Transcripts For BBCNEWS Outside Source 20240708 : comparemel

investigation made by a muslim mp that was act as a minister because of our faith. and that was act as a minister because of ourfaith. and in the that was act as a minister because of our faith. and in the last hour there are new reports that boris johnson had a birthday party when england was in its first lockdown with up to 30 staff allegedly celebrating with him in number ten. we will also update you where the army seized power, ousted the president and dissolve the government 2a hours after launch achoo. let's begin with this new report of a party in downing street when england was in its first lockdown. i tv news has tweeted... he reports two downing street has admitted the staff to gather to which the prime minister a happy birthday that day. let's get further details. chris mason is live from west minister.— details. chris mason is live from west minister. hello. this latest exclusive from _ west minister. hello. this latest exclusive from itv _ west minister. hello. this latest exclusive from itv saying - west minister. hello. this latest exclusive from itv saying that i west minister. hello. this latest. exclusive from itv saying that the prime minister on the 19th ofjune 2020 and had a bit of a birthday gathering in downing street, had been out and about to a school that morning, he returned to downing street, up to 30 people gathering in a room in downing street, his home and his workplace with his wife there, a birthday cake handed out for that lulu little itv reporting brought in to do the interior decor in the downing string flat also there. there is the latest and really awkward headlines for the prime minister in the last day or two. let's talk to the former chair of the conservative party. hello. we will talk to you about allegations of islamic phobia in the party. first your reaction to this birthday party that the prime minister held when parties were banned. the start ofthe when parties were banned. the start of the political _ when parties were banned. the start of the political week _ when parties were banned. the start of the political week another - of the political week another damaging day for government. it's really— damaging day for government. it's really were this is notjust now about— really were this is notjust now about borisjohnson or number ten. it's about_ about borisjohnson or number ten. it's about the impression given out into the _ it's about the impression given out into the country that those who set the rules _ into the country that those who set the rules it. — into the country that those who set the rules it, those who made the rules, _ the rules it, those who made the rules, those who doctors about following — rules, those who doctors about following the rules may not have been _ following the rules may not have been following those rules themselves. this is damaging for us both in_ themselves. this is damaging for us both in the — themselves. this is damaging for us both in the united kingdom but also more _ both in the united kingdom but also more broadly when we look across the world _ more broadly when we look across the world and _ more broadly when we look across the world and we see the crisis in afghanistan, the build—up of troops in the _ afghanistan, the build—up of troops in the ukraine, the response to the following _ in the ukraine, the response to the following brecht brexit, we need the office of— following brecht brexit, we need the office of the prime minister and the prime _ office of the prime minister and the prime minister to be beyond reproach and i prime minister to be beyond reproach and i think— prime minister to be beyond reproach and i think these are further damaging allegations which once again— damaging allegations which once again means the government is not focusing _ again means the government is not focusing on— again means the government is not focusing on the function island government is focusing on survival. do you _ government is focusing on survival. do you think— government is focusing on survival. do you think boris johnson can survive. — do you think boris johnson can survive, should survive? i hope at some _ survive, should survive? i hope at some point— survive, should survive? i hope at some point the prime minister makes his decision _ some point the prime minister makes his decision himself with up i think this kind _ his decision himself with up i think this kind of— his decision himself with up i think this kind of death by a thousand cuts is _ this kind of death by a thousand cuts is becoming bold able to watch and is _ cuts is becoming bold able to watch and is also — cuts is becoming bold able to watch and is also painful for the country. and painful— and is also painful for the country. and painful for the normal functioning or government. this is now not— functioning or government. this is now not about an individual or a department, this is about us as a country — department, this is about us as a country. and that ultimately what we need right _ country. and that ultimately what we need right now is a government firing _ need right now is a government firing on— need right now is a government firing on all cylinders dealing with both domestic issues and international issues. and it simply is not _ international issues. and it simply is not happening whilst were distracted by this.— is not happening whilst were distracted by this. let's talk about the allegations _ distracted by this. let's talk about the allegations of _ distracted by this. let's talk about the allegations of islamic - distracted by this. let's talk about the allegations of islamic phobia l the allegations of islamic phobia involving a former mb you probably should no longer in government is because she muslim. it is the party over the conservative party doing enough to face up to these allegations of islamic phobia? with be a government inquiry, is that enough? be a government inquiry, is that enou~h? , . . . , be a government inquiry, is that enou~h? , ., ., ., , ., be a government inquiry, is that enou~h? , . ., ., _ enough? these allegations are deeply disturbin: enough? these allegations are deeply disturbing because _ enough? these allegations are deeply disturbing because they _ enough? these allegations are deeply disturbing because they go _ enough? these allegations are deeply disturbing because they go up - enough? these allegations are deeply disturbing because they go up beyond | disturbing because they go up beyond the conservative party. as you know, for the _ the conservative party. as you know, for the last— the conservative party. as you know, for the last seven years of employment out case after case after case after _ employment out case after case after case after case they are hundreds of islandc— case after case they are hundreds of islamic phobia racism within the conservative party. but this is not about _ conservative party. but this is not about something that happened within the conservative party or conservative hq to somebody it employed by the conservative party, this is— employed by the conservative party, this is something that happened to a government minister, somebody employed by government he was alleging — employed by government he was alleging that comments were made in number— alleging that comments were made in number 10 _ alleging that comments were made in number 10 downing street in word repeated _ number 10 downing street in word repeated to her by the chief weapon. this is— repeated to her by the chief weapon. this is not— repeated to her by the chief weapon. this is not the heart of government and makes — this is not the heart of government and makes a far more serious. because — and makes a far more serious. because the conservative party in the end _ because the conservative party in the end has to respond to its members. there may be a couple of hundred _ members. there may be a couple of hundred british muslim members but the government is accountable to its public— the government is accountable to its public and _ the government is accountable to its public and in the public therefore million _ public and in the public therefore million british muslims looking at the government say what are you new about _ the government say what are you new about this? _ the government say what are you new about this? ., ., ., ,., about this? final thought about the prime minister _ about this? final thought about the prime minister right _ about this? final thought about the prime minister right now _ about this? final thought about the prime minister right now and - about this? final thought about the prime minister right now and his i prime minister right now and his conduct. are you suggesting he should resign? i’m conduct. are you suggesting he should resign?