Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News 20240709 : comparemela.com

cheering this morning a dramatic defection — the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakeford, crossed the commons floor to join the labour party and a former cabinet minister had this for boris johnson. you have sat there too long - for all the good you have done. in the name of god, go. and i'mjane hill here in the studio — the other headlines this hour... living with coronavirus: boris johnson outlines a relaxation of some of the restrictions in england. the cost of living has risen at its fastest pace for nearly 30 years, driven by increases in food and energy prices. hello, good afternoon. i'm ben brown, live in downing street. borisjohnson has been facing more criticism of his leadership in the house of commons — including a withering attack from one of his own backbenchers, the senior conservative mp and former minister david davis. mr davis said he expected his leader to take responsibility and ended by telling mrjohnson, "in the name of god, go". there was another blow for the prime minister earlier when the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakeford, defected to the labour party — saying mrjohnson had shown himself incapable of offering the leadership the country deserved. one tory mp told the bbc this morning that some of those elected in 2019 have sent letters of no confidence in the prime minister to the party's backbench committee — 5a such letters are required to trigger a leadership vote. we don't yet know how many of those letters have gone in. let's get more on the day's events so far, from our political correspondent damian grammaticas. with rebellion against him brewing, borisjohnson summoned his cabinet this morning, hoping perhaps that a decision to lift covid restrictions might help save him from a challenge. at conservative headquarters, the party chairman faced the question all tory mps are now being asked. does he have your support? of course he does. are you supporting the prime minister? yes. and backbenchers too were also called to downing street today. can we get a photo? the febrile atmosphere has been heightened by mrjohnson's former right—hand man, dominic cummings. he says the prime minister was warned about the summer garden party and last week lied to parliament. yesterday, a beleaguered mrjohnson denied that. nobody told me... i am absolutely categorical, nobody said to me this is an event that is against the rules, that is in breach of what we are asking everybody else to do, that it should not go ahead. but back in 2020, you could only meet one person outside. mrjohnson himself set those rules, and ten days before the party, urged everybody to follow them. you must obey the rules of social distancing. to enforce those rules, we will increase the fines for the small minority who break them. so, mrjohnson's denials have not placated some in his party. the country needs leadership at this time. what it doesn't want is a governing party at war with itself. right now, i'm afraid too many people out there, that is what they are seeing. so i think the prime minister should be considering his position. my position is that we need to wait and see what the facts were. is it all over, prime minister? is it time to resign? in a precarious position, he left, heading for a potentially crucial prime minister's questions. just before he got there, cheers from labour benches. the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakefield, had just crossed the floor to sit on the opposition benches. can i start by warmly welcoming the honourable member for bury south to the parliamentary labour party? mr speaker, like so many people up and down the country, he has concluded that the prime minister and the conservative party have shown themselves incapable of offering the leadership and government this country deserves. as for bury south, mr speaker... let me say to the right honourable gentleman, mr speaker, might i say to the right honourable gentleman, the conservative party won bury south for the first time in generations under this prime minister, with an agenda of uniting and levelling up, and delivering for the people of bury south. mr speaker, we will win again in bury south at the next election, under this prime minister. no sign there of a prime minister thinking of resigning. but sir keir starmer was enjoying this. bury south is now a labour seat, prime minister. he then said that borisjohnson's defence did not sound credible. it also requires the prime minister to ask us to accept that as he waded through the empty bottles and platters of sandwiches, he did not realise it was a party! laughter does the prime minister realise how ridiculous that sounds? throughout the pandemic, people in government have been working flat out to protect the british public with huge quantities of ppe, so we can now make 80% in the country, with the biggest and most generous furlough scheme anywhere in the world. perhaps most damaging moment was when one of the most senior tory backbenchers stepped in. i expect my leaders - to shoulder the responsibility for the actions they take. yesterday, he did i the opposite of that. so i will remind him of a quotation altogether too familiar to him, - of leo amery to neville chamberlain. you have sat there too long, i for all the good you have done. in the name of god, go. and what matters now is how many conservative mps think the same, and submit letters for him to go. damian grammaticas, bbc news. that quote from davies davies, saying in the name of god, go. that really will whims the prime minister because the prime minister boris johnson is a great student of winston churchill and the second world war. 0ur political correspondent alex forsyth is in pa rliament�*s central lobby. it was a more competitive performance and prime minister's questions than we saw last time around, perhaps, that is what many observers are saying. do you think borisjohnson has done enough for the time being to ward off all these attacks on him? the attack from david davis and the defection of the mp from bury south? if david davis and the defection of the mp from bury south?— david davis and the defection of the mp from bury south? if you compare the tone and — mp from bury south? if you compare the tone and demeanour_ mp from bury south? if you compare the tone and demeanour of- mp from bury south? if you compare the tone and demeanour of boris - the tone and demeanour of boris johnson today yesterday when he gave an interview and looked downbeat, he clearly came out today and decided he want to fight. you heard when it was put to him that one of his mps had defected, christian wakeford from bury south, he said we will win bury south at the next election with me as prime minister. so it doesn't sound like he is a man who wants to be moved but that won't do enough to quieten all the questions that still exist about his leadership. we know in the past 2a hours, a group of those mps who were first elected in 2019 met. they were talking about their frustration and anger and anger they were hearing from their constituents. they discussed how many of them might write letters calling for a vote of no confidence in the prime minister and how many might submit them and we understand a handful of them have. but the key question is we don't know how many letters have been submitted over all and it will take 5a conservative mps, and it will take 5a conservative mp5, 50% and it will take 5a conservative mps, 50% of the body, to trigger a vote of no confidence. what is interesting is the afternoon after prime minister's questions we have had some of those 2019 mps, not the ones that have met in the past 2a hours but others coming to us to express their loyalty and confidence in the prime minister. saying things like it was due to borisjohnson's leadership that i think it helped me win my seat at the election last time around. it seems there is something of an operation to rally around the prime minister today but don't read into that that the frustration, anger and questions have diminished. they are still there but what is not there is a decisive course of action about what happens next. bud decisive course of action about what happens next-— decisive course of action about what happens next. and even if there were 54 letters from _ happens next. and even if there were 54 letters from 54 _ happens next. and even if there were 54 letters from 54 conservative - happens next. and even if there were 54 letters from 54 conservative mps i 54 letters from 54 conservative mps and even if there were a conservative party leadership contest, borisjohnson would fight that. nobody knows whether he would win it or lose it but looking further into the future, even if he gets through the next few days and weeks, how damaged do you think he is by all of this? you weeks, how damaged do you think he is by all of this?— is by all of this? you only need to seak to is by all of this? you only need to speak to conservative _ is by all of this? you only need to speak to conservative mps - is by all of this? you only need to speak to conservative mps here, | is by all of this? you only need to - speak to conservative mps here, even those who still believe in boris johnson does not leadership and they will tell you just how damaging this whole episode has been. they had from their constituents over the weekend the level of anger and frustration there is out there across the country at what people see as the action are borisjohnson and some of those around him in downing street. so i think this has caused real damage to borisjohnson. the question now is what does it mean for his future? there are conservative mps here who still believe it would be better if there is a no—confidence vote quickly. there are others who are suggesting cool heads the order of the day, waiting to see what the official cabinet office inquiry finds. we are expecting that in the next week or so, but i don't think the questions about borisjohnson's leadership are settled. when you speak to conservative activists and counsellors, leaders of conservative constituency associations across the country, what they will say is they are frustrated, along with everything else, at the fact this is preventing the business of government, as it were. they feel there is a lot to do post—pandemic. they have been a lot of promises around spreading opportunity more equally across the country and they feel this is drawing attention away from that. that is causing frustration in and of itself. but i come back to the point, there are different views in the party about what should happen to the leader right now. so, for the short term at least, we are still waiting and watching to see which conservative mps choose to act now, which are holding their council, whom i act down the line and what it means for boris johnson's down the line and what it means for borisjohnson's leadership. bleep. boris johnson's leadership. alex, thank conservative mp who decided to act now and in a very dramatic way. the conservative mp for bury south christian wakeford, who defected to the labour partyjust before prime minister's questions. timed to cause maximum political damage to boris johnson. sir keir starmer warmly welcomed him and said bury south is now a labour seat. i'm joined by richard duggan, editor of the bury times. did this come as a surprise to you as it did to most other people in the country? it as it did to most other people in the country?— as it did to most other people in the country? it certainly did. we were not expecting _ the country? it certainly did. we were not expecting it _ the country? it certainly did. we were not expecting it at - the country? it certainly did. we were not expecting it at all - the country? it certainly did. we were not expecting it at all but l were not expecting it at all but delighted to be able to break the exclusive. �* , , ., , exclusive. and 'ust tell us a bit about the — exclusive. and just tell us a bit about the constituency, - exclusive. and just tell us a bit about the constituency, a - exclusive. and just tell us a bit about the constituency, a very| about the constituency, a very marginal seat. about the constituency, a very marginalseat. i about the constituency, a very marginal seat. i think his majority in 2020 was about 400? marginal seat. i think his ma'ority in 2020 was about 4002h marginal seat. i think his ma'ority in 2020 was about 400? about 407 of the to of in 2020 was about 400? about 407 of the tap of my — in 2020 was about 400? about 407 of the top of my head. _ in 2020 was about 400? about 407 of the top of my head. i _ in 2020 was about 400? about 407 of the top of my head. i think _ in 2020 was about 400? about 407 of the top of my head. i think as - in 2020 was about 400? about 407 of the top of my head. i think as was - the top of my head. i think as was mentioned earlier in the programme, plenty of mps will attribute their success to borisjohnson's leadership so should this go to a by—election, and that is a big question, would christian when the seat again? many people are calling for a by—election saying they voted for a by—election saying they voted for a by—election saying they voted for a conservative mp. 0ther for a by—election saying they voted for a conservative mp. other people saying they voted for christian wakeford as a person and candidate rather than the party. it will be interesting to see what happens next. but as you said, timed for maximum damage to the prime minister. ~ . . , maximum damage to the prime minister. ~ . ., , , , minister. what has he been my because the — minister. what has he been my because the local _ minister. what has he been my because the local mp _ minister. what has he been my because the local mp for - minister. what has he been my because the local mp for bury i minister. what has he been my - because the local mp for bury south, first as a tory mp and now as a labourmp? he first as a tory mp and now as a labour mp?— first as a tory mp and now as a labour mp? , �* ., , , labour mp? he is... i've only been in the job — labour mp? he is... i've only been in the job for— labour mp? he is... i've only been in the job for three _ labour mp? he is... i've only been in the job for three weeks - labour mp? he is... i've only been in the job for three weeks i - labour mp? he is... i've only been in the job for three weeks i can't i in the job for three weeks i can't give an extensive history but what i would say is we have followed his work in terms of how he has been working on the committee to tackle anti—semitism, which is something that was a big issue for the labour party in recent years. i am sure keir starmer will be glad to have his support on that. the main thing we are hearing from constituents today, it's mixed, really. many saying good on you for standing up for what you believe in and deflecting the other people were angry by his decision. so if this was to go to a by—election i think it would be very interesting to stop borisjohnson is obviously it would be very interesting to stop boris johnson is obviously very confident the conservatives won last time said they would win again. the prime minister might not seem too worried about the defection but only time will tell if we get to a by—election. d0 time will tell if we get to a by-election._ time will tell if we get to a by-election. time will tell if we get to a b -election. ,., ~ .,, by-election. do you think he has reflected the _ by-election. do you think he has reflected the anger _ by-election. do you think he has reflected the anger of _ by-election. do you think he has reflected the anger of his - reflected the anger of his constituents about the partyparties in downing street and a party boris johnson admitted attending in 2020? i think he has reflected on how many people are feeling notjust in bury south but across the country. a lot of people are very frustrated and angry that is why there are so many people in the public who believe borisjohnson should resign however, as we've seen, there are plenty in the conservative party and across the conservative party and across the country who believe the prime minister made a mistake and genuinely mistaken by going to that bring your own booze party. although i think christian has defected, it doesn't necessarily reflect what would happen should it go to a vote tomorrow. bud would happen should it go to a vote tomorrow. �* . ., , , , tomorrow. and whatever happens next, bu south tomorrow. and whatever happens next, bury south will— tomorrow. and whatever happens next, bury south will be _ tomorrow. and whatever happens next, bury south will be the _ tomorrow. and whatever happens next, bury south will be the focus _ tomorrow. and whatever happens next, bury south will be the focus of- tomorrow. and whatever happens next, bury south will be the focus of a - bury south will be the focus of a lot of political attention in the coming months or maybe years whether there is a next by—election. i guess thatis there is a next by—election. i guess that is good for business for you? it certainly is. one of the really important things about us spreading the exclusive today as local journalism has never been more important. i would encourage everyone to go and buy the local newspaper and support news brands. it's important we have a free and transparent press and stories like this show local news provides a huge service to the community.— service to the community. richard du can, service to the community. richard duggan, good _ service to the community. richard duggan, good to _ service to the community. richard duggan, good to talk _ service to the community. richard duggan, good to talk to _ service to the community. richard duggan, good to talk to you, - service to the community. richard | duggan, good to talk to you, thank you very much indeed. his majority was 402, i was just double checking, at the last election. the prime minister announced an easing of england's plan b restrictions from next week, from next thursday. people were no longer be encouraged to work from home and they won't need a covid pass for major events. and wearing a face covering in shops, schools and on public transport will no longer be compulsory. 0ur health correspondent sophie hutchinson has this report. compulsory mask wearing in shops, just one of the plan b measures introduced in england in december, as 0micron infections soared. working from home was another, along with vaccination passports for large events. but borisjohnson went to the commons today to announce that all plan b restrictions would be lifted from next thursday. from now on, the government is no longer asking people to work from home. and people should now speak to their employers about arrangements for returning to the office. and having looked at the data carefully, the cabinet concluded that once regulations lapse, the government will no longer mandate the wearing face masks anywhere. figures from the office of national statistics, considered amongst the most reliable for infection rates, are now showing the most significant fall in uk covid cases since the 0micron wave hit. still, around one in 20 of all citizens in the united kingdom have the virus. but this reduction is incredibly encouraging news. hospital admissions are also showing encouraging signs. london, which was at the front of this latest wave, has seen a sharp decline. england has seen falls for six days now, and even further north in scotland, the situation seems to be improving. next week, restrictions on hospitality in scotland will be lifted. but there's still caution about easing working from home. if you are looking at the risk menu, and you've got a cinema with 200 people in it, compared to asking the working population of scotland to go back on the trains, back on the buses, back to work, that is a different level of risk. so that's why we are holding that back for now. restrictions on large sporting events and nightclubs will be lifted in wales in the coming days. but no easing has yet been announced for northern ireland. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. let's talk a bit about this with our health correspondent nick triggle who canjoin me. the government always said they have followed the science during this pandemic, is this what the scientific community will be thinking, that their advice has been followed on the lifting of plan b restrictions in england? same plan b restrictions in england? some are sa in: plan b restrictions in england? some are saying it — plan b restrictions in england? some are saying it is _ plan b restrictions in england? some are saying it is too _ plan b restrictions in england? some are saying it is too much, _ plan b restrictions in england? some are saying it is too much, too - plan b restrictions in england? she are saying it is too much, too soon. you do have to wonder about the politics of this because of course the government were likely to face opposition from their backbenchers if they did want to extend plan b. but this is also about working out what is proportionate. the restrictions, as well as having benefits in reducing the spread, also have costs, economic costs, with the working from home order. masks and classrooms do disrupt communication and learning. the government's own evidence review suggests. now, since we have certainly passed the worst of the 0micron wave, the benefits of those restrictions are reducing and i think that is, i suppose, the science behind dropping the plan b measures. we have seen detected cases dropping quite rapidly and then today from the office for national statistics, which monitors wider infection levels in the population, because after all the daily statistics are just about the people coming forward for tests, the ons people coming forward for tests, the 0ns data shows infection rates are dropping as others that we have seen hospital admissions starting to plateau last week. they are now dropping, although albeit not quite in every region in england. but really, it looks like hospital admissions have peaked over all at just over 2000 admissions a day. that is very much the best case scenario we were hoping for before christmas when this 0micron wave took off. that is giving ministers and also the scientists advising them confidence that this is, at least a sensible move. although some --eole least a sensible move. although some people might — least a sensible move. although some people might look _ least a sensible move. although some people might look at _ least a sensible move. although some people might look at the _ least a sensible move. although some people might look at the figures, - people might look at the figures, for example yesterday in terms of deaths, it was pretty high, wasn't it, more than 400 deaths?- deaths, it was pretty high, wasn't it, more than 400 deaths? there are a few things — it, more than 400 deaths? there are a few things going — it, more than 400 deaths? there are a few things going on _ it, more than 400 deaths? there are a few things going on with _ it, more than 400 deaths? there are a few things going on with the - a few things going on with the deaths that are being reported and these are deaths reported within 28 days of a positive test. first of all, we are seeing little reporting of deaths over the weekend. it means once we get to tuesday and wednesday, we do see a high number of deaths being reported. but also, what we are also seeing is because infection levels are so widespread, we are seeing more and more coincidental deaths, deaths that have nothing to do with covid but just the fact people have tested positive in the 28 days before they have passed away. that is not to say the number of people dying because of covid isn't rising, it is, but it is not rising perhaps as rapidly as those daily figures, which we do report regularly, suggest they might be. . ~' report regularly, suggest they might be. ., ., ~ ., report regularly, suggest they might be. ., ., ~ ., ., ~ be. nick, good to talk to you, thank ou ve be. nick, good to talk to you, thank you very much- _ be. nick, good to talk to you, thank you very much. i've _ be. nick, good to talk to you, thank you very much. i've just _ be. nick, good to talk to you, thank you very much. i've just been - be. nick, good to talk to you, thank you very much. i've just been told i you very much. i've just been told we will hear from the health secretary here in downing street. there is a briefing at five o'clock on the lifting of those plan b covid restrictions in england that the prime minister announced in the house of commons. much more from me at three o'clock from all of that and the political drama surrounding the premiership of borisjohnson but for now, back to jane in the studio. thank you very much. ben brown with the latest in downing street and keeping an eye on developments there. right 110w now we look at another major story here today. the cost of living has risen at its fastest pace in nearly 30 years, according to official figures. inflation rose to 5.4% in december, up from 5.1% in november, driven mainly by higherfood prices and energy bills. the figure is more than double the bank of england's target for inflation. the last time inflation was higher was in march 1992, when it stood at 7.1%. 0ur consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith has more. the cost of everything we buy is going up fast. in fact, at the fastest rate for nearly 30 years. and, as the temperatures plummet, it's the cost of keeping the heat on that is driving that increase. this is a lot of windows. a lot of windows, yes. and a huge, huge ceiling. yeah. the things that give this hotel its charm and character are the very things now causing the nightmares. put, like, a secondary glazing on this side, it spoils the view on what is the period windows, as well. right now, obviously, a modern building with lower ceilings and lots of insulation would be much easier to heat. it might look sunny, but there's an icy wind from the north sea, and heating this placejumped up in november — from £2,000 a month to £10,000 a month. we've got to increase our prices. i mean, we've got no choice about it — we've got to offset some of the cost. usually in the winter months, hotels drop their prices quite significantly, but we just can't do that, because there wouldn't be any point having the hotel open. but trying to explain that to her customers isn't something sadie's looking forward to. there's only a certain price limit to what people will pay for a hotel room, so you can't put your prices up too much, otherwise peoplejust aren't going to come — and particularly if they're all feeling the squeeze, too, with their own energy prices. from light to heat to shopping bills, staff are feeling the pain of those expensive prices at home as well. i know that everything — fuel, you know, heating, everything — is going up, so it's got to be passed on to us. but if we're not earning — which were not, because you can't when you're not... you know, when it's quiet like this, i'm not in as much as i would normally be. so i can't earn. as wages aren't rising as much as prices, pay packets aren't stretching as far. these inflation figures are the first we have of the new year, and i'd love to be able to give more positive news for 2022, but with businesses passing on those extra costs to us, there are lots more price rises on the horizon. this is clearly going to be pretty painful for different groups of households. because obviously in april we are also getting pretty hefty tax increases coming in. and as we saw in the latest data, wages weren't keeping pace with prices. the chancellor says he understands the cost of living pressures people are facing. and help with energy bills is available for some. but labour say working families are already feeling the crunch, and things will only get worse in the months ahead. for anyone likejoanne, thinking about the rest of the year, plans might have to change. we were hoping that this year was going to be the year when we can, you know, get back out and go on holiday and stuff, and if these price hikes are going to continue, i don't think that's going to be an option, unfortunately! covering the cost of keeping warm, whatever the weather throws at us, has become the new priority. coletta smith reporting there. and our business correspondent ramzan karmali joins me now. we are talking about this so much today, as we will be four weeks to come. in the next hour, i will be speaking to people about the sheer impact of energy bills, it's one of the elements of their switch is not going away. irate the elements of their switch is not going away-— going away. we talked about inflation 5.4% _ going away. we talked about inflation 5.4% is _ going away. we talked about inflation 5.4% is not - going away. we talked about inflation 5.4% is not the - going away. we talked about| inflation 5.4% is not the bank going away. we talked about. inflation 5.4% is not the bank of england think it could hit 6% but economists don't believe them, they think it will hit 7%. if you look at the energy price cap, it's changing in april, 0fgem will recalibrate that next month and people think bills could go up 50%, around £60 on average per person. it's a lot of money and quite painfulfor people out there. we also have some tax increases coming in april as well. we can get more of this with liz from hsbc. 5.4% seems eye watering for many but actually it will get a lot worse, isn't it? it is for many but actually it will get a lot worse, isn't it?