could be published soon. despite earlier suggestions it would be delayed because of the investigation. foreign secretary, liz truss, says she will be visiting ukraine next week, as tension with russia grows there. she warns a russian invasion would be a massive strategic mistake. the uk economy will grow more slowly than expected this year, as it recovers from the covid pandemic, according to the international monetary fund. and john lennon's afghan coat is going up for auction — but only as a digital token. good evening, and welcome to the bbc news. the metropolitan police has launched an investigation into allegations of multiple parties at downing street and in whitehall during lockdown to establish whether coronavirus rules were broken. the prime minister has welcomed the decision saying he's willing to speak to detectives and hopes it will draw a line under the matter. the head of the metropolitan police, dame cressida dick, revealed this morning that the investigation was sparked after police were passed information uncovered by the civil servant sue gray during her inquiry into parties in government during the pandemic. it's not clear when her report will be made public. reports this evening suggest it could be very soon. here's our political editor laura kuenssberg. the law applies in every town, every city, every road and every house, and in the sm postcode of number ten. and the police have concluded they've seen enough about what happened behind closed doors when the law was lockdown that it merits a full and proper look. i can confirm that the met is now investigating a number of events that took place at downing street and whitehall in the last two years. so, for only the second time in a century... can you survive the police - investigation, borisjohnson? ..a serving prime minister will be investigated for what happened under his own roof, after months and months of claims about rule—breaking during a national emergency. i believe this will help to give the public the clarity it needs and help to draw a line under matters. but i want to reassure the house, mr speaker, and the country that i and the whole government focused 100% on dealing with the people's priorities. i'm told the police have been talking to the official who's been trying to get to the bottom of what happened for weeks. and enough evidence about gatherings or parties in downing street is there for them to contemplate prosecutions. was it right to have a birthday gathering in downing street? | more than a dozen events, including a celebration and cake around the cabinet table for the prime minister's birthday have emerged. but when ministers were there around that same table this morning, borisjohnson made no mention of the police investigation he already had been told about. those loyal to him have been louder in recent days. the vaccine roll—out, the furlough programme, the economy having bounced back to pre—pandemic levels, the leadership of borisjohnson this country has country has had, has been so brilliant. but even before the police or an official report, there have been plenty of private tory recriminations for the chaos. all of it more fuel for the opposition parties. so, it seems, mr speaker, potential criminality has been found in downing street. what a truly damning reflection on our nation's very highest office. we cannot go on with this chaotic government. - will he advise his boss to dol the right thing in the national interest and resign? can we please have a sense of proportion over the prime minister being given a piece of cake in his own office by his own staff? the timing and complexities of a police investigation could slow down the tory party's rush to judgment on borisjohnson. conversations among mps over there, who have the power to determine his future, may be put on pause. yet one former minister said, "there is no universe where a police investigation into downing street is a good thing in the real world." but the tories, who like to be seen as the party of law and order, are facing serious political disorder of their own. laura kuenssberg, bbc news. well, despite plenty of speculation this evening, it's still unclear when sue gray will publish her report into parties at downing street. earlier this evening, the labour leader, sir keir starmer said he looks forward to it being published in full, without any cover up. the sue gray report should be revealed in full and there must be no cover—up now. but we already know that she has concluded that there is evidence of potential criminal offences. that's why she's passed it to the metropolitan police. so we know that much already. we already know the metropolitan police have decided that it is serious enough and flagrant enough for them to investigate. it's the worst possible outcome for the prime minister. let's speak to our political correspondent ione wells. are be any clearer this evening as to when we will see that report published?— published? there's still lots of speculation — published? there's still lots of speculation around _ published? there's still lots of speculation around this - published? there's still lots of. speculation around this evening, published? there's still lots of- speculation around this evening, but there is a working assumption in parliament now that the prime minister may make a statement on the sucre report after prime minister's questions in parliament tomorrow. —— sue gray. that is intent on number ten receiving the report in advance. but there is speculation and assumptions in parliament that he will be making a statement tomorrow, which has set fires running amongst the opposition who are concerned about not having enough notice before the prime minister makes his statement over what is in the itself, so they have adequate time to respond to it. this was raised with the deputy speaker in the houses of parliament — the labour mp said she wanted reassurance the opposition parties would get that notice from number ten themselves about the report. the deputy speaker said he couldn't confirm the timings of it, but proper processes would be followed. as we heard there, mr keir starmer has called for this report to now be published in full— but as you say, we are still waiting for the exact timings as to when that might the exact timings as to when that mi . ht be. , the exact timings as to when that miahtbe. , ., �*, the exact timings as to when that miuhtbe. , the exact timings as to when that mihtbe. , . �*, ., might be. given what's happened over the last few days, _ might be. given what's happened over the last few days, is _ might be. given what's happened over the last few days, is there _ might be. given what's happened over the last few days, is there a _ the last few days, is there a feeling amongst mps even spoken to that the prime minister is still in imminent danger? i that the prime minister is still in imminent danger?— imminent danger? i think the reaction has _ imminent danger? i think the reaction has been _ imminent danger? i think the reaction has been pretty - imminent danger? i think the i reaction has been pretty mixed. certainly amongst some mps, they felt the mood had combed slightly over the past couple days after lots of speculation last week after letters of no confidence being sent in about the prime minister. i think this week there's a lot of people waiting in the wings for this report to come out. there are of course some mps who have come out publicly saying they have no confidence in the prime minister, and they've already sent a letter of no confidence in him to the chair of the i922 confidence in him to the chair of the 1922 committee, who controls tory leadership contests. there are also mps who have come out publicly in support of the prime minister and who still maintain that support. then there's a various different groups of conservative mps who are still waiting for this report to make up their mind. now some of them have already pretty much made up their minds, and are not particularly happy with the way events have unfolded, but they want to follow the due process, wait for the report to come out before they say so publicly. others i think are waiting to see how decisive this report is. they feel that there is a hope in this report, that they could ride through it, and they may be willing to avoid an imminent leadership competition. however, some feel given what's already in the public domain, they don't see how this report could clear the prime minister and those working in downing street at the time. thank