what are your views, ashley? t wearing masks has really fallen. what are your views, ashley? i think it's still important _ what are your views, ashley? i think it's still important to _ what are your views, ashley? i think it's still important to wear _ what are your views, ashley? i think it's still important to wear a - what are your views, ashley? i think it's still important to wear a mask, l it's still important to wear a mask, it's still important to wear a mask, it's been— it's still important to wear a mask, it's been shown that it reduces the risk of— it's been shown that it reduces the risk of transmitting to other people _ risk of transmitting to other people. and slightly reduces your risk of— people. and slightly reduces your risk of getting it, if you are in an area _ risk of getting it, if you are in an area where — risk of getting it, if you are in an area where there are people who are not wearing — area where there are people who are not wearing masks and i would agree with the _ not wearing masks and i would agree with the chief medical officer, we should _ with the chief medical officer, we should he — with the chief medical officer, we should be wearing masks when we are in areas _ should be wearing masks when we are in areas where there is a lot of people — in areas where there is a lot of people around and certainly when i am on _ people around and certainly when i am on the — people around and certainly when i am on the train or in an area where there— am on the train or in an area where there is— am on the train or in an area where there is a _ am on the train or in an area where there is a lot — am on the train or in an area where there is a lot of people around, i will wear— there is a lot of people around, i will wear a — there is a lot of people around, i will wear a mask.— there is a lot of people around, i will wear a mask. lucia? infection control, will wear a mask. lucia? infection control. that _ will wear a mask. lucia? infection control, that is _ will wear a mask. lucia? infection control, that is your _ will wear a mask. lucia? infection control, that is your bread - will wear a mask. lucia? infection control, that is your bread and - control, that is your bread and butter. �* , , , control, that is your bread and butter. ,,,, , butter. ashley is absolutely right. we know the _ butter. ashley is absolutely right. we know the difference _ butter. ashley is absolutely right. we know the difference masks . butter. ashley is absolutely right. l we know the difference masks have made _ we know the difference masks have made i_ we know the difference masks have made i have — we know the difference masks have made. i have not _ we know the difference masks have made. i have not had _ we know the difference masks have made. i have not had a _ we know the difference masks have made. i have not had a cold - we know the difference masks have made. i have not had a cold in ton made. i have not had a cold in two years— made. i have not had a cold in two years and — made. i have not had a cold in two years and i— made. i have not had a cold in two years and i quite _ made. i have not had a cold in two years and i quite like _ made. i have not had a cold in two years and i quite like that! - made. i have not had a cold in two years and i quite like that! it- made. i have not had a cold in two years and i quite like that! it has. years and i quite like that! it has had other— years and i quite like that! it has had other benefits _ years and i quite like that! it has had other benefits beyond - years and i quite like that! it has. had other benefits beyond covid—19 and we _ had other benefits beyond covid—19 and we must — had other benefits beyond covid—19 and we must remember— had other benefits beyond covid—19 and we must remember to- had other benefits beyond covid—19 and we must remember to wear- had other benefits beyond covid—19 and we must remember to wear a i had other benefits beyond covid—19 - and we must remember to wear a mask in public— and we must remember to wear a mask in publicand— and we must remember to wear a mask in publicand of— and we must remember to wear a mask in public and of course _ and we must remember to wear a mask in public and of course when _ and we must remember to wear a mask in public and of course when there - in public and of course when there are lrig _ in public and of course when there are lrig crowds _ in public and of course when there are big crowds and _ in public and of course when there are big crowds and just _ in public and of course when there are big crowds and just to - in public and of course when there are big crowds and just to help - in public and of course when therel are big crowds and just to help that ongoing _ are big crowds and just to help that ongoing transmission. _ are big crowds and just to help that ongoing transmission. lucia - are big crowds and just to help that ongoing transmission.— ongoing transmission. lucia and ashle , ongoing transmission. lucia and ashley. thank— ongoing transmission. lucia and ashley, thank you _ ongoing transmission. lucia and ashley, thank you both - ongoing transmission. lucia and ashley, thank you both for - ongoing transmission. lucia and ashley, thank you both for your | ashley, thank you both for your time. we will bring you more reports from the royal victoria here in newcastle throughout the morning here on the bbc news channel but in the meantime, back to you in the studio. . . ~ ,. prince charles is visiting jordan in the first overseas trip by a senior member of the royal family since the pandemic. later in the week, he'll travel to egypt where he'll discuss climate change. let's get more on this from our royal correspondent, jonny dymond. tell us, have the royals arrived? it's been a pretty eventful period for the royal family so what are we expecting from prince charles and the duchess of cornwall? fin expecting from prince charles and the duchess of cornwall?- the duchess of cornwall? on the auestion the duchess of cornwall? on the question of _ the duchess of cornwall? on the question of arrival, _ the duchess of cornwall? on the question of arrival, it _ the duchess of cornwall? on the question of arrival, it really - the duchess of cornwall? on the question of arrival, it really is i question of arrival, it really is any moment now. you may be able to see over my shoulder the red carpet which is laid out here at the international airport here in oman. and we are expecting the prince of wales and his wife, the duchess of cornwall, in around 15 minutes. they are flying into jordan, cornwall, in around 15 minutes. they are flying intojordan, a place the prince has been too many times, a long—standing ally of the uk. and it is an island of stability in a region pretty much be set by turmoil. and that is one of the jobs at prince charles comes to do, he comes here at the invitation of the foreign office in one of the jobs this essentially soft power. it is about showing friendship between the uk and jordan and doing it in a rather personal way. this too is a monarchy here injordan, monarchy here in jordan, long—standing monarchy here injordan, long—standing links with the royal family and long—standing friendships but on top of that, there are also the interests of prince charles that he will pursue here. the environment is a huge issue, water scarcity a huge issue here injordan. there isn't enough waterfor huge issue here injordan. there isn't enough water for the population and it's been getting worse as the climate has changed. people visit environmental projects, refugees is traditionally an issue that prince charles has been interested in and jordan has traditionally had open arms to refugees, millions of palestinians, in the and 80s and more recently, iraqis and around 650,000 syrians, the most recent here in this very small country. it's often been hospitable. there will be a visit to a refugee centre. finally, interfaith dialogue, bringing religious leaders together and fights together and finally a dialogue here. a pretty busy time for this first trip for a major royal since the pandemic, a few days injordan and then on to egypt. thank you. more from jonny dymond later. the number of workers on uk payrolls rose by 160,000 from september to october, despite the end of the government's furlough scheme. the office for national statistics says there were 29.3 million payrolled employees last month. the unemployment rate has fallen to 4.3%, near its pre—pandemic level. job vacancies between august and october also rose to a record high. the chancellor, rishi sunak, has given his response to the figures this morning. today's jobs figures are the first we've had since furlough ended and what they show is that unemployment has consistently and continuously fallen for nine months in a row now and record numbers of people are in work, including, i can announce today, 100,000 young people who have started jobs through our kick—start scheme. so that's all testament to our plan forjobs working. we are seeing supply chain challenges, and that's not uncommon, we're seeing that across the world. and what we're doing, where we can make a