— lot worse, isn't it? it is certainly not the peak _ lot worse, isn't it? it is certainly not the peak as _ lot worse, isn't it? it is certainly not the peak as we _ lot worse, isn't it? it is certainly not the peak as we think - lot worse, isn't it? it is certainly not the peak as we think it - lot worse, isn't it? it is certainly | not the peak as we think it might lot worse, isn't it? it is certainly - not the peak as we think it might be for some _ not the peak as we think it might be for some european countries. in the uk, we _ for some european countries. in the uk, we have — for some european countries. in the uk, we have more to come due to exactly— uk, we have more to come due to exactly what you were just saying, the energy— exactly what you were just saying, the energy price hike we are expecting in april. lots of prices io expecting in april. lots of prices go up _ expecting in april. lots of prices go up in — expecting in april. lots of prices go up in april, housing association prices, _ go up in april, housing association prices, counciltax, energy prices, things— prices, counciltax, energy prices, things like— prices, counciltax, energy prices, things like that. it feels like april— things like that. it feels like april will be the peak. some people have been_ april will be the peak. some people have been forecasting 6%, those forecasts— have been forecasting 6%, those forecasts are now creeping about 6% towards _ forecasts are now creeping about 6% towards possibly 7%. so as long as wages _ towards possibly 7%. so as long as wages are — towards possibly 7%. so as long as wages are not keeping up with this, then this _ wages are not keeping up with this, then this is — wages are not keeping up with this, then this is going to be painful. yes, _ then this is going to be painful. yes. it— then this is going to be painful. yes. it has— then this is going to be painful. yes, it has got a few more months to run. �* . ~' yes, it has got a few more months to run. �* ., ~ ., ., yes, it has got a few more months to run. 1, ~ ., ., ., ., , run. the bank of england have a 296 taruet, it run. the bank of england have a 296 target. it looks _ run. the bank of england have a 296 target, it looks miles _ run. the bank of england have a 296 target, it looks miles away - run. the bank of england have a 296 target, it looks miles away at - run. the bank of england have a 296 target, it looks miles away at the i target, it looks miles away at the moment, doesn't it? what can they do to get inflation back towards the 2% target? to get inflation back towards the 296 tar: et? , to get inflation back towards the 296 taraet? , ., ., ., target? there is a limit to what the bank of target? there is a limit to what the itank of england — target? there is a limit to what the bank of england can _ target? there is a limit to what the bank of england can do _ target? there is a limit to what the bank of england can do about - target? there is a limit to what the bank of england can do about the l bank of england can do about the trajectory— bank of england can do about the trajectory from here to april because _ trajectory from here to april because a lot of that is being driven— because a lot of that is being driven by— because a lot of that is being driven by wholesale gas prices and the bank— driven by wholesale gas prices and the bank of england' actions aren't going _ the bank of england' actions aren't going to _ the bank of england' actions aren't going to do anything about that. what _ going to do anything about that. what they are worried about is preventing an inflationary spiral. so whereby you start to worry about inflation, _ so whereby you start to worry about inflation, you demand a pay rise to compensate that, now your bosses costs _ compensate that, now your bosses costs have — compensate that, now your bosses costs have gone up and they need to pass those _ costs have gone up and they need to pass those on and it ends up in a dangerous— pass those on and it ends up in a dangerous spiral. what the bank of england _ dangerous spiral. what the bank of england want to do is make sure we don't _ england want to do is make sure we don't get _ england want to do is make sure we don't get into that situation and to don't get into that situation and to do that, _ don't get into that situation and to do that, of— don't get into that situation and to do that, of course, their primary tool— do that, of course, their primary tool is _ do that, of course, their primary tool is to— do that, of course, their primary tool is to rise into interest rates. we expect — tool is to rise into interest rates. we expect them to do that three more times— we expect them to do that three more times again _ we expect them to do that three more times again in 2022. part we expect them to do that three more times again in 2022.— times again in 2022. part of inflation this _ times again in 2022. part of inflation this time _ times again in 2022. part of inflation this time around, | times again in 2022. part of. inflation this time around, it's times again in 2022. part of- inflation this time around, it's not just low income families that are suffering but more the middle classes are going to be suffering a lot more this time around, why is that? i lot more this time around, why is that? 4' lot more this time around, why is that? ~ , ,., , lot more this time around, why is that? ~ , y , that? i think everybody will be affected. you _ that? i think everybody will be affected. you know, _ that? i think everybody will be affected. you know, it - that? i think everybody will be affected. you know, it does i that? i think everybody will be - affected. you know, it does depend on which _ affected. you know, it does depend on which category of goods you are looking _ on which category of goods you are looking at — on which category of goods you are looking at. but ultimately, the more of your— looking at. but ultimately, the more of your weekly spend that goes on food and _ of your weekly spend that goes on food and energy, the more you are going _ food and energy, the more you are going to _ food and energy, the more you are going to be — food and energy, the more you are going to be affected. that is people at the _ going to be affected. that is people at the lower end of the income spectrum — at the lower end of the income spectrum and, you know, as you mentioned — spectrum and, you know, as you mentioned earlier, it means making decisions _ mentioned earlier, it means making decisions about what you are going to cut _ decisions about what you are going to cut back— decisions about what you are going to cut back on in order to afford those _ to cut back on in order to afford those basics. liz to cut back on in order to afford those basics.— to cut back on in order to afford those basics. ~., , ., ,, �* those basics. liz martins from hsbc, thank ou. those basics. liz martins from hsbc, thank you. thank _ those basics. liz martins from hsbc, thank you. thank you _ those basics. liz martins from hsbc, thank you. thank you very _ those basics. liz martins from hsbc, thank you. thank you very much - those basics. liz martins from hsbc, thank you. thank you very much for l thank you. thank you very much for that. let's pause right now. we will catch up let's pause right now. we will catch up with the weather prospects where ever you are with nick miller. hello. as cloud and showery rain clears away from southern england, plenty of sunshine following and indeed across the uk. through the afternoon, a few showers into northern ireland. north wales, particularly across northern areas of scotland, turning wintry initially on the hills but to lower levels getting on in tonight, particularly across the northern isles. quite strong wind here, gusting 40—50 miles an hour. feels cold and colder air is filtering south across the uk. with lots of clear spells tonight, there'll be a widespread frost setting in. still a few showers running through northern ireland towards the west of wales, maybe into cornwall, but particularly along north sea coastal areas. wintry in places too and a risk of icy patches. again, that widespread frost just westernmost areas, more of a rural frost here. the town and city centres staying above freezing. plenty of sunshine around tomorrow. the strongest wind easing. still a few showers running through pembrokeshire, cornwall, clipping the coast of lincolnshire and norfolk but most places will have a dry, sunny thursday, though it's feeling chilly out there. bye for now. hello, this is bbc news with me, jane hill. the headlines... borisjohnson fights for his premiership over lockdown parties in downing st and defends his record to a packed house of commons this morning a dramatic defection — the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakeford crossed the commons floor to join the labour party. living with coronavirus. borisjohnson outlines a relaxation of some of the restrictions in england the cost of living has risen at its fastest pace for nearly thirty years — driven by increases in food and energy prices. we will talk more about the increase in the cost of living in the next few minutes. sport now and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre here's jane dougal. good afternoon. with no world number one at the australian open, the path could be reasonably clear for the only former champion still in the mens draw, rafa nadal. the sixth seed eased past qualifier yannick hanfmann in straight sets to reach the third round. hanfmann saved four match points, but eventually lost to the spaniard 6-2, 6-3, 6-4. with no djokovic at the open, nadal is aiming for a men's record 21st grand slam title. he faces karen khachanov next. home favourite ash barty is also through, the wimbledon champion is the top ranked player in melbourne. she hasn't lost yet this year, and will be many people's pick to go all the way at a tournament that she's never won. barty only dropped two games against lucia bronzetti and she's been keeping things simple. my routine, i'm a hermit. so it doesn't affect me too much. yeah, i mean, for us it's pretty lucky. we come and practise, we do what we need to do, but otherwise, a good book and a coffee, and i'm set. sounds idyllic. the defending champion naomi 0saka also won, racing through her first set against madison brengle. the american was relieved to get a game in the second set, and that inspired her to make a match of it. however, she couldn't threaten an upset, 0saka winning it 6—4. someone who has won in australia is victoria azarenka. the two time champion is on the wta players�* council and she's been voicing her support for the vaccination requirements for players. i think that it would just be helpful for everybody in the world, especially when we are coming, when we are travelling internationally. in our case, i think this was recommended, and that is what i believe is the right thing to do. as soon as there's a grey area in the rules that gives a bit too much questions, situations like this happen. so, on certain things, i think black and white approach is necessary. and in my opinion, this should be the case. yorkshire county cricket club have appointed the former west indies all—rounder 0ttis gibson as their new head coach in the wake of the racism scandal. he replaces andrew gale, who was sacked following the allegations made by azeem rafiq. gale is taking legal action against the club. gibson will take charge at the end of next month, assuming overall responsibility for the performance and management of the first team. he previously worked as head coach at the west indies and south africa, and was a bowling coach for england and bangladesh. gibson said he'd spoken at length to yorkshire's interim managing director darren gough about the direction the club was heading in and he was excited to be part of that future. preparations ahead of the women's ashes have been less than perfect for england, as they count down to their first t20 game at the adelaide oval. the series is beginning a week earlier than originally planned to allow both teams to travel to new zealand and quarantine before the world cup. it's meant the build—up to the multi—format ashes hasn't been ideal. but as batter tammy beaumont aknowledges, covid has affected everything. it has been crazy, kind of not ideal preparation, a little bit different to normal, but we have made to do. 0nce to normal, but we have made to do. once we got to canberra there were a couple of days' icy isolation with pcr test results, social distancing and no going anywhere to indoors or overcrowded. it has been pretty tough and now we have got to adelaide it is all about the business end. adelaide it is all about the business end. scotland have announced their squad for next month's six nations. gregor towsend has named five uncapped players, including saracens back—rower andy christie and london irish scrum—half ben white. the full squad is on the bbc sport website. that's all the sport for now. more sports new in more sports let's get more now on the rise in the cost of living, now increasing at its fastest rate for 30 years. here with me is george dibb who is the head of the centre for economicjustice at the insitute for public policy research. . hello. some of these figures are so poorfamilies and individuals. is the fundamental worry for you energy bills? what your focus? the fundamental worry for you energy bills? what yourfocus? that the fundamental worry for you energy bills? what your focus?— bills? what your focus? that is ri . ht. bills? what your focus? that is riuht. i bills? what your focus? that is right. ithink— bills? what your focus? that is right. i think what _ bills? what your focus? that is right. i think what we - bills? what your focus? that is right. i think what we are - bills? what your focus? that is. right. i think what we are seeing across the figures that have come at this morning i read concerning to cost of living increase at this rate since 1992. whilst many of your viewers might not understand how that connects to their lives, inflation measures a whole different range of goods, everything from things you buy in the supermarket to your bills. the 5.4% number is an average of those things, but what is really driving those price rises in the biggest increases are in household energy. gas and electricity are going up, as is petrol. the figures out this morning show that food and clothes are also going up in price as well. those are things that everybody buys, which means those on the lowest incomes will see the biggest squeeze on their incomes. so will see the biggest squeeze on their incomes.— their incomes. so from a policy perspective. — their incomes. so from a policy perspective, given _ their incomes. so from a policy perspective, given the - their incomes. so from a policy perspective, given the vital- their incomes. so from a policy l perspective, given the vital areas you have talked about, what are things that any government could do or in your opinion should be doing, given the nature of what you have just described? i given the nature of what you have just described?— just described? i think the first thin on just described? i think the first thing on rishi _ just described? i think the first thing on rishi sunak's - just described? i think the first thing on rishi sunak's list - just described? i think the first thing on rishi sunak's list of i thing on rishi sunak's list of responses really has to be supporting those families who will be hit hardest by this. if you look back to what the chancellor did last year by taking £20 a week from universal credit, that now looks to be a serious misjudgment because those same people who saw that cut to their weekly universal credit are going to beat the exact people who are worst hit by this increase in inflation. there are other more targeted schemes as well, things like the winter fuel payment, which we recommended broadening the eligibility, so it helps more people, and increasing the amount of money in that part. but at the moment i think policymakers might be looking to the bank of england for interest rate rises. but at the moment because of the nature of the inflation we are seeing, which is largely on goods which are imported from outside the uk, but that policy option. an looking at support schemes to support those worst off. looking at support schemes, so when people talk about the energy price cut, for example, are those sort of techniques, welcome though they might be to a degree, is that sort of thing really tinkering around the edges because of the sheer scale in the areas of the economy that are affected as you have described? that is riaht, affected as you have described? that is right. and — affected as you have described? that is right, and making sure that money gets out of the door and to the people that really need it as soon as possible. there is a big debate in the economics community about whether this inflation rise will be a permanent fixture or whether it is something that is transitory, that it is just an effect of coming out of the pandemic. but one thing we can see coming down the line is the biggest hit is going to be april. as i already said, most of the price increases are coming in with gas and electricity. a lot of people will see their bills rise and they have a price cap which means they will not get higher. but the change in april and at the same time the chancellor's new national insurance contribution rise will come in, which will squeeze packets even further. whilst the options for helping families at the moment are quite limited, we need to be looking at that april day to make sure that the chancellor gets in place the policies to prevent this turning from a crisis to a catastrophe. brute from a crisis to a catastrophe. we will seak from a crisis to a catastrophe. we will speak before then, i am sure. thank you for now. a second arrest has been made by police investigating the killing of the primary school teacher, ashling murphy in ireland. the man, who's in his thirties, is suspected of potentially withholding information. another man, arrested yesterday, is being questioned on suspicion of murdering ms murphy whose body was found on the banks of a canal in county 0ffaly a week ago. more now on the easing of covid restrictions in england from next thursday. people will no longer be encouraged to work from home or need covid passes for some major events. the mandatory wearing of masks in shops, schools and on public transport will be scrapped. adam brimelow is from nhs providers which represents hospitals and ambulance trusts, hejoins me now. good afternoon. 0ne good afternoon. one of the key reasons that people have had these restrictions in place is precisely so the nhs does not get overwhelmed and can keep operating. therefore, what do your members think of this announcement today? i what do your members think of this announcement today?— what do your members think of this announcement today? i think you can see the logic — announcement today? i think you can see the logic of _ announcement today? i think you can see the logic of this _ announcement today? i think you can see the logic of this decision - announcement today? i think you can see the logic of this decision in - see the logic of this decision in terms of total infections falling across the country. we know that is not a uniform picture, but the evidence is encouraging on that score and clearly as you say one factor has been to enable the nhs to look after patients as well as possible and as well as trusts want to. but we know the government has to. but we know the government has to base this decision on a whole wealth of other bits of evidence in terms of the economy, in terms of people's education, well—being and mental health and so on. the government has the full access to all the information in the way that we do not. we notice that the government was called on during prime minister's questions to publish the science and we think that makes sense so we can see the full evidence behind that decision, but we can see on the basis of what we are able to see that there is a logic for that decision. 50 we are able to see that there is a logic for that decision.— we are able to see that there is a logic for that decision. so there is lo . ic. logic for that decision. so there is logic- there _ logic for that decision. so there is logic. there are _ logic for that decision. so there is logic. there are often _ logic for that decision. so there is logic. there are often regional- logic. there are often regional differences and we know the rate of 0micron is down in the capital, but perhaps not in some other parts of the uk and i wonder whether it is ever possible to legislate in that situation. would your members in some parts of the country perhaps of greater concerns than others? i think that is inevitable because the impact of 0micron, as we have seen at other times in the pandemic, is not uniform across the country and as you say, the situation in london is different to some other parts of the country. i think it is worth noting that in terms of this current surge, although we do see encouraging evidence as we have discussed, the surge is not overfor the nhs. so there are really serious pressures, there are more than 16,000 patients with covid in hospitals in england and that is on top of all the other great pressures the nhs is dealing with at the moment. so it is really stretching time for the nhs and i think we would be wanting to warn against any sense of complacency about the ongoing impact of covid.- sense of complacency about the ongoing impact of covid. right, so would ou ongoing impact of covid. right, so would you still— ongoing impact of covid. right, so would you still urge _ ongoing impact of covid. right, so would you still urge caution? - ongoing impact of covid. right, so would you still urge caution? it - would you still urge caution? it changes in england next thursday, so would you still like to see people behaving with caution just thinking about their interactions and about what sort of place they are in and whether it is ventilated? all the things we have spent the last two years talking about. i things we have spent the last two years talking about.— years talking about. i think it has been really _ years talking about. i think it has been really striking _ years talking about. i think it has been really striking the _ years talking about. i think it has been really striking the way - years talking about. i think it has been really striking the way the l been really striking the way the public have responded really responsibly to the requirements of the situation that we have faced over the course of the pandemic. we would urge people to continue to behave in that way. so, yes, and i think the government also will need to accept the possibility of a resurgent, either of 0micron or of some other variant, that could come to the fore in the coming weeks and months. we know this pandemic is unpredictable and it makes sense to be cautious in the way that we deal with it. �* ., ., ~ , ., , with it. but now, thank you very much. with it. but now, thank you very much- adam — with it. but now, thank you very much. adam brimelow - with it. but now, thank you very much. adam brimelow from - with it. but now, thank you very | much. adam brimelow from nhs providers. just to remind you we have heard that there will be a briefing at five o'clock from the health secretary today. sajid javid will hold a news conference in downing street, due to begin at five o'clock. we expect to hear more about the relaxation of restrictions in england. as soon as that gets under way, at five, we will bring that straight to you and you can follow that live here. a thick coat of ash has been removed from the main airport runway in tonga, clearing the way for emergency aid to be delivered by air to the pacific island nation. new zealand and australia have sent critical supplies on navy ships, which are expected to arrive by friday. international telephone links have been restored following saturday's volcanic eruption. the us secretary of state antony blinken has warned that russia could send more troops to its border with ukraine and launch an attack at "very short notice". he is visiting the ukrainian capital, kyiv, to offer american support. russia denies that its estimated 100 thousand troops on the ukrainian border are there to invade. the number of staff vacancies in care homes in england has nearly doubled in the past nine months, according to the watchdog, the care quality commission. its research shows that by the end of last year, the number of unfilled posts had risen to more than 1 in 10. here's our social affairs editor, alison holt: care homes supporting people who are older and disabled have found it increasingly tough to find enough staff. burn—out from coping with covid, low pay and compulsory vaccinations have increased existing recruitment problems. the regulator, the care quality commission, has gathered data from more than 8,200 homes. in april of last year, on average, 6% of care—homejobs in england were unfilled. by the end of december, vacancies had nearly doubled, reaching 11.5%. care home bosses say in the last nine months, recruitment has been the toughest they've known. we've lost approximately 30% over that period. which is very significant for a small group such as ours. usually, you do find a lot of people apply for positions within the care sector. but during recent months, the number of people applying has been very, very small. a survey for the regulator of 2,000 family carers also suggests that more than half believe the dignity and independence of the person they care for was undermined during lockdowns. and nearly three quarters say the individual�*s mental health has deteriorated. the regulator wants to hear more from families about the services they're getting. we're specifically keen to hear from everyone, but also people who have loved ones in care homes. it's been a really challenging time — particularly for residents of care homes through the pandemic, where social—care providers have strove to keep people safe. but also there's been challenges around people being able to see their loved ones and to see visits. there are local recruitment campaigns, and extra money has been put in by government, but at the moment, the pressures on care services remain acute. alison holt, bbc news. 2000 it was illegal to be gay in the army, navy or raf and thousands of personnel were affected by that law. josh parry has this report. the year is a 1995. john major is the prime minister. take that are topping the charts. david was sent to military. his crime, being a gay man. there was a search _ his crime, being a gay man. there was a search of— his crime, being a gay man. there was a search of my _ his crime, being a gay man. there was a search of my room - his crime, being a gay man. there was a search of my room and - his crime, being a gay man. there was a search of my room and thisl his crime, being a gay man. there i was a search of my room and this two year investigation began. imitten was a search of my room and this two year investigation began.