— conduct. are you suggesting he should resin? �* , , ., should resign? i'm suggesting that the prime minister _ should resign? i'm suggesting that the prime minister has _ should resign? i'm suggesting that the prime minister has to - should resign? i'm suggesting that the prime minister has to think - should resign? i'm suggesting thatl the prime minister has to think long and hard _ the prime minister has to think long and hard about what is in the best interest— and hard about what is in the best interest of— and hard about what is in the best interest of this country. ultimately, we all go into power, we all go _ ultimately, we all go into power, we all go into— ultimately, we all go into power, we all go into politics and we all want to exercise — all go into politics and we all want to exercise and have our hands on the levers — to exercise and have our hands on the levers of power to make our country better. the question you should _ country better. the question you should be — country better. the question you should be asking himself every morning — should be asking himself every morning is, is me staying in office allowing _ morning is, is me staying in office allowing me to run this office in a way which — allowing me to run this office in a way which is making the country better— way which is making the country better or— way which is making the country better or am distraction? sounds like as a former _ better or am distraction? sounds like as a former chair _ better or am distraction? sounds like as a former chair of the - like as a former chair of the conservative party are saying that he is and he should go. i am speaking _ he is and he should go. i am speaking in _ he is and he should go. i am speaking in concern - he is and he should go. i am speaking in concern and - he is and he should go. i am speaking in concern and sorrow. i genuinely— speaking in concern and sorrow. i genuinely think that the politics of this goes— genuinely think that the politics of this goes well beyond the current crisis _ this goes well beyond the current crisis this — this goes well beyond the current crisis. this is about how we are viewed — crisis. this is about how we are viewed as— crisis. this is about how we are viewed as a _ crisis. this is about how we are viewed as a government in the country— viewed as a government in the country and how we as a country are viewed _ country and how we as a country are viewed in _ country and how we as a country are viewed in the — country and how we as a country are viewed in the world. i think those issuesm — viewed in the world. i think those issuesm i— viewed in the world. i think those issues... i instinctively believe my colleagues — issues... i instinctively believe my colleagues love this country, they are patriots, they want to do the right— are patriots, they want to do the right thing — are patriots, they want to do the right thing by this country. and the right thing — right thing by this country. and the right thing by us and the rest of the world _ right thing by us and the rest of the world. that's a question the prime _ the world. that's a question the prime minister is going to ask himself— prime minister is going to ask himself was up does he believe that holding _ himself was up does he believe that holding that office, office of the prime _ holding that office, office of the prime minister he is continuing to do what _ prime minister he is continuing to do what isn't the best interest of this country and the best that we can do? — this country and the best that we can do? do— this country and the best that we can do? do you think he is? i have concerns — can do? do you think he is? i have concerns as — can do? do you think he is? i have concerns. as in ex—chairman i genuinely— concerns. as in ex—chairman i genuinely believe that people have to think. _ genuinely believe that people have to think, we are grown—ups, we are mature _ to think, we are grown—ups, we are mature people, we are individuals and we _ mature people, we are individuals and we have to be able to think about— and we have to be able to think about these issues deeply and take these _ about these issues deeply and take these decisions for ourselves. i genuinely— these decisions for ourselves. i genuinely hope we are not put in a position— genuinely hope we are not put in a position where it feels like the prime minister is being pushed, this is a prime _ prime minister is being pushed, this is a prime minister that can feel that he — is a prime minister that can feel that he can take these decisions himself— that he can take these decisions himself in— that he can take these decisions himself in the best interest of the countrv _ himself in the best interest of the count . . ~ himself in the best interest of the count . ., ,, ,., himself in the best interest of the count . ., ,, ., ., ,, country. thank you for talking to us. country. thank you for talking to us- former— country. thank you for talking to us. former chair _ country. thank you for talking to us. former chair of _ country. thank you for talking to us. former chair of the - country. thank you for talking to - us. former chair of the conservative party. and insight from somebody who has served at the very top of the governing party here in the uk. 0f governing party here in the uk. of just how much concern there is from some about the style, the demeanour of borisjohnson leading the government at the moment. of boris johnson leading the government at the moment. chris, thank you — government at the moment. chris, thank you- of _ government at the moment. chris, thank you. of course _ government at the moment. chris, thank you. of course we _ government at the moment. chris, thank you. of course we will - government at the moment. chris, thank you. of course we will have i thank you. of course we will have further coverage of the story through the our photo itv news publishing allegation that there was a birthday party for the prime minister and over ten during the first lockdown in england in 2020. the nato defence alliance is beefing up its military presence in eastern europe — in response to russia's buildup of troops near ukraine. ships and fighterjets are being deployed and its troops are on standby. meanwhile, the us is also reportedly considering sending soldiers to the region amid fears of a possible invasion. here's the nato secretary general. we are considering to further enhance our presence in eastern part of the alliance. this could include the deployment of additional nato battle groups. these deployments are proportionate and in line with our international commitments and they reinforce force european security for all of us. at the same time, nato remains ready to continue dialogue with russia. the focus is the border between ukraine and russia. and the concern is this buildup of russian troops. over 100,000 troops are massed there. and they've been taking part in frequent military drills — this is said to be near ukraine's eastern border last week. nato and others fear russia is about to invade. it's sending reinforcements to its eastern flank as a deterrence. 4,000 nato troops are currently in estonia, lithuania, latvia and poland. here's jens stoltenberg again. we will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all our allies and i welcome that allies are stepping up. for instance, denmark is sending a frigate to the baltic sea and will deploy more jets to ukraine as part of the baltic air policing mission. france has expressed its willingness to send troops to romania under nato command. the netherlands is sending fighter aircraft to bulgaria for air policing and is putting units on standby for a nato response force. russia denies its planning military action and is accusiong nato of provocation. and this is the kremlin on the prospect of it invading. the possibility is present and now it is very high. ——fi it's now higher than before. we are seeing statements from the north atlantic alliance about more troops, pulling forces and assets onto the eastern flank. i'd like to point out it's not because of what we, russia are doing, it's all happening because of what nato, the united states are doing in the information they are spreading. russia considers nato as a threat. and this is how it's responding by sending 20 navy vessels to the baltic sea for military drills. russia says the ships will perform anti—submarine and air defense tasks. all of this is feeding into concerns in western capitals that russia is about to invade. here's british prime minister borisjohnson. the more that could take out kia is wanted everyone can see. we need to make it very clear to the kremlin, to russia that that would be a disastrous step —— kia. it played earlier than expected. it played in another development, the us and the uk have withdrawn some of their diplomats from kiev. the european union hasn't followed yet. here's the eu foreign policy chief. we are not going to do the same thing because we have no specific reason. but secretary will inform us. i don't think we had, as far as negotiation going on and they are going on, i don't think that we have to left ukraine and lee. ukraine and lee. and this is the view from ukraine. translation: we respect the right to foreign _ translation: we respect the right to foreign states to ensure the security— foreign states to ensure the security of diplomatic missions but we consider such a step to be premature. and a display of excessive caution. caroline _ and a display of excessive caution. caroline davis is in moscow. here she is on how the story is played out there. moscow's reaction so far has been to say the west is ramping up has been to say the west is ramping up tensions here. they've said that we for this language multiple times from russia before blaming the other side. the kremlin spokesperson also express comments over the weekend from the british foreign office saying they had an idea that putin was planning on putting a puppet government into power in kyiv, he called these comments hysteria laced with fakes. he also denied the fact that russia could ever stop delivering gas to europe over this tension. it has still been a very difficult day and russia markets, russian stocks have stumbled and the ruble is down against the dollar quite significantly. the kremlin have been fairly bullish about this but affect incompetence. diplomacy isn't over yet, waiting to hear from america on the written demand to russia and russia response will probably dictate whether russia decides to continue with diplomacy or whether it ta kes a takes a different, potentially more aggressive path. she is live with me from washington. good to see you. help me understand the politics of this in washington. other republicans and democrats on similar ground? trio. republicans and democrats on similar round? ., , ., republicans and democrats on similar round? ., ., _ ground? no, they are obviously both very concerned _ ground? no, they are obviously both very concerned about _ ground? no, they are obviously both very concerned about this _ ground? no, they are obviously both very concerned about this at - ground? no, they are obviously both very concerned about this at the - very concerned about this at the moment. you've seen lawmakers typically more republican saying that we are really in the age of a new cold war. i think you get to see republicans in a political sense continuing to hammer biden on this issue. in fact former president trump released a statement earlier today very much slimming bidens handling of the situation saying, that would never happen or the situation in russia would not happen under the trump administration. you're starting to see these partisan lines emerge. but i would say, lawmakers specialising in foreign policies on capitol hill, on both sides of the aisle are very concerned about this and are taking part in those briefings. haifa concerned about this and are taking part in those briefings.