difference, we are. so whether that's hgv drivers, we are investing in facilities to help improve those. we're improving training opportunities for those in driving professions, for example. it's all part of our plan forjobs to give people the skills they need to get those jobs and that's what we're seeing. joining me now is andrei lussmann, he owns and runs four restaurants in hertfordshire and is due to open a fifth next month. thank you forjoining us. we know finding staff has been an issue for the hospitality sector for a little while. what's it like at the moment? well, it's challenging, to put it lightly, there is a mixed bag across the country. obviously, i echo what the country. obviously, i echo what the chancellor said about furlough coming to an end because that's the best thing that could happen, we need people to come back to work for many reasons, most importantly for their self worth and then belonging to an organisation and earning money. but we are struggling slightly but i don't think this is now a problem which is faced throughout the country in all industries. i am finding that some parts of the industry are worse than others and some restaurant companies are maybe not opening until lunch times, some are opening four day week only. i'm happy to say for fortunate reasons we are not quite there but it's certainly a struggle. how much competition is there for staff within the hospitality sector and between hospitality and other sectors of business?— and between hospitality and other sectors of business? hospitality, we all know, sectors of business? hospitality, we all know. has _ sectors of business? hospitality, we all know, has relied _ sectors of business? hospitality, we all know, has relied for— sectors of business? hospitality, we all know, has relied for many - sectors of business? hospitality, we all know, has relied for many years | all know, has relied for many years on this pipeline of european staff and beyond. and when you turn off that tab that has obviouslyjust happen, that was a very violent turning of and not very pragmatic or supportive of business are what has happened is there's this huge vacuum of staff that are not there so are now all competing for the same pot. across different sectors and different industries. you know, in the long term, it will drive up the standard of living, the training will improve, it will safeguard staff against potential low pay so this is so positive in the long term but in the short term, it does not help and all it does is stop momentum. industry needs people to set up business, we need people to take the risk, employ staff, pay taxes and we go on our way to stop. why, given these challenges and you say you believe they are shorter term challenges, but why, are you opening another restaurant now? you often have a — opening another restaurant now? gm. often have a child when you least expect it! and you are never quite ready. business is the same, opportunities and chances come knocking on your door when you are not ready and that is the nature of industry. you take the opportunity, you balance up the risks against reward. and you go for it. and i still feel that business, like ourselves, we will pay more, we will train more, we will invest in the future of our staff and in the long term, you know, the industry will be betterfor term, you know, the industry will be better for it. term, you know, the industry will be betterfor it. in term, you know, the industry will be better for it. in the short term, we should never have turned the tap off so quickly. should never have turned the tap off so cuickl . ,., ., should never have turned the tap off so cuickl . , a so quickly. good luck with the new business and _ so quickly. good luck with the new business and thank _ so quickly. good luck with the new business and thank you. _ so quickly. good luck with the new business and thank you. let i so quickly. good luck with the new business and thank you. let me i so quickly. good luck with the new i business and thank you. let me just remind you, we are expecting in the next couple of minutes that azeem rafiq, former yorkshire county cricketer will be appearing before, these are the pictures of him arriving just a few moments ago, appearing before the digital, culture media and sport select committee at westminster. we will bring that to you life. after that report, saying he had suffered racism, racial harassment at the club. right now, time for a look at the weather. carol kirkwood has the details. good morning. it's been a fairly mild but cloudy start to the day, we have a weak weather front moving towards the south—eastern corner, still some spots of rain. we have heavy rain coming into northern ireland, with high exposure. temperatures 10—13 . as we head through the evening and overnight, this weather front in the north sinks south as a weak feature with some spots of rain. behind that, clear skies and we see some patchy mist and fog and a lot of showers coming in on the brisk westerly wind. some of which will be wintry on the scottish mountains. overnight lows between four and 10 degrees. tomorrow we hang on to all the showers coming in on the brisk westerly wind, cloud building towards the west through the day, thick enough for drizzle here and there, sunshine for the midlands, there, sunshine for the midlands, the south—east and eastern parts of england. at times, eastern scotland as well. cooler in the north, but mild for the rest of us. hello this is bbc news. the headlines: the liverpool explosion — police name the suspect who was killed in the blast as 32—year—old emad al swealmeen. four men who were arrested have been released. the former yorkshire county cricket player, azeem rafiq, has arrived at parliament — as he prepares to give evidence to mps about the racism he experienced at the club. pressure on the nhs in england — hospital trusts warn "it will be the most difficult winter in the history of the health service" new figures show the number of uk workers on company payrolls rose by 160,000 last month — despite the furlough support scheme coming to an end. the us has condemned russia for conducting a "dangerous and irresponsible" missile test that it says endangered the crew aboard the international space station. you had better crack on, you have ten england goal to fit in? good morning... england have qualified for the world cup in qatar, a 10—0 win against the worlds lowest ranked team san marino sealing their spot... they were 6—0 up at half time. harry kane with four of them. his fifth international hatrick. it's back—to—back hat tricks as well, first player to do that for england since the 50s. he's level with gary lineker in the all—time england goal—scoring list, just five short of wayne rooney's all time record of 53. emile smith rowe scored on his first international start. but of course it was all about kane. a case of when not if he become's england's all time leading goal—scorer. we didn't give him the minutes, but he understood that. he has got huge personal ambitions as well as the team ones. he showed again the clinical nature and the mentality he's got. there is no reason he can't... it's not is he going to break the record, it is when. and then what he might do with it once he is beyond that point. just a week after being sacked as aston villa manager... scotland also won last night and move a step closer to qualifying for their first world cup since 1998 having sealed a home draw in the semifinal play—offs. they beat table toppers denmark 2—0 at hampden park, john souttar scoring the first for scotland in his first game since 2018. then che adams sealed the three points with four minutes remaining ending the danes six match winning run and sealing second place in group f for steve clarke's side. northern ireland can't qualify but held european champions italy to a goalless draw at windsor park, conor washington with the opportunity to snatch a win in the final moments, before his effort was cleared off the line. the result means italy will have to progress through the playoffs if they are to make it to the world cup next winter. we're crossing now to that hearing by the house of commons culture, media and sport committee, into yorkshire county cricket club's handling of racial harassment and bullying against the player azeem rafiq. the proceedings are covered by parliamentary privilege — and please be aware that this live coverage may contain offensive language. that will obviously form part of our evidence. i remind everybody in the glory to be quiet as we ask questions. t glory to be quiet as we ask questions-— glory to be quiet as we ask cuestions. . . , ., ~ questions. i am a member of the mcc and surrey county _ questions. i am a member of the mcc and surrey county cricket _ questions. i am a member of the mcc and surrey county cricket club. - questions. i am a member of the mcc and surrey county cricket club. i i questions. i am a member of the mcc and surrey county cricket club. i am l and surrey county cricket club. i am the chair _ and surrey county cricket club. i am the chair of — and surrey county cricket club. i am the chair of the lord's cricket club and i_ the chair of the lord's cricket club and i attended events as part of the events— and i attended events as part of the events research programme with the ecb and _ events research programme with the ecb and surrey county cricket club. anyone _ ecb and surrey county cricket club. anyone else. good morning mr rafiq, thank you forjoining us. tell us in your own words what you think went wrong at yorkshire county cricket club for you?