— year investigation began. when david “oined the year investigation began. when david joined the royal— year investigation began. when david joined the royal air— year investigation began. when david joined the royal air force _ year investigation began. when david joined the royal air force as - year investigation began. when david joined the royal air force as a - joined the royal air force as a medic age 17 he was still discovering his identity. i medic age 17 he was still discovering his identity. i put my life on the _ discovering his identity. i put my life on the line _ discovering his identity. i put my life on the line for _ discovering his identity. i put my life on the line for the _ discovering his identity. i put my life on the line for the country i life on the line for the country going to the first gulf war. so, yes, i was proud of that, of help in keeping the country safe and knowing they would do the best they could for me, provided they got the best out of me. from the moment i admitted to it i was held in a cell separate from everyone and then the trial happened and then you go in handcuffs and you are treated like any other prisoner, as if i had murdered someone. it is thought around 5000 _ murdered someone. it is thought around 5000 service _ murdered someone. it is thought around 5000 service men - murdered someone. it is thought around 5000 service men and . murdered someone. it is thought - around 5000 service men and women were affected by the ban on lgbt personnel in the military. it remained in place until the year 2000 when this group of veterans took theirfight against 2000 when this group of veterans took their fight against the ban to the european court of human rights. many people before that lost their jobs and they have been without incomes and in some occasions they have lost pensions. do you accept the only meaningful outcome of this review can be financial compensation. i review can be financial compensation. review can be financial comensation. ., . , . compensation. i totally accept that the financial _ compensation. i totally accept that the financial impact _ compensation. i totally accept that the financial impact that _ compensation. i totally accept that the financial impact that a - compensation. i totally accept that the financial impact that a lot - compensation. i totally accept that the financial impact that a lot of i the financial impact that a lot of these _ the financial impact that a lot of these people suffered unjustly, so i totally _ these people suffered unjustly, so i totally accept that this is a cause of live _ totally accept that this is a cause of live debate and i really look forward — of live debate and i really look forward to the full range of recommendations that the independent reviewer— recommendations that the independent reviewer might make. not recommendations that the independent reviewer might make.— reviewer might make. not everyone im acted reviewer might make. not everyone impacted was _ reviewer might make. not everyone impacted was dismissed _ reviewer might make. not everyone impacted was dismissed outright. . impacted was dismissed outright. some, like patrick, felt forced to resign after falling in love. some, like patrick, felt forced to resign afterfalling in love. he some, like patrick, felt forced to resign after falling in love. he was a lovely guy. _ resign after falling in love. he was a lovely guy. he — resign after falling in love. he was a lovely guy, he was _ resign after falling in love. he was a lovely guy, he was called - resign after falling in love. he was | a lovely guy, he was called dennis. but i learnt something else and that was he was hiv positive.— was he was hiv positive. unable to tell his bosses _ was he was hiv positive. unable to tell his bosses about _ was he was hiv positive. unable to tell his bosses about the _ tell his bosses about the relationship and terror terrified of being sent to the other side of the world was his partner was dying, patrick handed in his one year's notice to leave the navy. dennis died just two years —— days before he was allowed home for good. i reflected on one thing, that in the past 48 hours the only two things that had ever mattered to me had gone. that had ever mattered to me had one. ~ ., that had ever mattered to me had one. . ., ., ., . , gone. while today's announcement is bein: gone. while today's announcement is being cautiously _ gone. while today's announcement is being cautiously welcomed _ gone. while today's announcement is being cautiously welcomed by - gone. while today's announcement is being cautiously welcomed by lgbt. being cautiously welcomed by lgbt veterans, the message is clear. they are not interested in apologies, they want compensation. josh parry, bbc news. we will talk a bit more about the rate of inflation and the cost of living going up at a really alarming pace, at the highest pace now for 30 years. let's talk about the impact, particularly on children. let's talk to the head of economics at the joseph rowntree foundation. good afternoon, i know you have done particular work on the impact of children, one parent families. explain if you can your findings, your biggest concerns in that area. i think we are all concerned about the rising cost of living at the moment, watching the news and seeing stories about energy bills and that affects all of us. but if you are living on a low income you are probably getting real fear about the situation at the moment and what is to come and that is because where the price rises are coming from. in the price rises are coming from. in the last year we have seen energy prices rise. in the past month the biggest contributor to rising prices was food, and they are things that make up much more of your spending if you are on a low income and they are not things we expect people to cut back on. a lot of families will be thinking how on earth they will manage their budget in the months to come. but the most worrying thing is that prices are already rising but the biggest price rise is still to come and that is as we look ahead to april and a price rise of many hundreds of pounds to energy bills and that for many families is the sort of thing that will be causing them realfear at sort of thing that will be causing them real fear at the sort of thing that will be causing them realfear at the moment. thus sort of thing that will be causing them real fear at the moment. as you sa , aril them real fear at the moment. as you say. april is — them real fear at the moment. as you say, april is looming, _ them real fear at the moment. as you say, april is looming, not _ them real fear at the moment. as you say, april is looming, not really - say, april is looming, not really that far away. what would you like to see done? what could be done to try to immediately tackle some of this. people think particularly in relation to energy bills, but perhaps more than that as well. absolutely. it is clear there needs to be something fast, something in an emergency and something that will help those most at risk from the energy price rise in april. that means the government needs to look at targeted support at those on the lowest incomes who are really going to be finding things hard and looking at the price rise. but also what the situation highlights is we should not be in a situation where there comes along a crisis and people are already in such a fragile situation that that drags them deeper into poverty. research has also shown that before this cost of living crisis, 1.8 million children across the country were growing up in deep poverty, meaning they are in families whose incomes are completely inadequate to meet their living costs. in the long run we have to do something now, but we also have to think about how we get to a situation where our social security system provides people with the kind of security that they need in face of the rising costs. brute the kind of security that they need in face of the rising costs.- in face of the rising costs. we are talkin: in face of the rising costs. we are talking about _ in face of the rising costs. we are talking about in _ in face of the rising costs. we are talking about in work _ in face of the rising costs. we are talking about in work poverty, - talking about in work poverty, people who have multiplejobs but that does not cover the basics and you cannot possibly keep up with the speed with which we are seeing gas and electricity go up.— and electricity go up. absolutely. we have seen — and electricity go up. absolutely. we have seen in _ and electricity go up. absolutely. we have seen in recent _ and electricity go up. absolutely. we have seen in recent years - and electricity go up. absolutely. | we have seen in recent years that being in work is absolutely no guarantee for escaping poverty. working and nonworking households alike are in realfinancial difficulties. what i mean is for people is constant pressure, constant stress of working out all those things that you need and when you see the prices of food and energy, there is essential is that we all just absolutely energy, there is essential is that we alljust absolutely need in our lives, going up, that is constant pressure and real fear for people. dave ennis, thank you very much indeed. from thejoseph rowntree foundation. the time is six minutes before three. we will be live in downing street at the top of the hour. we will have much more on all the day's political developments. quite how to keep up sometimes. ben brown will have much more from three from downing st. before we return, let's squeeze in one more story of an entirely different nature. the classic children's show fraggle rock will return to tv screens this week with a fresh reboot more than thirty years after the last series was made. 0riginally devised by the muppets creatorjim henson, the programme will see the return of favourites like gobo, boober, and uncle travelling matt. 0ur correspondent tim muffet has the story. # dance your cares away! # worries for another day. # let the music play. # down in fraggle rock! # sound familiar? fraggle rock. first broadcast in 1983. a muppet show spin off that itself became an international tv hit. # each day's a party if you hadn't noticed... and now, nearly 40 years later, it is returning. 0verseen by muppet creator jim henson's daughter. it's not cynical, and it feels like it's special for today because you know, parents and kids are dealing with stress and anxiety and you know, why notjust revel in the joy and innocence of these characters? as they did in the original series, the furrry cave dwellers will be celebrating silliness, friendship, and a curiosity about the society they live in. and of course, i'm out of radishes! i don't know what happened to them all! and the voice of the original boober, david goelz, has also returned. he also voiced gonzo in the muppets. if someone's got to face certain doom, might as well be the soup guy. what's interesting is the show is infectious. it's not really like a children's show. it's a show for everybody. and the whole crew bought into it the first time, and i think they did this time too. for some, classic tv is best left alone. but for a new generation, an updated world of fraggle rock awaits. tim muffet, that's muffet, not muppet, bbc news. fight glad clarify that. now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. hello. this very quiet spell of weather has been interrupted by an area of rain moving southwards across the uk. so some areas woke up to a wet start but the rain clears on through and it brightens up and certainly for scotland and northern england, there has been plenty of sunshine so far today. and as the weather front clears away, other areas are going to break out into the sunshine. high pressure beginning to move back in, but before it becomes established, a chillier north westerly flow coming down across us, so that really on a strengthening wind brings a chill to things. no frost this morning — tomorrow morning is going to be a different matter, as we will see. so any cloud and rain clearing away from southern areas. plenty of sunny spells to come. a few showers into northern ireland, north wales, but particularly across the northern half of scotland. it'll begin to turn wintry onto the hills here, maybe to lower levels getting into this evening into the northern isles. this is a strengthening north westerly wind. these are average speeds, gusts around northern scotland and the northern isles of 40—50 miles an hour. really making things colder than even these temperatures might suggest as they fall away as we get on into the evening. another widespread frost setting in with largely clear skies tonight. continuing with a feed of showers that are running down across north sea coastal areas here, they'll be wintry at least on hills but to lower levels, parts of north—east scotland, northern isles, so there could be some icy patches around as well in places as these temperatures dip. more of a rural frost in northern ireland. the larger areas, town and city centres, will be staying above freezing and perhaps avoiding a frost in the far west of scotland, far west of wales and into cornwall. the odd shower running through pembrokeshire, cornwall tomorrow and still one or two clipping north sea coastal parts of england, especially lincolnshire and norfolk. the strongest of the winds easing across northern scotland and as for temperatures, it will feel chilly but there will be plenty of sunshine around for most places on through thursday. 0n into the evening, again with largely clear skies, the frost setting in. a sharper frost as we start off on friday. could be one or two mist and fog patches and the idea we start to bring a bit more cloud in across western areas on friday, leaving the best of the sunshine towards the east and temperatures just edging up a little bit. they'll stay close to average for the time of year over the weekend. with the high pressure, there will be plenty of dry weather around. this weather front�*s clipping northern scotland, giving some outbreaks of rain at times. a chance of some fog at times too, and overnight frost. hello and a very good afternoon to you. this is bbc news. i'm ben brown live in downing street — the headlines at 3:00: borisjohnson fights for his premiership over lockdown parties in downing street and defends his record to a packed house of commons. we have more people in employment, more employees on the payroll now than they were before the pandemic began. that is what my staff have been working on in downing street, mr speaker. doesn't the country deserve so much better than this out of touch, out of control, out of ideas, and soon to be out of office prime minister? cheering just before prime minister's questions, a dramatic defection. the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakeford crossed the commons floor to join the labour party — and a former cabinet minister had this message for borisjohnson. you have sat there too long - for all the good you have done. in the name of god, go. and i'mjane hill here in the studio — the other headlines this hour: the prime minister has outlined a relaxation of some covid restrictions in england, starting next thursday. the cost of living has risen at its fastest pace for nearly 30 years, driven by increases in food bills and energy prices. good afternoon from downing street on a day of high political drama. borisjohnson has been facing more criticism of his leadership in the house of commons today — including a withering attack from one of his own backbenchers, the senior conservative mp and former minister david davis. he said he expected his leader to take responsibility and ended by telling mrjohnson "in the name of god, go". there was another blow for the prime minister earlier when the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakeford, defected to the labour party — saying mrjohnson had shown himself incapable of offering the leadership the country deserved. 0ne tory mp told the bbc today that some of those elected in 2019 have sent letters of no confidence in the prime minister to the party's backbench committee. the 1922 committee. 54 such letters are required to trigger a leadership vote. let's get more on the day's events so far, from our plitical correspondent damian grammaticas. with rebellion against him brewing, borisjohnson summoned his cabinet this morning, hoping perhaps that a decision to lift covid restrictions might help save him from a challenge. at conservative headquarters, the party chairman faced the question all tory mps are now being asked. does he have your support? of course he does. are you supporting the prime minister? yes. and backbenchers too were also called to downing street today. the reason i've come out in so you can get a photo and then if you move across the road... the febrile atmosphere has been heightened by mrjohnson's former right—hand man, dominic cummings. he says the prime minister was warned about the summer garden party and last week lied to parliament. yesterday, a beleaguered mrjohnson denied that. nobody told me... i am absolutely categorical about this, nobody said to me this is an event that is against the rules, that is in breach of what we are asking everybody else to do, should not go ahead. but back in 2020, you could only meet one person outside. mrjohnson himself set those rules, and ten days before the party, urged everybody to follow them. you must obey the rules of social distancing. to enforce those rules, we will increase the fines for the small minority who break them. so, mrjohnson's denials have not placated some in his party. the country needs leadership at this time. what it doesn't want is a governing party at war with itself. right now, i'm afraid that to many people out there, that is what they are seeing. so i think the prime minister should be considering his position. my position is that we need to wait and see what the facts were. is it all over, prime minister? is it time to resign? in a precarious position, he left heading for a potentially crucial prime minister's questions. just before he got there, cheers from labour benches. the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakefield, had just crossed the floor to sit on the opposition benches. can i start by warmly welcoming the honourable member for bury south to the parliamentary labour party? mr speaker, like so many people up and down the country, he has concluded that the prime minister and the conservative party have shown themselves incapable of offering the leadership and government this country deserves. as for bury south, mr speaker... let me say to the right honourable gentleman, mr speaker, might i say to the right honourable gentleman, the conservative party won bury south for the first time in generations under this prime minister, with an agenda of uniting and levelling up, and delivering for the people of bury south. mr speaker, we will win again in bury south at the next election, under this prime minister. no sign there of a prime minister thinking of resigning. but sir keir starmer was enjoying this. bury south is now a labour seat, prime minister. he then said that borisjohnson's defence did not sound credible. it also requires the prime minister to ask us to accept that as he waded through the empty bottles and platters of sandwiches, he did not realise it was a party! laughter does the prime minister realise how ridiculous that sounds? throughout the pandemic, people in government have been working flat out to protect the british public with huge quantities of ppe, so we can now make 80% in the country, with the biggest and most generous furlough scheme virtually anywhere in the world. perhaps most damaging moment was when one of the most senior tory backbenchers stepped in. but i expect my leaders - to shoulder the responsibility for the actions they take. yesterday, he did i the opposite of that. so i will remind him of a quotation altogether too familiar to him, - of leo amery to neville chamberlain. you have sat there too long, i for all the good you have done. in the name of god, go. and what matters now is how many conservative mps think the same, and submit letters for him to go. damian grammaticas, bbc news. well, we have heard in the last few minutes the prime minister's press secretary says if it comes to a confidence vote, borisjohnson would fight that and i still think he is the best man for the job and is also talking to mps this afternoon in the commons to shore up his support. 0ur political correspondent alex forsyth is in pa rliament�*s central lobby. in the palace of westminster. it was a more competitive performance perhaps, that is what some observers are saying, by the prime minister at prime minister's questions and a sign he is really fighting back. i certainly think that is the message the prime minister wanted to convey, particularly after giving what many saw with a downbeat interview yesterday. he struck a more bullish tone but it was only moments before prime minister's questions that one of his mps deflected to the labour party. christian wakeford who won his seat in 2019. during prime minister's questions itself we had those comments from david davies, former cabinet minister, long serving senior tory mp who effectively implied he thought the prime minister should go. so whether borisjohnson's prime minister should go. so whether boris johnson's fighting tone prime minister should go. so whether borisjohnson's fighting tone will boris johnson's fighting tone will be borisjohnson's fighting tone will be enough we will boris johnson's fighting tone will be enough we will have to see. to talk about all of that i'm with mark prichard, conservative mp. what did you think when david davies said what he did to the prime minister today? he what he did to the prime minister toda ? ., , , ., what he did to the prime minister toda ? . , , ., ~ ., what he did to the prime minister toda ? , ., ~ ., ., , today? he has been an mp for many ears and today? he has been an mp for many years and is — today? he has been an mp for many years and is entitled _ today? he has been an mp for many years and is entitled to _ today? he has been an mp for many years and is entitled to his - today? he has been an mp for many years and is entitled to his view. - today? he has been an mp for many years and is entitled to his view. i i years and is entitled to his view. i don't _ years and is entitled to his view. i don't agree — years and is entitled to his view. i don't agree. but i have supported david _ don't agree. but i have supported david for— don't agree. but i have supported david for many years but i think he was mistaken today and perhaps a little ill _ was mistaken today and perhaps a little illjudged in his comments. the fact— little illjudged in his comments. the fact is— little illjudged in his comments. the fact is the mood today is a lot better— the fact is the mood today is a lot better in— the fact is the mood today is a lot better in the house of commons than it has— better in the house of commons than it has been_ better in the house of commons than it has been for some weeks. i think there's— it has been for some weeks. i think there's a _ it has been for some weeks. i think there's a very robust and strong performance by the prime minister at pmos— performance by the prime minister at pmqs today and i think we are in a place _ pmqs today and i think we are in a place now— pmqs today and i think we are in a place now where people are saying, look, _ place now where people are saying, look. let's _ place now where people are saying, look, let's build back better and focus _ look, let's build back better and focus on — look, let's build back better and focus on the economy. the economy now is— focus on the economy. the economy now is the _ focus on the economy. the economy now is the fastest growing in the g7. people want to start to see the backlog _ g7. people want to start to see the backlog of— g7. people want to start to see the backlog of operations at our hospitals get sorted out, gp surgeries open again. it is great news _ surgeries open again. it is great news the — surgeries open again. it is great news the economy will continue to open _ news the economy will continue to open again— news the economy will continue to open again next week. so whilst it's important _ open again next week. so whilst it's important that the sue gray inquiry reports _ important that the sue gray inquiry reports and we make judgments... judgments — reports and we make judgments... judgments are made from that as a party— judgments are made from that as a party i _ judgments are made from that as a party i think most people are saying let's get— party i think most people are saying let's get back building the economy and i let's get back building the economy and i think— let's get back building the economy and i think as far as the party is concerned. _ and i think as far as the party is concerned, we are seeing a lot more support— concerned, we are seeing a lot more support for— concerned, we are seeing a lot more support for the prime minister today, — support for the prime minister today, compared to even two or three weeks _ today, compared to even two or three weeks ago _ today, compared to even two or three weeks ago that i think the mood has changed _ weeks ago that i think the mood has changed and things are a lot better. you will_ changed and things are a lot better. you will know some of those mps elected in 2019 did meet yesterday and there was lots of speculation about how many might have written letters calling for a vote of no confidence, even if they didn't submit them. is your sense now that the moment of danger has passed for the moment of danger has passed for the prime minister?