— part in those briefings. how does this fit into _ part in those briefings. how does this fit into america's _ part in those briefings. how does this fit into america's broader - this fit into america's broader strategy when it comes to intervening abroad? we know thatjoe biden has taken america out of afghanistan, president trump wasn't part elected because he promised to get america out of eight number of conflicts with up or any real appetite to get involved in anyone here? it’s appetite to get involved in anyone here? �* , . , appetite to get involved in anyone here? , here? it's a very complicated situation- — here? it's a very complicated situation. i _ here? it's a very complicated situation. i don't _ here? it's a very complicated situation. i don't think - here? it's a very complicated | situation. i don't think there's here? it's a very complicated - situation. i don't think there's an appetite to get involved in a foreign conflict at this time. just because you see the us really turn inward ever since march of 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and really focus on that domestic policy. here's where it gets complicated, russia obviously is a huge supplier of oil and natural gas in europe and around the world. we see gas prices in the united states already high, where dealing with record high inflation in the united states was up there is a fear that if a conflict were to emerge between russia and ukraine right now, that could impact the economics here in the united states and the american peoples pocketbooks. right now we do know that the state department is meeting with various energy companies around the world and other foreign governments such as qatar and norway to really come up with some sort of a contingency plan to figure out what to do if russia were to weapon eyes is a natural gas stockpiles. to weapon eyes is a natural gas stockpiles— to weapon eyes is a natural gas stockiles. ., ., , , stockpiles. before you go, is this breakin: stockpiles. before you go, is this breaking into _ stockpiles. before you go, is this breaking into america's - stockpiles. before you go, is this breaking into america's news - breaking into america's news coverage? is this breaking through the domestic issues that would normally dominate the news? i would sa ou are normally dominate the news? i would say you are definitely _ normally dominate the news? i would say you are definitely starting - normally dominate the news? i would say you are definitely starting to - say you are definitely starting to see it break through. you started to see it break through. you started to see a breakthrough in the middle of last week and now you are starting to hear more about russia and ukraine. i think part of that is because so closely tied to economics and energy. it's something you are hearing about. coronavirus still obviously the top story but i would say this is number two or three in terms of foreign policy. thank you. we must turn to west africa. there has been a coup there and the president has been ousted. the military has now gone to state tv announce they are in control. translation: the movement which brings together all the defence forces has decided to put an end to the power today. the 24th two of 2022. this is a decision taken with the sole aim of enabling our country to get back on track and to gather all its forces in order to fight for its territorial integrity, his recovery and its sovereignty. the da 5 recovery and its sovereignty. the days advance _ recovery and its sovereignty. the days advance began with the president was to a day after soldiers had mutinied at several army bases. and empire been heard at the night around the presidential palace, you could see an armoured car from the presidential fleet riddled with bullet holes. it's not clear whether the president was inside the vehicle. burkina faso is a landlocked country in the sahel region of west africa. it has a population of around 21 million people, the majority of whom are muslim. it's capital is the city of ouagadougou, the country was a french colony until 1960 — when it became independent. and has since experienced multiple military coups. marc kaboray has been the president since 2015, after winning a second term in elections in 2020. always good to have you on the program. did always good to have you on the ro . ram. , , always good to have you on the rouram. , , , , program. did they see this coming? kind of, yes — program. did they see this coming? kind of, yes because _ program. did they see this coming? kind of, yes because there - program. did they see this coming? kind of, yes because there have - program. did they see this coming? l kind of, yes because there have been multiple protests by civilians and as well as the army being very angry with the president and his government the civilian population were relieved that up and in fact on saturday and away a precursor to the military movement, there was a big military movement, there was a big military protest that was banned by the government that civilians took to the streets regardless complaining that in the main part that the government had failed to deal with the massive islamist insurgency that is spreading across the country and indeed threatening the country and indeed threatening the whole of west africa. basically both civilian and military are members of the society headed quite enough of this government.- enough of this government. wouldn't the military have _ enough of this government. wouldn't the military have been _ enough of this government. wouldn't the military have been right - enough of this government. wouldn't the military have been right at - enough of this government. wouldn't the military have been right at the i the military have been right at the front of taken on the islamicist insurgency? what they did yesterday on sunday before they staged this actual coup, they said they came out with a list of demands and said the soldiers on the front lines were not given enough food, they were not enough properly trained soldiers who had to fight this particular kind of warfighting islamist in had to fight this particular kind of war fighting islamist in the desert areas. that wounded soldiers weren't looked after, the families that killed soldiers were ignored. they basically said they couldn't carry out this fight properly and it was the governments fault for failing to give them adequate support. what's the plan now? the military says it's in control, what will they do next? it says it's dissolve the parliament, it's dissolve the parliament, it's dissolve the parliament, it's dissolve the parliament, it's close the countries borders, it had said as coup leaders tend to say that there will be a return to constitutional order when the time is right within a reasonable time, as they put it. but for now but i presume is happening is that they are trying to work out how they are going to take control of the country. it looks like there is a left tenant colonel who is in charge of this coup wing of coup leaders. he has a lot of experience fighting jihad is across the sea how come he's quite a senior in the army, he's written essays on fightings jihad army, he's written essays on fightingsjihad is on. it looks like going to know better than their predecessors how to deal with islamicist insurgency.- predecessors how to deal with islamicist insurgency. every edition of outside source we bring you the biggest stories from around the world. we've looked at west africa, eastern europe, the uk next week turned to syria because there been days of fighting between there been days of fighting between the us backed kurdish forces and islamic state fighters who took over a prison. dozens of militant storms is present in the place in northern syria. i was on thursday. they want to try and free jailed iis fighters with up that lead to scenes like this, intense fighting between kurdish forces outside the prison and islamic state fighters inside. we believe around 150 people died in these classes. then earlier on monday, today around 300 iis militants in the present surrendered. the current state there are more still fighting. at the un is concerned about 850 children who are also housed in this prison. it says... i've been getting more on this from our middle east correspondent.— this from our middle east correspondent. this from our middle east corresondent. , , , ., ., correspondent. this is been going on for several days _ correspondent. this is been going on for several days now. _ correspondent. this is been going on for several days now. ever _ correspondent. this is been going on for several days now. ever since - for several days now. ever since this group of islamic state fighters to the walls of the prison and exploded them, they manager waited way inside and sale of parts of the prison, take control while they were battled back by the democratic forces, the local forces in northeast syria. this has been going on for several days now. it is leaked out of the prison and into the areas around, around 50,000 people have now been displaced from their home because there is been fighting in these trades as these remaining members of the islamic state group try to stamp their influence on that area. what is notable is how long it's taken to be brought under control. we know there have been about 100 and islamic state fighters killed. we know there's been up to 30 members of the local security forces killed as well. notably coalition forces have been involved, certainly us assistance in terms of air strikes trying to bring this under control. it has been going on for several days which really raises questions about how this is able to happen. how does what's happening in this story fit into the broader security situation in syria?