— wrong at yorkshire county cricket club for you? thank you for giving me this opportunity _ club for you? thank you for giving me this opportunity to _ club for you? thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk- club for you? thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk about | club for you? thank you for giving i me this opportunity to talk about my story _ me this opportunity to talk about my story what — me this opportunity to talk about my story. what i went through over a lon- story. what i went through over a long period of time that the club. a young _ long period of time that the club. a young kid _ long period of time that the club. a young kid from pakistan living in barnsley— young kid from pakistan living in barnsley with a dream to represent england _ barnsley with a dream to represent england. pretty early on at the club, _ england. pretty early on at the club, i— england. pretty early on at the club, i followed my heroes, england. pretty early on at the club, ifollowed my heroes, michael vaughan, _ club, ifollowed my heroes, michael vaughan, matthew hoggard, part of the 2005— vaughan, matthew hoggard, part of the 2005 ashes team. it was the most surreal— the 2005 ashes team. it was the most surreal moment for me when i entered the dressing _ surreal moment for me when i entered the dressing room. pretty early on me and _ the dressing room. pretty early on me and the — the dressing room. pretty early on me and the people from an asian background, there was comments like, you lot _ background, there was comments like, you lot sit _ background, there was comments like, you lot sit over there near the toilets — you lot sit over there near the toilets. the word lackey is used constantly. no one ever stamped it out. constantly. no one ever stamped it out all— constantly. no one ever stamped it out all i _ constantly. no one ever stamped it out. all i wanted to do was play cricket — out. all i wanted to do was play cricket and _ out. all i wanted to do was play cricket and play cricket for england and live _ cricket and play cricket for england and live my dream and that my family's— and live my dream and that my family's dream. in my first spell i don't _ family's dream. in my first spell i don't think— family's dream. in my first spell i don't think i— family's dream. in my first spell i don't think i quite realised what it was _ don't think i quite realised what it was i_ don't think i quite realised what it was ithink— don't think i quite realised what it was. i think i was in denial. i looked — was. i think i was in denial. i looked the _ was. i think i was in denial. i looked the other way, just like everyone — looked the other way, just like everyone else did. because for me, playing _ everyone else did. because for me, playing cricket was the most important thing. towards the end of my first _ important thing. towards the end of my first spell, but constantly and throughout, i knew there was something wrong but i couldn't quite put my— something wrong but i couldn't quite put my finger on what was wrong. i started _ put my finger on what was wrong. i started taking medication for my mental— started taking medication for my mental health and it was tough, really— mental health and it was tough, really tough. i left the club in 2014. — really tough. i left the club in 2014. i— really tough. i left the club in 2014, i tried looking at those things— 2014, i tried looking at those things and i went away and try to work— things and i went away and try to work on — things and i went away and try to work on myself and my game and my mental— work on myself and my game and my mental health. i felt like i did that and _ mental health. i felt like i did that and then i got an opportunity through— that and then i got an opportunity through my performances, being above and beyond _ through my performances, being above and beyond everyone else to get back at the _ and beyond everyone else to get back at the club _ and beyond everyone else to get back at the club and because they struggled to replace me, quite frankly — struggled to replace me, quite frankly. adil rashid had gone to play for— frankly. adil rashid had gone to play for england and they couldn't replace _ play for england and they couldn't replace me. the first few months i came _ replace me. the first few months i came back— replace me. the first few months i came back and i thought, things had changed _ came back and i thought, things had changed it — came back and i thought, things had changed. it was different, alex lees was the _ changed. it was different, alex lees was the captain, a friend and he is a good _ was the captain, a friend and he is a good person. i know he had personal— a good person. i know he had personal tragedies himself at a young — personal tragedies himself at a young age. he understood me. jason gillespie. _ young age. he understood me. jason gillespie, australian cricketer and coach, _ gillespie, australian cricketer and coach, who— gillespie, australian cricketer and coach, who i felt supported by. jason— coach, who i felt supported by. jason left — coach, who i felt supported by. jason left at the end of 2016 and it felt like _ jason left at the end of 2016 and it felt like the temperature in the room _ felt like the temperature in the room had — felt like the temperature in the room had been turned up. andrew gale coming _ room had been turned up. andrew gale coming in _ room had been turned up. andrew gale coming in as— room had been turned up. andrew gale coming in as coach and gary barnes as captain — coming in as coach and gary barnes as captain. and these guys, for me, they were _ as captain. and these guys, for me, they were yorkshire through and through— they were yorkshire through and through and the white rose valley was embedded in them. for the first time i_ was embedded in them. for the first time i started to see it for what it was _ time i started to see it for what it was i_ time i started to see it for what it was ifelt— time i started to see it for what it was. i felt isolated, time i started to see it for what it was. ifelt isolated, humiliated time i started to see it for what it was. i felt isolated, humiliated at times— was. i felt isolated, humiliated at times and — was. i felt isolated, humiliated at times and in constant use of the p word _ times and in constant use of the p word and — times and in constant use of the p word and gary barnes walked over and said, word and gary barnes walked over and said. why— word and gary barnes walked over and said. whyare— word and gary barnes walked over and said, why are you talking to him, he's _ said, why are you talking to him, he's not — said, why are you talking to him, he's not chic, he's got no oil. it happened — he's not chic, he's got no oil. it happened in— he's not chic, he's got no oil. it happened in front of team—mates and coaching _ happened in front of team—mates and coaching staff. we were on a bus trip to— coaching staff. we were on a bus trip to a — coaching staff. we were on a bus trip to a surrey game and we went past a _ trip to a surrey game and we went past a couple of men with a beard and he _ past a couple of men with a beard and he would say, is that your dad. 0h passed — and he would say, is that your dad. 0h passed a — and he would say, is that your dad. 0h passed a corner shop he would say, 0h passed a corner shop he would say does — 0h passed a corner shop he would say, does your uncle own this? this happened _ say, does your uncle own this? this happened again and again and it never— happened again and again and it never got — happened again and again and it never got stamped out, everyone saw it. but _ never got stamped out, everyone saw it. but because of the institution and the — it. but because of the institution and the environment it became such the norm _ and the environment it became such the norm i— and the environment it became such the norm. i don't think anybody the norm. idon't think anybody thought— the norm. i don't think anybody thought there was anything wrong with it _ thought there was anything wrong with it. and i think that is why some — with it. and i think that is why some people don't remember it. at the end _ some people don't remember it. at the end of— some people don't remember it. at the end of 2017, we had a different pregnancy... through that time the treatment— pregnancy... through that time the treatment i— pregnancy... through that time the treatment i received from some of the club _ treatment i received from some of the club officials was inhuman. they've — the club officials was inhuman. they've learnt really bothered about the fact _ they've learnt really bothered about the fact i_ they've learnt really bothered about the fact i was at training one day and i_ the fact i was at training one day and i get — the fact i was at training one day and i get a — the fact i was at training one day and i get a phone call to say there is no _ and i get a phone call to say there is no heartbeat. sorry. take and i get a phone call to say there is no heartbeat. sorry.