ou ve downing street at the time. thank you very much- — so police are now investigating potential breaches of coronavirus regulations at a number of events in downing street and whitehall. our home affairs correspondent daniel sandford reports on what they will look at, and considers why the police didn't act sooner. for months, arguments around alleged parties in downing street and its garden have swept through whitehall, while london's main police force has kept quiet, saying only that it was in touch with sue gray, who is leading the cabinet office investigation. so why is the met investigating now? this morning, the force's most senior officer said three factors might lead to them investigating covid rule breaches from many months ago. my three factors were and are — there was evidence that those involved knew or ought to have known that what they were doing was an offence, where not investigating would significantly undermine the legitimacy of the law. and where there was little ambiguity around the absence of any reasonable defence. and what will the police look at? the starting point will be what sue gray has already uncovered. the investigation itself should be reasonably straightforward. now police have decided which of the events at downing street was potentially illegal, they'lljust need to try and work out who was at each one, and they'll do that by looking at emails, at personal accounts and at movements on staff passes. and they'll also need to check whether anyone had a legitimate reason to be at any of the events. for some opposition politicians, the question is why did police not act sooner? did the officers who work in downing street every day not notice the events when they were happening? it sounds like there was a culture of lawbreaking parties rather than a single one—off event. we've heard reports of wheelie suitcases of drink clanking through security. surely some officers were concerned about what they were seeing at the time. last march, in this warwickshire garden, kieran mcardle and three friends had a small birthday party. the police arrived within the hour and fined him. he wants whitehall party goers to face the same punishment. the stories of these parties are coming out now. it's a little bit galling when you see that the people that made the rules are breaking the rules and they're not being held to account. so what are the potential punishments? anyone who attended an illegal gathering in downing street during lockdown faces a fine. at the start of the pandemic, the fines were £60, but later rose to 100, and then again to 200. it's not clear if the prime minister is one of those who faces a possible fine. daniel sandford, bbc news, downing street. well, we can speak now rivka gottlieb, whose father, michael, died at the age of 73 from covid—19. rivka is a member of covid—19 bereaved families forjustice, who've campaigned for an independent public inquiry this year — one is to be held next year. thank you so much forjoining us on bbc news. let me ask you first of all to tell me a little more about how covid—19 affected you and your family. how covid-19 affected you and your famil . ~ , ., , ., , ., family. well, my dad, my lovely dad came down — family. well, my dad, my lovely dad came down with _ family. well, my dad, my lovely dad came down with symptoms - family. well, my dad, my lovely dad came down with symptoms on - family. well, my dad, my lovely dad came down with symptoms on 22 - family. well, my dad, my lovely dad - came down with symptoms on 22 march, 2020, the day before the first national lockdown. symptoms. and he was at home for about ten days really, really ill, nhs 111 about ten days really, really ill, nhs111 service said to stay home and take paracetamol. my mum was looking after him and she caught it, as well. none of us could visit, we were not allowed to, the lockdowns were not allowed to, the lockdowns were already in place. and he was hospitalised at the end of march, my mum was hospitalised a few days later. so it was really bad, at one point we thought we would lose them both. he was put on a ventilator — he died on 17 april. my mum has had long covid ever since, it's been absolutely dreadful for the family, and it's been extremely difficult. his loss has just left a gaping hole in our lives. and all the normal morning rituals were denied us. we weren't able to even be together at the funeral, we had to stand outdoors and separate household groups, just nine of us. in normal times, there would've been hundreds of people at my dad's funeral, he was so much loved. we had to have memorial services or prayer services on zoom. itjust added to the unreality of the whole situation — and then, of course, the pandemic carried on, the lockdowns continued, we couldn't see people or be comforted by people. that's left an enormous amount of trauma and unresolved grief. find enormous amount of trauma and unresolved grief.— unresolved grief. and given all those feelings _ unresolved grief. and given all those feelings that _ unresolved grief. and given all those feelings that you - unresolved grief. and given all those feelings that you have, l unresolved grief. and given all. those feelings that you have, how unresolved grief. and given all- those feelings that you have, how do you feel now reading about the parties, the gatherings, the events in and around downing street and whitehall — and the fact that we will now see a police investigation of these events? the will now see a police investigation of these events?— of these events? the situation is 'ust of these events? the situation is just getting _ of these events? the situation is just getting worse _ of these events? the situation is just getting worse and _ of these events? the situation is just getting worse and worse, i of these events? the situation is| just getting worse and worse, it's utterly nauseating, frankly. over 176,000 people have died of covid, and people are still dying at a rate of 1800 people last week. this is an example of the culture in downing street at the time that crucial decisions were made about the pandemic — they clearly didn't take it seriously. i'm just beyond appalled. and the fact that it's taken this long for the metropolitan police, under enormous pressure, to even agree to investigate is just disgraceful! d0 even agree to investigate is 'ust disgracefuufi disgraceful! do you think they should've started _ disgraceful! do you think they| should've started investigating earlier? ~ , ., , earlier? absolutely, as soon as any rule breaking. _ earlier? absolutely, as soon as any rule breaking, wrongdoing - earlier? absolutely, as soon as any rule breaking, wrongdoing was - rule breaking, wrongdoing was evidenced — last december, i can't remember now — then it's been party after party, event after event, and we've been hearing about all these... ijust have no words. when i think about on 20 may, 2020, when one of these parties was happening — that date was my little nephew's tenth birthday. he did not have a birthday party, we met on zoom to watch him unwrap his presence. he had lost his grandfather the week before. people made enormous sacrifices in order to keep people safe. it wasn'tjust sacrifices in order to keep people safe. it wasn't just about rule following, it was about keeping people safe. this was an unknown, horrific situation — and the government was partying. horrific situation - and the government was partying. some people miaht government was partying. some people mi . ht sa government was partying. some people miaht sa it government was partying. some people might say it was — government was partying. some people might say it was a _ government was partying. some people might say it was a birthday _ government was partying. some people might say it was a birthday cake - government was partying. some people might say it was a birthday cake in - might say it was a birthday cake in a room with a group of people, what's the big deal? let'sjust move on. why is it important? i’ge what's the big deal? let's 'ust move on. why is it important?_ on. why is it important? i've heard that - i on. why is it important? i've heard that - i don't _ on. why is it important? i've heard that - i don't care _ on. why is it important? i've heard that - i don't care about _ on. why is it important? i've heard that - i don't care about the - on. why is it important? i've heard that - i don't care about the cake, | that — i don't care about the cake, it's a symptom of the culture in downing street, it wasn'tjust one occasion, this birthday party is a birthday party, that's what it is. there was party after party, after party. christmas parties, the parties before prince philip's funeral — what's important about this is the culture. this is a government, particularly a prime minister who holds the british public in contempt. it’s minister who holds the british public in contempt.