— situation in syria? what is really ke to situation in syria? what is really key to take _ situation in syria? what is really key to take away _ situation in syria? what is really key to take away from _ situation in syria? what is really key to take away from this - situation in syria? what is really key to take away from this is - situation in syria? what is really| key to take away from this is that this was in no way a surprise. even just in the last few months the islamic state group sleeper cells have tried to do this before, there've been plots that have been foiled. you should also remember as well as far back as 2013 or so this is one of the original islamic state methods was breaking into prisons and freeing people to join a group. it's been part of their messaging for a year or two now, the idea they would break into prisons and freedom fighters. it's something that members of the group really believe. i've been to syria and spoken to women who are in the camps there they are in the firm belief, many of them that it's worth staying where they are because at some point they will be freed. and this really plays into that narrative. in terms of security situation, it raises big questions about how this was able to happen. it's been on the card for a longtime. the fact that there are fighters from many countries around the world who have been left in these prisons, and not been repatriated by the countries they belong to, they are between seven and 800 children, boys in that prison is well who are now being used as a human shield by the islamic state fighters that are remaining in the air. this is been allowed to fester like an open sewer and questions need to be asked about how safe it is and how sustainable it is to allow those men and boys to be in an insecure present like this when you look at that help could potentially escalate in terms of her resurgent of the islamic group in the future. resurgent of the islamic group in the future-— the future. finally at group two word on the — the future. finally at group two word on the islamic— the future. finally at group two word on the islamic state, - the future. finally at group two l word on the islamic state, when the future. finally at group two - word on the islamic state, when we will focus on the security situation in syria and islamic state was controlling significant amounts of territory it stated goal is to create a new caliphate. it is now lost all of its territory. is that so it's goal? it lost all of its territory. is that so its goal?— lost all of its territory. is that so it's goal? it is still its goal. you know _ so it's goal? it is still its goal. you know they _ so it's goal? it is still its goal. you know they are _ so it's goal? it is still its goal. you know they are still- so it's goal? it is still its goal. | you know they are still around. so it's goal? it is still its goal. - you know they are still around. this is perhaps in northeast syria certainly the highest profile incident that they've managed to orchestrate in quite a while. they are also very active in the disputed part of iraq, the parts dispute between iraq and kurdistan. you really get a bit of security vacuum they are because there are two separate sets of forces with up the day before this prison attack in northeast syria there was an attack in iraq where 11 members of an army unit were killed in an islamic state attack. they are still there, still doing, as you say nothing on the scale we saw a few years ago, a tax orchestrate around the world but huge amounts of land they had in caliphate. they are still there and they are still able and they want to do orchestrate these really quite attention attract and the ideology is not gone away.— attention attract and the ideology is not gone away. thank you anna for finishin: is not gone away. thank you anna for finishing the — is not gone away. thank you anna for finishing the staff _ is not gone away. thank you anna for finishing the staff of _ is not gone away. thank you anna for finishing the staff of outside - finishing the staff of outside source. i will see you in a couple of minutes. for the last week or two we've had an area of high pressure shaping our weather and that's the way we started the new week as well. it means a lot of dry weather today and there is a week by the front in the northwest was up that's brought patchy rain and drizzle across the western areas of scotland for the users balancing some sunshine in the northeast of england. it's been where we've had this blanket of low cloud across other parts of england and wales, temperatures no better than four or 5 degrees in some places. that cloud is still around as we head further into the night. we do have some clear skies in northern england, especially to the east of the pennines, patchy fog is likely, mainly through the veil of york. could be a touch of frost as well. even with a cloud across this on the parts of england and wales not particularly warm overnight. the mildest weather remains in scotland and northern ireland. that fog lifted the morning as the breeze picks up a little bit. some sunshine to the east of the pennines, best of the sunshine for eastern scotland and developing in northern ireland ahead of another weather front some rain towards the islands later on in the day. otherwise dry weather around, but of cloud, temperatures similar to those of today. if you're underneath that low cloud, misty weather in england and wales as market or feel very warm at all. high pressure, week weatherfront and the north, that fades away, doesn't bring significant rain for the next weather system comes in from the atlantic. i had of it could be a bit of a chilly start on wednesday and then the breeze picks up, it was stir things up, hopefully live some of that low cloud and gives sunshine in england and wales. a bit of what weather comes into the northwest yet again where the winds will be touching gale force was up jarring and mild air, temperatures everywhere should be at degree or two higher we can make eight or 9 degrees across england and wales with some windy weather transfers into the north overnight and that weather front lose its way southwards but as he could see, there's not much rain on it. most of their blankets for two squeeze out, band of rain clears away from southern areas on thursday what little rain there is moves through. and then we get sunshine following on behind, few showers maybe in the north and west with a northwesterly wind arrives on thursday, not particular cold, temperatures eight to 12 degrees. essentially the stri january continues of the week ahead, away from the northwest of the uk at many places are going to be dry, hopefully we will cease more sunshine later in the week. hello, i'm ros atkins, this is outside source. nato is sending ships and fighter jets to eastern europe as fears grew that russia is preparing to invade ukraine. , , , . ukraine. these deployments are proportionate — ukraine. these deployments are proportionate and _ ukraine. these deployments are proportionate and in _ ukraine. these deployments are proportionate and in line - ukraine. these deployments are proportionate and in line with i ukraine. these deployments are | proportionate and in line with our international commitments. and they reinforce european security for all of us. ,, , ., reinforce european security for all ofus. ,, ,.,,.,..,, of us. the us is also considering sendin: of us. the us is also considering sending its _ of us. the us is also considering sending its forces _ of us. the us is also considering sending its forces to _ of us. the us is also considering sending its forces to the - of us. the us is also considering sending its forces to the region | of us. the us is also considering i sending its forces to the region as russia continues its build—up on ukraine's border. over 100,000 personnel amassed there. also in this happen or we will have an in—depth look at what has led to this and also by the situation is escalating now. in the uk, the prime minister has ordered an investigation into claims made by a muslim mp that she was sacked as a minister because of her faith. in the last couple of hours, new reports that borisjohnson had a birthday party when england was in its first lockdown with up to 30 staff allegedly celebrating in at number 10. let's look in more depth at our top story. russia and ukraine are at the bank with a real risk of military confrontation. we will spend a few minutes looking at why this situation has developed and why it is coming to a head now. tensions between russia and the west are growing. rapidly. a russian military build—up is visible on the ground. and from the air. in 2014, russia annexed crimea and supported separatists in the east of ukraine. and concerns are again running high. it is the right time to remind the whole world that ukraine has been living under the threat of invasion, and for some parts of ukraine real invasion and occupation, for the past eight years. but this time it really feels different. it feels different to western countries, too. they gathered in berlin and issued this warning. —— they gathered in geneva. we have been very clear that if there is any further russian aggression in terms of sending russian forces into