— the moment of danger has passed for the prime minister? there is moments of dan . er the prime minister? there is moments of danger every _ the prime minister? there is moments of danger every week _ the prime minister? there is moments of danger every week in _ the prime minister? there is moments of danger every week in political - of danger every week in political life but— of danger every week in political life but i— of danger every week in political life but i think the prime minister's performance today was robust. _ minister's performance today was robust, strong and colleagues i spoke — robust, strong and colleagues i spoke to— robust, strong and colleagues i spoke to since said perhaps we need to give _ spoke to since said perhaps we need to give sue — spoke to since said perhaps we need to give sue gray's inquiry time to report _ to give sue gray's inquiry time to report i— to give sue gray's inquiry time to report. i think that is only fair. the _ report. i think that is only fair. the british— report. i think that is only fair. the british people are fair—minded and just— the british people are fair—minded and just minded and probably saying why are _ and just minded and probably saying why are some people encouraging other— why are some people encouraging other mps to put letters and before the inquiry— other mps to put letters and before the inquiry has reported? i think people _ the inquiry has reported? i think people talk about the so—called pork pie plot— people talk about the so—called pork pie plot and anybody who eats pork pies and _ pie plot and anybody who eats pork pies and perhaps i have eaten too many— pies and perhaps i have eaten too many of— pies and perhaps i have eaten too many of my time, there are large pork— many of my time, there are large pork pies — many of my time, there are large pork pies and miniature pork pies and i_ pork pies and miniature pork pies and i suspect this was a miniature pork— and i suspect this was a miniature pork pie _ and i suspect this was a miniature pork pie plot. it has probably passed — pork pie plot. it has probably passed its peak. i think the prime minister's — passed its peak. i think the prime minister's position is a lot stronger— minister's position is a lot stronger today than yesterday. mark prichard, thank _ stronger today than yesterday. mark prichard, thank you. _ stronger today than yesterday. i— prichard, thank you. saying the position of the prime minister look stronger but it's not yet settled. a lot of mps whether angry or frustrated with the prime minister are prepared to wait for the sue gray report, who is leading the cabinet office inquiry into various allegations about parties in downing street and other government departments. many mps are waiting to see what that says before deciding what comes next. mark prichard saying the sting has been taken out of some of this today but the bigger questions are still far from settled. , ., .,., ., , ., settled. yes, an extraordinary image he was giving — settled. yes, an extraordinary image he was giving you — settled. yes, an extraordinary image he was giving you of— settled. yes, an extraordinary image he was giving you of a _ settled. yes, an extraordinary image he was giving you of a miniature i he was giving you of a miniature porkpie plot being passed its sell by date. alex, thank you very much indeed. let's explore if it is past its sell by date with camilla cavendish. baroness cavendish, crossbench peer and former head of the downing street policy unit under prime minister david cameron. do you agree it was a more combative feisty performance from boris johnson in the commons than he gave last week when he made that heartfelt apology, as he put it, for being in the garden at that party? and also the interview last night, yesterday, with beth rigby, where he appeared pretty downtrodden and looking at the floor most of the time? it looking at the floor most of the time? ., , ., looking at the floor most of the time? .,, ., , ~' looking at the floor most of the time? ., , ~ time? it was a striking contrast, wasn't it. _ time? it was a striking contrast, wasn't it. to _ time? it was a striking contrast, wasn't it, to yesterday, - time? it was a striking contrast, wasn't it, to yesterday, when i time? it was a striking contrast, j wasn't it, to yesterday, when he time? it was a striking contrast, i wasn't it, to yesterday, when he had this hangdog expression? i think some people might be asking themselves whether yesterday might have been tactical, to be honest, because to be able to come out in such feisty style today if you'd felt quite so sorry yesterday is a bit of a stretch. i actually think what was more interesting about pmqs today was keir starmer�*s performance was that he looked to me like he had grown a foot, he was really witty and a lot of labour advisers are saying now that boris johnson and a lot of labour advisers are saying now that borisjohnson is the man keir starmer would prefer to face at the next general election because it's really quite easy now to attack him. i think tory mps will stop focusing on that, is there a better candidate who would be tougher to beat? but better candidate who would be tougher to beat?— better candidate who would be tougher to beat? better candidate who would be tou~her to beat? �* , ., , ~ , tougher to beat? but the blows keep cominu for tougher to beat? but the blows keep coming for the _ tougher to beat? but the blows keep coming for the prime _ tougher to beat? but the blows keep coming for the prime minister. - tougher to beat? but the blows keep coming for the prime minister. we . coming for the prime minister. we had that defectionjust coming for the prime minister. we had that defection just before prime minister's questions and david davies saying "in the name of god, go." davies saying "in the name of god, o,ll ., ., davies saying "in the name of god, no." ,, ., ., �* , davies saying "in the name of god, no." ,, ., ., ~ , , davies saying "in the name of god, go." quoting leo amery is pretty tou~h go." quoting leo amery is pretty tough stuff- _ go." quoting leo amery is pretty tough stuff. look, _ go." quoting leo amery is pretty tough stuff. look, things - go." quoting leo amery is pretty tough stuff. look, things are i go." quoting leo amery is pretty tough stuff. look, things are not| tough stuff. look, things are not looking healthy for the prime minister. he actually even made a mistake when he was responding to the shock news, saying it was a labour seat for generations. it wasn't, it was held by the tories until 1997. wasn't, it was held by the tories until1997. he wasn't, it was held by the tories until 1997. he was on the back foot throughout with that kind of shock revelation. what's interesting i suppose is whether the electoral coalition that borisjohnson suppose is whether the electoral coalition that boris johnson formed in 2019 coalition that borisjohnson formed in 2019 can coalition that boris johnson formed in 2019 can hold. coalition that borisjohnson formed in 2019 can hold. i think that is a big part of the debate amongst conservative mps, is when to move against him and how because they are concerned as to whether they can hold the so—called red wall seats and we are now seeing, as you said earlier, so—called porkpie grouping is beginning to show a bit more courage, i think, is beginning to show a bit more courage, ithink, than is beginning to show a bit more courage, i think, than some of the older and more experienced mps. but if he survives this current crisis and there isn't a leadership challenge, how damaged do you think he is, just looking further ahead into the future? how much has all of this cost him in terms of political support? this cost him in terms of political su ort? ~ ~ , this cost him in terms of political su--ort? ~ ~ , ., ., , support? well, i think he is fatally damaued. support? well, i think he is fatally damaged. whether _ support? well, i think he is fatally damaged. whether he _ support? well, i think he is fatally damaged. whether he goes - support? well, i think he is fatally damaged. whether he goes now. support? well, i think he is fatally| damaged. whether he goes now or later, the polls are terrible. theresa may's polling was pretty awful before her demise and his ratings are now lower. i think he's heading into a perfect storm. we have inflation rising, we have real wages falling. we have those energy bills about to hit. that would mean that if he stays on, the local elections could be really dire for the conservative party forced up the danger is there will be a steady drip drip of decline in his authority. who knows? there may be more revelations yet to come. who knows what else dominic cummings, his former chief of staff, has up his former chief of staff, has up his sleeve?— his former chief of staff, has up his sleeve? . ., ,., .,, ., ., his sleeve? can i ask you as a man who ran the _ his sleeve? can i ask you as a man who ran the downing _ his sleeve? can i ask you as a man who ran the downing street - his sleeve? can i ask you as a man who ran the downing street policy| who ran the downing street policy unit, there is... it is alleged, this drinking culture, party culture in the building behind me in number 10. is it possible for that to have existed without the prime minister knowing about it, in your view? in my view, absolutely impossible. knowing about it, in your view? i�*i my view, absolutely impossible. that has not been the previous culture of previous number 10s and the e—mail was apparently sent by martin reynolds, the principal private secretary to the prime minister. i think it's inconceivable that a man in that role would have sent an e—mail without the prime minister having seen it. to think otherwise is to imagine that this prime minister simply wasn't in control of anything at all. if you go back to what he said yesterday, he almost seemed to be saying nobody told me i was in charge. well, in that case, it begs the question: why did you want to be prime minister? if you can't even be in charge of your own building, it doesn't look well for him. ., ., ., , building, it doesn't look well for him. . . ., , ., ,, him. camilla cavendish, baroness cavendish. _ him. camilla cavendish, baroness cavendish, thank— him. camilla cavendish, baroness cavendish, thank you _ him. camilla cavendish, baroness cavendish, thank you so - him. camilla cavendish, baroness cavendish, thank you so much i him. camilla cavendish, baroness cavendish, thank you so much forj cavendish, thank you so much for your time and insights today. the prime minister has announced today an easing of england's�*s coronavirus restrictions known as plan b measures from thursday. he announced that after the dramatic prime minister's questions. people were no longer be encouraged to work from home and won't need a covid pass for some big events and wearing facemasks in shops, schools and public transport will no longer be necessary. sophie hutchinson has this report. compulsory mask wearing in shops, just one of the plan b measures introduced in england in december, as 0micron infections soared. working from home was another, along with vaccination passports for large events. but borisjohnson went to the commons today to announce that all plan b restrictions would be lifted from next thursday. from now on, the government is no longer asking people to work from home. and people should now speak to their employers about arrangements for returning to the office. and having looked at the data carefully, the cabinet concluded that once regulations lapse, the government will no longer mandate the wearing face masks anywhere. figures from the office of national statistics, considered amongst the most reliable for infection rates, are now showing the most significant fall in uk covid cases since the 0micron wave hit. still, around one in 20 of all citizens in the united kingdom have the virus. but this reduction is incredibly encouraging news. hospital admissions are also showing encouraging signs. london, which was at the front of this latest wave, has seen a sharp decline. england has seen falls for six days now, and even further north in scotland, the situation seems to be improving. next week, restrictions on hospitality in scotland will be lifted. but there's still caution about easing working from home. if you are looking at the risk menu, and you've got a cinema with 200 people in it, compared to asking the working population of scotland to go back on the trains, back on the buses, back to work, that is a different level of risk. so that's why we are holding that back for now. restrictions on large sporting events and nightclubs will be lifted in wales in the coming days. but no easing has yet been announced for northern ireland. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. just to let you know, the health secretary sajid javid will be holding a news conference here in downing street at 5pm this afternoon, about that relaxation of coronavirus restrictions in england. we will bring you full live coverage of that news conference here on bbc news. so as we have been hearing, the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakeford, dramatically christian wa keford, dramatically defected christian wakeford, dramatically defected to the labour partyjust a few minutes before prime minister's questions. we were talking to the editor of the bury times who broke the story exclusively, and it was a moment of high political drama and theatre when he crossed the floor of theatre when he crossed the floor of the commons. the first conservative mp to cross over to labour for 15 years. our reporter is in place is there a sense of shock and surprise in bury south that he defected from the tories to the labour party? there is a bit of a sense of surprise. i am there is a bit of a sense of surprise. iam in there is a bit of a sense of surprise. i am in the town of prestwich in bury, large town in the constituency of a stop to give you a bit of background to this, this area has, about a fifth of is it is the jewish community. what some of them have been saying to me is actually last time, if you think back to the 2019 election when they succeed turned, it was one of the famous red wall seats. what people he had told me today that actually it wasn't brexit that drove that to happen, it wasn't brexit that won them over to the conservatives, it was the anti—semitism row that labour was experiencing that drove them away from labour. so that gives quite a bit of context as to how people are feeling here because of course you've got the predictable party lines. i've spoken to some people who have been a lifelong conservative voters who told me that they simply couldn't stomach voting for labour and there is no way they would vote for him now that he has crossed over and has defected, but equally there are some people who told me they've been lifelong labour supporters who are now willing to open him with open arms and says his defection reflects well on him. as well as alongside those, predictable as i said, predictable divisions over party lines, there is this element of what the response is going to be now. whether the feeling is the labour party has done enough to distance itself from the anti—semitism row of the past in orderfor anti—semitism row of the past in order for people to feel like they can accept their mp switching from conservative to labour. shunt! can accept their mp switching from conservative to labour.— conservative to labour. and of course this _ conservative to labour. and of course this is _ conservative to labour. and of course this is a _ conservative to labour. and of course this is a very _ conservative to labour. and of course this is a very marginal. course this is a very marginal constituency, isn't it? i think his majority at the election was just over 400, 402, so it's an extraordinary marginal constituency, bury south? extraordinary marginal constituency, bu south? ., , bury south? that is right. in the 2019 election, _ bury south? that is right. in the 2019 election, it _ bury south? that is right. in the 2019 election, it was _ bury south? that is right. in the 2019 election, it was the - bury south? that is right. in the 2019 election, it was the tenth l bury south? that is right. in the i 2019 election, it was the tenth most marginal seat in the country. so it was by a very narrow breath that he won the seat, which is why it is quite a tenuous position. some people i have spoken to today say they don't feel it was a particularly wise move, again because they don't know how far he can take people with him across the divide from the conservatives to labour. you have other people saying, who said to me they vote voted him in as a conservative mp. some were lifelong conservative supporters so the question is, does he have enough support, given how marginal that seat was, how marginal his seat was, has he built enough support to take people with him now? a lot of people i spoke to did actually say they liked him personally as an mp. they feel like he's very engaged with the local community and are quite happy with some of the work he has done here locally. the question is will that be enough to have built on the margin of his victory to see him through this switch from conservative to labour? 0k, thank ou ve conservative to labour? 0k, thank you very much _ conservative to labour? 0k, thank you very much indeed. _ conservative to labour? 0k, thank you very much indeed. that - conservative to labour? 0k, thank you very much indeed. that is - conservative to labour? 0k, thank you very much indeed. that is it i you very much indeed. that is it from me with the latest from downing street. i will hand you back to jane hill in the studio. ben brown, thank you very much indeed. much more from downing street to come. a very good afternoon to you. we will take a look at some of the day's other stories now and in particular talk about inflation and the cost of living. but a few other stories before that. the us secretary of state has warned russia could send more troops to its border with ukraine and launch an attack at what he called at very short notice. antony blinken is visiting the ukrainian capital kyiv to offer us support. russia denies that its estimated 100,000 troops on the ukrainian border are there to invade. a thick coat of ash has been removed from the main airport runway in tonga clearing the way for emergency aid to be delivered by ed to the pacific island nation. new zealand and australia have sent critical supplies on navy ships, which are expected to arrive by friday. international telephone links have been restored following saturday's volcanic eruption. a second arrest has been made by police investigating the killing of the primary school teacher, ashling murphy, in ireland. the man, who's in his 30s, is suspected of potentially withholding information. another man, arrested yesterday, is being questioned on suspicion of murdering ms murphy — whose body was found on the banks of a canal in county 0ffaly a week ago. as we have been reflecting here, the cost of living has risen at its fastest pace in nearly 30 years, according to the new official figures. inflation rose to 5.4% in december, up from 5.1% in november, driven mainly by higherfood prices and energy bills. the figure is more than double the bank of england's target for inflation. the last time inflation was higher was in march 1992, when it stood at 7.1%. and our business correspondent ramzan karmali joins me now. some eye watering figures and so much of it is about energy. more than that but particularly energy bills which we talk about so much still. . . , , , bills which we talk about so much still. . i, ,., bills which we talk about so much still. .._ still. electricity is up almost 1996, as u- still. electricity is up almost 1996, gas up 28%- _ still. electricity is up almost 1996, gas up 28%- it — still. electricity is up almost 1996, gas up 2896. it is _ still. electricity is up almost 1996, gas up 2896. it is not _ still. electricity is up almost 1996, gas up 2896. it is not a _ still. electricity is up almost 1996, gas up 2896. it is not a surprise, l gas up 28%. it is not a surprise, really. there has been this problem with us getting our energy prices down and there is more pain to come. 0fgem are meeting soon and they will be giving a reassessment of the energy price cap, which will be changed in april. many are predicting prices to go up by 50%, around £60 extra per month on average for people. a lot more pain to come and it's notjust energy, there are other things as well. you mentioned food. margarine went up 27%, just one thing there. so there are some pretty tough choices for people to make, in terms of what we eat, what we choose to consume moving forward. bud eat, what we choose to consume moving forward.— eat, what we choose to consume moving forward. and policy -wise, what are the _ moving forward. and policy -wise, what are the options _ moving forward. and policy -wise, what are the options question i moving forward. and policy -wise, what are the options question at i moving forward. and policy -wise, i what are the options question at the charity and academics we have had on the programme in the last hour or so have said you need targeted support for people to be able to deal with this because by definition it affects lower income households disproportionately? stand affects lower income households disproportionately?— disproportionately? and also the bank of england _ disproportionately? and also the bank of england have _ disproportionately? and also the bank of england have very i disproportionately? and also the| bank of england have very limited ammunition. interest rates are already low and if they raise them to get inflation under control, that could also hurt households because the cost of your mortgage will go up as well. there are... they are in a tight bind. the iss were talking about possibly looking at benefits and upgrading benefits to help people through this difficult period. —— the iss. and a lot of the things we are student loans, things like train fares, there was also, that will hurt people as well going forward. there are quite a lot of tough choices for government and officials to make and how they will get us through this in terms of the squeeze on cost of living. the chancellor — squeeze on cost of living. the chancellor says _ squeeze on cost of living. the chancellor says he _ squeeze on cost of living. the chancellor says he understands the pressure that people are facing. he: might understand them but i think people are after action. the 0fgem meeting is in the next couple of weeks. they said they would give out some sort of announcement before that in terms of what they will do for energy bills but we have not heard anything just yet. fiiq for energy bills but we have not heard anything just yet. heard anything 'ust yet. 0k, we wait to see, heard anything 'ust yet. 0k, we wait to thank — heard anything just yet. 0k, we wait to see, thank you _ heard anything just yet. 0k, we wait to see, thank you very _ heard anything just yet. 0k, we wait to see, thank you very much. - heard anything just yet. 0k, we wait to see, thank you very much. we i heard anything just yet. 0k, we wait| to see, thank you very much. we will see you again in the next hour. in the next half an hour or so, i'm going to be talking to a number of people, particularly to talk about the impact on younger people as well on how they are dealing with the real cost of living crisis at the moment. 0n real cost of living crisis at the moment. on a day that is also very much about politics, let's return to westminster. we can cross back and join our political correspondent alex forsyth. i think you have more... it is hard to keep up but on all of today�* development. more... it is hard to keep up but on all of today' development.— all of today' development. another fast moving — all of today' development. another fast moving day. _ all of today' development. another fast moving day. we _ all of today' development. another fast moving day. we had _ all of today' development. another fast moving day. we had a - all of today' development. another fast moving day. we had a pretty l fast moving day. we had a pretty pivotal prime minister�*s questions given the pressure borisjohnson was on the other is that lots of mps watching to see what he would say but even before we got to see him on his feet, a defection. conservative mp christian wakeford across the floor to join the labour party bust up floor to join the labour party bust up during prime minister�*s questions the senior conservative mp david davis effectively called on the prime minister to go. to chew over all of that i am joined by one of the conservative mps who had submitted a letter calling for a vote of no confidence in the prime minister. a lot of speculation in the past 24 hours in particular about if that threshold for a no—confidence vote might be crossed. where do you think we are this afternoon? i where do you think we are this afternoon?— afternoon? i think we're pretty close. i wouldn't _ afternoon? i think we're pretty close. i wouldn't be _ afternoon? i think we're pretty close. i wouldn't be surprised. afternoon? i think we're pretty| close. i wouldn't be surprised if afternoon? i think we're pretty i close. i wouldn't be surprised if we cross _ close. i wouldn't be surprised if we cross the _ close. i wouldn't be surprised if we cross the 54 — close. i wouldn't be surprised if we cross the 54 letter threshold this week, _ cross the 54 letter threshold this week, which would mean we would be having _ week, which would mean we would be having a _ week, which would mean we would be having a confidence vote of the conservative party next week. why would ou conservative party next week. why would you want _ conservative party next week. why would you want a _ conservative party next week. lung would you want a vote of conservative party next week. bit“i;.' would you want a vote of no confidence in the prime minister before you see the findings of the official investigation into the allegations that is being carried out by the cabinet office? i think that sue gray's _ out by the cabinet office? i think that sue gray's report _ out by the cabinet office? i think that sue gray's report has - out by the cabinet office? i think that sue gray's report has been l out by the cabinet office? i think i that sue gray's report has been much touted _ that sue gray's report has been much touted but _ that sue gray's report has been much touted but delayed. quite honestly, the workload she has now is almost more _ the workload she has now is almost more than — the workload she has now is almost more than when she started because of the _ more than when she started because of the constant drip out of more allegations and alleged evidence. so when is _ allegations and alleged evidence. so when is this rapport actually going to come _ when is this rapport actually going to come out? in the meantime, the prime _ to come out? in the meantime, the prime minister and government are effectively paralysed with every of government, lever of government being _ government, lever of government being used to defend the prime minister— being used to defend the prime minister is a step that is not the 'ob minister is a step that is not the job of— minister is a step that is not the job of government. we are here to serve _ job of government. we are here to serve the — job of government. we are here to serve the people.— serve the people. some of your conservative _ serve the people. some of your conservative mps _ serve the people. some of your conservative mps say _ serve the people. some of your conservative mps say boris i serve the people. some of your i conservative mps say boris johnson conservative mps say borisjohnson came out fighting and that has taken the sting out of some of it and convinced people to back him, you don�*t agree? it convinced people to back him, you don't agree?— don't agree? it was a robust performance _ don't agree? it was a robust performance under - don't agree? it was a robust performance under the i don't agree? it was a robust - performance under the circumstances by the _ performance under the circumstances by the prime minister that does not take away— by the prime minister that does not take away for me the fact... the evidence — take away for me the fact... the evidence we've seen, what's been going _ evidence we've seen, what's been going on_ evidence we've seen, what's been going on a — evidence we've seen, what's been going on a number 10 during the lockdown— going on a number 10 during the lockdown effectively says to me that boris johnson and those around him at number— boris johnson and those around him at number 10 have boris johnson and those around him at number10 have been boris johnson and those around him at number 10 have been able to do whatever— at number 10 have been able to do whatever they want during lockdown and the _ whatever they want during lockdown and the rest of us have had to do what _ and the rest of us have had to do what we — and the rest of us have had to do what we are _ and the rest of us have had to do what we are told is not acceptable to me _ what we are told is not acceptable to me or— what we are told is not acceptable to me or my constituents in north west— to me or my constituents in north west leicestershire almost colleagues in the house of commons the house _ colleagues in the house of commons the house of commons was that you cannot— the house of commons was that you cannot get— the house of commons was that you cannot get away from that. i think the prime — cannot get away from that. i think the prime minister has lost the moral— the prime minister has lost the moral legitimacy to lead the country for us _ moral legitimacy to lead the country for us that— moral legitimacy to lead the country for us that he has to have the ability— for us that he has to have the ability in _ for us that he has to have the ability in times of to make sacrifices and i don't think he has the moral— sacrifices and i don't think he has the moral legitimacy to us the people — the moral legitimacy to us the people to do that when he has and abided _ people to do that when he has and abided by— people to do that when he has and abided by his own rules. is people to do that when he has and abided by his own rules. is it people to do that when he has and abided by his own rules.