— minister who holds the british public in contempt. it's good to talk to you _ public in contempt. it's good to talk to you and _ public in contempt. it's good to talk to you and i _ public in contempt. it's good to talk to you and i really - public in contempt. it's good to talk to you and i really do - public in contempt. it's good to | talk to you and i really do thank you for coming on and talking to us this evening-— this evening. thank you for having me. ed costelloe is chair of the group, grassroots conservatives. ed, you heard there what she had to say — have you been nauseated by what's going on? say - have you been nauseated by what's going on?— say - have you been nauseated by what's going on?- do - say - have you been nauseated by what's going on?- do you i say — have you been nauseated by what's going on? sarri�*? do you feel what's going on? sarri? do you feel nauseated by _ what's going on? sarri? do you feel nauseated by the _ what's going on? sarri? do you feel nauseated by the parties _ what's going on? s: do you feel nauseated by the parties that have been going on allegedly in downing street? ., �* ., ., , ., �* street? no, i'm not nauseated, i'm deel street? no, i'm not nauseated, i'm deeply concerned _ street? no, i'm not nauseated, i'm deeply concerned if _ street? no, i'm not nauseated, i'm deeply concerned if the _ street? no, i'm not nauseated, i'm deeply concerned if the reports - street? no, i'm not nauseated, i'm deeply concerned if the reports are | deeply concerned if the reports are true. but i have to say, there's an element of a witchhunt by the media here. i would expect the left wing to take advantage of it, i would expect remainers wanting revenge to take advantage of it. at the end of the day we now have sue gray's report coming out, a lady who couldn't run if —— could run a pub couldn't run if —— could run a pub could handle anything and dictate the right lane. police are investigating, i'm very happy about that because at the end of the day, the prime minister has said it has nothing to fear. let's see what the evidence produces. because a lot of this is hearsay. certainly there is a big problem about the culture in downing street, i think nobody would deny that — but equally, if you've ever been in downing street plus the cabinet office, it is two homes, a garden, and a large office lock with people working 2a hours a day. it's not quite like the ordinary office. things happen there all the time, the pressures are enormous... {line the pressures are enormous... one could argue — the pressures are enormous... one could argue the — the pressures are enormous... one could argue the pressures are enormous and whateverjob you do, let's say you work in a hospital and work 20 hours shifts, and people in hospitals will not bring birthday cakes and celebrate birthdays, will they? cakes and celebrate birthdays, will the ? ., . cakes and celebrate birthdays, will the? . , they? occasionally they might, i don't know- _ they? occasionally they might, i don't know- i — they? occasionally they might, i don't know. i haven't _ they? occasionally they might, i don't know. i haven't been - they? occasionally they might, i i don't know. i haven't been working during the pandemic... then;r don't know. i haven't been working during the pandemic. . .— don't know. i haven't been working during the pandemic... they are not the ones who _ during the pandemic... they are not the ones who made _ during the pandemic... they are not the ones who made the _ during the pandemic... they are not the ones who made the rules, - during the pandemic... they are not the ones who made the rules, theyl the ones who made the rules, they made these regulations. surely it is galling for people to follow those rules to see others who made the rules to see others who made the rules clearly not following them. if those accusations are true, i would agree with that. but we don't know that yet, and frankly, let's give the poor man a chance. he too has had covid, nearly died, i suspect, we don't really know the full story of that. so come on, be fair, which is all i ask. of that. so come on, be fair, which is all i ask-— is all i ask. ok, well let's say the allegations _ is all i ask. ok, well let's say the allegations being _ is all i ask. ok, well let's say the allegations being investigated i is all i ask. ok, well let's say the allegations being investigated -| allegations being investigated — let's say they find rules and regulations have been broken by people in and around downing street and whitehall. what then? would you still have faith in the prime minister? it still have faith in the prime minister?— still have faith in the prime minister? , , ., ., minister? it depends on what the evidence says. _ minister? it depends on what the evidence says. given _ minister? it depends on what the evidence says. given the - minister? it depends on what the l evidence says. given the scenario, if that happens. — evidence says. given the scenario, if that happens, let's _ evidence says. given the scenario, if that happens, let's say - evidence says. given the scenario, if that happens, let's say evidence | if that happens, let's say evidence comes to light of rules being broken, of gatherings happen when under regulations that gatherings were not allowed, would you at that point, as a representative grassroots conservative, have faith in the prime minister to lead the country and the party? it in the prime minister to lead the country and the party?— country and the party? it would de-end, country and the party? it would depend. he's — country and the party? it would depend, he's doing _ country and the party? it would depend, he's doing a _ country and the party? it would depend, he's doing a pretty - country and the party? it would i depend, he's doing a pretty good country and the party? it would - depend, he's doing a pretty good job at the moment. i have to say that at the end of the day, the issue there is that you've got to make people pay for what they have done wrong, that's clear. i have no problem with that, if they are guilty they should be appropriately dealt with. and i should add that the appropriate dealing seems to me to be fines. it is not necessarily stacking the prime minister. what a time to do that — there's a possibility of a third world war, the invasion of ukraine, all things that are going on, the nhs backlog, the economy, tax rises, energy prices — the government needs to concentrate on looking after the country, that's what needs to happen. {lilia looking after the country, that's what needs to happen.- looking after the country, that's what needs to happen. ok, ed, thanks ve much what needs to happen. ok, ed, thanks very much talking _ what needs to happen. ok, ed, thanks very much talking to _ what needs to happen. ok, ed, thanks very much talking to us _ what needs to happen. ok, ed, thanks very much talking to us and _ what needs to happen. ok, ed, thanks very much talking to us and answer- very much talking to us and answer your questions on bbc news. thank ou. sport now, and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's marc edwards. good evening. 