ukraine, there will be a swift, there will be a severe, and there will be a united response. but tension between the west and russia isn't new. nor is russian pressure on ukraine. so why is this escalation happening? here are six reasons — three short—term, three long—term. first, ukraine became independent in 1991 after the collapse of the soviet union. but vladimir putin still sees deep cultural ties. last year he wrote... and as ukraine's relationship with the west has deepened, so has putin's determination to stop this happening. here's the bbc�*s steve rosenberg. people here believe that mr putin sees himself as a leader on a historic mission to try to bring ukraine back into russia's orbit. and not only to do that but to re—establish for moscow a sphere of influence in this part of the world. our second reason is what happened in 2014. russia annexed crimea from ukraine. and supported separatists in the east. and for some there, this was welcome. recognition is very important for our republic. we fought for this, we spilled our blood for this. the end goal is to be part of the russian federation. russia denies that is the end goal. but it was hit with a range of sanctions and condemnation for its actions. and as well as damaging relations with the west, there was a military consequence. this is ukraine's army now. it's much bigger than it was in 2014. it is almost twice as big as it was in 2014. third, we need to look at nato's expansion. nato is a military alliance — dominated by the us, but with most members in europe. this map on the nato website. there's russia in the east — the light blue coloured countries are all nato members. some of them are former members of the soviet union. something putin says is a broken promise. we won't move one inch towards the east they told us in the 1990s, and what happened? they deceived us. they brazenly tricked us. the west denies this, but russia remains outraged. not least when ukraine takes part injoint military exercises with nato. or when the the eu says this: as ever, the european union stands by ukraine in these difficult circumstances. we are very firm in our resolve. russia wants nato to pull back, nato says it won't. russia wants ukraine to turn away from europe, the eu says it canjoin. and if those are three longer—term reasons, here are three reasons why this has escalated. starting with putin's view of attitudes in ukraine. 81% of ukrainians say they have a negative attitude about putin. and this statement from ukraine's president. we have everyone's full and permanent support. support by ukraine's international partners, by europe, and united states in particular. despite putin's efforts, ukraine is still getting closer to the west. he may have concluded a different tactic is needed. next there's the state of the west. bruno macaes of the hudson institute tweets: "i think two developments shaped putin's decision to intensify the conflict — afghanistan debacle and merkel�*s departure." some argue america's unilateral withdrawal from afghanistan demonstrated a lack of appetite for conflict abroad and a lack of cohesion among western powers. this former deputy national security adviser to former president donald trump argues: "whatever happened in afghanistan had a ripple effect with ukraine. they — russia — will think, �*this is my time. america's weak, it's disorganised.”' joe biden wouldn't agree with that. but the west didn't act as one in afghanistan — nor is it in ukraine. the uk, the us and others are sending military hardware to ukraine. not germany though. germany has not supported the export of lethal weapons in recent years. as well as this, the head of the german navy resigned after saying: "giving putin respect is low cost, even no cost. it is easy to give him the respect he demands, and probably deserves. " putin may see the state of the west as an opportunity. what is beyond dispute is our final reason. our final reason is what everyone can see with their own eyes. the enormous russian troop build—up on the border with ukraine. this is the immediate reason for the escalation. because as the russians build—up, so now does the west. the us has given ukraine what it calls 90 tonnes of "lethal aid". the uk is also sending equipment, and it's been noted. our western associates are escalating the situation by supplying kyiv with lethal modern weapons, conducting provocative military manoeuvres in the black sea and in other regions near our borders. for years, the two world views of the west and russia have clashed. now that risks taking on a military dimension. both argue the other is wrong, both argue the other must give ground. and ukraine has become the issue on which to test the strength of their arguments and their military. let's go straight to the pentagon in washington. a spokesman for the us department of defence is giving a press conference. riff department of defence is giving a press conference.— department of defence is giving a press conference. of the up to 8500 that i press conference. of the up to 8500 that i talked — press conference. of the up to 8500 that i talked about, _ press conference. of the up to 8500 that i talked about, they _ press conference. of the up to 8500 that i talked about, they are all - press conference. of the up to 8500 that i talked about, they are all us l that i talked about, they are all us —based. your second question was? are the intended only for the nato rapid _ are the intended only for the nato rapid response force or the could they perform other reinforcement functions? the they perform other reinforcement functions? , ~ they perform other reinforcement functions? , ,, ., ., functions? the bulk of them are intended for _ functions? the bulk of them are intended for the _ functions? the bulk of them are intended for the nato _ functions? the bulk of them are intended for the nato response | intended for the nato response force. the vast majority of. as i also said in my opening statement, the secretary wants us pastured to be ready for any other contingencies, as well. the bulk of them are aligned for the nato response force. the third question was on timing. i think we have been watching this very closely, i also said that right at the top. it is very clear that the russians have no intention right now of the escalating. and because not every of these units that we are notifying our in... not all of them are any heightened state of alert, it made prudent servants for the secretary to want to give them as much time to prepare to be on a shorter tether as a canjust in case. again, i want to stress, particularly with the nato response force, it has not been activated. it is a natal call to make, but we have contributions to that response force, as do other nations. as i said, it is 40,000 something strong. our contribution does not come near the 40,000 number. other nations will have to contribute as well. for our part, unilaterally, we wanted to make sure that we were ready in case that all should come. that means making sure the units that we contribute to it as ready as they can be on a short as ready as they can be on a short as notice as possible.— as notice as possible. three quick thins, as notice as possible. three quick things. what _ as notice as possible. three quick things, what specific— as notice as possible. three quick things, what specific military - things, what specific military capabilities do these us troops bring _ capabilities do these us troops bring to— capabilities do these us troops bring to europe, these 8500? second, could you _ bring to europe, these 8500? second, could you say with some specificity what is _ could you say with some specificity what is the — could you say with some specificity what is the exact mission for these trips? _ what is the exact mission for these trips? and — what is the exact mission for these trips? and what will your measure of success— trips? and what will your measure of success be? — trips? and what will your measure of success be? how will you know when the mission — success be? how will you know when the mission is accomplished? so, success be? how will you know when the mission is accomplished?- the mission is accomplished? so, on capabilities. — the mission is accomplished? so, on capabilities. i _ the mission is accomplished? so, on capabilities, i touched _ the mission is accomplished? so, on capabilities, i touched on _ the mission is accomplished? so, on capabilities, i touched on this - the mission is accomplished? so, on capabilities, i touched on this in - capabilities, i touched on this in the opening statement. again, when we are able to identify the units we will do that. the reason why do not have specific units today is because the units are being notified, as well as family members. i think you can understand we would not want to get ahead of that notification process. broadly speaking, as mentioned at the top, these would be additional brigade combat teams, logistics personnel, medical support, aviation support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as transportation, and maybe even some additional capabilities after that. again, when we can identify it for you the units, i think you will see that they cover the broad scope of those capabilities. missions have not been assigned. the ready response force has not been activated. and so there is not a mission per se. this is about the secretary wanting to get ahead of the potential activation and making sure that these units have the time to prepare if and only if they are deployed. then you had when will you no success. again, there's been no activation, so there's been no mission assigned, so it is very difficult for me to give you an object or a down cheque on what equates success. what this is about, though, is reassurance to our nato allies. we have been talking about that for quite some time. we are going to be ready, we are going to be prepared to help bolster our allies with capabilities they might