— is no heartbeat. sorry. take your time, mr is no heartbeat. sorry. take your time. mr rafiq. _ is no heartbeat. sorry. take your time, mr rafiq. there _ is no heartbeat. sorry. take your time, mr rafiq. there is - is no heartbeat. sorry. take your time, mr rafiq. there is no i is no heartbeat. sorry. take your time, mr rafiq. there is no hard| time, mr rafiq. there is no hard deadlines today. when you said about mr barnes, he made great stall in his statement when he issued an apology over the fact you were friends. you mentioned in the report you want to have dinner with his family in harare, i think. he said it wasa family in harare, i think. he said it was a banter angle to use the p word. in your second spell at yorkshire where you and gary ballance friends? if not, did he use the p word during your second spell? yes, during 2017 and throughout, really _ yes, during 2017 and throughout, really it— yes, during 2017 and throughout, really it is— yes, during 2017 and throughout, really. it is interesting, i want to address— really. it is interesting, i want to address gary's statement. there is a narrative _ address gary's statement. there is a narrative there that we read the best narrative there that we read the hest of— narrative there that we read the best of mates and we had a really good _ best of mates and we had a really good relationship. when gary came to the club _ good relationship. when gary came to the club from derby i saw him in what _ the club from derby i saw him in what i _ the club from derby i saw him in what i saw— the club from derby i saw him in what i saw in myself, that was outside — what i saw in myself, that was outside us. a lot of players at the time _ outside us. a lot of players at the time called — outside us. a lot of players at the time called him a lot of things, which _ time called him a lot of things, which were completely out of order. but again. _ which were completely out of order. but again, it was such that the norm that nobody— but again, it was such that the norm that nobody said anything. mine and gary's _ that nobody said anything. mine and gary's relationship started to deteriorate around 2013 due to gary's — deteriorate around 2013 due to gary's conduc. at one point his behaviour— gary's conduc. at one point his behaviour around his personal relationships were so disgusting that i_ relationships were so disgusting that i raised it with an agent that was shared and said this needs to be sorted _ was shared and said this needs to be sorted out _ was shared and said this needs to be sorted out before it gets quite silly — sorted out before it gets quite silly. even after that, we were amicable. _ silly. even after that, we were amicable, we were team—mates but we never— amicable, we were team—mates but we never shared _ amicable, we were team—mates but we never shared the same relationship. 2017 onwards, initially when gary took over— 2017 onwards, initially when gary took over as captain he found it a real struggle. steve patterson, a senior— real struggle. steve patterson, a senior player was left out pretty early _ senior player was left out pretty early on — senior player was left out pretty early on and he got the whole dressing — early on and he got the whole dressing room fighting. it was toxic in a lot— dressing room fighting. it was toxic in a lot of— dressing room fighting. it was toxic in a lot of ways. i try to help gary and the _ in a lot of ways. i try to help gary and the team but in the end it became — and the team but in the end it became evident that even though steve _ became evident that even though steve had caused a lot of issues, i was going — steve had caused a lot of issues, i was going to be the one that got picked _ was going to be the one that got picked on — was going to be the one that got picked on. six or seven players made a complaint _ picked on. six or seven players made a complaint about tim bresnan that year. _ a complaint about tim bresnan that year. that— a complaint about tim bresnan that year. that i— a complaint about tim bresnan that year, that i was the only one who -ot year, that i was the only one who got the _ year, that i was the only one who got the repercussions of that and i was the _ got the repercussions of that and i was the only person of colour. there was, in was the only person of colour. there was. in my — was the only person of colour. there was, in my reading _ was the only person of colour. there was, in my reading of _ was the only person of colour. there was, in my reading of your— was the only person of colour. ttee was, in my reading of your witness statement, effectively the attitude of yorkshire chained, almost like a light switch going off at the moment you made a complaint about racial harassment, is that correct? t first harassment, is that correct? i first raised it as — harassment, is that correct? i first raised it as bullying _ harassment, is that correct? i first raised it as bullying in _ harassment, is that correct? i first raised it as bullying in 2017. i i raised it as bullying in 2017. i have — raised it as bullying in 2017. i have seen— raised it as bullying in 2017. i have seen the board minutes now and it calls _ have seen the board minutes now and it calls me _ have seen the board minutes now and it calls me as — have seen the board minutes now and it calls me as the leader, potential captain. _ it calls me as the leader, potential captain, driver on the field, something, someone that potentially we should _ something, someone that potentially we should build the team around, especially— we should build the team around, especially in white ball cricket. i raised _ especially in white ball cricket. i raised the — especially in white ball cricket. i raised the complaint about tim bresnan— raised the complaint about tim bresnan and tim, former england cricketer— bresnan and tim, former england cricketer also related to the coach. i cricketer also related to the coach. i knew _ cricketer also related to the coach. i knew there was potentially going to he _ i knew there was potentially going to be trouble, but everyone complained, so i thought it would be the same _ complained, so i thought it would be the same for everyone. but on the flip side, _ the same for everyone. but on the flip side, the board minutes say i am a _ flip side, the board minutes say i am a problem, a trouble and an issue that needs _ am a problem, a trouble and an issue that needs to — am a problem, a trouble and an issue that needs to be resolved. that then blinded _ that needs to be resolved. that then blinded them into how they treated me through the pregnancy and the loss of— me through the pregnancy and the loss of my— me through the pregnancy and the loss of my son. my first day back after _ loss of my son. my first day back after losing my son, martin got me in a room _ after losing my son, martin got me in a room and ripped the shreds of me. in a room and ripped the shreds of me i_ in a room and ripped the shreds of me i have — in a room and ripped the shreds of me. i have never seen him speak to anyone _ me. i have never seen him speak to anyone like — me. i have never seen him speak to anyone like that during my time at the cluh _ anyone like that during my time at the cluh i— anyone like that during my time at the club. i couldn't believe it. me raising _ the club. i couldn't believe it. me raising the — the club. i couldn't believe it. me raising the complaints i did at the time _ raising the complaints i did at the time internally, reporting mechanisms, i raised it with the national— mechanisms, i raised it with the national asian cricket council, i raised _ national asian cricket council, i raised it— national asian cricket council, i raised it with the pca, my pdm. personal— raised it with the pca, my pdm. personal development manager, who i thought— personal development manager, who i thought was on my side until i read the internal— thought was on my side until i read the internal e—mails. i raised it with— the internal e—mails. i raised it with the — the internal e—mails. i raised it with the inclusive and diversity hoard — with the inclusive and diversity board member. iwent with the inclusive and diversity board member. i went to his house and i_ board member. i went to his house and i literally cried my eyes out. he said — and i literally cried my eyes out. he said to— and i literally cried my eyes out. he said to me he was going to deal with this _ he said to me he was going to deal with this and he doesn't need the 'ob. with this and he doesn't need the joh four— with this and he doesn't need the job. four days later i got a message from _ job. four days later i got a message from him _ job. four days later i got a message from him that he is going to let mark— from him