252 days ago, roy hodgson left crystal palace and said it was a "never say never" moment. you'd expect nothing else from someone with a0 years' experience in the game — but the 74—year—old might have been thinking that there were some easierjobs than a rescue mission at watford. he's been tempted back to the premier league to take over until the end of the season following claudio ranieri's sacking yesterday. here's our sports correspondent natalie pirks. he never ruled out a return to the game he loved. and now, even at 7a, it seems the lure of premier league management wasjust too it seems the lure of premier league management was just too strong for roy hodgson. wofford put an end to the ten year of claudio ranieri yesterday after just 1a matches the ten year of claudio ranieri yesterday afterjust14 matches in charge. the club are currently 19th and have lost seven of their last eight matches. hodgson's first match is a crunch came away to fellow strugglers burnley. but sean dyche was once in the wofford heist debacle hot seat and knows better than most about the owner's reputation for hiring and firing. hodgson is the 15th manager since it was taken over in 2012, including a whirlwind 37 day spell in 2014 involving three managers — only gianfranco zola made it to 75 games. hodgson is regarded as a safe pair of hands for clubs in trouble. aha, of hands for clubs in trouble. huge stride towards premier league safety. the huge stride towards premier league safe . ., ., .. safety. the former england coach took over pistol _ safety. the former england coach took over pistol palace _ safety. the former england coach took over pistol palace with - safety. the former england coach took over pistol palace with the l took over pistol palace with the eagles rock bottom of the league. hodgson guided them 11th that season and they finished well clear of the drop zone in the next three seasons. he also already knows the family, having worked for them before during a brief spell at udinese. they sacked him afterjust 17 matches. he'll be hoping history doesn't repeat itself. natalie perks, bbc news. there's obviously a cloud over the tournament but it is continuing — and senegal have made it through to the quarterfinals. their opponents cape verde had two players sent off in their last 16 match, and liverpool's sadio mane put senegal ahead just after the hour mark in bafoussam. there was little doubt about the result from that point and senegal made sure of their progress with another in inujury time. bamba dieng the scorer. they'll now face either mali or equatorial guinea, who play tomorrow. middlesex chairman mike o'farrell has apologised for comments on black and south asian interest in cricket that were called "painful" and "outdated" by ex—england player ebony rainford—brent. he was speaking at a digital, culture, media and sport select committee hearing into how cricket plans to tackle racism. this is what he had to say. the other thing in the diversity bit is that the football and rugby world becomes much more attractive to the afro—caribbean community and, in terms of the south asian community, we are finding that they do not want necessarily to commit the same time that is necessary to go to the same step, because they sometimes prefer to go into other educational fields, and then cricket becomes secondary — and part of that is it is a rather more time—consuming sport than some others. __ go —— go to the next step. at the australian open, home favourite and world number one ashleigh barty made it look easy as she progressed to the semi finals. she dominated the americanjessica pegula in straight sets, 6—2, 6—love, in her bid to become the first australian to win the singles title in 44 years. and she will face madison keys, who's into herfirst grand slam semifinal for four years after beating french open champion barbora krejcikova 6—3, 6—2. in the men's draw, rafa nadal�*s hopes of a 21st grand slam are still alive. he came out on top against canada's denis shapovolov in his first five setter of the tournament so far. that's all the sport for now. back to you, marianne. thank you very much, indeed. the prime minister has said britain is prepared to deploy troops to protect nato allies in europe should russia invade ukraine. borisjohnson said vladimir putin would face "ferocious" ukrainian resistance. he urged other european nations to be ready to put in place hard—hitting sanctions if russia does invade. our diplomatic correspondent caroline hawley reports. the might of the russian army on display in its ally belarus, ukraine's northern neighbour, where military exercises are planned next month. moscow has been building up troops on ukraine's eastern border, too, and fears of a new war in europe are growing. the kremlin is still denying it will invade, president putin keeping the world guessing about what his intentions really are. if russia invades ukraine, - we would look to contribute to any new nato deployments - to protect our allies in europe. but if president putin. were to choose the path of bloodshed and destruction, l he must realise that it would be both tragic and futile. russia has now amassed around 100,000 troops near its border with ukraine, leading to huge international concern. moscow used to control much of the region but many countries have since joined nato, the military alliance of european and north american countries of which the uk is also a part. and president putin has demanded that ukraine never be allowed to join nato. so the west is now ramping up its response, the defensive counter builder growing by the day. —— counter build—up. and fighterjets from several nato members are now to eastern europe. this is american military equipment arriving in kyiv. the us has now put 8,500 troops on alert to deploy at short notice if they need to. russia has also been threatened with unprecedented economic sanctions if president putin does give the order to invade. we must never underestimate how serious he is. a sovereign and independent ukraine is a direct affront to his ambitions, as he sees them, to restore russia as a great power. some in ukraine think the west is being alarmist. others are growing increasingly nervous. this lady says russia is a cancer on her country's soil. moscow today accused the americans of whipping up tensions over the ukraine but suggested that diplomacy isn't dead yet. caroline hawley, bbc news. a 15—year—old schoolboy has been airlifted to hospital after being stabbed at a school in cumbria this morning. the pupil suffered multiple stab wounds during the incident at walney school near barrow—in—furness. cumbria police said they have arrested a 16—year—old boy on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. danny savage is on walney island now. bradford council's children and social care services have been removed from its control, and put into a trust to try to improve performance. the council had contact with the family of 16—month—old star hobson, who was murdered by her mother's girlfriend in 2020. bradford's children's services had been rated inadquate by the regulars ofsted in 2018. _by —— by the regulators. susan hinchcliffe is the labour leader of bradford council. so, as leader, i take responsibility for this place and everything that happens in it very, very seriously. and i really want to make sure that we move things forward now, because this is a real moment in time for us to show that things are going to change, to attract new expert social workers to bradford, and to support the social workers that we still have here who are doing good work to make sure we can move forward together. it's time to get politics out of children's services, as well, and work with the government to make sure we can move forward together. everybody�*s got the best interests of bradford's children at heart, and we want to work with them to make that happen. the uk's latest coronavirus figures show there were more than 94,000 new infections in the latest 24—hour period. so there were just over 93,000 new cases on average per day in the last week. the number of people in hospital with covid remains stable — currentlyjust over 17,000. another 439 deaths were reported — that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test. on average in the past week, there were 263 deaths per day. on vaccinations, nearly 37 million people have had a boosterjab — that's just over 64% of those aged 12 and over. now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. hello. our weather is set to turn more active and eventful as we see out the rest of the month. that means wetter and windier at times. overnight, there are some clear spells developing as a breeze starts to pick up. a largely dry night. already very blustery, though, in northern scotland. it'lljust get windier as we go on through wednesday. and a hint of frost in the coldest parts of eastern scotland, wales, and england as we get close to freezing. now, as we go on into wednesday, you'll notice it's a brighter day out there. still a lot of cloud around, but some bright or sunny spells. most places staying dry, but going into the evening, there'll be some rain pushing into northern ireland. but through the afternoon, it turns much wetter across northern and western scotland. the northern isles, the western isles, north west of the mainland seeing the heavy, persistent rain and gales setting in here, though temperatures are back into double figures. behind the weather front as it begins to move south on a wednesday night, severe gales for a time in the northern isles. the rain, what's left of it, clears southwards on thursday. more rain heading into western scotland on friday. hello this is bbc news. the headlines. the metropolitan police launch an investigation into multiple allegations of parties at downing street during lockdown. i can confirm that _ street during lockdown. i can confirm that the _ street during lockdown. i can confirm that the met - street during lockdown. i can confirm that the met is - street during lockdown. i can confirm that the met is now i confirm that the met is now investigating a number of events that took place at downing street and whitehall in the last two years. in relation to potential reaches of covid—19 regulations. in relation to potential reaches of covid-19 regulations.