need, and we are going to do this in lock step with them and with the alliance. this is really about reassuring the eastern flank of nato, to also about, i can cover this, but your question of success, it is proving how the united states takes our commitment to nato and to the article five commitment inside nato. ., , ., the article five commitment inside nato. ., ,, ., nato. how will you know when your military goals _ nato. how will you know when your military goals are _ nato. how will you know when your military goals are achieved? - nato. how will you know when your military goals are achieved? there | military goals are achieved? there has been no _ military goals are achieved? there has been no mission _ military goals are achieved? there has been no mission assigned - military goals are achieved? tues has been no mission assigned right now. this is about getting troops ready. back to what we are trying to achieve as a couple of things. we still would like to deter vladimir putin and the russians from another incursions, number one. numbertwo incursions, number one. number two is incursions, number one. numbertwo is to make sure we are bolstering and staying unified with the alliance, that the alliance stays strong. the bulk of the reason for this, these prepare to deploy orders is to make sure that we are ready to bolster the nato alliance and to prove the solidarity of the alliance. those are the two big outcomes here. but again no mission has been assigned to these trips, no deployment orders have been sent to them. what the secretary has ordered them. what the secretary has ordered them to do is to be ready to go, in some cases on a much shorter tether than what they had before. flan some cases on a much shorter tether than what they had before.— than what they had before. can you rule out sending _ than what they had before. can you rule out sending us _ than what they had before. can you rule out sending us troops - rule out sending us troops to ukraine? _ rule out sending us troops to ukraine? ithink rule out sending us troops to ukraine? i think the president has already— ukraine? i think the president has already spoken to that. as you know, we already _ already spoken to that. as you know, we already do have advisers and some trainers _ we already do have advisers and some trainers in _ we already do have advisers and some trainers in ukraine. the}r we already do have advisers and some trainers in ukraine.— trainers in ukraine. they are still there at their _ trainers in ukraine. they are still there at their work. _ trainers in ukraine. they are still there at their work. if _ trainers in ukraine. they are still there at their work. if you're - trainers in ukraine. they are still there at their work. if you're not| there at their work. if you're not willin: to there at their work. if you're not willing to send _ there at their work. if you're not willing to send troops _ there at their work. if you're not willing to send troops to - there at their work. if you're not. willing to send troops to ukraine, what _ willing to send troops to ukraine, what makes you think that this is going _ what makes you think that this is going to — what makes you think that this is going to deter vladimir putin? there is a whole package _ going to deter vladimir putin? there is a whole package of— going to deter vladimir putin? tues is a whole package of things the administration is looking at to try to deter vladimir putin from another incursion, including very severe economic consequences. this is... this is about sending a strong message that we are committed to nato and we are committed to assuring that our allies have the capabilities they need in case they need to defend themselves. ikilim capabilities they need in case they need to defend themselves. num it to send these trips _ need to defend themselves. num it to send these trips or _ need to defend themselves. num it to send these trips or yell _ need to defend themselves. num it to send these trips or yell i _ need to defend themselves. num it to send these trips or yell i am _ need to defend themselves. num it to send these trips or yell i am not - send these trips or yell i am not aware _ send these trips or yell i am not aware of— send these trips or yell i am not aware of any such requirement at this point — aware of any such requirement at this point. we have long—standing commitments to the nato response force _ commitments to the nato response force was — commitments to the nato response force was. will commitments to the nato response force was. ~ ., ., ., ., , force was. will are one of many nations that _ force was. will are one of many nations that will _ force was. will are one of many nations that will contribute - force was. will are one of many nations that will contribute to i force was. will are one of many| nations that will contribute to it. this is very much in keeping with the policy and procedures that have been laid down for activation. again, if it is activated and it has not been. �* again, if it is activated and it has not been. . .,, ., , again, if it is activated and it has not been. . ., , j~ :: :: not been. are most of these 8500 forces, not been. are most of these 8500 forces. would _ not been. are most of these 8500 forces, would they _ not been. are most of these 8500 forces, would they go _ not been. are most of these 8500 forces, would they go to _ not been. are most of these 8500 forces, would they go to the - not been. are most of these 8500 l forces, would they go to the eastern flank? _ forces, would they go to the eastern flank? have — forces, would they go to the eastern flank? have you put any units in europe — flank? have you put any units in europe on— flank? have you put any units in europe on alert?— flank? have you put any units in europe on alert? again, yes, i think the bulk of — europe on alert? again, yes, i think the bulk of them _ europe on alert? again, yes, i think the bulk of them would _ europe on alert? again, yes, i think the bulk of them would be - europe on alert? again, yes, i think. the bulk of them would be considered ground forces. as for europe, as i've said before, there are lots of force capabilities already on the european continent under general walters, and i'm absolutely not ruling out the possibility that there will be interest theatre moves, as well, inside europe to bolster our nato allies on the eastern flank. and that kind of gets out your second question, which is we are still in consultation with the allies about what they might need. and so i do not have any decisions in terms of specific locations. but we have made it clear to the eastern flank allies that we are prepared to bolster their capabilities if they need it. again, i want to go back to a core foundation year. the bulk of the trips i am talking about today are intended for the nato response force. the vast majority of them. that response force can only be activated by the alliance. it has not been. it is our contribution to the response force and we want to make sure that they are ready to go. i think it is really important to keep remembering that. no deployment orders have been sent, no missions have been assigned, this is really about getting people ready to go in case they are needed. the about getting people ready to go in case they are needed.— about getting people ready to go in case they are needed. the ones that would not case they are needed. the ones that would rrot be — case they are needed. the ones that would not be assigned _ case they are needed. the ones that would not be assigned to _ case they are needed. the ones that would not be assigned to the - case they are needed. the ones that would not be assigned to the nato i would not be assigned to the nato response — would not be assigned to the nato response force, they would be going and unilaterally on behalf of the united — and unilaterally on behalf of the united states to some neighbours. can you _ united states to some neighbours. can you give us any number how many that we _ can you give us any number how many that we be? _ can you give us any number how many that we be? i— can you give us any number how many that we be? .. ., can you give us any number how many that we be?— that we be? i cannot do that right now. it depends _ that we be? i cannot do that right now. it depends on _ that we be? i cannot do that right now. it depends on the _ that we be? i cannot do that right now. it depends on the need. - that we be? i cannot do that right now. it depends on the need. we | that we be? i cannot do that right. now. it depends on the need. we are still in consultation with allies about needs. so i really would be reticent to give you a hard number right now, but we are in active discussions with our allies about any additional capabilities they might need on top of or outside of the nato response force. does that include some _ the nato response force. does that include some of _ the nato response force. does that include some of these _ the nato response force. does that include some of these intra- - the nato response force. does that| include some of these intra- theatre include some of these intra— theatre moves _ include some of these intra— theatre moves that— include some of these intra— theatre moves that you're talking about? it moves that you're talking about? [i could. moves that you're talking about? it could. it could _ moves that you're talking about? it could. it could be _ moves that you're talking about? it could. it could be us _ moves that you're talking about? it could. it could be us troops - moves that you're talking about? it could. it could be us troops that i could. it could be us troops that are moved _ could. it could be us troops that are moved for— could. it could be us troops that are moved for going _ could. it could be us troops that are moved for going to - could. it could be us troops that are moved for going to nato - could. it could be us troops that i are moved for going to nato allies that would not be part of the nato response — that would not be part of the nato response force. macro that is right. sima: _ response force. macro that is right. sima, has _ response force. macro that is right. sima, has been any consideration or decision— sima, has been any consideration or decision about pulling us troops out of ukraine? . , decision about pulling us troops out of ukraine? , ., of ukraine? there has been no decisions _ of ukraine? there has been no decisions about _ of ukraine? there has been no decisions about moving - of ukraine? there has been no decisions about moving our - of ukraine? there has been no - decisions about moving our trainers that are in ukraine out. as i said many times, we are constantly looking at the situation. we will do what is right for their safety and security. that is paramount to us. as of right now, they are still on the ground in ukraine conducting their advice. brute the ground in ukraine conducting their advice.