— abided by his own rules. is it the case there _ abided by his own rules. is it the case there is _ abided by his own rules. is it the case there is no _ abided by his own rules. is it the case there is no consensus - abided by his own rules. is it the| case there is no consensus within the conservative party about what should happen now? there are different mps but also different groups within the party who take lead quite different stance on this. absolutely, we are a broad church and it's— absolutely, we are a broad church and it's often said trying to corral conservative mps is like trying to herd cats — conservative mps is like trying to herd cats. but i think the majority view— herd cats. but i think the majority view is _ herd cats. but i think the majority view is that— herd cats. but i think the majority view is that the prime minister has acted _ view is that the prime minister has acted irresponsibly and trust has been _ acted irresponsibly and trust has been lost — acted irresponsibly and trust has been lost between the prime minister, the parliamentary party and the _ minister, the parliamentary party and the people and i don't think it's coming back anytime soon. gf it's coming back anytime soon. course, there it's coming back anytime soon. of course, there is a possibility there is a vote of no confidence and the prime minister wins it, in which case they can't be another no—confidence vote for a year. what do you make of that? that no-confidence vote for a year. what do you make of that?— do you make of that? that is not necessarily _ do you make of that? that is not necessarily the _ do you make of that? that is not necessarily the truth. _ do you make of that? that is not necessarily the truth. the - do you make of that? that is not necessarily the truth. the 1922 i necessarily the truth. the 1922 committee could change the rules. they have — committee could change the rules. they have been instances where ptentv _ they have been instances where plenty of — they have been instances where plenty of sitting prime ministers have _ plenty of sitting prime ministers have won — plenty of sitting prime ministers have won confidence motions but felt compelled _ have won confidence motions but felt compelled to leave office because if you only _ compelled to leave office because if you only have the support of 52% of your mps. _ you only have the support of 52% of your mps, that is really a tenable situation — your mps, that is really a tenable situation. . ~ your mps, that is really a tenable situation. . ,, , ., your mps, that is really a tenable situation. . ~' , ., , . situation. thank you very much. andrew bridge _ situation. thank you very much. andrew bridge and _ situation. thank you very much. andrew bridge and mp, - situation. thank you very much. andrew bridge and mp, one - situation. thank you very much. andrew bridge and mp, one of i situation. thank you very much. i andrew bridge and mp, one of the conservatives who said he had submitted a letter calling for a no—confidence vote in the prime minister. the big question is how many mps have? it takes 5a mps, 15% of the parliamentary party, to trigger a vote of no confidence. whilst everyone here says something different we don't know how many different we don't know how many different letters have gone in to stop some mps think borisjohnson's performance at prime minister's questions has taken the sting out of this. other mps are still furious about what has happened. lots of mps waiting to see the outcome of that in cabinet office before deciding what to do next but it is very clear that boris johnson's fate is far from decided at the moment of danger is farfrom passed. decided at the moment of danger is far from passed.— decided at the moment of danger is far from passed. alex, thank you for now. alex forsyth _ far from passed. alex, thank you for now. alex forsyth at _ far from passed. alex, thank you for now. alex forsyth at westminster. l she we are keeping you up—to—date with all of that and we are now talking about the rise in the cost of living. it is now rising at its fastest rate in 32 years. let's discuss the impact on families. all afternoon we have been reflecting on eye watering price rises and it is not over yet. what are the concerns and the help that people are coming to you for? for sinale people are coming to you for? h?" single parents they have been facing a squeeze on their income for months, all the way through the pandemic. prices have been going up, they have lost the universal credit £20 uplift, but we are still seeing a huge increase in calls to our helpline over the last month with people facing those further price increases, but also huge concerns about the cost of fuel. dare increases, but also huge concerns about the cost of fuel.— increases, but also huge concerns about the cost of fuel. are you in a osition about the cost of fuel. are you in a position to — about the cost of fuel. are you in a position to try _ about the cost of fuel. are you in a position to try to _ about the cost of fuel. are you in a position to try to offer _ about the cost of fuel. are you in a position to try to offer advice? - position to try to offer advice? what do you say to people? so we offer advice- _ what do you say to people? so we offer advice. we _ what do you say to people? so we offer advice. we try _ what do you say to people? so we offer advice. we try and _ what do you say to people? so we offer advice. we try and signpost i offer advice. we try and signpost them to other forms of financial assistance that might be available, so for example the household support fund, and we also look at their benefit entitlements. but often there is not much we can do and we are sign them to the cav and at the worst extreme they have to go to food banks. worst extreme they have to go to food banks-— food banks. your focus is on single-parent _ food banks. your focus is on single-parent families - food banks. your focus is on single-parent families as . food banks. your focus is on j single-parent families as we food banks. your focus is on - single-parent families as we say. is single—parent families as we say. is that mainly women predominantly? it that mainly women predominantly? it is, so 90% of single parents are women. they are twice as likely as couple families to be in poverty. at the end of the day, it is the children that are going without food. we are hearing from a lot of the parents that are already making decisions themselves to go without food so their children will not. they are also worrying about how to keep their children warm. there are tips on our facebook page about putting an extra duvet on the bed, just warm in one room in your house. it is really heartbreaking and the panic and worry about what is going to happen come april. single parents simply do not have a buffer, they do not have extra funds available. they are using every penny already and they will have to make some difficult choices.— they will have to make some difficult choices. you mention the u - lift in difficult choices. you mention the uplift in universal— difficult choices. you mention the uplift in universal credit. - difficult choices. you mention the uplift in universal credit. from i difficult choices. you mention the uplift in universal credit. from a| uplift in universal credit. from a policy perspective could something be done there in your opinion? well. be done there in your opinion? well, it is a really — be done there in your opinion? well, it is a really easy _ be done there in your opinion? well, it is a really easy policy _ be done there in your opinion? well, it is a really easy policy to _ be done there in your opinion? ell it is a really easy policy to update the uplift. it was not a luxury for them and when that was taken away people already had to make cuts and with such a small amount of income it is very difficult to do. yes, the easiest and most straightforward way that the government could target support to these families is to include an extra amount in universal credit payments. the include an extra amount in universal credit payments-— credit payments. the chancellor has said today that _ credit payments. the chancellor has said today that he _ credit payments. the chancellor has said today that he understands - credit payments. the chancellor has said today that he understands the l said today that he understands the pressures that people are under. as a charity do you see any signs, any prospects, that would carry through into any kind of practical action? no, i mean i have to question whether he does understand to be honest. people are not able to feed their children, they are not able to heat their house, they are not able to buy the basics that you would expect. at the end of the day it is the children that are going without. i don't think he does understand, i don't think he understands the real pressures these families are under and the effects it is having on people. and it needs really targeted support. it needs it urgently. victoria benson, chief executive of gingerbread, thank you very much for your time this afternoon. let's talk about the impact on young people in particular of the increasing cost of living. let's talk to alfie kearns who joins me. living. let's talk to alfie kearns whojoins me. you don't mind me saying that you are 2a and you are joining us from liverpool. tell us a little bit about your setup, what sort of work you are in, if any, where you are living, how life is for you right now. hi. where you are living, how life is for you right now.— where you are living, how life is for you right now. hi, jane. yes, of course. i currently _ for you right now. hi, jane. yes, of course. i currently work— for you right now. hi, jane. yes, of course. i currently work for - for you right now. hi, jane. yes, of course. i currently work for a - course. i currently work for a company which is a kick—start gateway, so we launched just over a year ago to help people, young people specifically, into placements and to move forward with their career. i was also a part of that scheme, so over a year ago i was in universal credit and find out about kick—start and now i help people into kick—start placements. i kick-start and now i help people into kick-start placements. i they placements _ into kick-start placements. i they placements that _ into kick-start placements. i they placements that pay? _ into kick-start placements. i they placements that pay? is - into kick-start placements. i they placements that pay? is this - into kick-start placements. i theyl placements that pay? is this about ringing in an income, notjust work experience? it ringing in an income, not 'ust work experience?— experience? it is not 'ust about diversifying h experience? it is not 'ust about diversifying your _ experience? it is not 'ust about diversifying your cv _ experience? it is notjust about diversifying your cv and - experience? it is notjust about - diversifying your cv and developing your knowledge, you also develop yourself professionally and personally. it is six months�* paid work at national minimum wage. it is a foot in the door and it helps young people get into sectors that are usually quite hard to get into. that is brilliant and fantastic work that you are doing, but we have spent all day here, as you would expect, discussing the extreme right and the cost of living and in particular there is that focus on gas and electricity bills. we have all seen the extent to which they have really rocketed. how is that impacting you at your age, aged 24? yes, that is impacting me hugely. i live at home with my nan currently and my dream to own my own home. i want to be independent, self—sufficient, and that is proving more and more impossible in the current climate. through my work the consensus is that times are tough and every young person i have met so desperately wants to be independent and move forward with their career and move forward with their career and contribute to society. it is just proving that much more difficult with the rise in national insurance contributions, the rise in the cost of living and housing prices it is just that much more difficult. {lit prices it is 'ust that much more difficult. _, , prices it is 'ust that much more difficult. , . ,, . difficult. of course, you talk about wantini to difficult. of course, you talk about wanting to be _ difficult. of course, you talk about wanting to be independent - difficult. of course, you talk about wanting to be independent and - difficult. of course, you talk about| wanting to be independent and that is human nature. why wouldn�*t you, but i wonder how on earth people of your age, but i wonder how on earth people of yourage, i have so but i wonder how on earth people of your age, i have so much older than you, but when i think back to when i was in my 20s and i was lucky, i was still able to save a little bit even in my 20s. every month i was determined to put a bit of money away. are you able to do that at all? ., . , away. are you able to do that at all? ., ., , . away. are you able to do that at all? ., ., . ., ., ,, away. are you able to do that at all? ., .,, . .,, ., ~ ., all? not as much as i would like to. it is a really — all? not as much as i would like to. it is a really uncertain _ all? not as much as i would like to. it is a really uncertain time - all? not as much as i would like to. it is a really uncertain time and - all? not as much as i would like to. it is a really uncertain time and it i it is a really uncertain time and it is hard to put away an emergency fund. it is hard to save for something you desire, never mind an emergency fund, if something like the current situation we are in happens. i am the current situation we are in happens. lam hopeful conversations like this will result in action to help us weather the storm ahead. by, help us weather the storm ahead. a quick thought about what could be done to help people in your situation a little bit more. the chancellor says he understands the pressures people are under. what more could be done? you are clearly a resourceful young man, but people are struggling. i a resourcefulyoung man, but people are struggling-— are struggling. i think with my direct contact _ are struggling. i think with my direct contact with _ are struggling. i think with my direct contact with a _ are struggling. i think with my direct contact with a lot - are struggling. i think with my direct contact with a lot of - are struggling. i think with my| direct contact with a lot of dwp customers and young people out of work i thinkjust that compassion and being able to grasp the situation that we are currently in and to help give people the tools needed to weather the storm, like i have said. i think listening, having conversations like we are doing, but i think we really need some action now. bill i think we really need some action now. �* r i think we really need some action now. �* . ., y i think we really need some action now. �* . ., , ., now. all right, alfie, lovely to talk to you. — now. all right, alfie, lovely to talk to you, thank _ now. all right, alfie, lovely to talk to you, thank you - now. all right, alfie, lovely to talk to you, thank you so - now. all right, alfie, lovely to | talk to you, thank you so much now. all right, alfie, lovely to - talk to you, thank you so much for your time. talk to you, thank you so much for yourtime. sorry talk to you, thank you so much for your time. sorry we don�*t have a bit longer, there is masses to talk about. alfie kearnsjoining me from liverpool. the number of staff vacancies in care homes in england has nearly doubled in the past nine months, according to the watchdog, the care quality commission. its research shows that by the end of last year, the number of unfilled posts had risen to more than 1 in 10. here�*s our social affairs editor, alison holt. care homes supporting people who are older and disabled have found it increasingly tough to find enough staff. burn—out from coping with covid, low pay and compulsory vaccinations have increased existing recruitment problems. the regulator, the care quality commission, has gathered data from more than 8,200 homes. in april of last year, on average, 6% of care—homejobs in england were unfilled. by the end of december, vacancies had nearly doubled, reaching 11.5%. usually you find a lot of people are applying for positions within the care sector, but during recent months the number of people applying has been very small. a survey for the regulator of 2,000 family carers also suggests that more than half believe the dignity and independence of the person they care for was undermined during lockdowns. and nearly three quarters say the individual�*s mental health has deteriorated. the regulator wants to hear more from families about the services they�*re getting. we�*re specifically keen to hear from everyone, but also people who have loved ones in care homes. it�*s been a really challenging time particularly for residents of care homes through the pandemic, where social—care providers have strove to keep people safe. but also there�*s been challenges around people being able to see their loved ones and to see visits. there are local recruitment campaigns, and extra money has been put in by government, but at the moment, the pressures on care services remain acute. alison holt, bbc news. a review has been launched into the treatment of gay and lesbian veterans and the impact of the historic ban on them serving in the british military. until 2000, it was illegal to be gay in the army, navy or raf and thousands of personnel were affected by the law. josh parry reports. the year is 1995. john major is the prime minister. take that are topping the charts. david was sent to military prison. his crime — being a gay man. they discovered a copy of gay times in my room after a search of my room. this two—year investigation began. when david joined the royal air force as a medic, aged 17, he was still discovering his identity. i put my life on the line for the country going to the first gulf war, and so, yeah, i was proud of that achievement of helping keep my country safe and knowing they would do the best they could for me — promote me, get the best out of me. from the moment i admitted to it, i was held in a cell, separate from everyone, and then the trial happened. and then you go... yeah, you�*re handcuffed, you�*re going into the cell, you�*re treated like any other prisoner, as if i�*d mugged or murdered someone. it�*s thought around 5000 servicemen and women were affected by the ban on lgbt personnel in the military. it remained in place until the year 2000 when this group of veterans took their fight against the ban to the european court of human rights. many people in the years before that lost theirjobs and have been without incomes. in some cases they lost pensions. do you accept that the only meaningful outcome of this review can be financial compensation? i totally accept the financial impact that many of these people suffered, unjustly, so i totally accept that this is a cause of live debate and look forward to the full range of recommendations that the independent reviewer might make. not everyone impacted was dismissed outright. some like patrick felt forced to resign afterfalling in love. he was a lovely guy, he was called dennis. but i learnt something else the second year and that was that he was hiv positive. unable to tell his bosses about the relationship, and terrified of being sent to the other side of the world while his partner was dying, patrick handed in his one—year�*s notice to leave the navy. dennis died just two days before he was due home for good. i reflected on one thing — that in the past 48 hours, the only two things that had ever mattered to me had gone. while today�*s announcement is being cautiously welcomed by lgbt veterans, the message is clear. they are not interested in apologies. they want compensation. josh parry, bbc news. the headlines on bbc news. borisjohnson is boris johnson is fighting borisjohnson is fighting for his premiership over lockdown parties in downing street and he has been defending his record to a packed house of commons. just before pmqs, there was a dramatic defection. the conservative mp for bury south, christian whiteford, crossed the commons floor to join the labour party. the prime minister, meanwhile, has outlined a relaxation of some of the coronavirus restrictions in england, starting from next week. a former student told to read classic literature after being convicted of a terrorism offence is due to have his sentence reviewed by the court of appeal. judges will decide whether a two—year suspended sentence given to benjohn, who police described as a white supremacist with a neo—nazi ideology, was unduly lenient. our correspondent phil mackie, is at the court. for people who do not remember the name, explain a bit more and what is going on as a result. i name, explain a bit more and what is going on as a result.— going on as a result. i can tell you first of all. — going on as a result. i can tell you first of all, and _ going on as a result. i can tell you first of all, and this _ going on as a result. i can tell you first of all, and this has _ going on as a result. i can tell you first of all, and this has happened| first of all, and this has happened in the last couple of minutes, the court of appeal has ruled that ben john, 22 and from lincolnshire, now has to go to prison, that the original sentence that he was given last year at leicester crown court, in which he was given a suspended sentence, was unlawful and unduly lenient and as a result of that lord justice has told him that tomorrow by 4pm he has to surrender to his local police station and prepare for a custodial sentence of two years plus one year on licence. the background to this case is that lincolnshire police carried out a search of his home two years ago and they found a wealth of material, nearly 70,000 documents, including far right and anti—semitic material, but key and most importantly, a manual that describes how to make bombs. forthat manual that describes how to make bombs. for that offence he was convicted last year at leicester crown court. today the solicitor general argued that he should have been sent to prison, but at leicester crown court last august the judge told him that he would suspend the sentence, he felt he was not a lost cause. he submitted him to a five year serious crime prevention order and is part of that he told him to go away and read some of the classics. a couple of weeks ago he came back afterfour of the classics. a couple of weeks ago he came back after four months to leicester crown court and he told the judge that he had to leicester crown court and he told thejudge that he had read shakespeare and jane austen, that he preferred shakespeare to jane austen anti—brought copies of 12th night and pride and prejudice. thejudge ordered him to come back in four months and he will not be coming back to report on his reading list and four months�* time because he has got to go to prison and surrender himself to the police by 4pm tomorrow and he faces a two—year custodial sentence instead of a two—year suspended sentence. he was not in court today. he appeared via video link and he was there for the first half—hour of the hearing and then he had to go to work in butcher�*s shop and he appeared back via the video link to be told by lord justice holroyd that he has got to go to prison. phil mackie with the latest at the court of appeal. phil mackie with the latest at the court of appeal. they�*re reminders of one of the worst tragedies in welsh history, artefacts from the aberfan disaster in which 116 children and 28 adults in 1966. over the years they�*ve been kept in various attics and cupboards but their owners now feel there�*s a danger they�*ll be lost forever unless a permanent home is found for them. steve fairclough reports. a broken clock is among the most enduring images of the aberfan disaster. it stopped at precisely the moment it was struck by millions of tonnes of coal spoil that had spilled down the mountainside, engulfing pantglas junior school and the pupils and staff inside, as well as nearby homes. 