— in relation to potential reaches of covid-19 regulations. meanwhile sue grave report — covid-19 regulations. meanwhile sue grave report is _ covid-19 regulations. meanwhile sue grave report is due _ covid-19 regulations. meanwhile sue grave report is due imminently - grave report is due imminently despite suggestions it would be delayed because of the police investigation. the us and nato intensify preparations as failures of russian invasion of ukraine continue to grow. the imf downgrades its forecast for the uk economy as its forecast for the uk economy as it recovers from the covid pandemic. back to our top story. the metropolitan police has launched an investigation into allegations of multiple parties at downing street and in whitehall during lockdown to establish whether coronavirus rules were broken. the prime minister has welcomed the decision saying he's willing to speak to detectives and hopes it will draw a line under the matter. with such a number of reports over the past six weeks about the frequency of alleged downing street gatherings during lockdown, ros atkins looks back on the scandal. in december boris johnson in december borisjohnson addressed the first reports of a christmas party in number ten. bill! the first reports of a christmas party in number ten. all guidance was followed _ party in number ten. all guidance was followed completely - party in number ten. all guidance was followed completely during l was followed completely during number ten. was followed completely during number ten-— was followed completely during number ten. . ~ ., number ten. then a week later the prime minister _ number ten. then a week later the prime minister said _ number ten. then a week later the prime minister said this... - number ten. then a week later the prime minister said this... i - number ten. then a week later the prime minister said this... i have l prime minister said this... i have been repeatedly _ prime minister said this... i have been repeatedly assured - prime minister said this... i have been repeatedly assured sense l prime minister said this... i have - been repeatedly assured sense these allegations emerged that there was no party and that no covid rules were broken and that is what i have been repeatedly assured. that same da the been repeatedly assured. that same day the metropolitan _ been repeatedly assured. that same day the metropolitan police - been repeatedly assured. that same day the metropolitan police put - been repeatedly assured. that same day the metropolitan police put outl day the metropolitan police put out a statement, it read... based on the evidence and in line with our policy not to investigate retrospective breaches of such regulations the met will not commence an investigation at this time. that was then, this is now. ! at this time. that was then, this is now. . ., . ., ., at this time. that was then, this is now. .. .., ., ~ , now. i can confirm that the met is now. i can confirm that the met is now investigating _ now. i can confirm that the met is now investigating a _ now. i can confirm that the met is now investigating a number- now. i can confirm that the met is now investigating a number of - now. i can confirm that the met is - now investigating a number of events that t00k— now investigating a number of events that took place at downing street and whitehall in the last two years in relation — and whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of covid-19 _ in relation to potential breaches of covid—19 regulation. 30, in relation to potential breaches of covid-19 regulation.— covid-19 regulation. so, why the shift? has— covid-19 regulation. so, why the shift? has the _ covid-19 regulation. so, why the shift? has the explanation. - covid-19 regulation. so, why the shift? has the explanation. as . covid-19 regulation. so, why the shift? has the explanation. as a | shift? has the explanation. as a result, shift? has the explanation. as a result. firstly — shift? has the explanation. as a result, firstly of _ shift? has the explanation. as a result, firstly of the _ shift? has the explanation. as a result, firstly of the information | result, firstly of the information provided — result, firstly of the information provided by the cabinet office inquiry— provided by the cabinet office inquiry team and secondly my officers — inquiry team and secondly my officers own assessment. that's ri . ht, the officers own assessment. that's right, the police _ officers own assessment. that's right, the police initially - officers own assessment. that's| right, the police initially decided not to investigate but after receiving information from an investigation by the civil servant sue grey, now the police say they will investigate. this sue grey, now the police say they will investigate.— will investigate. this is the prime ministers reaction. _ will investigate. this is the prime ministers reaction. i— will investigate. this is the prime ministers reaction. i welcome - will investigate. this is the prime| ministers reaction. i welcome the mets decision to conduct its own investigation because i believe this will help to give the public the clarity it needs and help to draw a line under the matter. $1150 clarity it needs and help to draw a line under the matter.— line under the matter. also on tuesday when _ line under the matter. also on tuesday when mrjohnson - line under the matter. also on - tuesday when mrjohnson spokesperson tuesday when mrjohnson spokesperson was asked if he thinks he's broken the law the reply was... it's also fair to say the opposition has already drawn some conclusions. potential criminalisty has been found in downing street. what a truly damning reflection on our nations very highest office. while mrjohnson _ nations very highest office. while mrjohnson is— nations very highest office. while mrjohnson is under— nations very highest office. while mrjohnson is under sustained . mrjohnson is under sustained political attack his supporters have rallied round. the political attack his supporters have rallied round.— rallied round. the leadership of boris johnson _ rallied round. the leadership of boris johnson has _ rallied round. the leadership of boris johnson has had - rallied round. the leadership of boris johnson has had his - rallied round. the leadership of boris johnson has had his been| rallied round. the leadership of. boris johnson has had his been so borisjohnson has had his been so brilliant _ borisjohnson has had his been so brilliant that is noticed through this incredibly difficult. and he .ot this incredibly difficult. and he got all— this incredibly difficult. and he got all the decisions rifles up that decision— got all the decisions rifles up that decision is— got all the decisions rifles up that decision is hotly contested. a decision is hotly contested. police are not concerned with leadership brilliant or otherwise, they are concerned whether crimes occurred in number ten. while we digested their intervention the following would not follow continue for my teeth please report on monday. there had been a birthday event... we are also told... this was at a time when most indoor gallop that the rings involving more than two people were banned to which number ten says, mrjohnson was there for less than ten minutes. and this is the transport secretary. this is in a workplace with a bunch people working together all of the time who decide to give the prime minister a birthday cake on his birthday. it's emerged that two children, aged six and 14, are among eight people killed last night, in a crush outside a stadium at an africa cup of nations football match in cameroon. the president has ordered an investigation into the disaster, which occurred when