that he is going to let mark arthur knowjust to be transparent. but the minute i left his house — transparent. but the minute i left his house he rang mark and informed him of— his house he rang mark and informed him of everything before i had the meeting _ him of everything before i had the meeting with him the next day. in meeting with him the next day. [ti terms meeting with him the next day. terms of meeting with him the next day. t�*t terms of the handling of your complaint, there is huge issues in terms of the internal handling and your identity was revealed to the individual you are complaining about presumably, which is against practice. also, what are your views about the report and the way it is structured? i understand it was a law firm mr hutton used to work for, i believe, conducted the enquiry. and the panel edge oversaw that enquiry effectively, some members had to step down and three members were left. reading the report it is then di rollo stupidity in the way it is constructed. you have moments when hearsay is effectively given... for example, zumba is supposed to be racist while the p word does not. that is the thinking that goes on in this report and the way in which it also tends to have the panel contradicting the law firm and vice versa. what is your views how that was handled and basically, what did you think when you first clapped eyes on it? t you think when you first clapped eyes on it?— eyes on it? i only got it a week auo. it eyes on it? i only got it a week ago- it seems _ eyes on it? i only got it a week ago. it seems like _ eyes on it? i only got it a week ago. it seems like some i eyes on it? i only got it a week| ago. it seems like some people eyes on it? i only got it a week i ago. it seems like some people had been accused, upheld stuff against but it— been accused, upheld stuff against but it got— been accused, upheld stuff against but it got my stuff before i even -ot but it got my stuff before i even got it _ but it got my stuff before i even got it and — but it got my stuff before i even got it and they use the platform at the daily— got it and they use the platform at the daily telegraph to show the world _ the daily telegraph to show the world that from the offset what i wanted — world that from the offset what i wanted to do was try and talk about the institution, try and talk about what _ the institution, try and talk about what i _ the institution, try and talk about what i went through and try and present— what i went through and try and present my evidence in a way that it can he _ present my evidence in a way that it can be seen. — present my evidence in a way that it can be seen, look, things are not right— can be seen, look, things are not right and — can be seen, look, things are not right and we _ can be seen, look, things are not right and we can all learn from it. what _ right and we can all learn from it. what has — right and we can all learn from it. what has happened to me has happened. it will never change. but my aim _ happened. it will never change. but my aim was — happened. it will never change. but my aim was to try and see if my experience _ my aim was to try and see if my experience can help others. clearly the word _ experience can help others. clearly the word institutional is something, institutional racism is something no one wants _ institutional racism is something no one wants to be associated with. their— one wants to be associated with. their lawyers had a connection with roger— their lawyers had a connection with roger from — their lawyers had a connection with roger from the offset. they were lovely _ roger from the offset. they were lovely at — roger from the offset. they were lovely at the start, respectful and wanted _ lovely at the start, respectful and wanted to — lovely at the start, respectful and wanted to hear everything i had to say. wanted to hear everything i had to say the _ wanted to hear everything i had to say. the panel, led by a surgeon. as soon _ say. the panel, led by a surgeon. as soon as— say. the panel, led by a surgeon. as soon as they— say. the panel, led by a surgeon. as soon as they got my evidence if felt like, soon as they got my evidence if felt like. wow— soon as they got my evidence if felt like, wow we have got a problem here _ like, wow we have got a problem here. suddenly it felt like away from _ here. suddenly it felt like away from the — here. suddenly it felt like away from the institutional and working with the _ from the institutional and working with the club, they tried to make it about— with the club, they tried to make it about individuals. and that is why unfortunately, the last couple of weeks _ unfortunately, the last couple of weeks some individuals have had a really— weeks some individuals have had a really tough time. i didn't present my evidence like that, it was never intended _ my evidence like that, it was never intended like that and it was never the allegation. that is what the club, _ the allegation. that is what the club, the — the allegation. that is what the club, the lawyers, the panel in particular— club, the lawyers, the panel in particular have tried to do. to make one thing _ particular have tried to do. to make one thing very clear, the p word is not banter, — one thing very clear, the p word is not banter, racism is not banter. i think— not banter, racism is not banter. i think there — not banter, racism is not banter. i think there are three people of colour— think there are three people of colour on— think there are three people of colour on the panel and one of them, associated _ colour on the panel and one of them, associated with the national asian cricket _ associated with the national asian cricket council and ceo of london tigers _ cricket council and ceo of london tigers and — cricket council and ceo of london tigers and charitable work in rugby and football clubs, for him to come out and _ and football clubs, for him to come out and do — and football clubs, for him to come out and do an article where he stands — out and do an article where he stands by— out and do an article where he stands by the finding that the p word _ stands by the finding that the p word was— stands by the finding that the p word was used as banter, itjust shows— word was used as banter, itjust shows the — word was used as banter, itjust shows the scale of the problem we have _ shows the scale of the problem we have in— shows the scale of the problem we have. ,., , ., have. in the report there is mention made of your— have. in the report there is mention made of your drinking, _ have. in the report there is mention made of your drinking, you - have. in the report there is mention made of your drinking, you were i have. in the report there is mention made of your drinking, you were a l made of your drinking, you were a heavy drinker during your time at yorkshire, what is your thoughts on them linking your claims of harassment with your drinking? t am harassment with your drinking? i am not harassment with your drinking? i am rrot perfect. — harassment with your drinking? i am not perfect, there _ harassment with your drinking? i am not perfect, there are things i did i not perfect, there are things i did i felt _ not perfect, there are things i did i felt i _ not perfect, there are things i did i felt i had — not perfect, there are things i did i felt i had to do to fit in and try and achieve my dreams. i am not proud _ and achieve my dreams. i am not proud of— and achieve my dreams. i am not proud of them, it is something i deeply— proud of them, it is something i deeply regret, but it has no relation _ deeply regret, but it has no relation to racism. i should never have _ relation to racism. i should never have treated the way i was treated. when _ have treated the way i was treated. when i _ have treated the way i was treated. when i spoke, i should have been listened _ when i spoke, i should have been listened to. yorkshire county cricket — listened to. yorkshire county cricket club and the game as a whole has a _ cricket club and the game as a whole has a problem in listening to the victim _ has a problem in listening to the victim and — has a problem in listening to the victim and it has been gas lighting and it— victim and it has been gas lighting and it has— victim and it has been gas lighting and it has been yeah, but. but there is no _ and it has been yeah, but. but there is no yeah. _ and it has been yeah, but. but there is no yeah, but to racism. were and it has been yeah, but. but there is no yeah, but to racism.— is no yeah, but to racism. were you forced to drink _ is no yeah, but to racism. were you forced to drink alcohol— is no yeah, but to racism. were you forced to drink alcohol before i is no yeah, but to racism. were you forced to drink alcohol before 18 i is no yeah, but to racism. were you forced to drink alcohol before 18 by| forced to drink alcohol before 18 by other people at the club? and how do you view the harassment you are taking in answering the call to prayer? mr; taking in answering the call to ra er? y , taking in answering the call to ra er? ~ , , , ., . taking in answering the call to raer? g , . ., prayer? my first instance of drinkin: prayer? my first instance of drinking i — prayer? my first instance of drinking i was _ prayer? my first instance of drinking i was pinned i prayer? my first instance of drinking i was pinned down | prayer? my first instance of l drinking i was pinned down at prayer? my first instance of i drinking i was pinned down at my local— drinking i was pinned down at my local cricket club and red wine was poured _ local cricket club and red wine was poured down my throat. how local cricket club and red wine was poured down my throat.