116 children and 28 adults lost their lives. parents and teachers join police, firemen, civil defence workers and mine rescue teams at the school. some of the helpers tore at the rubble with bare hands in their desperate efforts to get at the children. the last time that clock ticked all those children were still alive, and the adults as well. it's a very strange feeling. it brings back, it brings back a lot of emotions and a lot of memories for me. mike flynn�*s father was one of those who rescued people from aberfan. he found the clock. it�*s now stored in a box in his home. i would like to see it kept somewhere in a location where it is on permanent display. there's a lot of people, if they went to see it, would get some strength from it. there's a lot of people that would like to see it because it is such a significant piece of welsh history. this now, little boy, is myself. garethjones survived the disaster. at six years old, pulled from the window of his classroom and told to run home to safety, visited by the duke of edinburgh. his family collection of artefacts were nearly thrown away in a clear out. he fears the same could happen in the future. my grandchildren are interested, i but my children are not interested in actually the stuff itself. what they told me, if — - god forbid — if i died tomorrow they'd chuck it all away. oh, that would break my heart. i'd like some of it to go to a place where people can look— at it and treasure it. i've treasured it in my life. the scene is one of the most tragic in the history of welsh mining valleys, which are so used to the horrors of pit disasters. this memorial garden is on the site of pantglasjunior school, where so many people lost their lives in the aberfan disaster. the aim is that the artefacts could be kept somewhere safe and secure outside of aberfan. it's clear that of the community in aberfan have been quite careful about how memorialisation works, and that they have wanted to be able to hold their own space for it and not let it be overwhelmed. as one observer commented, "we�*re prepared for it if it�*s a smash underground. it�*s what we call part of the price of coal, men getting killed underground. but when it�*s kids, my god, you just aren�*t prepared for it." the national museums and galleries of wales say they do have items associated with aberfan, and they are seeking to collect more iconic artefacts. for survivors like gareth, what happened to them and their school will never leave them. but they would like the artefacts they have to be saved forfuture generations. many of us have been trying to go green as we�*ve become more aware of climate change and the environment and something else that could help is public transport. switching to electric buses can help reduce carbon emissions, and now one company has designed a double decker with the longest battery range in the uk. our science correspondent richard westcott reports. if we�*re going to clean up the air in our towns and cities, we�*ve got to attract more people onto public transport. and that means getting rid of all those diesel buses chugging around. and that is where this new piece of technology comes in. designed by an ex—formula one engineer and his team, it looks like a normal double decker, but they say they found a way of boosting how far it can go on one charge. it�*s got five batteries, like this one, secreted around the vehicle, but that�*s not the clever bit. the clever bit is at the back, because apparently with electric buses, they can use as much energy just heating and cooling the cabin, as they do physically driving along. so they�*ve developed much more efficient air conditioning. and that means overall it�*s got a much longer range. ian foley used to work for williams and lotus, until he decided to turn his skills to something a bit less racy. it�*s still a big challenge. interestingly, weight is an issue just like in formula one, because the batteries we need for the electric bus are very heavy. we still need to be able to carry 87 passengers. and so it�*s quite a big challenge to get the weight distribution right on the vehicle for the electric bus. so some of that learning from your earlier career has helped you with this? absolutely. and we�*ve got quite a few of the guys who i worked with early on in my career here, kind of working on weight saving and very efficient mechanical design. the key technology has been designed at a factory near norwich. long term, they want to make 200 vehicles a year to be sold all over the world, but still built locally. we�*ve got the resources here, we�*ve got the people here. our batteries are made locally here, so it was really important for us to make everything here in the uk. 90% of our product is actually made on this site. bus giant go—ahead is trialling one on a london route, so the vehicle is going to be taking its first passengers later in the spring. richard westcott, bbc news, norwich. the classic children�*s show fraggle rock will return to tv screens this week with a fresh reboot more than thirty years after the last series was made. there will be 13 new episodes and it is 32 years since the last episode was on our television and now the new generation will be able to head into the caves. i don�*t know where i was because i literally don�*t remember it and i am the only person in the newsroom who does not remember it. was i zoning out? was i too busy looking at aber? i don�*t know. here is the weather with nick miller. hello. this very quiet spell of weather has been interrupted by an area of rain moving southwards across the uk. so some areas woke up to a wet start but the rain clears on through and it brightens up and certainly for scotland and northern england, there has been plenty of sunshine so far today. and as the weather front clears away, other areas are going to break out into the sunshine. high pressure beginning to move back in, but before it becomes established, a chillier north westerly flow coming down across us, so that really on a strengthening wind brings a chill to things. no frost this morning — tomorrow morning is going to be a different matter, as we will see. so any cloud and rain clearing away from southern areas. plenty of sunny spells to come. a few showers into northern ireland, north wales, but particularly across the northern half of scotland. it�*ll begin to turn wintry onto the hills here, maybe to lower levels getting into this evening into the northern isles. this is a strengthening north westerly wind. these are average speeds, gusts around northern scotland and the northern isles of 40—50 miles an hour. really making things colder than even these temperatures might suggest as they fall away as we get on into the evening. another widespread frost setting in with largely clear skies tonight. continuing with a feed of showers that are running down across north sea coastal areas here, they�*ll be wintry at least on hills but to lower levels, parts of north—east scotland, northern isles, so there could be some icy patches around as well in places as these temperatures dip. more of a rural frost in northern ireland. the larger areas, town and city centres, will be staying above freezing and perhaps avoiding a frost in the far west of scotland, far west of wales and into cornwall. the odd shower running through pembrokeshire, cornwall tomorrow and still one or two clipping north sea coastal parts of england, especially lincolnshire and norfolk. the strongest of the winds easing across northern scotland and as for temperatures, it will feel chilly but there will be plenty of sunshine around for most places on through thursday. on into the evening, again with largely clear skies, the frost setting in. a sharper frost as we start off on friday. could be one or two mist and fog patches and the idea we start to bring a bit more cloud in across western areas on friday, leaving the best of the sunshine towards the east and temperatures just edging up a little bit. they�*ll stay close to average for the time of year over the weekend. with the high pressure, there will be plenty of dry weather around. this weather front�*s clipping northern scotland, giving some outbreaks of rain at times. a chance of some fog at times too, and overnight frost. this is bbc news. the headlines at 4:00: borisjohnson fights for his premiership over lockdown parties in downing street and defends his record to a packed house of commons. we have more people in employment, more employees on the payroll now than they were before the pandemic began. that is what my staff have been working on in downing street, mr speaker. doesn't the country deserve so much better than this out of touch, out of control, out of ideas, and soon to be out of office prime minister? cheering just before pmqs, a dramatic defection. the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakeford crossed the commons floor to join the labour party, and a former cabinet minister had this for borisjohnson. you have sat there too long - for all the good you have done. in the name of god, go. cheering also, they remy has outlined a relaxation of some of the restrictions in england, starting next thursday. the cost of living has risen at its fastest pace for nearly 30 years — driven by increases in food and energy prices. i live at home with my nan currently and it�*s my dream to own my own home. i want to be independent, self—sufficient and that�*s just proving more and more impossible in the current climate. hello, a very good afternoon and to another very fast moving day of developments in british politics. we can get the very latest from my colleague ben brown, who is live in downing street. hello, i�*m ben brown here in downing street, where it has been a day of high political drama. borisjohnson facing more criticism of his leadership in the house of commons — including a withering attack from one of his own backbenchers, the senior conservative mp and former minister david davis. mr davis said he expected his leader to take responsibility and ended by telling mrjohnson "in the name of god, go". there was another blow for the prime minister earlier when the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakeford, defected to the labour party — saying mrjohnson had shown himself incapable of offering the leadership the country deserved. one tory mp told the bbc this morning that some of those elected in 2019 have sent letters of no confidence in the prime minister to the party�*s backbench committee. 54 such letters are required to trigger a leadership vote. so far, seven tory mps have publicly stated they�*ve done that, including christian wakeford ahead of his defection. let�*s get more on the day�*s events so far, from our political correspondent damian grammaticas. with rebellion against him brewing, borisjohnson summoned his cabinet this morning, hoping perhaps that a decision to lift covid restrictions might help save him from a challenge. at conservative headquarters, the party chairman faced the question all tory mps are now being asked. does he have your support? of course he does. are you supporting the prime minister? yes. and backbenchers too were also called to downing street today. the reason i�*ve come out in so you can get a photo and then if you move across the road... the febrile atmosphere has been heightened by mrjohnson�*s former right—hand man, dominic cummings. he says the prime minister was warned about the summer garden party and last week lied to parliament. yesterday, a beleaguered mrjohnson denied that. nobody told me... i am absolutely categorical about this, nobody said to me this is an event that is against the rules, that is in breach of what we are asking everybody else to do, should not go ahead. but back in 2020, you could only meet one person outside. mrjohnson himself set those rules, and ten days before the party, urged everyone to follow them. you must obey the rules of social distancing. to enforce those rules, we will increase the fines for the small minority who break them. so, mrjohnson�*s denials have not placated some in his party. the country needs leadership at this time. what it doesn't want is a governing party at war with itself. right now, i'm afraid that to many people out there, that is what they are seeing. so i think the prime minister should be considering his position. my position is that we need to wait and see what the facts were. is it all over, prime minister? is it time to resign? in a precarious position, he left heading for a potentially crucial prime minister�*s questions. cheering just before he got there, cheers from labour benches. the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakefield, had just crossed the floor to sit on the opposition benches. can i start by warmly welcoming the honourable member for bury south to his new place and to the parliamentary labour party? mr speaker, like so many people up and down the country, he has concluded that the prime minister and the conservative party have shown themselves incapable of offering the leadership and government this country deserves. as for bury south, mr speaker... let me say to the right honourable gentleman, mr speaker, might i say to the right honourable gentleman, the conservative party won bury south for the first time in generations under this prime minister, with an agenda of uniting and levelling up, and delivering for the people of bury south. mr speaker, we will win again in bury south at the next election, under this prime minister. no sign there of a prime minister thinking of resigning. but sir keir starmer was enjoying this. bury south is now a labour seat, prime minister. the labour leader then said that boris johnson�*s defence did not sound credible. it also requires the prime minister to ask us to accept that as he waded through the empty bottles and platters of sandwiches, he did not realise it was a party! laughter does the prime minister realise how ridiculous that sounds? throughout the pandemic, people in government have been working flat out to protect the british public with huge quantities of ppe, so we can now make 80% in the country, with the biggest and most generous furlough scheme virtually anywhere in the world. perhaps most damaging moment was when one of the most senior tory backbenchers stepped in. but i expect my leaders - to shoulder the responsibility for the actions they take. yesterday, he did i the opposite of that. so i will remind him of a quotation altogether too familiar to him, - of leo amery to neville chamberlain. you have sat there too long, i for all the good you have done. in the name of god, go. and what matters now is how many conservative mps think the same, and submit letters calling for him to go. damian grammaticas, bbc news. it was a more competitive performance from the prime minister at prime minister�*s questions in the commons and after that some of his supporters have been rallying around. one minister quoted as saying the anti—johnson rebels on the tory backbenches are playing schoolboy politics. we also heard from the prime minister�*s press secretary who said if it does come to a no—confidence motion, he would fight it. asked if he thinks the prime minister is still the best man for thejob, prime minister is still the best man forthejob, his prime minister is still the best man for thejob, his press secretary said yes. that is the latest from downing street, back to you in the studio. thank you very much. ben brown in downing street has doublets stay with this and see what two people steeped in westminster politics think of where we are tonight at the prime minister�*s position looks like. let�*s speak to kitty donaldson, uk political editor for bloomberg news and the deputy political editor at the telegraph, lucy fisher. a warm welcome to you both. kitty, i�*m interested first in all of your take on pmqs that the observation it was a much more robust, competitive performance, in stark contrast to the interview we saw yesterday. what did you make of it?— did you make of it? absolutely. yesterday. _ did you make of it? absolutely. yesterday. tory _ did you make of it? absolutely. yesterday, tory mps _ did you make of it? absolutely. yesterday, tory mps were - did you make of it? absolutely. - yesterday, tory mps were watching that interview, that clip in their offices with their faces in their hands. today, the prime minister comes out, gives a good, solid performance and i think they will come out much happierfrom performance and i think they will come out much happier from that. performance and i think they will come out much happierfrom that. it is too soon to say whether unity has broken out but it seems to have saved some who were wavering from sending a letter into graham brady, the leader of the 1922 committee. lucy, do you think it has change her mind? i lucy, do you think it has change her mind? ., ~' ~ ,, , lucy, do you think it has change her mind? ., ,, ~ ,, , , ., ., mind? i do. i think pmqs brought out the best of keir— mind? i do. i think pmqs brought out the best of keir starmer— mind? i do. i think pmqs brought out the best of keir starmer and - mind? i do. i think pmqs brought out the best of keir starmer and boris - the best of keir starmer and boris johnson — the best of keir starmer and boris johnson i— the best of keir starmer and boris johnson. i think that speaks to their— johnson. i think that speaks to their very— johnson. i think that speaks to their very different leadership styles — their very different leadership styles. keir starmer appeared to be buoyed _ styles. keir starmer appeared to be buoyed up. — styles. keir starmer appeared to be buoyed up, he needs the ballast of -ood buoyed up, he needs the ballast of good news — buoyed up, he needs the ballast of good news and solid support to feel confident _ good news and solid support to feel confident. borisjohnson is never better— confident. borisjohnson is never better in— confident. borisjohnson is never better in some ways than when his back is— better in some ways than when his back is against the wall and he has to fight _ back is against the wall and he has to fight i— back is against the wall and he has to fight. i think there was a lot of consternation amongst conservatives yesterday, — consternation amongst conservatives yesterday, from ministers to backbenchers, aboutjust how backbenchers, about just how downcast backbenchers, aboutjust how downcast and hangdog dpm's position and body— downcast and hangdog dpm's position and body language seemed to be in that broadcast interview. i think that broadcast interview. i think that projected an air of weakness in the minds _ that projected an air of weakness in the minds of many. but today, he certainly — the minds of many. but today, he certainly came out swinging. he was surrounded — certainly came out swinging. he was surrounded by mps shouting "more!" and cheering for him. so despite the headlines being bad, he has lost an mp who _ headlines being bad, he has lost an mp who defected to labour and david davis standing up and publicly calling — davis standing up and publicly calling for him to resign, it was a solid _ calling for him to resign, it was a solid performance and he appeared to have the _ solid performance and he appeared to have the support of his mps. lucy, solid performance and he appeared to have the support of his mps.- have the support of his mps. lucy, a iuick have the support of his mps. lucy, a quick thought _ have the support of his mps. lucy, a quick thought about _ have the support of his mps. lucy, a quick thought about david _ have the support of his mps. lucy, a quick thought about david davis. - have the support of his mps. lucy, a| quick thought about david davis. how damaging is that, what went through your mind when you saw that? ithink your mind when you saw that? i think it is incredibly — your mind when you saw that? i think it is incredibly damaging. _ your mind when you saw that? i think it is incredibly damaging. i _ your mind when you saw that? i think it is incredibly damaging. i think- it is incredibly damaging. i think people — it is incredibly damaging. i think people there were all watching out for would — people there were all watching out for would any member of the conservative party use prime minister— conservative party use prime minister questions, the most dramatic— minister questions, the most dramatic gladiatorial contest, the most _ dramatic gladiatorial contest, the most watched session in the commons of the _ most watched session in the commons of the week, _ most watched session in the commons of the week, to try and damage the prime _ of the week, to try and damage the prime minister? but i think there's been _ prime minister? but i think there's been a _ prime minister? but i think there's been a lot— prime minister? but i think there's been a lot of mps who think, well, david _ been a lot of mps who think, well, david davis, his time has been end come~ _ david davis, his time has been end come it— david davis, his time has been end come. it could have been a lot worse if it was— come. it could have been a lot worse if it was another mp. it is not a good _ if it was another mp. it is not a good look— if it was another mp. it is not a good look for the prime minister but some _ good look for the prime minister but some mps— good look for the prime minister but some mps are trying to make the best of it and _ some mps are trying to make the best of it and l'm _ some mps are trying to make the best of it and i'm told that one mp, in fact _ of it and i'm told that one mp, in fact, confronted david davis in the tea room — fact, confronted david davis in the tea room afterwards and called him a traitor _ tea room afterwards and called him a traitor. , , ., . ., traitor. kitty, you are nodding throuih traitor. kitty, you are nodding through some _ traitor. kitty, you are nodding through some of _ traitor. kitty, you are nodding through some of that. - traitor. kitty, you are nodding through some of that. what i traitor. kitty, you are nodding through some of that. what ifj traitor. kitty, you are nodding - through some of that. what if there are further revelations, more talk of events, drinks, gatherings, whatever we want to call them, what if moore comes out in the coming days? if moore comes out in the coming da s? ~ ~ if moore comes out in the coming da s? ~ . ., �* if moore comes out in the coming das? . days? well, quite. we don't know what is going _ days? well, quite. we don't know what is going to — days? well, quite. we don't know what is going to come _ days? well, quite. we don't know what is going to come out. - days? well, quite. we don't know. what is going to come out. dominic cummings might have a view more e—mails or photos or anything up his sleeve. we don�*t know. not all of this is coming from dominic cummings that he could of course throw in another hand grenade at the next minute. i think mps have decided borisjohnson lives another day after his pmqs performance, they are looking forward to the sue gray report. the senior civil servant in the cabinet office who is looking into all the parties that happened into all the parties that happened in number 10 into all the parties that happened in numberio and into all the parties that happened in number 10 and whitehall during the lockdown. we are expecting that next week. the prime minister said at prime minister�*s questions it should come out next week. when she reports, quite a lot of mps are holding theirfire until reports, quite a lot of mps are holding their fire until she lays out her position and lays out what she thinks happened. at that stage, we are at another point of danger for the prime minister. it is for the prime minister. it is interesting _ for the prime minister. it is interesting because - for the prime minister. it is interesting because we - for the prime minister. it is interesting because we have focused so long on the sue gray report. everybody talking about that. independent minded, but nonetheless, really, how much power do you think she has? how direct can she be? what could she possibly... she is not a member of thejudiciary, doesn�*t member of the judiciary, doesn�*t work for the member of thejudiciary, doesn�*t work for the cps, what can she layout that could change things one way or the other? will itjust be a narrative verdict? way or the other? will it 'ust be a narrative verdict?h way or the other? will it 'ust be a narrative verdict? well, absolutely, ou are narrative verdict? well, absolutely, you are quite _ narrative verdict? well, absolutely, you are quite right. _ narrative verdict? well, absolutely, you are quite right. she _ narrative verdict? well, absolutely, you are quite right. she ultimately. you are quite right. she ultimately reports to the prime minister, so she mayjust lay out the reports to the prime minister, so she may just lay out the facts reports to the prime minister, so she mayjust lay out the facts of the case. i think it is widely expected she will condemn the boozing culture of downing street and whitehall but whether she finds any wrongdoing by the prime minister himself is open to question. at that stage, mps who are wavering might not know which way to jump. yes. not know which way to 'ump. yes, that is interesting. _ not know which way to jump. yes, that is interesting. again, - not know which way to jump. yes, that is interesting. again, it comes back to backbench mps. lucy fisher, we were talking in the last hour to camilla cavendish who worked at downing street under david cameron. she said to us she thinks boris johnson is fatally damaged because despite the rallying today we are discussing he is heading into what she called a perfect storm. the other thing we have talked about all day is the cost of living crisis. it is only going to get worse, tax rises in april and she says he is sailing into all of that, so there is nothing that will get any better for him. do you think that is accurate? i for him. do you think that is accurate?— for him. do you think that is accurate? ~' , . . , accurate? i think there is certainly accurate? i think there is certainly a lot in that- _ accurate? i think there is certainly a lot in that. but _ accurate? i think there is certainly a lot in that. but | _ accurate? i think there is certainly a lot in that. but | think _ accurate? i think there is certainly a lot in that. but i think we - accurate? i think there is certainly a lot in that. but i think we should separate _ a lot in that. but i think we should separate that from the political row he is engulfed in at the moment over party gate _ he is engulfed in at the moment over party gate i— he is engulfed in at the moment over party gate. i think with the economics, broadly speaking, we are seeing _ economics, broadly speaking, we are seeing inflation being a problem globally. i think there is a defence for the _ globally. i think there is a defence for the prime minister that issues like the _ for the prime minister that issues like the spiking in the wholesale price _ like the spiking in the wholesale price of— like the spiking in the wholesale price of gas, which is affecting the whole _ price of gas, which is affecting the whole continent, that aren't specific— whole continent, that aren't specific to britain and it's not clear— specific to britain and it's not clear that _ specific to britain and it's not clear that labour would have easy choices _ clear that labour would have easy choices otherwise. you can't simply argue _ choices otherwise. you can't simply argue that — choices otherwise. you can't simply argue that the country should borrow more _ argue that the country should borrow more to— argue that the country should borrow more to try— argue that the country should borrow more to try and curb the impact on voters _ more to try and curb the impact on voters because, of course, if inflation _ voters because, of course, if inflation is _ voters because, of course, if inflation is going up, it's likely we will— inflation is going up, it's likely we will see interest rate rises and that increases the cost of servicing the uk _ that increases the cost of servicing the uk debt which has reached 100% of gdp _ the uk debt which has reached 100% of gdp for— the uk debt which has reached 100% of gdp for the first time since the 1960s _ of gdp for the first time since the 1960s and — of gdp for the first time since the 1960s and means that is an unsustainable option. sol 1960s and means that is an unsustainable option. so i think it is very— unsustainable option. so i think it is very difficult times ahead for boris _ is very difficult times ahead for borisjohnson, for rishi sunak in the exchequer. ithink borisjohnson, for rishi sunak in the exchequer. i think its difficult times— the exchequer. i think its difficult times ahead for many families as they are — times ahead for many families as they are facing the crunch point in april— they are facing the crunch point in april of— they are facing the crunch point in april of rising energy prices and tax rises, — april of rising energy prices and tax rises, council tax and national insurance — tax rises, council tax and national insurance tax rises, freezing of the personal— insurance tax rises, freezing of the personal income threshold but it's not absolutely clear it would be that much easier for any other party in power _ that much easier for any other party in ower. . , that much easier for any other party in ower. , ., , that much easier for any other party in ower. , . , ., ,, that much easier for any other party in ower. , . , . «i i. in power. lucy and kitty, thank you very much- — in power. lucy and kitty, thank you very much- lucy — in power. lucy and kitty, thank you very much. lucy fisher— in power. lucy and kitty, thank you very much. lucy fisher from - in power. lucy and kitty, thank you very much. lucy fisher from the i very much. lucy fisher from the telegraph and kitty donaldson from bloomberg news. we will stay very much with all of this of course because as we were reflecting, the conservative mp for bury south defected today, switched from one party to the other. this is christian wakeford, defected to the labour partyjust before prime minister�*s questions. our reporter luxmy gopal is in the town of prestwich in the bury south constituency. what have people been saying to you? people have been talking to me here in prestwich and reacting with some surprise, as you can imagine. to give you some context here in prestwich, one of the towns in the constituency of bury south, it was a seat that was a very classic red seat that was a very classic red seatin seat that was a very classic red seat in 2019. christian wakeford was the first conservative mp in 22 years when he took the seat in 2099 with a narrow margin of around 402 votes. it was the tenth most marginal seat in the in that election and the question now is whether that margin will be enough for him to carry his supporters here in towns like prestwich, carry his supporters with him as he switches party. i have been speaking to people today and as you will hear in a moment, a lot of them very much where approaching this along with their own party political views. it their own party political views. it just shows you the state of the conservative party and they are not credible _ conservative party and they are not credible any more. the}r conservative party and they are not credible any more.