weather and the first easter weekend without covid restrictions. 100 days until the start of the commonwealth games in birmingham and we are live at the only new venue built for the competition. we will find out what is involved. good morning, for the rest of the week it will be mainly drive. showers in the forecast could be sharp and thundery. you will notice a cool breeze, especially along the north sea coast line. all the details throughout the programme. it's tuesday, 19th of april. our main story. ukraine says russia has launched a large—scale offensive in the east of the country, signalling the start of the second phase of the war. according to president volodymyr zelensky, a large part of the russian army is now focusing on the donbas region. moscow's forces already occupy large parts of the territory. defence correspondent jonathan beale reports from eastern ukraine. this is now the sight and sound of the donbas. severodonetsk, another city and another target for russia's unrelenting bombardment. translation: we can assess i now that the russian troops have begun the battle for donbas for which they have been preparing for a long time. a very large part of the russian army is now concentrated on this offensive. no matter how many of the russian troops are driven there, we will be fighting. we will defend ourselves. we tried to speak to families taking shelter. but the thump of artillery was steadily coming closer. we just came here to go to a shelter, but there is shelling a bit close to us and so we had to move out. a lot of crump of artillery going on at the moment. nothing appears to be sacred when russia wages war. this, one of the holiest sites in the donbas, but that did not save svaytogorsk�*s historic monastery from being scarred by a russian air strike. the few who have stayed behind have to queue for food. they are notjust hungry, though. they are scared. translation: i cry every day. what kind of god would allow this to happen? i cry every day. what kind of god should we ask to stop all this? there is now a strong military presence in this town. just a few miles down the road, russian forces are advancing from the north. a ukrainian soldier shared this drone footage of how they were trying to slow down the russian columns, blowing up a bridge. but they know more will be coming. translation: we know that russian forces are bringing i reinforcements into this region, but we are doing everything possible. we are ready to repel the russian occupiers and prevent the capture of our cities. we will stand to the last and defend our homeland. we headed south, the roads eerily empty. we soon found out why. plumes of smoke. once again, we were in range of russian artillery. the constant bombardment also taking its toll on the city of avdiivka. here, they are praying for divine intervention. nowhere here is safe within range of russian artillery and, as we have seen, russia is pushing forward from the north, from the east and from the south. and there is a real danger that ukraine's forces here could be surrounded. for now, they are holding out. so, too, are the remaining citizens of avdiivka, hiding in bunkers. but for how long? jonathan beale, bbc news. let's speak to our correspondent danjohnson, who is in lviv in western ukraine. we can start with the latest this morning. we can start with the latest this morninu. ~ ., ., ~ ., we can start with the latest this morninu. ~ ., ., ~' ., ., morning. what do we know? there are re orts the morning. what do we know? there are reports the offensive _ morning. what do we know? there are reports the offensive has _ morning. what do we know? there are reports the offensive has got _ morning. what do we know? there are reports the offensive has got under- reports the offensive has got under way in the east. it is the sort of thing we were warned to expect, since russian forces withdrew from around kyiv and refocused efforts on the eastern regions and there are reports that forces have tried to surge forward, advance front lines through donetsk, luhansk, and the kharkiv region, those areas seeing intense fighting in the past days. people had been warned to evacuate. and this is lviv, the city people had headed to as a place of safety but it was around this time yesterday we saw missile attacks on the city, we saw missiles coming through the sky and hitting buildings across the city. we know civilians lost their lives and even some of those people who had just arrived from the east. there was a family staying in a hotel that had windows smashed and a child was hit by glass and had to be treated in hospital. i spoke to people coming back to lviv from other countries to spend time with families over the long weekend thinking they were safe here, so everyone has had a reminder of how dangerous it is across ukraine but the real intensity of the fighting now seems to be in the east as russia stepped up attacks. the other flashpoint is mariupol, which russian forces have again and again trying to overrun but the ukrainian resistance we are told managers to cling on.— ukrainian resistance we are told managers to cling on. we can speak now to the deputy mayor of lviv. good morning. i imagine the attacks came as a surprise. how are they settling in the city now? yesterday was uuite settling in the city now? yesterday was quite a — settling in the city now? yesterday was quite a tough _ settling in the city now? yesterday was quite a tough morning - settling in the city now? yesterday| was quite a tough morning because russia again showed they continue to kill civilians. in our city there were objects of storage and second, the destruction. we can rebuild but unfortunately we cannot rebuild lives of ukrainians who were killed yesterday. civilians. unfortunately, seven people were killed and 11 people in hospital. two off them in critical condition. during the day and night, several times there was a siren. it means a potential threat. russia shows again they are ready to kill children, women, and so they do not fight against military boat fired in order to destroy and to do genocide like they do in mariupol and other cities.— genocide like they do in mariupol and other cities. what seems to be cruel about — and other cities. what seems to be cruel about this _ and other cities. what seems to be cruel about this is _ and other cities. what seems to be cruel about this is many _ and other cities. what seems to be cruel about this is many refugees l cruel about this is many refugees from the east had sought refuge in the western cities and yet this happened there.