— local cricket club and red wine was poured down my throat. how old were ou? 15. 15 poured down my throat. how old were you? 15- 15 years _ poured down my throat. how old were you? 15. 15 years old, _ poured down my throat. how old were you? 15. 15 years old, literally - you? 15. 15 years old, literally down my _ you? 15. 15 years old, literally down my throat. _ you? 15. 15 years old, literally down my throat. the - you? 15. 15 years old, literally down my throat. the player. you? 15. 15 years old, literally i down my throat. the player played for yorkshire, down my throat. the player played foryorkshire, played down my throat. the player played for yorkshire, played for hampshire and, for yorkshire, played for hampshire and. yeah. — for yorkshire, played for hampshire and, yeah, it was quite an experience. i didn't touch alcohol experience. ididn't touch alcohol until— experience. i didn't touch alcohol until around 2012. around that time i felt until around 2012. around that time i felt like _ until around 2012. around that time i felt like i— until around 2012. around that time i felt like i had to do that to fit in. i felt like i had to do that to fit in i_ i felt like i had to do that to fit in i regret _ i felt like i had to do that to fit in. i regret that massively. but again. — in. i regret that massively. but again. it — in. i regret that massively. but again, it has no bearings on the things— again, it has no bearings on the things that _ again, it has no bearings on the things that i was called. really, around — things that i was called. really, around the loss of my son the sort of attitude — around the loss of my son the sort of attitude of andrew gale, the coach, — of attitude of andrew gale, the coach, saying to me that i am making it more _ coach, saying to me that i am making it more than— coach, saying to me that i am making it more than it is, before the loss. after— it more than it is, before the loss. after the — it more than it is, before the loss. after the loss, hardly anybody said, are you _ after the loss, hardly anybody said, are you 0k? — after the loss, hardly anybody said, are you 0k? is your wife all right? before _ are you 0k? is your wife all right? before he — are you 0k? is your wife all right? before he raises it as something ijil, before he raises it as something big, lets— before he raises it as something big, lets get rid of him. and before he raises it as something big, lets get rid of him.- big, lets get rid of him. and the harassment _ big, lets get rid of him. and the harassment over _ big, lets get rid of him. and the harassment over the _ big, lets get rid of him. and the harassment over the call - big, lets get rid of him. and the harassment over the call to i big, lets get rid of him. and the i harassment over the call to prayer as well? , ., , , harassment over the call to prayer aswell? , ., _ i, as well? obviously, myself, i don't remember— as well? obviously, myself, i don't remember having _ as well? obviously, myself, i don't remember having that. _ as well? obviously, myself, i don't remember having that. but - as well? obviously, myself, i don't remember having that. but i i as well? obviously, myself, i don't remember having that. but i know| remember having that. but i know other— remember having that. but i know other people, i have seen another player— other people, i have seen another player fasting, for example. if he made _ player fasting, for example. if he made a _ player fasting, for example. if he made a mistake while fasting from the strength and conditioning coach to the _ the strength and conditioning coach to the physio, coaches and fellow players _ to the physio, coaches and fellow players would be blaming him for any mistakes _ players would be blaming him for any mistakes he made. that players would be blaming him for any mistakes he made.— mistakes he made. that is at yorkshire? — mistakes he made. that is at yorkshire? that _ mistakes he made. that is at yorkshire? that is _ mistakes he made. that is at yorkshire? that is at - mistakes he made. that is at i yorkshire? that is at yorkshire, es. tell yorkshire? that is at yorkshire, yes- tell us _ yorkshire? that is at yorkshire, yes. tell us about _ yorkshire? that is at yorkshire, yes. tell us about kevin - yorkshire? that is at yorkshire, yes. tell us about kevin and i yorkshire? that is at yorkshire, i yes. tell us about kevin and steve, what those — yes. tell us about kevin and steve, what those names _ yes. tell us about kevin and steve, what those names signifying - what those names signifying yorkshire cricket?— what those names signifying yorkshire cricket? steve, once i left the club _ yorkshire cricket? steve, once i left the club pujara _ yorkshire cricket? steve, once i left the club pujara joined i yorkshire cricket? steve, once i left the club pujara joined the l yorkshire cricket? steve, once i i left the club pujara joined the club and jack— left the club pujara joined the club and jack brooks started it when he didn't— and jack brooks started it when he didn't feel— and jack brooks started it when he didn't feel the need to call him by his first _ didn't feel the need to call him by his first name. there is an interview— his first name. there is an interview where he said i would prefer — interview where he said i would prefer them not to. not only did jack, _ prefer them not to. not only did jack, the — prefer them not to. not only did jack, the coaches, the media, the yorkshire — jack, the coaches, the media, the yorkshire post, the yorkshire website _ yorkshire post, the yorkshire website, the yorkshire cricket twitter— website, the yorkshire cricket twitter page, commentators around the world, _ twitter page, commentators around the world, high—profile people called — the world, high—profile people called him that. itjust shows, going — called him that. itjust shows, going back to the institutional failings — going back to the institutional failings and how that environment showed _ failings and how that environment showed people how could behave. that was steve _ showed people how could behave. that was steve. kevin was something gary used to— was steve. kevin was something gary used to describe everyone as colour in a very— used to describe everyone as colour in a very derivative manner, publicly, _ in a very derivative manner, publicly, within the dressing room and in _ publicly, within the dressing room and in front of the opposition. this is an— and in front of the opposition. this is an open— and in front of the opposition. this is an open secret within the england dressing _ is an open secret within the england dressing room. anyone who has come across— dressing room. anyone who has come across gary— dressing room. anyone who has come across gary with no that is the phrase — across gary with no that is the phrase he _ across gary with no that is the phrase he used to describe people of colour, _ phrase he used to describe people of colour, it _ phrase he used to describe people of colour, it was used in a derogatory manner— colour, it was used in a derogatory manner all— colour, it was used in a derogatory manner all of the time. he colour, it was used in a derogatory manner all of the time.— manner all of the time. he was sa in: manner all of the time. he was saying particularly _ manner all of the time. he was saying particularly in _ manner all of the time. he was saying particularly in the i manner all of the time. he was l saying particularly in the england dressing room they used the name kevin to describe people of african origin? kevin to describe people of african oriain? �* , ., kevin to describe people of african oriain? . i. ., kevin to describe people of african oriain?�* ., ., kevin to describe people of african origin?— and - kevin to describe people of african origin?