supporters tried to force their way into the stadium before the match between cameroon and comoros. piers edwards reports. it was half an hour before kick—off of cameron's knockout match against comoros that the tragedy unfolded. for some reason only one gate was open. people trying to break down the barriers that the security personnel had established. whenever there was a possibility people ran to where there was an opening in the gates and. we met a survivor near the solitary and narrow entry point we were asked not to show her face. people started pressing, squeezing each other. then the force forced us in front to fall. and those who were behind walked over us. smashing us. most of us got choked in the dust. ultimately eight spectators died. an eight—year—old boy with another 38 injured the good news is today the seven are on the men including a very young child. they are better. they are doing better. their lives are not in danger. we have also a woman who hired a baby of two years old and this baby is alive. the african football great samuel etz i was recently elected president for the cameron football federation and he spoke today about the worst incident at the nations cups as a gun attack in 2010 left to togo members dead. it's sad but we know to to bring a bit of comfort to the families that we go to the end of the competition. we have a duty to find out as you correctly said exactly what happened and i think more importantly, to put in preventative measures to ensure that what happened never happens again. the next match at the brand—new multi—million dollar olembe stadium earmarked to host the final has been moved while the governing body fifa has a condolences, so to have the cameron players and there were now be a minute's cells before matches. the uk economy will grow more slowly than expected this year as it recovers from the covid pandemic, according to the international monetary fund. their forecast for uk growth in 2022 has been cut to 4.7% from 5%. the imf also lowered forecasts for the us and china, the world's two biggest economies. i'm joined by our reporter noor nanji. tell us more. yes, this is essentially the imf presenting a gloomy outlook for the global outlet this year. to gloomy outlook for the global outlet this ear. ., ,., �* , gloomy outlook for the global outlet this ear. ., �*, ., this year. to some extent it's no big surprise- _ this year. to some extent it's no big surprise. as _ this year. to some extent it's no big surprise. as the _ this year. to some extent it's no big surprise. as the omicron - this year. to some extent it's no i big surprise. as the omicron waves spread around the world it was almost inevitable that we would see some impact on economic growth. the last time the imf put out these forecast was in october of last year so in a sense this is it's playing catch up with everything that's happened since then. we take a look at the numbers we could see in the uk they've downgraded economic forecasts from 5% of 4.7% for this year. we should point out that that still leaves the uk is the fastest growing g—7 economy for this year as well as it was the last year but to some extent that's also not that much of a surprise when you think back to 2020 at the start of the pandemic lock and you remember that the uk experience one of the shop or economic contractions. it also makes sense that the bounce back would also be slightly faster. the imf also be slightly faster. the imf also downgraded its global growth forecast, global growth is expected to be at four—point for present. that's been driving the net driven by large forecast for economic growth and also china's economic growth. don't forget, the us and china of course the worlds too biggest economies was of any slowdown we see there will clearly have a knock on impact on global growth. we have a knock on impact on global urowth. ~ ., , have a knock on impact on global urowth. ~ . , ., ., growth. we are seeing covid having an im act. growth. we are seeing covid having an impact- what — growth. we are seeing covid having an impact. what else _ growth. we are seeing covid having an impact. what else are _ growth. we are seeing covid having an impact. what else are the - growth. we are seeing covid having an impact. what else are the imf . an impact. what else are the imf worried about insurance of the economy globally? the worried about insurance of the economy globally?— worried about insurance of the economy globally? worried about insurance of the econom aloball ? ~ ., ., economy globally? the imf was also a warnin: economy globally? the imf was also a warning today — economy globally? the imf was also a warning today about _ economy globally? the imf was also a warning today about another— economy globally? the imf was also a warning today about another crisis - warning today about another crisis that's already upon us and that is of course rising prices, inflation. we are experiencing this everywhere around us at the moment in terms of rising food prices, energy costs, of course of geopolitical tensions we are seeing at the moment are playing into that and six months ago we were talking about inflation the words boys transitory. the idea was this one last that long. it seems what they're suggesting today is that pressures could actually last somewhat longer all of that is starting to dent consumer confidence and when the economic recovery was taking effect. it showed a little earlier the bbc spoke to the imf spoke to the bbc and asked him how concerned they were about inflation? inflation is gone up a lot, they had li-ht inflation is gone up a lot, they had light numbers certainly depend on the big _ light numbers certainly depend on the big bounce back in energy prices and oil— the big bounce back in energy prices and oil prices and gas prices. but indeed _ and oil prices and gas prices. but indeed you — and oil prices and gas prices. but indeed you are seeing services inflation — indeed you are seeing services inflation go up in the us and the uk so it's_ inflation go up in the us and the uk so it's getting more broad—based and why so— so it's getting more broad—based and why so that _ so it's getting more broad—based and why so that while we still are seeing — why so that while we still are seeing wage price spirals that is a risk that— seeing wage price spirals that is a risk that we are worried about. yes, a very delicate _ risk that we are worried about. yes, a very delicate moment _ risk that we are worried about. yes a very delicate moment for the world economy as it reflected in this imf report. thank you. the cosmetic surgery procedure known as hymenoplasty is to be banned in the uk. the procedure attempts to recreate a woman's hymen, which in some cultures is linked to virginity, and has been described as a form of honour—based abuse. rajdeep sandhu has this report. for some girls growing up in the uk they are told they are virginity is a sign of a woman's purity and must be kept. that was the case for alina whose identity we are protecting and whose voice we change. i went through rate and when i was rates a solution to cover it up or to stop anybody finding out was the surgery. it was explained to me that it would be a very quick surgery but it will repair the damage so that when you are married your kind of disguised as a virgin. the surgery is known as hymenoplasty and it's a procedure which recreates a thin membrane known as the hymen. it wasn't something i felt i had a choice over. it was always put on me as if this was the only option, i felt out casted, i felt alone. and it was a very big weight on my shoulders. a woman's hymen can tearfor all sorts of reasons and notjust through sex. it could be from playing sports or using tampons. but the surgery can be seen as a quick fix and in conservative cultures that place a high value on virginity. people grew up with such attitude, people think that this is important that being pure woman like a virgin person. at the moment hymenoplasty is available at private medical clinics in the uk and can cost as much as £3000. but that's not the only place it could happen. she works on a helpline. victims describe community elders coming into the home or doctors would make home visits to patients and this is usually to avoid having to take the victim out to minimalize the risk of the victim asking for help or running away. it's an underground but vibrant industry. it’s running away. it's an underground but vibrant industry.