— credible any more. they won't be rrettin credible any more. they won't be getting my _ credible any more. they won't be getting my vote _ credible any more. they won't be getting my vote because - credible any more. they won't be getting my vote because it's - credible any more. they won't be getting my vote because it's a . getting my vote because it's a shame, — getting my vote because it's a shame, he _ getting my vote because it's a shame, he is— getting my vote because it's a shame, he is great, _ getting my vote because it's a shame, he is great, he's- getting my vote because it's ai shame, he is great, he's really getting my vote because it's a - shame, he is great, he's really out there _ shame, he is great, he's really out there and — shame, he is great, he's really out there and put— shame, he is great, he's really out there and put himself— shame, he is great, he's really out there and put himself out - shame, he is great, he's really out there and put himself out there . shame, he is great, he's really out. there and put himself out there with everything. — there and put himself out there with everything. so— there and put himself out there with everything, so that's _ there and put himself out there with everything, so that's really- there and put himself out there with everything, so that's really not - everything, so that's really not good — everything, so that's really not good i— everything, so that's really not iood. ., everything, so that's really not mad, ., ., everything, so that's really not iood. ., ., . good. i will vote for whichever ia good. i will vote for whichever -a i good. i will vote for whichever party i think— good. i will vote for whichever party i think it's _ good. i will vote for whichever party i think it's better - good. i will vote for whichever party i think it's better for - good. i will vote for whicheverj party i think it's better for this area — party i think it's better for this area. �* ., . , party i think it's better for this area. �* ., ., . area. he didn't get voted as labour because bury _ area. he didn't get voted as labour because bury south _ area. he didn't get voted as labour because bury south were _ area. he didn't get voted as labour because bury south were a - area. he didn't get voted as labour because bury south were a bit - because bury south were a bit concerned _ because bury south were a bit concerned about _ because bury south were a bit concerned about the - because bury south were a bit concerned about the labour. because bury south were a bit. concerned about the labour party because bury south were a bit - concerned about the labour party at that moment — concerned about the labour party at that moment because _ concerned about the labour party at that moment because they- concerned about the labour party at that moment because they were - that moment because they were anti-semitic _ that moment because they were anti—semitic. is— that moment because they were anti—semitic. is it _ that moment because they were anti—semitic. is it too _ that moment because they were anti—semitic. is it too soon - that moment because they were anti—semitic. is it too soon to i that moment because they were| anti—semitic. is it too soon to go back— anti—semitic. is it too soon to go back to _ anti—semitic. is it too soon to go back to labour? _ anti—semitic. is it too soon to go back to labour? so _ anti—semitic. is it too soon to go back to labour? so it's— anti—semitic. is it too soon to go back to labour? so it's a - anti—semitic. is it too soon to go back to labour? so it's a bit- back to labour? so it's a bit strange _ back to labour? so it's a bit strange i_ back to labour? so it's a bit strange. i find _ back to labour? so it's a bit strange. i find it _ back to labour? so it's a bit strange. i find it strange - back to labour? so it's a biti strange. i find it strange that back to labour? so it's a bit- strange. i find it strange that he's done _ strange. i find it strange that he's done that — strange. i find it strange that he's done that so _ strange. i find it strange that he's done that. . ., ., , done that. so a lot of people tellinr done that. so a lot of people telling me — done that. so a lot of people telling me that _ done that. so a lot of people telling me that if _ done that. so a lot of people telling me that if they - done that. so a lot of people telling me that if they were i done that. so a lot of people | telling me that if they were a lifelong labour supporter they would now support him because he has crossed the line to labour. others saying because they have always voted conservative and couldn�*t stomach the idea of voting for labour, they wouldn�*t now be voting for him as he has switched to the labour party, despite the fact they had voted him in in the 2019 election to pick up the point made by the gentleman at the end, who was referring to the anti—semitism row. again, to give some context, this area here is made up of about one fifth of the jewish area here is made up of about one fifth of thejewish community, about 20% ofjewish people. for a lot of them who i have been speaking to today, a lot of them said in 2019, when they switched from labour to conservative it wasn�*t because the whole debate around brexit had carried people and turned people towards the conservative party. they said in fact it was the anti—semitism row that had turned people away from labour. so some people away from labour. so some people i spoke to today said actually, is it really that wise for christian wakeford to make that move on such a slim majority? and when you have a community where a fifth of the population are of the jewish of the population are of thejewish community and still of the population are of the jewish community and still feel the labour party is tarnished or do they feel the labour party has distanced themselves from that anti—semitism row? going back to the point finally you heard from one of the ladies earlier on in that, she was talking about how he is actually quite actively engaged in the community. a lot of people i spoke to did actually like him as an mp. so it�*s actually like him as an mp. so it�*s a case of seeing whether that is enough to carry his supporters with him as he switches from conservative to labour. luxmy gopal, thank you very much, in the constituency. let�*s return to ben brown at downing street and get more from there. jane, thank you very much indeed. some commentators saying this was a more combative performance from the prime minister at prime minister�*s questions, where he was under real pressure following that defection of the conservative mp for bury south. also those comments from david davis, a veteran conservative mp saying to borisjohnson, "in the name of god, go." some mps after prime minister�*s questions said the mood is calming somewhat. it has been pretty for braille. we can get the latest from our political correspondent alex forsyth in parliament�*s central lobby. what is the mood, is it possible to tell if it is calming in any way? some reports say some of the letters that have gone into the 1922 committee calling for a confidence vote in the leader have been withdrawn? irate calling for a confidence vote in the leader have been withdrawn? we have certainly heard — leader have been withdrawn? we have certainly heard that _ leader have been withdrawn? we have certainly heard that from _ leader have been withdrawn? we have certainly heard that from one - certainly heard that from one conservative mp who says that is what he is picking up from some colleagues. the point is and we have to remember that nobody really knows the it felt like things were really heating up. borisjohnson appearing at prime minister�*s questions today coming out fighting to stop some conservative mps have said to us this afternoon that is what they had wanted to see from the prime minister. what is worth noting is that defection of christian wakeford, who went from the conservative party to the labour partyjust conservative party to the labour party just a few conservative party to the labour partyjust a few minutes before borisjohnson got up on his feet at prime minister�*s questions, that seems to have drawn a lot of anger from people on the conservative benches. a lot are saying that is focused towards christian wakeford, they feel bound by the fact he moved, a lot of people didn�*t know it was coming and fell angry at the decision he made and that is attracting a lot of criticism. more than one senior conservative mp said to me this afternoon they think it�*s actually helping the prime minister because people are rallying behind him. let�*s not forget, christian wakeford quit the conservative party because he was unhappy at boris johnson�*s leadership and that feeling certainly hasn�*t gone away for step david davis, the senior mp, standing up at prime ministers question saying that anger exist in all corners of the party. it is not set on one particular group in particular. but there are some mps who say they feel like things are quieting down for now. earlier i spoke tojoy maurice e, one of the mps elected in 2019 for the first time and she said she thought it was the prime minister�*s performance that would have convinced some of her colleagues he was the right man to lead the party. i'm picking up from my intake that many— i'm picking up from my intake that many across the country would not have _ many across the country would not have been— many across the country would not have been elected without boris johnson — have been elected without boris johnson i— have been elected without boris johnson. i think we have all sort of come _ johnson. i think we have all sort of come to— johnson. i think we have all sort of come to that realisation. even today, — come to that realisation. even today, it — come to that realisation. even today, it was an eye—opener across the house. — today, it was an eye—opener across the house, where we collectively thought. — the house, where we collectively thought, oh, my gosh, this is the person— thought, oh, my gosh, this is the person we — thought, oh, my gosh, this is the person we want to have a lead us through— person we want to have a lead us through the pandemic, help with the economic— through the pandemic, help with the economic recovery and ijust wanted to come _ economic recovery and ijust wanted to come out— here and publicly say that. that was one of the conservative _ here and publicly say that. that was one of the conservative mps - here and publicly say that. that was| one of the conservative mps elected in 2019 who is supportive of the prime minister says that we have heard from a couple of them this afternoon but of course that is by no means the consensus in the party. christian wakeford, as we mentioned, is the mp who left the conservative party and joined the labour party just minutes before prime minister�*s questions and he has been speaking a little earlier, setting out some of the reasons for that defection. i the reasons for that defection. i guess, it had all become real. this isn't a _ guess, it had all become real. this isn't a matter ofjust deciding this morning _ isn't a matter ofjust deciding this morning i— isn't a matter ofjust deciding this morning i want to be a labour mp. this has— morning i want to be a labour mp. this has been many months in the build-up. — this has been many months in the build—up, whether it goes back to the issues — build—up, whether it goes back to the issues over free school meals, of dominic— the issues over free school meals, of dominic cummings, over universal credit, _ of dominic cummings, over universal credit, the _ of dominic cummings, over universal credit, the cost of living crisis, the 0wen _ credit, the cost of living crisis, the owen paterson affair are now party _ the owen paterson affair are now party gate. there's been a lot of build-up— party gate. there's been a lot of build-up to _ party gate. there's been a lot of build—up to this and soul—searching which _ build—up to this and soul—searching which has _ build—up to this and soul—searching which has taken many sleepless nights — which has taken many sleepless nights. but it's also the right decision— nights. but it's also the right decision and i hope my former colleagues if they don't agree can understand that.— colleagues if they don't agree can understand that. some of them have said they think— understand that. some of them have said they think this _ understand that. some of them have said they think this is _ understand that. some of them have said they think this is a _ understand that. some of them have said they think this is a terrible - said they think this is a terrible mistake. — said they think this is a terrible mistake. how— said they think this is a terrible mistake, how can _ said they think this is a terrible mistake, how can you - said they think this is a terrible mistake, how can you explain i said they think this is a terrible | mistake, how can you explain it said they think this is a terrible i mistake, how can you explain it to them? _ mistake, how can you explain it to them? l— mistake, how can you explain it to them? ., mistake, how can you explain it to them? ,, �* , them? i feel, like i said, there's been far too _ them? i feel, like i said, there's been far too many _ them? i feel, like i said, there's been far too many issues - them? i feel, like i said, there's been far too many issues where | them? ifeel, like i said, there's| been far too many issues where i felt we've — been far too many issues where i felt we've been on the wrong side and compromise isn't a dirty word but it— and compromise isn't a dirty word but it is— and compromise isn't a dirty word but it is possible to compromise too far. but it is possible to compromise too far and _ but it is possible to compromise too far. and when it's getting to a point — far. and when it's getting to a point where it's difficult to explain _ point where it's difficult to explain some of these issues, then you know— explain some of these issues, then you know it's wrong. at the moment, we've _ you know it's wrong. at the moment, we've got— you know it's wrong. at the moment, we've got a _ you know it's wrong. at the moment, we've got a party trying to defend the indefensible and they are doing so gladly _ the indefensible and they are doing so gladly. that is not right. it's not fair— so gladly. that is not right. it's not fair and _ so gladly. that is not right. it's not fairand it so gladly. that is not right. it's not fair and it doesn't respect the country— not fair and it doesn't respect the country or— not fair and it doesn't respect the country or the office. is not fair and it doesn't respect the country or the office. is it not fair and it doesn't respect the country or the office.— country or the office. is it about leadership? _ country or the office. is it about leadership? boris _ country or the office. is it about leadership? boris johnson - country or the office. is it about leadership? boris johnson said | country or the office. is it about - leadership? boris johnson said under leadership? borisjohnson said under his leadership, — leadership? borisjohnson said under his leadership, you _ leadership? borisjohnson said under his leadership, you were _ leadership? borisjohnson said under his leadership, you were responsible| his leadership, you were responsible for winning _ his leadership, you were responsible for winning your _ his leadership, you were responsible for winning your seat, _ his leadership, you were responsible for winning your seat, that _ his leadership, you were responsible for winning your seat, that is- his leadership, you were responsible for winning your seat, that is what i for winning your seat, that is what -ot for winning your seat, that is what got you _ for winning your seat, that is what got you to — for winning your seat, that is what got you to parliament, _ for winning your seat, that is what got you to parliament, he - for winning your seat, that is what got you to parliament, he is- for winning your seat, that is whatj got you to parliament, he is right, isn't _ got you to parliament, he is right, isn't he? _ got you to parliament, he is right, isn't he? l— got you to parliament, he is right, isn't he? ., , got you to parliament, he is right, isn't he? . , . got you to parliament, he is right, isn't he? ., . ., . isn't he? i was elected as a moderate _ isn't he? i was elected as a moderate and _ isn't he? i was elected as a moderate and centrist - isn't he? i was elected as a moderate and centrist and | isn't he? i was elected as a| moderate and centrist and i isn't he? i was elected as a - moderate and centrist and i am still a moderate — moderate and centrist and i am still a moderate and centrist, just wearing — a moderate and centrist, just wearing a _ a moderate and centrist, just wearing a different rosette. so when it is a _ wearing a different rosette. so when it is a matter of leadership, we have _ it is a matter of leadership, we have seen— it is a matter of leadership, we have seen throughout the last year that there — have seen throughout the last year that there isn't leadership. there is no _ that there isn't leadership. there is no integrity and it's about time that was— is no integrity and it's about time that was delivered to the country because — that was delivered to the country because the country desperately needs— because the country desperately needs that. because the country desperately needs that-— needs that. that was christian wakeford. _ needs that. that was christian wakeford, the _ needs that. that was christian wakeford, the conservative i needs that. that was christian i wakeford, the conservative mp needs that. that was christian - wakeford, the conservative mp who left the conservative party and joined the labour party and sat behind keir starmer at prime minister�*s questions after the decision was announced. that shows you even if the atmosphere might feel a bit quieter in the house of commons this afternoon, the problem is farfrom commons this afternoon, the problem is far from resolved commons this afternoon, the problem is farfrom resolved before boris johnson because there is still a lot of anger on the conservative backbenches. one of the mps who said publicly he has submitted a letter calling for a vote of no confidence in the prime minister is andrew bridgen and he says there is no point in waiting for the findings of the official cabinet office inquiry because in his mind thejudgment has already been made. i think sue gray's report has been much _ i think sue gray's report has been much touted but delayed. quite honestly, — much touted but delayed. quite honestly, their workload she has now is almost _ honestly, their workload she has now is almost more she had when she started _ is almost more she had when she started because of the constant drip out of _ started because of the constant drip out of allegations and alleged evidence. so when will this report come _ evidence. so when will this report come out? — evidence. so when will this report come out? in the meantime, the prime minister— come out? in the meantime, the prime ministerand _ come out? in the meantime, the prime minister and government are effectively paralysed with every arm of government, lever of government being _ of government, lever of government being used _ of government, lever of government being used to defend the prime minister— being used to defend the prime minister is a step that is not the 'ob minister is a step that is not the job of— minister is a step that is not the job of government. we are here to serve _ job of government. we are here to serve the — job of government. we are here to serve the people. andrew bridgen there. christian wakeford now having defended to the labour party, his letter of no confidence in the prime minister, that no longer counts because he is no longer a tory mp. so that is one fewer letter. just to recap on the maths of all of that, 54 letters from conservative mps have to be handed in to sir graham brady. do you think we are anywhere near that, in the sense of are we anywhere near a conservative leadership contest? i a conservative leadership contest? i would have to say in terms of the number of letters that have gone in, your guess is probably as good as mine. i have spoken to mps who think we are nowhere near the letter is required. i have spoken to other conservative mps who think that threshold could still be reached pretty soon. the point is there is only one man who knows. it�*s worth reminding people of the process. if 54 mp5 reminding people of the process. if 54 mps putting a letter calling for a vote of no—confidence, that is what would happen. it could happen very quickly, within a matter of hours. then it is only a 50% of mps say they have no confidence in the prime minister that he loses that a vote. we already know from the prime minister�*s spokesman saying if it comes to a vote of no confidence, he would fight it. if he wins it, according to the current rules of the conservative party, he would stay in post for at least a year before being challenged again. so a lot of conversation going and emily has a commons among mps who are still angry and worried about the consequences of what happens, the anger from their constituents they are hearing that are frustrated with the prime minister does not leadership on this, what they are saying is when. if we are going to move and going to try and trigger a vote of no—confidence in so when leadership contest, when is the right time to do that? there is no consensus among conservative when he�*s on whether or when to act right now. i think a lot of them are still waiting to see that official report from sue gray, the cabinet civil servant leading the investigation, before making a finaljudgment. so it is farfrom before making a finaljudgment. so it is far from over for the before making a finaljudgment. so it is farfrom overfor the prime minister. if anything, they might have bought themselves a bit of time. �* ., ., ., have bought themselves a bit of time. �* ., . ,, ., time. alex, good to talk to you. thank you _ time. alex, good to talk to you. thank you very _ time. alex, good to talk to you. thank you very much _ time. alex, good to talk to you. thank you very much indeed. i time. alex, good to talk to you. i thank you very much indeed. alex forsyth, our political correspond and in the palace of westminster. after that dramatic prime minister�*s questions in the commons at lunchtime, straight after the prime minister is trying to get on the front foot, having been on the defensive for so long over the party allegations, by announcing an easing of england�*s coronavirus restrictions, known as plan b measures, from next thursday. he announced it straight after prime minister�*s questions in the commons. so people will no longer be encouraged to work from home and won�*t need a covid pass for some major events and wearing a face covering in shops, schools and on public transport will no longer be compulsory. let�*s get this report on those developments from our health correspondent sophie hutchinson. compulsory mask wearing in shops, just one of the plan b measures introduced in england in december, as omicron infections soared. working from home was another, along with vaccination passports for large events. but borisjohnson went to the commons today to announce that all plan b restrictions would be lifted from next thursday. from now on, the government is no longer asking people to work from home. and people should now speak to their employers about arrangements for returning to the office. and having looked at the data carefully, the cabinet concluded that once regulations lapse, the government will no longer mandate the wearing face masks anywhere. figures from the office of national statistics, considered amongst the most reliable for infection rates, are now showing the most significant fall in uk covid cases since the omicron wave hit. still, around one in 20 of all citizens in the united kingdom have the virus. but this reduction is incredibly encouraging news. hospital admissions are also showing encouraging signs. london, which was at the front of this latest wave, has seen a sharp decline. england has seen falls for six days now, and even further north in scotland, the situation seems to be improving. next week, restrictions on hospitality in scotland will be lifted. but there�*s still caution about easing working from home. if you are looking at the risk menu, and you�*ve got a cinema with 200 people in it, compared to asking the working population of scotland to go back on the trains, back on the buses, back to work, that is a different level of risk. so that�*s why we are holding that back for now. restrictions on large sporting events and nightclubs will be lifted in wales in the coming days. but no easing has yet been announced for northern ireland. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. we will get more on all of that from the health secretary who is holding a news conference in about half an hour. no doubt he will be facing questions about the prime minister and the various allegations of parties here in downing street. that is but for the moment, back to jane hill in the studio. as we move away from westminster, let�*s go back to coronavirus. the uk reporting 108,069 new cases on wednesday. that is the new infection figure. also in terms of deaths in the uk reporting 359 new covid deaths. that is someone who dies within 28 days of a positive covid test. we are going to talk more about inflation and the next half an hour and we will also talk about tonga. now we will catch up with all the latest sports news from jane. good afternoon. arsenal manager mikel arteta has said he will defend his club tooth and nail, following anger at their request to postpone the north london derby at the weekend. it comes as the premier league say they may change the criteria around postponement of matches, after allegation that some clubs may have been manipulating the rules. arsenal insisted they didn�*t have enough players to compete against tottenham last weekend and were granted a postponement by the premier league. re—scheduling was brought in originally because of rising levels of covid cases in the premier league. however, injuries and, controversially, international call ups, have been added to players testing positive for coronavirus when it came to determining whether clubs had the minimum amount of players available. that has prompted the premier league to consider amending the guidance. arteta says arsenal have done nothing wrong. we will be defending our club tooth and nail and we will be defending our club tooth and nailand we we will be defending our club tooth and nail and we will not get anybody damaging our name or trying to lie about something that did not occur. if we make mistakes we will put our hand but we will defend our club in a really strong way. scotland have announced their squad for next month�*s six nations. gregor towsend has named five uncapped players, including saracens back—rower andy christie and london irish scrum—half ben white. once again stuart hogg will captain the side as they hope to repeat last year�*s victories over england and france and improve on their fourth place finish. rory darge, ben vellacott and kyle rowe are also rewarded with call—ups ahead of scotland�*s first game against england. with no world number one at the australian open, the path could be reasonably clear for the only former champion still in the men�*s draw, rafa nadal. the sixth seed eased past qualifier yannick hanfmann in straight sets to reach the third round. hanfmann saved four match points, but eventually lost to the spaniard 6-2, 6-3, 6-4. with no djokovic at the open, nadal is aiming for a men�*s record 21st grand slam title. he faces karen khachanov next. home favourite ash barty is also through, the wimbledon champion is the top ranked player in melbourne. she hasn�*t lost yet this year, and will be many people�*s pick to go all the way at a tournament that she�*s never won. barty only dropped two games against lucia bronzetti. the defending champion naomi osaka also won, racing through her first set against madison brengle. the american was relieved to get a game in the second set, and that inspired her to make a match of it. however, she couldn�*t threaten an upset, osaka winning it 6—4. yorkshire county cricket club have appointed the former west indies all—rounder 0ttis gibson as their new head coach, in the wake of the racism scandal. he replaces andrew gale, who was sacked, following the allegations made by azeem rafiq. gale is taking legal action against the club. gibson will take charge at the end of next month, assuming overall responsibility for the performance and management of the first team. he previously worked as head coach at the west indies and south africa, and was a bowling coach for england and bangladesh. gibson said he�*d spoken at length to yorkshire�*s interim managing director darren gough about the direction the club was heading in, and he was excited to be part of that future. preparations ahead of the women�*s ashes have been less than perfect for england, as they count down to their first t20 game at the adelaide oval. the series is beginning a week earlier than originally planned to allow both teams to travel to new zealand and quarantine before the world cup. it�*s meant the build up to the multi—format ashes hasn�*t been ideal. but as batter tammy beaumont aknowledges, covid has affected everything. it has been crazy, kind of not ideal preparation, a little bit different to normal, but we have made do. once we got to canberra there were a couple of days�* isolation with pcr test results, social distancing and no going anywhere indoors or too overcrowded. it has been pretty tough and now we have got to adelaide it is all about the business end. as long as they do better than the men. as long as they do better than the men. that�*s all the sport for now. the cost of living has risen at its fastest pace in nearly 30 years, according to official figures. inflation rose to 5.4% in december, up from 5.1% in november, driven mainly by higherfood prices and energy bills. the figure is more than double the bank of england�*s target for inflation. the last time inflation was higher was in march 1992, when it stood at 7.1%. our consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith has more. getting energy prices down and there is more pain to come. 0fgem are meeting soon and they will be giving a reassessment of the energy price cap, which will be changed in april. many are predicting prices to go up by 50%, around £60 extra per month on average for people. there is a lot more pain to come as well and it is notjust energy. the merchant food. for example, margarine went up 27%. so there are some pics what are the options? {lit 27%. so there are some pics what are the options?— the options? of the charities and the options? of the charities and the academics — the options? of the charities and the academics we _ the options? of the charities and the academics we have _ the options? of the charities and the academics we have had - the options? of the charities and the academics we have had on i the options? of the charities and. the academics we have had on the programme they say you have got to have targeted support for people to be able to deal with this. by definition it affects lower income households disproportionately. $1150 households disproportionately. also the bank of households disproportionately. l"r the bank of england have got very limited ammunition left. the interest rate is already low. if they start raising them to get inflation under control that could also hurt households as well because the cost of your mortgage would go up the cost of your mortgage would go up as well. they are in a bit of a tight bind. the iss was talking about possibly looking at operating benefits to help people through this difficult period. don�*t forget, the rpi measure was 7.5% and a lot of the things that are linked to rpi, like student loans, train fares, and that will hurt people going forward as well. there are quite a lot of tough choices for government and officials to make in terms of how they will get us through this in terms of the squeeze on the cost of living. terms of the squeeze on the cost of livini. . . ., ., terms of the squeeze on the cost of livin.. . . ., living. the chancellor has said he understands _ living. the chancellor has said he understands the _ living. the chancellor has said he understands the pressure - living. the chancellor has said he understands the pressure that i living. the chancellor has said he i understands the pressure that people are facing. he understands the pressure that people are facini. , . are facing. he might understand it, but don't forget _ are facing. he might understand it, but don't forget the _ are facing. he might understand it, but don't forget the 0fgem - are facing. he might understand it, | but don't forget the 0fgem meeting but don�*t forget the 0fgem meeting is in the next couple of weeks and they said they would give out some sort of announcement before that in terms of what they were due for energy bills but we have not heard anything just yet. that energy bills but we have not heard anything just yet-— anything just yet. that was our correspondence. _ anything just yet. that was our correspondence. let's - anything just yet. that was our correspondence. let's talk i anything just yet. that was our correspondence. let's talk a i anything just yet. that was our i correspondence. let's talk a little correspondence. let�*s talk a little bit more about this and the impact all of this is having on families. joining me now is carly newman who is a single parent. i know you don�*t mind as saying that you work full time and it is really helpful if you don�*t mind being frank about your financial position to explain what you have coming in and what is left by the time you have paid rent and i am assuming childcare. , ., ~' have paid rent and i am assuming childcare. , ., ,, ., . childcare. yes, so i work for a lane childcare. yes, so i work for a large charity- _ childcare. yes, so i work for a large charity- l _ childcare. yes, so i work for a large charity. i am _ childcare. yes, so i work for a large charity. i am in - childcare. yes, so i work for a large charity. i am in quite i childcare. yes, so i work for a large charity. i am in quite a i large charity. i am in quite a senior management role for context. but my rent is about £1300 a month for a small flat in south—east london. my childcare is about £800. that is over £2000 a month before energy bills and council tax. that is most of my salary taken up with just essential bills that i have no choice to pay. what i am left with after that is what universal credit gives me. after that is what universal credit iives me. , ., after that is what universal credit iives me. , . ., after that is what universal credit iives me. , . . . . gives me. yes, and we have watched over the last — gives me. yes, and we have watched over the last year _ gives me. yes, and we have watched over the last year or _ gives me. yes, and we have watched over the last year or two, _ gives me. yes, and we have watched over the last year or two, we - gives me. yes, and we have watched over the last year or two, we have i over the last year or two, we have watched in particular energy bills, something we have talked about a lot today, just going up and up. how have you been able to cope with it? have you been able to cope with it? it is balancing it so i can top it up. i it is balancing it so i can top it up. lam not it is balancing it so i can top it up. i am not on a prepaid it is balancing it so i can top it up. lam not on a prepaid metre, i am all electric, which is expensive. it is expensive to keep this space one, especially when i have got a small child. but keeping the door shut, that kind of thing. it is also tricky working from home because you are at home so much and you are deciding to i sit here with a blanket? do i put the heating on? yes, i try and balance it with paying a little bit more than i need to over the summer months sol paying a little bit more than i need to over the summer months so i can build up some credit for the winter months and then topping that out when i have got spare income. that has worked in previous years just about, so i am not sure how it is going to work this year, i will need to top it up more.— to top it up more. absolutely, and we have been _ to top it up more. absolutely, and we have been talking _ to top it up more. absolutely, and we have been talking here - to top it up more. absolutely, and we have been talking here all- to top it up more. absolutely, and we have been talking here all day| we have been talking here all day about the fact that there will be a further squeeze in april with energy bills and different taxes coming through. how do you approach that? you have got a full—time job and a child, that is another full—time job. yes. how do you feel as we head towards april? what policy changes would you like to see?— would you like to see? obviously there is a lot _ would you like to see? obviously there is a lot of _ would you like to see? obviously there is a lot of uncertainty - would you like to see? obviously there is a lot of uncertainty and i there is a lot of uncertainty and uncertainty never feels good. it is really hard to figure out or understand how that will affect you in reality until it happens and then you are in it. that is one of the big problems, especially when you are a single person on your own with are a single person on your own with a child all the responsibility is on you and you only have so much capacity to bring money in. so for me it is looking at other ways that i can bring money in, in the evenings in different ways, selling stuff on ebay, pick up some small businesses and just making savings where i can. yes, i have to figure it out as we are going along. do you feel like you — it out as we are going along. do you feel like you are _ it out as we are going along. do you feel like you are thought _ it out as we are going along. do you feel like you are thought about? i it out as we are going along. do you feel like you are thought about? do| feel like you are thought about? do you feel like politicians of any persuasion are aware of the challenges that people in your situation face? {lit challenges that people in your situation face?— situation face? of course not because they _ situation face? of course not because they have _ situation face? of course not because they have never- situation face? of course not because they have never left| because they have never left anything near. i have had lots of opportunities that so many people do not, there are people much worse off than me, but their lives are so different, how can they understand? they are from very different backgrounds with very different experiences and have had far more opportunity. they may say they understand but they absolutely don�*t, they lead very different lives. don't, they lead very different lives. ., , ., , don't, they lead very different lives. . , ., , ., don't, they lead very different lives. ., , ., , ., . ~' don't, they lead very different lives. . , ., , ., . ,, ., don't, they lead very different lives. ., , ., , ., . ,, lives. carly, lovely to talk to you and iood lives. carly, lovely to talk to you and good of _ lives. carly, lovely to talk to you and good of you _ lives. carly, lovely to talk to you and good of you to _ lives. carly, lovely to talk to you and good of you to come - lives. carly, lovely to talk to you and good of you to come and i lives. carly, lovely to talk to you | and good of you to come and talk lives. carly, lovely to talk to you i and good of you to come and talk to us so frankly. harley newman, thank you very much indeed. all the best to you. with the time edging up to quarter to five we are getting more on the situation in tonga. a thick coat of ash has been removed from the main airport runway in tonga, clearing the way for emergency aid to be delivered by air to the pacific island nation. new zealand and australia have sent critical supplies on navy ships, which are expected to arrive by friday. international telephone links have been restored following saturday�*s volcanic eruption. and the tsunami and the devastation that we have been witnessing since then. let�*s now speak to major siowsi kyoo kaho, who is from high commission of tonga in london. thank you so much for your time, sir, at such a difficult time. i know communications have been terribly difficult, what have you been able to gather? what are you hearing about how people are coping right now? hearing about how people are coping riiht now? , , . ,, hearing about how people are coping riiht now? , , . ~' ,, hearing about how people are coping riiht now? , , . ,, i. ., right now? firstly, thank you for havinr right now? firstly, thank you for having me _ right now? firstly, thank you for having me on — right now? firstly, thank you for having me on the _ right now? firstly, thank you for having me on the show. - right now? firstly, thank you for having me on the show. it - right now? firstly, thank you for having me on the show. it has i right now? firstly, thank you for i having me on the show. it has been quite difficult with the limited communications, but we have been assisted by the australian government in utilising the satellite with the new zealand and australian missions in tonga. also there is limited satellite capacity thatis there is limited satellite capacity that is available in tonga. but in terms of getting situation reports out it has been difficult, but, as you said, communication lines have been opened today, so we are making good use of them.— good use of them. those supplies that are on _ good use of them. those supplies that are on their— good use of them. those supplies that are on their way _ good use of them. those supplies that are on their way from - good use of them. those supplies i that are on their way from australia and new zealand, they are vital are they? there were concerns because we were hearing reports that the ash might have contaminated some of the water supply. might have contaminated some of the watersupply. is might have contaminated some of the water supply. is everything right now hinging on those initial supplies getting through two the government�*s initial advice is not to drink the water because of the likelihood that it is contaminated. so it is bottled water and it is a big concern. it has to be tested first. the extent of the contamination of the water is not known at the moment. but with these relief supplies that australia and new zealand have supplied, they have testing kits for the water. rbthd new zealand have supplied, they have testing kits for the water.— testing kits for the water. and what about any other _ testing kits for the water. and what about any other international- testing kits for the water. and what about any other international help? i know there were concerns because you have been covid free and you would want it to remain that way, but how do you balance that with possibly getting some outside help in? what sort of conversations are going on about that? it is in? what sort of conversations are going on about that?— going on about that? it is really eas to going on about that? it is really easy to make — going on about that? it is really easy to make decisions - going on about that? it is really easy to make decisions really i going on about that? it is really i easy to make decisions really quick, but we are waiting on the guidance and direction from tonga so that we can direct our efforts into getting this much needed supplies that they need. so once a full assessment would be done, then we can identify which areas and which equipment and which areas and which equipment and which technical help. in regards to covid, i imagine that they have put exceptions in place for humanitarian and technical assistance, noting that it and technical assistance, noting thatitis and technical assistance, noting that it is a covid free country. nonetheless, the covid task force has plans in place for situations like that. i cannot speculate on what they are deciding, but we still have to wait further for their instructions. {lit have to wait further for their instructions.— instructions. of course, it is relatively — instructions. of course, it is relatively early _ instructions. of course, it is relatively early days. - instructions. of course, it is relatively early days. we i instructions. of course, it is| relatively early days. we are instructions. of course, it is i relatively early days. we are really grateful for your time. perhaps we speak again. all best, thank you. the majorfrom the high commission of tonga here in london. many thanks. it is 12 minutes to five. the fashion designer and his work has spanned five decades. he was known in vogue as the creative director and eventually the editor. let�*s talk about his career and legacy. let�*s talk about his career and legacy. priya elan is the deputy fashion editorfor the guardian. good evening. what sort of impact is left? what sort of legacy is left from his work? i left? what sort of legacy is left from his work?— left? what sort of legacy is left from his work? . , , . from his work? i was 'ust looking at his instagram _ from his work? i was 'ust looking at his instagram feed i from his work? i wasjust looking at his instagram feed announcing i from his work? i wasjust looking at his instagram feed announcing his i his instagram feed announcing his debt and there are tributes from everyone, from linda evangelista, too little came. there is an impact on fashion and his impact on black culture is absolutely massive. long before the black lives matter movement he was a black man working in a very white world of fashion and really what he did as a symbol for diversity cannot be underestimated. it is very normal now to have conversations about diversity on the catwalk and in fashion magazines and he was doing that, he was living that decades before those conversations ever began. really he was an amazing pioneer for diversity within fashion and culture. fries. was an amazing pioneer for diversity within fashion and culture.— within fashion and culture. yes, and did he have — within fashion and culture. yes, and did he have struggles _ within fashion and culture. yes, and did he have struggles in _ within fashion and culture. yes, and did he have struggles in that - did he have struggles in that regard? he must have come up against opposition will stop a must have had to work so much harder to prove his worth in a way that he should not have had to have done, but that is what it was like back then when he was starting out.— what it was like back then when he was starting out. yes, well, he grew u . was starting out. yes, well, he grew u- in the was starting out. yes, well, he grew up in the deep _ was starting out. yes, well, he grew up in the deep south _ was starting out. yes, well, he grew up in the deep south of _ was starting out. yes, well, he grew up in the deep south of america. i up in the deep south of america. from the very start he was fighting against racism and in his book when he talks about his life he talks about devouring copies of vogue and rather heartening late in the book he said vogue was a place where those things didn�*t happen and he had that connection with vogue. when he went to paris for the fashion weeks he said that was the first time he felt seen. but he called it the subtle racism within the fashion world and he was called queen kong, and that was racism and furby are there. being in a very rarefied, white ivory tower like vogue, he was the only person of colour there and he credits anna wintour with giving him that position. even though their friendship frayed throughout the years, he did give her credit for giving her the opportunity. itruihat years, he did give her credit for giving her the opportunity. what a remarkable _ giving her the opportunity. what a remarkable person. _ giving her the opportunity. what a remarkable person. i— giving her the opportunity. what a remarkable person. i wish - giving her the opportunity. what a remarkable person. i wish i- giving her the opportunity. what a remarkable person. i wish i could| remarkable person. i wish i could talk to you so much longer, i have so many questions for you. thank you very much. it is a busy day, as you will appreciate. the fashion director of the guardian. what a remarkable life. a real trailblazer in the world of fashion who has died today at the age of 73. the number of staff vacancies in care homes in england has nearly doubled in the past nine months, according to the watchdog, the care quality commission. its research shows that by the end of last year, the number of unfilled posts had risen to more than 1 in 10. here�*s our social affairs editor, alison holt. care homes supporting people who are older and disabled have found it increasingly tough to find enough staff. burn—out from coping with covid, low pay and compulsory vaccinations have increased existing recruitment problems. the regulator, the care quality commission, has gathered data from more than 8,200 homes. in april of last year, on average, 6% of care—homejobs in england were unfilled. by the end of december, vacancies had nearly doubled, reaching 11.5%. care home bosses say in the last nine months, recruitment has been the toughest they�*ve known. we�*ve lost approximately 30% over that period. which is very significant for a small group such as ours. usually, you do find a lot of people apply for positions within the care sector. but during recent months, the number of people applying has been very, very small. a survey for the regulator of 2,000 family carers also suggests that more than half believe the dignity and independence of the person they care for was undermined during lockdowns. and nearly three quarters say the individual�*s mental health has deteriorated. the regulator wants to hear more from families about the services they�*re getting. we�*re specifically keen to hear from everyone, but also people who have loved ones in care homes. it�*s been a really challenging time particularly for residents of care homes through the pandemic, where social—care providers have strove to keep people safe. but also there�*s been challenges around people being able to see their loved ones and to see visits. there are local recruitment campaigns, and extra money has been put in by government, but at the moment, the pressures on care services remain acute. alison holt, bbc news. the us secretary of state antony blinken has warned that russia could send more troops to its border with ukraine and launch an attack at "very short notice". mr blinken is visiting the ukrainian capital, kyiv, to offer american support. russia denies that its estimated 100 thousand troops on the ukrainian border are there to invade. we are coming up to five o�*clock and we are expecting a briefing from number ten and we will hear from the health secretary sajid javid. we think we will hear more about this easing of coronavirus restrictions in england which are due to come through next week. that is coming up from five. reeta chakrabarti will take you through that news briefing. right now we are taking a look at the weather prospects and here is nick miller. have introduced some rain and some rainbows to be photographed today. this is not going to last very long. the high pressure is about to build its way backin pressure is about to build its way back in and settle things down again. we have seen this weather front moved through with the rain and behind that is colder air. although there was not a frost this morning, tomorrow morning it will be a different story. there is also a very brisk winds bringing showers into northern scotland and overnight stay in north sea coastal parts of england. there will be a wintry flavour to these in the northern scotland and that bring snow to lower levels and places. there may be a dusting of snow on the north yorkshire movers overnight. but many places will be dry with that frost setting in once again. there will be a few areas of cloud arrived in northern ireland, may be the chance of a shower. there will be also tomorrow at least initially in pembrokeshire before the sun takes over. on thursday the brisk wind becomes mainly confined towards lincolnshire and norfolk as the afternoon goes on, but it will be chilly here tomorrow. nowhere will be particularly warm but there will be particularly warm but there will be quite a bit of sunshine around and the wind will gradually be easing. where it is clear, overnight into friday frost will set in. but clouds fills in more in northern ireland, western scotland and parts of north—west england and west wales. where you see that client, you will avoid the frost, but in a large swathes of england there is a hard frost as friday begins but with sunny spells to follow. high pressure is in control and that brings a lot of dry weather on friday. a touch more cloud towards the west, drizzle in north—west scotland, but most of the sunny spells will be in eastern parts of england on friday. let�*s take a look at the setup into the weekend. we have talked about high pressure becoming established, although in northern scotland there will be more breeze and there will be rain around. but we have lost a lot of the blue and it will not be a warm weekend but temperatures, particularly in the next couple of days, will edge up a little bit. most of the cloud in the west and most of the sunshine in the east and most of the sunshine in the east and most places will be dry. but there will be fog right at times and where that forms it may well be slow to clear during the day and that does have an impact on the temperature. that is how your weather is looking. more as ever online and through the app. goodbye for now. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. a former cabinet minister tells borisjohnson to go as the prime minister defends his record to a packed house of commons. ih minister defends his record to a packed house of commons. in the name of god, to. packed house of commons. in the name of god, go- we — packed house of commons. in the name of god, go. we have _ packed house of commons. in the name of god, go. we have more _ packed house of commons. in the name of god, go. we have more people i packed house of commons. in the name of god, go. we have more people in i of god, go. we have more people in employment. _ of god, go. we have more people in employment, more _ of god, go. we have more people in employment, more employees i of god, go. we have more people in employment, more employees on i of god, go. we have more people in i employment, more employees on the payroll— employment, more employees on the payroll now— employment, more employees on the payroll now than they were before the pandemic began. that is what my staff have _ the pandemic began. that is what my staff have been working on in downing _ staff have been working on in downing street, mr speaker. cheering this morning a dramatic defection, the conservative mp for bury south, christian wakeford, crossed the commons floor to join the labour party. commons floor to 'oin the labour pa . ~ �* ., . commons floor to 'oin the labour pa. ., party. we've got a party trying to defend the — party. we've got a party trying to defend the indefensible, - party. we've got a party trying to defend the indefensible, they i party. we've got a party trying to j defend the indefensible, they are doing so badly. it�*s not right,

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