_ and was | origin? anyone of colour. and was there an in — origin? anyone of colour. and was there an in joke, _ origin? anyone of colour. and was there an in joke, black _ origin? anyone of colour. and was there an in joke, black dog, i origin? anyone of colour. and was | there an injoke, black dog, kevin? yes, him and alex hales got close to each other_ yes, him and alex hales got close to each other when they played for england~ — each other when they played for england. i wasn't present in the dressing — england. i wasn't present in the dressing room, but that is what i understand alex went on to name his do- understand alex went onto name his dog kevin_ understand alex went on to name his dog kevin because it was black. how dog kevin because it was black. how do ou dog kevin because it was black. how do you view — dog kevin because it was black. how do you view that? _ dog kevin because it was black. how do you view that? it _ dog kevin because it was black. how do you view that? it is _ dog kevin because it was black. how do you view that? it is disgusting, i do you view that? it is disgusting, to be honest _ do you view that? it is disgusting, to be honest how— do you view that? it is disgusting, to be honest how much _ do you view that? it is disgusting, to be honest how much of- do you view that? it is disgusting, to be honest how much of a - do you view that? it is disgusting, to be honest how much of a joke i do you view that? it is disgusting, | to be honest how much of a joke it was _ to be honest how much of a joke it was until— to be honest how much of a joke it was. until right at the end i was in complete — was. until right at the end i was in complete denial as to what was going on. complete denial as to what was going on it_ complete denial as to what was going on it was— complete denial as to what was going on. it was only the back end of 2017 when _ on. it was only the back end of 2017 when i _ on. it was only the back end of 2017 when i lost — on. it was only the back end of 2017 when i lost my son, i went, hold on a minute _ when i lost my son, i went, hold on a minute i— when i lost my son, i went, hold on a minute. i have seen other players have _ a minute. i have seen other players have family— a minute. i have seen other players have family tragedies and get sunport— have family tragedies and get support beyond measure. i had just carried _ support beyond measure. i had just carried my— support beyond measure. i had just carried my son from the hospital to the graveyard and how i am getting treated _ the graveyard and how i am getting treated here is not right. to me, it became _ treated here is not right. to me, it became very— treated here is not right. to me, it became very clear, even to myself, that i_ became very clear, even to myself, that i had _ became very clear, even to myself, that i had been looking the other way _ that i had been looking the other way. there was a real problem, not 'ust way. there was a real problem, not just yorkshire but throughout the country— just yorkshire but throughout the country and i am going to be the one to speak— country and i am going to be the one to speak about this. you country and i am going to be the one to speak about this.— to speak about this. you have 'ust mentioned. i to speak about this. you have 'ust mentioned, not i to speak about this. you have 'ust mentioned, notjust i to speak about this. you have 'ust mentioned, notjust yorkshireh to speak about this. you have justi mentioned, notjust yorkshire and to speak about this. you have just - mentioned, notjust yorkshire and we have seen reports with essex very recently, rumours always flying around about other counties as well. would it be fair to say that what you have seen in yorkshire, it is replicated in other counties, on the grapevine? replicated in other counties, on the a-raevine? ~ ., ., replicated in other counties, on the a-raevine? ., ., , ., ., replicated in other counties, on the a-raevine? ., ., ., ., replicated in other counties, on the a-raevine? ., ., , ., ., ., ., grapevine? without a shadow of a doubt. grapevine? without a shadow of a doubt- this _ grapevine? without a shadow of a doubt. this is _ grapevine? without a shadow of a doubt. this is a _ grapevine? without a shadow of a doubt. this is a problem - grapevine? without a shadow of a doubt. this is a problem up - grapevine? without a shadow of a doubt. this is a problem up and i grapevine? without a shadow of a - doubt. this is a problem up and down the country _ doubt. this is a problem up and down the country i— doubt. this is a problem up and down the country. i would like to see it as progress— the country. i would like to see it as progress that people feel they can come — as progress that people feel they can come forward and they are going to he _ can come forward and they are going to he heard — can come forward and they are going to be heard and notjust be discredited, smeared about, briefed about _ discredited, smeared about, briefed about i— discredited, smeared about, briefed about. i would see that as a progress _ about. i would see that as a progress. if you look at the stats, british, _ progress. if you look at the stats, british, asian, specifically british asian _ british, asian, specifically british asian representation in cricket since — asian representation in cricket since 2010 has had a drop of nearly 40%~ _ since 2010 has had a drop of nearly 40%~ the _ since 2010 has had a drop of nearly 40%. the recreational game has over 30% representation from the british asian _ 30% representation from the british asian and _ 30% representation from the british asian and that drops to 4% at professional level. now, you can do all the _ professional level. now, you can do all the pr_ professional level. now, you can do all the pr initiatives the ecb, pca and the _ all the pr initiatives the ecb, pca and the counties do and tell everyone how great you are, or you can actually — everyone how great you are, or you can actually look into the problem. within— can actually look into the problem. within our— can actually look into the problem. within our community, the problem is not at _ within our community, the problem is not at recreational level because we love the _ not at recreational level because we love the game. we want to play the game _ love the game. we want to play the game but— love the game. we want to play the game. but when we get between 16, 17, game. but when we get between 16, i7, 18_ game. but when we get between 16, i7, 18 and _ game. but when we get between 16, 17, 18 and we have to game. but when we get between 16, 17,18 and we have to go game. but when we get between 16, 17, 18 and we have to go from academy— 17, 18 and we have to go from academy to the professional game, everything i have spoken about our challenge — everything i have spoken about our challenge. i would everything i have spoken about our challenge. iwould hope everything i have spoken about our challenge. i would hope some pretty, you would _ challenge. i would hope some pretty, you would think some pretty smart people _ you would think some pretty smart people running the game would be able to— people running the game would be able to look at that. it seems to me whenever— able to look at that. it seems to me whenever there is an initiative, whenever— whenever there is an initiative, whenever there is an initiative, whenever there is an initiative, whenever there is anything it goes i’ilht whenever there is anything it goes right to _ whenever there is anything it goes right to the grass roots because that box — right to the grass roots because that box is already ticked and they can tell— that box is already ticked and they can tell everyone how great they have _ can tell everyone how great they have been. there is a south asian plan _ have been. there is a south asian plan to— have been. there is a south asian plan to which i actually launched and it— plan to which i actually launched and it was— plan to which i actually launched and it was opposed by the ecb. it is and it was opposed by the ecb. it is a litter— and it was opposed by the ecb. it is a litter box — and it was opposed by the ecb. it is a litter box ticking which are setting _ a litter box ticking which are setting us back and it doesn't deal with the _ setting us back and it doesn't deal with the issue, which is in the dressing — with the issue, which is in the dressing room, on the ground. because — dressing room, on the ground. because up to now no one has felt like they— because up to now no one has felt like they can come forward and talk about— like they can come forward and talk about it _ like they can come forward and talk about it. because when you do it is all about, — about it. because when you do it is allabout, he— about it. because when you do it is allabout, he is a problem, he is a trouble _ allabout, he is a problem, he is a trouble maker, it is all him. it is very powerful— trouble maker, it is all him. it is very powerful stuff. _ trouble maker, it is all him. it is very powerful stuff. in _ trouble maker, it is all him. it 3 very powerful stuff. in terms of what you think should be done specifically, because you have described an enormous drop—off of south asian youths, you end up with i think 85% i believe of young people at bradford park having any nets. how many cricketers have represented yorkshire from south asian background?