— their advice. we are listening to a ress their advice. we are listening to a press conference _ their advice. we are listening to a press conference from _ their advice. we are listening to a press conference from the - their advice. we are listening to a press conference from the us - press conference from the us department of defence as the outline the american's position in ukraine, which can be summarised as leaving all options open and it is unhappy about the troop build—up. stay with me on outside source. in a few minutes, we'll look at the ever increasing pressure on borisjohnson ahead of the results of an investigation into those lockdown parties in downing street. travelers to the uk will no longer have to take covid test after their arrival at they have been vaccinated. the government says the changes will take effect after february element in time for half term holidays. our transport correspondent has more. even a day of less than glorious weather could not dampen the mood of tourism businesses in this corner of southern spain today. they hope a further easing of travel restrictions will mean more brits come overfor half restrictions will mean more brits come over for half term. it is going to make such _ come over for half term. it is going to make such a _ come over for half term. it is going to make such a difference - come over for half term. it is going to make such a difference to - come over for half term. it is going to make such a difference to so - come over for half term. it is going i to make such a difference to so many people, to the travellers, to the people, to the travellers, to the people with businesses over here, and obviously in other countries as well. it is going to be a major boost. well. it is going to be a ma'or boost. ., " ., , ., , boost. from the 11th of february, fully vaccinated _ boost. from the 11th of february, fully vaccinated people _ boost. from the 11th of february, fully vaccinated people will - boost. from the 11th of february, fully vaccinated people will no . fully vaccinated people will no longer have to pay to take a covid test after arriving in the uk. fantastic. to test after arriving in the uk. fantastic-— fantastic. to the relief of passengers _ fantastic. to the relief of passengers we _ fantastic. to the relief of passengers we spoke - fantastic. to the relief of passengers we spoke to l fantastic. to the relief of. passengers we spoke to at fantastic. to the relief of - passengers we spoke to at gatwick airport. passengers we spoke to at gatwick airort. .. passengers we spoke to at gatwick airort. ,., ., , airport. save some money, save time, save hassle. — airport. save some money, save time, save hassle. i— airport. save some money, save time, save hassle. i am _ airport. save some money, save time, save hassle, i amjust _ airport. save some money, save time, save hassle, i am just me, _ airport. save some money, save time, save hassle, i amjust me, but- airport. save some money, save time, save hassle, i amjust me, but if- airport. save some money, save time, save hassle, i amjust me, but if it - save hassle, i am just me, but if it was a family, oh my goodness, the expense of it. was a family, oh my goodness, the expense of it— expense of it. those who have not had both jabs _ expense of it. those who have not had both jabs will _ expense of it. those who have not had both jabs will no _ expense of it. those who have not had both jabs will no longer - expense of it. those who have not had both jabs will no longer have i expense of it. those who have not. had both jabs will no longer have to take a covid test on day eight after arriving. the travel industry sees the announcement as a significant welcome move. the airline said it brings international travel back towards near normality for fully vaccinated travellers. the government says the vaccine roll—out has made these latest changes possible, but one public health expert urged caution. brute possible, but one public health expert urged caution.— possible, but one public health expert urged caution. we are not out ofthe expert urged caution. we are not out of the woods — expert urged caution. we are not out of the woods in _ expert urged caution. we are not out of the woods in terms _ expert urged caution. we are not out of the woods in terms of _ expert urged caution. we are not out of the woods in terms of the - expert urged caution. we are not out| of the woods in terms of the numbers of the woods in terms of the numbers of people with covid. and although this is welcome news for a sector, it is not... it should not be seen generally as yet another signal that it is all ok. generally as yet another signal that it is all 0k. . ,, ., ., it is all 0k. passenger locator firms will _ it is all 0k. passenger locator firms will still _ it is all 0k. passenger locator firms will still be _ it is all 0k. passenger locator firms will still be required. i it is all 0k. passenger locatori firms will still be required. the omicron variant project in another dampener on the travel sector's fortunes. today's news has fuelled hopes its recovery can take off again. katie austen, bbc news. i'm ross atkins with outside source. nato is sending ships and fighter jets to eastern europe as russia continues to build up its troops on ukraine's border. there are reports that boris johnson ukraine's border. there are reports that borisjohnson had a birthday party when england was in its first lockdown with up to 30 staff allegedly celebrating in at number 10. borisjohnson's office has admitted that staff in downing street gather to wish him a happy birthday during the first lockdown in 2020. this is the latest revelation about gatherings and parties held in downing street during a variety of covid restrictions. this is the response that the opposition labour leader. this is yet more evidence that we have got a prime minister who believes that the rules that he made do not apply to him. so we have got a prime minister and a government that spend their whole time mopping up that spend their whole time mopping up sleaze and deceit. meanwhile, millions of people are struggling to pay their bills. we cannot afford to go on with this chaotic rudderless government. the prime minister is a national distraction. he has got to go. national distraction. he has got to .o_ , , ., national distraction. he has got to go. needless to say the prime minister and _ go. needless to say the prime minister and his _ go. needless to say the prime minister and his supporters i go. needless to say the primej minister and his supporters do go. needless to say the prime - minister and his supporters do not agree with that. you will hear his response to a number of validation is coming his way in the next few minutes. because it is the start of a very important week for boris johnson was that we are expecting the results of an investigation into a number of parties in downing street. also, today saw the resignation of a government minister from the dispatch box of the house of lords. and there have been other pressures, too. in the last six days, the pressure on borisjohnson has continued to grow. this was on wednesday. has continued to grow. this was on wednesday-— has continued to grow. this was on wednesday. you have sat there too lona for wednesday. you have sat there too long for all— wednesday. you have sat there too long for all the _ wednesday. you have sat there too long for all the good _ wednesday. you have sat there too long for all the good you _ wednesday. you have sat there too long for all the good you have - wednesday. you have sat there too long for all the good you have donej long for all the good you have done in the name of god go. the minister david davis — in the name of god go. the minister david davis wanted _ in the name of god go. the minister david davis wanted the _ in the name of god go. the minister david davis wanted the prime - david davis wanted the prime minister to go. borisjohnson minister to go. boris johnson declined. minister to go. borisjohnson declined. i minister to go. boris johnson declined. . ~ minister to go. boris johnson declined. .