— but vibrant industry. it's hard to know how _ but vibrant industry. it's hard to know how many _ but vibrant industry. it's hard to know how many surgeries - but vibrant industry. it's hard to i know how many surgeries happen but vibrant industry. it's hard to - know how many surgeries happen each year because they are done privately. but we've been told that in the last few years demand for it has been growing. that's what this doctor who does the surgery has found. he was one of the few doctors willing to speak to us and is worried about what the ban could mean. ~ , ., worried about what the ban could mean. ~ i. ~ ., mean. when you ban something like a medical process _ mean. when you ban something like a medical process seizure _ mean. when you ban something like a medical process seizure it _ mean. when you ban something like a medical process seizure it will - medical process seizure it will drive — medical process seizure it will drive patients underground and they will start _ drive patients underground and they will start to go to doctors. other women — will start to go to doctors. other women who come are usually pressured by family— women who come are usually pressured by family and their social environment. but these people who come _ environment. but these people who come are _ environment. but these people who come are not coming because they are being _ come are not coming because they are being forced _ come are not coming because they are being forced to do it, it'sjust that they— being forced to do it, it'sjust that they want to be accepted by their society. the proper way to go is to regulate it. it their society. the proper way to go is to regulate it.— is to regulate it. it was that pressure — is to regulate it. it was that pressure she _ is to regulate it. it was that pressure she had _ is to regulate it. it was that pressure she had to - is to regulate it. it was that pressure she had to fight. l is to regulate it. it was that | pressure she had to fight. in is to regulate it. it was that - pressure she had to fight. in the end she said she found the courage to say no to the surgery. it end she said she found the courage to say no to the surgery.— to say no to the surgery. it was a lot of pressure _ to say no to the surgery. it was a lot of pressure but _ to say no to the surgery. it was a lot of pressure but within - to say no to the surgery. it was a lot of pressure but within myself| to say no to the surgery. it was a | lot of pressure but within myself i knew i couldn't do it. i knew that it wasn't right for me but i'm thankful that i've had the kind of courage to be able to push it but not a lot of people can.- courage to be able to push it but not a lot of people can. there is a ho -e the not a lot of people can. there is a hope the band — not a lot of people can. there is a hope the band will project - not a lot of people can. there is a hope the band will project more l hope the band will project more vulnerable women and girls in the government says it will work with communities to tackle the abuse and damaging preconceptions about virginity. the chairman of middlesex county cricket club has apologised for comments he made today at a hearing looking into diversity. mike o'farell suggested to mps that the afro—carribean community was more attracted to rugby and football and south—asian people sometimes preferred to go into education, rather than cricket. our sports correspondentjoe wilson reports. english cricket's south asian action plan, one initiative the ecb was keen to highlight today in front of a select committee. but when it came to explaining the barriers to diversity in the professional game, the chair of middlesex county cricket club said this. the football and rugby world becomes much more attractive to the afro—caribbean community. and in terms of the south asian community, there is a moment where we are finding that they do not want, necessarily, to commit the same time that is necessary to go to the next step, because they'd prefer, i'm not always saying they do it, they sometimes prefer to go into other educational fields. former international ebony rainford—brent chairs the ace foundation to address declining black cricket participation. she reacted. these outdated views are exactly why we are in this position. unfortunately, the decision—makers hold onto these myths, ie. that young black people like football, the asian community only interested in education. mike o'farrell apologised for what he described as his lack of clarity. azeem rafiq accepted that apology, but with deep concerns. i just feel like, clearly, the counties and the game are still very much in denial and that's a big worry. for the cricketer who experienced and exposed racism at yorkshire, today's events revealed the long road still to travel. joe wilson, bbc news. the headlines on bbc news... he metropolitan police say they are investigating multiple events that took place in downing street during lockdown. meanwhile, sue gray's report into the allegations is expected imminently — despite earlier suggestions it would be delayed because of the police investigation. the us and nato intensify preparations as fears of a russian invasion of ukraine continue to grow. throughout this year, events are being held to mark 1,900 years since the building of hadrian's wall. but there are concerns that climate change could now be threatening the ancient site. justin rowlatt reports. for the romans, this was the end of civilisation. at 73 miles long, hadrian's wall is the greatest roman structure in britain. it's reckoned it took 15,000 men six years to build, and the sites around the wall have been the source of some of the most incredible roman artefacts everfound in britain. the waterlogged peat soils here mean organic materials, like this child's shoe, don't rot. they've found boxing gloves, some of the oldest handwritten messages in the world, even a roman toilet seat. but now climate change is threatening the ancient objects preserved along the wall. so what we've got here is a field where it should be very, very wet. but what's happening is it's drying out throughout the year, and the land is dropping. this is magna, one of the biggest roman forts. the site has never been dug, and now archaeologists are worried because the treasures buried here could begin to rot away. pretty much everything that they used on this site for 300 or 400 years has the potential to be preserved in more or less the same state it was thrown away in, under the ground where we're standing, which is an incredible opportunity. just think of the range of stuff that we could be standing on right now, and what kind of story that can tell us about life here almost 2,000 years ago. they've dug boreholes to monitor what's happening, and at teesside university they're analysing soil samples. specifically, we're looking at moisture levels, total carbon, total nitrogen, the chemistry and microbiology changes that go on with the drying out of that peat area. and what if it is continuing to dry out? what does that mean for the archaeological remains? they will disappear. we will lose our heritage. and it isn'tjust roman remains at risk. there are reckoned to be more than 22,000 archaeological sites in uk peatlands. peatland represents such a small part of the ecology of britain, but the stories that they can tell is massive, and it has such a big implication for not just our personal history, but also our climatic history and our environmental history, and we need to protect them. who knows what else will be lost unless these sites are preserved? justin rowlatt, bbc news, hadrian's wall. john lennon's eldest son julian is selling several pieces of music history from his personal collection. however, he will keep the physical items — becasue each piece of memorabilia will be sold as a non—fungible token, more commonly known as an nft. it's something that only exsists digitally. items being auctioned include a black cape worn by his father in the film help and handwritten notes for the beatles song heyjude. earlier, my colleague victoria derbyshire spoke to martin nolan, executive director ofjulien's auctions who are holding the auction. so we are in the whole world of digital collectibles, victoria. very exciting frontier for us all really including julian who is always on the cutting—edge of technology. this way he gets to hold onto his dad's treasures, the gifts thatjohn gifted his son julian and at the same time share the items with fans all over the world and people are gravitating towards digital collectibles now