— represented yorkshire from south asian background? recently, no one. currentl , asian background? recently, no one. currently. adil— asian background? recently, no one. currently, adil rashid _ asian background? recently, no one. currently, adil rashid is _ asian background? recently, no one. currently, adil rashid is the - asian background? recently, no one. currently, adil rashid is the only - currently, adil rashid is the only british— currently, adil rashid is the only british born member on the yorkshire staff~ _ british born member on the yorkshire staff it _ british born member on the yorkshire staff it is _ british born member on the yorkshire staff. it is actually scary. you get this throughout the country. you challenge — this throughout the country. you challenge someone and you get from birmingham and you say 50% of our academy— birmingham and you say 50% of our academy in— birmingham and you say 50% of our academy in south asia. that makes it even worse — academy in south asia. that makes it even worse. it is clear the problem is there. _ even worse. it is clear the problem is there, everyone has known it for a long _ is there, everyone has known it for a longtime — is there, everyone has known it for a long time. it has been an open secret~ _ a long time. it has been an open secret i— a long time. it has been an open secret. i have seen over the last 15 months. _ secret. i have seen over the last 15 months. if— secret. i have seen over the last 15 months, if you speak out your life will be _ months, if you speak out your life will be made hell and there is no doubt _ will be made hell and there is no doubt nry— will be made hell and there is no doubt my life... i sat on front of national— doubt my life... i sat on front of national tv— doubt my life... i sat on front of national tv and talked about the dark places this whole episode has -ot dark places this whole episode has got me _ dark places this whole episode has got me into. what has happened since then? _ got me into. what has happened since then? denial, briefings, cover—ups, snrearing, _ then? denial, briefings, cover—ups, smearing, high—profile media, people nressaging— smearing, high—profile media, people messaging other members of the media who supported me, saying stuff like the club _ who supported me, saying stuff like the club is _ who supported me, saying stuff like the club is the lifeblood of the club and — the club is the lifeblood of the club and south asian players go in there _ club and south asian players go in there and — club and south asian players go in there and getting subs out of south asian _ there and getting subs out of south asian players is like getting blood out of _ asian players is like getting blood out of a _ asian players is like getting blood out of a stone. people who haven't even _ out of a stone. people who haven't even met _ out of a stone. people who haven't even met me talking about my drinking — even met me talking about my drinkina. ~ .,, ., ~ even met me talking about my drinkina. ~ ., ., ~ even met me talking about my i drinking— no. drinking. was that mr pugh? no, david lloyd- _ drinking. was that mr pugh? no, david lloyd- l— drinking. was that mr pugh? no, david lloyd. i found _ drinking. was that mr pugh? no, david lloyd. i found it— drinking. was that mr pugh? no, david lloyd. i found it disturbing| david lloyd. i found it disturbing because — david lloyd. i found it disturbing because sky supposedly doing this amazing _ because sky supposedly doing this amazing work bringing racism to the front and _ amazing work bringing racism to the front and within a week of me speaking _ front and within a week of me speaking out, that is what i got sent— speaking out, that is what i got sent to — speaking out, that is what i got sent to me. i thought, god, there are some — sent to me. i thought, god, there are some closet racists and we need to do— are some closet racists and we need to do something about it. it is are some closet racists and we need to do something about it.— to do something about it. it is very tellin: , to do something about it. it is very telling. we — to do something about it. it is very telling, we remember— to do something about it. it is very telling, we remember the - to do something about it. it is very telling, we remember the image . to do something about it. it is very| telling, we remember the image of the england team ensuring that moeen ali wasn't covered in champagne celebration and there we have you a 15 years old being abused, holding you down, pinning you down and pouring wine down your neck as some sort of banter, i think that says everything in terms of what is reality and what is pretence. thank ou for reality and what is pretence. thank you for your _ reality and what is pretence. thank you for your testimony _ reality and what is pretence. thank you for your testimony so - reality and what is pretence. thank you for your testimony so far - reality and what is pretence. thank you for your testimony so far this l you for your testimony so far this morning — you for your testimony so far this morning he _ you for your testimony so far this morning. he mentioned - you for your testimony so far this morning. he mentioned feeling l you for your testimony so far thisi morning. he mentioned feeling an element _ morning. he mentioned feeling an element of— morning. he mentioned feeling an element of the _ morning. he mentioned feeling an element of the nile, _ morning. he mentioned feeling an element of the nile, the _ morning. he mentioned feeling an element of the nile, the impact. morning. he mentioned feeling an| element of the nile, the impact on your mental— element of the nile, the impact on your mental health, _ element of the nile, the impact on your mental health, you _ element of the nile, the impact on your mental health, you feel- element of the nile, the impact on your mental health, you feel that i your mental health, you feel that your mental health, you feel that you have — your mental health, you feel that you have to— your mental health, you feel that you have to look— your mental health, you feel that you have to look the _ your mental health, you feel that you have to look the other - your mental health, you feel that you have to look the other way. i your mental health, you feel that - you have to look the other way. what about _ you have to look the other way. what about the _ you have to look the other way. what about the timing _ you have to look the other way. what about the timing and _ you have to look the other way. what about the timing and what _ you have to look the other way. what about the timing and what you - you have to look the other way. what about the timing and what you have i about the timing and what you have been through. — about the timing and what you have been through. you _ about the timing and what you have been through, you left _ about the timing and what you have been through, you left yorkshire i been through, you left yorkshire cricket _ been through, you left yorkshire cricket in — been through, you left yorkshire cricket in 2018, _ been through, you left yorkshire cricket in 2018, came _ been through, you left yorkshire cricket in 2018, came public- been through, you left yorkshire cricket in 2018, came public with your— cricket in 2018, came public with your concerns _ cricket in 2018, came public with your concerns in _ cricket in 2018, came public with your concerns in 2020. - cricket in 2018, came public with your concerns in 2020. why - cricket in 2018, came public with your concerns in 2020. why thati your concerns in 2020. why that delay? _ your concerns in 2020. why that delay? is — your concerns in 2020. why that delay? is it— your concerns in 2020. why that delay? is it because _ your concerns in 2020. why that delay? is it because of- your concerns in 2020. why that delay? is it because of the - your concerns in 2020. why that i delay? is it because of the mental health— delay? is it because of the mental health issues— delay? is it because of the mental health issues you _ delay? is it because of the mental health issues you are _ delay? is it because of the mental health issues you are facing? - delay? is it because of the mentall health issues you are facing? what was that— health issues you are facing? what was that like? _ health issues you are facing? what was that like? it _ health issues you are facing? what was that like?— was that like? at the time when i left, i was that like? at the time when i left. i think— was that like? at the time when i left, i think four _ was that like? at the time when i left, i think four or _ was that like? at the time when i left, i think four or five _ was that like? at the time when i left, i think four or five months . left, i think four or five months left, i think four or five months left on — left, i think four or five months left on my— left, i think four or five months left on my contract and i was encouraged... studio: we will pause at the moment to welcome our viewers in the uk and around the world. we are showing a live hearing at the house of commons by the culture media and sport committee into yorkshire county critical of�*s handling of racial harassment and bullying against the player, azeem rafiq. mr rafiq has said he had a dream to represent england after moving from pakistan, but has spoken about insults during his career directed towards himself and others. the proceedings are covered by parliamentary privilege and please be aware this live coverage may contain offensive language. we can return now to that evidence. how do you summon the strength to do this? i evidence. how do you summon the strength to do this?—