~ , , , minister to go. boris johnson declined. ,, , ., declined. i take responsibility for eve hinu declined. i take responsibility for everything done _ declined. i take responsibility for everything done in _ declined. i take responsibility for everything done in this _ declined. i take responsibility for. everything done in this government, and throughout the pandemic. n50 everything done in this government, and throughout the pandemic. also on wednesda , and throughout the pandemic. also on wednesday. a — and throughout the pandemic. also on wednesday, a conservative _ and throughout the pandemic. also on wednesday, a conservative mp - wednesday, a conservative mp defected to the opposition labour party. if this political storm began with those reports of parties in number 10, with those reports of parties in number10, it with those reports of parties in number 10, it was now becoming about more than that. on thursday, one conservative mp alleged he had been threatened by the government. the threatened by the government. tie: intimidation of a member of parliament is a serious matter. moreover, the reports of which i am aware would seem to constitute blackmail. ~ . . ., aware would seem to constitute blackmail-— aware would seem to constitute blackmail. ~ . . ., , aware would seem to constitute blackmail. ~ . . . , blackmail. william wragg says he has soken to blackmail. william wragg says he has spoken to the — blackmail. william wragg says he has spoken to the police _ blackmail. william wragg says he has spoken to the police about _ blackmail. william wragg says he has spoken to the police about this. - spoken to the police about this. christian wickford backed up his claims. i christian wickford backed up his claims. . , ., ., claims. i was threatened that i would rrot _ claims. i was threatened that i would rrot get _ claims. i was threatened that i would not get a _ claims. i was threatened that i would not get a school - claims. i was threatened that i would not get a school for - claims. i was threatened that i - would not get a school for radcliffe if i did not vote one particular way. wood of the government was being accused of threatening or blocking school funding in his constituency.— blocking school funding in his constituen . , , constituency. this was the response. i've seen constituency. this was the response. i've seen no — constituency. this was the response. i've seen no evidence _ constituency. this was the response. i've seen no evidence to _ constituency. this was the response. i've seen no evidence to support - constituency. this was the response. i've seen no evidence to support any| i've seen no evidence to support any of those allegations.— of those allegations. another allegation — of those allegations. another allegation came _ of those allegations. another allegation came in _ of those allegations. another allegation came in the - of those allegations. another| allegation came in the sunday of those allegations. another - allegation came in the sunday times. the conservative mp peng shuai said she was sacked as a minister in 2010, 2020 because of her religion. she said she was told that the reshuffle met in that muslim this was raised as an issue. my status was raised as an issue. my status was making colleagues uncomfortable. in response, the chief whip tweeted, in response, the chief whip tweeted, i am identifying myself as the person the claims are about, these accusations are completely false, i have never used those words attributed to me. on monday, boris johnson launched an enquiry and said this. taste johnson launched an enquiry and said this. ~ . ~ johnson launched an enquiry and said this. ~ . ,, , johnson launched an enquiry and said this. . .~ , ., ., ., , this. we take these allegations extremely seriously. i - this. we take these allegations extremely seriously. i took - this. we take these allegations i extremely seriously. i took them very seriously when they were raised with me 18 months ago. very glad there is an investigation taking place now. there is an investigation taking place now-— place now. that was on monday. so was this. thank you _ place now. that was on monday. so was this. thank you and _ place now. that was on monday. so was this. thank you and goodbye. i was this. thank you and goodbye. that is rrot — was this. thank you and goodbye. that is not agnew, _ was this. thank you and goodbye. that is not agnew, a _ was this. thank you and goodbye. that is not agnew, a conservative minister in the house of lords resigning because of the government's handling of fraudulent covid business loans. the bbc reported number 10's response. costa resigned, claims a black islamophobia, a ministerial resignation and the party's in number 10. resignation and the party's in number10. not resignation and the party's in number 10. not all connect directly to borisjohnson, but all connect to his government. the to boris johnson, but all connect to his government. the literary editor of the spectator has seen enough. his latest column has headlined the good ship boris is thinking. we are past the tipping point. that that the prime minister and his supporters say it that way. in questions of that mid—20th party and so great�*s investigation, the government's message is nothing if not consistent. young and he made a mistake, he apologised to parliament, we have had the apology, now we need the actual detail, which is why so great�*s report is important and we will get that. the prime minister will make a statement to parliament as he said he will do. then, just after 6pm on monday evening, this tweet from itv news. borisjohnson had a birthday party during lockdown injune 2020 despite rules forbidding social gatherings indoors. up to 30 staff celebrated indoors. up to 30 staff celebrated in the cabinet room where carrie johnson surprised him with a cake. number 10 is quoted as saying a group of staff working in number 10 that they gathered briefly in the cabinet room after a meeting to wish the prime minister a happy birthday. he was there for less than ten minutes. i5 he was there for less than ten minutes. , . ., , , ., , minutes. is that latest story ricochets — minutes. is that latest story ricochets through _ minutes. is that latest story ricochets through uk - minutes. is that latest storyi ricochets through uk politics, minutes. is that latest story - ricochets through uk politics, the pressure goes on, as is the wait for so great�*s report. just a quick reminder of our top story that tensions around ukraine's border with russia continue to ratchet up. we have just heard from the us department of defence and the us defence secretary saying they have put 8500 us defence secretary saying they have put 8500 us troops on heightened readiness to deploy because of these tensions. the pentagon says no mission has been assigned yet to those troops. this is about getting troops ready. we remind the russians say they have no intention of invading ukraine. thank you for watching. as ever, as i will see you soon. goodbye. hello. for the last week or two we have had an area of high pressure shaping our weather. that is the way we have started the new week as well. it means a lot of dry weather today and there is a weak weather front in the northwest. that's brought patchy rain and drizzle across the western areas of scotland —— some sunshine in the northeast of england. it's been where we've had this blanket of low cloud across other parts of england and wales, temperatures no better than four or 5 degrees in some places. that cloud is still around as we head further into the night. we do have some clear skies in northern england, especially to the east of the pennines, patchy fog is likely, mainly through the vale of york, could be a touch of frost as well. even with cloud, across this part of england and wales not particularly warm overnight. the mildest weather remains in scotland and northern ireland. that fog lifts in the morning as the breeze picks up a little bit. some sunshine to the east of the pennines, best of the sunshine for eastern scotland and developing in northern ireland ahead of another weather front some rain towards the islands later on in the day. —— towards the highlands. otherwise, dry weather around, but of cloud, temperatures similar to those of today. if you're underneath that low cloud, misty weather in england and wales a marked feel very warm at all. high pressure, weak weatherfront in the north, that fades away, doesn't bring significant rain for the next weather system comes in from the atlantic. ahead of it could be a bit of a chilly start on wednesday and then the breeze picks up, it will stir things up, hopefully lift some of that low cloud and give sunshine in england and wales. a bit of wet weather comes into the northwest yet again where the winds will be touching gale force. drawing in mild air, temperatures everywhere should be at degree or two higher, we can make eight or 9 degrees across england and wales with some windy weather transfers into the north overnight and that weather front lose its way southwards but as he could see, there's not much rain on it. most of that rain gets squeezed out. what little rain there is moves through. and then we get sunshine following on behind, few showers maybe in the north and west with a northwesterly wind arrives on thursday, not particular cold, temperatures eight to 12 degrees. essentially this dry january continues for the week ahead, away from the northwest of the uk at many places are going to be dry, hopefully we will cease more sunshine later in the week. —— see some more sunshine later in the week. this is bbc news. the headlines at eight o'clock. talk of another party at downing street during lockdown, this time for the parameter�*s birthday. this time for the parameter's birthda . ~ , ., , birthday. the prime minister has already used _ birthday. the prime minister has already used op _ birthday. the prime minister has already used up four _ birthday. the prime minister has already used up four different. already used up four different defences to these allegations. all of them point to a prime minister who is not being honest. does of them point to a prime minister who is not being honest.- who is not being honest. does he believe that _ who is not being honest. does he believe that by _ who is not being honest. does he believe that by holding _ who is not being honest. does he believe that by holding that - who is not being honest. does he i believe that by holding that office, the office — believe that by holding that office, the office of the prime minister, he is continuing to do what is in the best interest of the country. meanwhile the minister who claims she was fired for her

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