and they can own really cool items like those three guitars and images of those guitars and video ofjulian talking about the guitars. their importance to him and to the world and in general and the world of collectibles and sentimental journey that the journeys with his dad. so he gets to keep the items and yet share them if you will with the world and also raising money for his charity which is really conscious of the environmental so this is a partnership with yellow heart who works with us on the nfts and they too are very conscious of the environment so it's a win—win all around. ok, so how much will the digital copy if you like of the handwritten notes of heyjude go for, do you think? so two years ago we sold actual handwritten notes for 910,000 at option so you have to on the actual notes penned by paul mccartney and used in studio byjohn lennon. now we have an opportunity to own a digital version of the actual notes, the working notes, the created music by paul mccartney and written forjulian at the time whenjohn lennon was divorcing from cynthia, who of course work ——werejulian's parents came as a houston a mental attachment to this. submitted 50 to 70000 and already we are right up there with the bidding and we want have only now people are bidding already and it's going to be truly exciting and it's a one off once you're registered on the block chain with this item, you are the only owner of this item and then if you sell it down the road and future can be used to get to benefit some of the residual payments through the block chain and very likely, victoria, people will pay were crypto currency again part of this new world we are all in. yes, this digital nfts is a one off. it is unique. what would somebody who pays hundreds of thousands of pounds potentially for it use it for? well, they have absolute proof of ownership because they have their code is registered on the block chance and no one can deny the actual ownership. you have the code, you own and if you go to seller in the future you will still benefit from the sale so you have the video, you have the cool factor to say you own a digital collectible and much easier to store it and insure it than if you had the actual cape on the actual guitar or those actual working notes. so something in the cloud of embracing every effort of our lives and yes your chances are when you buy it you also think about the resale value because it's an item that probably will have it resale value and also when you were sell and it sold again and again in years to come you will still benefit from residuals so it is an evergreen type of investment. so it's an investment, that's what it is. absolutely. is this the future then came a property or gold but rather nfts? i have a huge warehouse and a huge gallery and i don't need any of those to sell these actual items because it's all in the cloud. i don't need to insure them or store them or care for them and that i'm not wearing my white gloves because it's all out there in this all new world for us, victoria. breaking news before we move on. reports are coming in that 39 people are missing after a boat has capsized off the coast of florida. this from the us coast guard. a report suggesting that this could potentially be a suspected human smuggling venture just off the us coast. according to reports the us coast guard said it still searching for 39 people after their boat capsized. this is the coast guard sector in the miami area. apparently receiving a report according to local media reports from someone earlier who said that around 45 miles east of florida's inlet there was a capsized boat and we now believe there are 39 people missing from that boat. we will of course bring you more information on that story as and when we get it here on bbc news. story as and when we get it here on bbc news. the man who spent more than 50 hours underground after being badly injured while caving in the brecon beacons has been back to meet some of the volunteers who saved his life. george linnane fell last november and broke his leg, jaw and several ribs — leaving him in agony and wondering if he'd ever get out. more than 300 volunteers from around the ukjoined the extraordinary rescue effort. our correspondent hywel griffith reports. little did i know it was going to turn into a 50, 60—hour epic, whatever it was, where, you know, i could have never come out of there again. this is where george linnane's life changed in an instant. ogof nynnon ddu, britain's deepest cave system. somewhere he'd been dozens of times before, but, last year, deep underground, the rock beneath him crumbled and he fell into the darkness. the first thing i knew about it was this instantaneous feeling of legs whirling around in midairand arms grabbing for something. one second, i was caving, the next, the world went mad. it all went black and, two minutes later, i woke up in a very different state to when i'd started. george broke his leg, jaw and several ribs. he was bleeding heavily. as a friend went for help, he wrestled with the pain. did you think that you might not survive? honestly? yes, at times. it was kind of dark times initially, i guess, until the help started arriving. what followed was britain's longest ever cave rescue. in all, 300 volunteers from across the uk turned out to help. they included becky, a doctor with a local rescue team, who was one of the first to help him. my immediate thought was there's a chance that he's not going to survive this and then the thought also went through my mind that i'm the only medical professional here and that, if he does become more unwell, that everyone's going to be looking to me to do something, so, yeah, it was a big weight of responsibility. after 54 hours underground and being carried on a stretcher for 3,500 metres, this is the exit where george finally came to the surface. from here, he was transferred into a rescue vehicle, then into an ambulance, then on to hospital. but his journey to a full recovery is going to be a long one. george still faces months of treatment but is determined to return to caving and become a rescue volunteer, joining the team which saved him. if there was a message you wanted to give them, the people who turned out and travelled to come and help you, what would it be? i would just say thank you from the bottom of my heart, really, and i'd alsojust let them know that the beer that i owe them is on the way. yep, it's in the pipeline. hywel griffith, bbc news at ogof nynnon ddu. now it's time for a look at the weather. hello. our weather is set to turn out more active in a ten fold that leads whether and when you're at a time. overnight there are some clear spells to developing as the breeze starts to pick up, largely dry the already blustery in scotland, it will get windier as we gone through wednesday for the already blustery in scotland, it will get windier as we gone through and safe is up a hint of frost in eastern scotland, wales and england as we get close to freezing. as we go into wednesday, you'll notice it's a brighter day out there. still a lot of cloud around that some bright or sunny spells, most places staying dry but going into the evening will be rain budging into northern island put up through the afternoon it turns much better across northern and western scotland, the northern also mail and seem to have a persistent rain and gail setting in here though temperatures back into double figures. behind the weather front as it begins to move south on wednesday night severe gales for a time in the northern isles. the rain, what's left of it, clears southwards on thursday, more rain heading into western scotland on friday. hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching context on bbc news. lethal aid to ukraine, troop movements in russia, military exercises in europe, the drumbeat is getting louder — but is war really inevitable? joe biden will present his offer to the russian president at the end of this week, as his administration plots the toughest sanctions, in reprisal for any invasion. the met police are now investigating a number of events held in downing street that may have breached lockdown rules. the prime minister says he welcomes their involvement. and a grand jury will sit in georgia to investigate donald trump's alleged inteference in the results of the 2020 election. tonight with the context, former labour mp and government minster, caroline flint, and mick mulvaney, who was donald trump's former chief of staff and the us special envoy to northern ireland.