— the western cities and yet this happened there. the western cities and yet this ha ened there. ., ., ., happened there. right now, more than 200,000 happened there. right now, more than 200.000 peeple _ happened there. right now, more than 200,000 people who _ happened there. right now, more than 200,000 people who were _ happened there. right now, more than 200,000 people who were rescued - happened there. right now, more than i 200,000 people who were rescued from native cities, they stay in our city. and what we see from day to day, more people come back to ukraine. and they stay in the city. and more become volunteers. some moved to the military and others to defence. we do not attack, we defend our land. almost all ukrainians today are like defenders. some volunteering, some in the military. some do what they can. it is not only fighting for ukraine, it is also for europe. we ask for the provision of enough weapons because more weapons will be required and then less civilians will be killed. where do you think we go from here? there is an anticipation of escalation in the donbas and we have seen strikes in gear. what escalation in the donbas and we have seen strikes in gear.— seen strikes in gear. what happens next? after— seen strikes in gear. what happens next? after that, _ seen strikes in gear. what happens next? after that, what _ seen strikes in gear. what happens next? after that, what we - seen strikes in gear. what happens next? after that, what we see - seen strikes in gear. what happens| next? after that, what we see right now in mariupol and bucha, russia sees they cannot win because nobody except them in ukraine. nobody accepts them. in this case they start to simply destroy everything. you see awful pictures of when they arrive, women and children, they kill and destroy everything. because they cannot come here to win. nobody accepts them. they try to push and spread fear. but we will fight until the end. it is quite important to the end. it is quite important to the whole world today what happens. it is important to come here to look with your own eyes. do not take any russian fakes.— russian fakes. thank you for your time this morning. _ the prime minister will face mps later today for the first time since he was fined for breaking covid lockdown laws. borisjohnson is expected to apologise once again when he addresses the commons this afternoon — but opposition parties insist he misled parliament. here's our political correspondent, nick eardley. this won't be an easy return from the easter break for boris johnson. he will face mps later after being fined for breaking his own lockdown laws. more than 50 penalties have now been issued for parties in government buildings. the chancellor, rishi sunak, got one, so did the prime minister's wife, carriejohnson. many are expecting more fines to come. in a statement in parliament later, mrjohnson is expected to apologise to mp5. he is said to understand the strength of feeling about rule breaking in downing street. but he also wants to move on and focus on other issues, like the war in ukraine and the cost of living squeeze. his critics say he should be resigning for breaking the law. in manchester yesterday, different opinions among voters. i think it should just be left now. yes, he has apologised, he said what he needed to say. just come out with the truth now. just get on with it. if nothing gets done about... obviously, these fines in the past, lyou know, it isjust going to keepl on going until the next a sort of election, so, anything - anything they cannot sweep it under the carpet would be good. _ if there are laws that are made for the uk, or people that live in the uk, i feel like it should go across the board. it should notjust be for the common man, it should be for the politicians, as well. the prime minister is also facing claims he misled parliament with comments like this one. there was no party and that no covid rules were broken. 0pposition parties want an investigation, but downing street sources say mrjohnson always spoke in good faith and he has the backing of cabinet ministers. when the pm spoke at parliament, he did not knowingly appreciate that stepping into the room was going to be something that breached the rules, given that he had been in the room with exactly the same people for official meetings earlier in the day. it was wrong, he's apologised, he has accepted the fixed penalty notice and we move on. the mood around westminster has changed since rows over parties threatened boris johnson's future. this time, only a few conservative mps have called for him to stand down. but there could be more fines to come and the prime minister can't be certain where this story goes next. nick eardley, bbc news, westminster. 0ur chief political correspondent adam fleming is in downing street what reception will the prime minister get today?— what reception will the prime minister get today? good morning. 0- osition minister get today? good morning. opposition parties, _ minister get today? good morning. opposition parties, labour, - minister get today? good morning. opposition parties, labour, liberal| 0pposition parties, labour, liberal democrats and snp have looked at ways they can hold into account for breaking covid rules and they claim misleading parliament. it will then be up to the speaker of the house of commons to decide today or tomorrow what to do about that. you have some kind of vote or of the prime minister's conduct himself, or do you refer it to a committee to investigate? we will have to watch and see what happens. the conservative party, there are still three groups of mps and the smallest, and a handful, people who publicly said the prime minister should resign over this. a larger group remains loyal and says it is time to move on, but the largest group is the mps waiting to see what happens both with if there are other fines, and when we finally see the report into the partygate affair by the senior civil servant sue gray. as for the prime minister, all the hints from this place is he will give a similar message to mps that he gave to the country when he apologised for breaking the rules and said the breaches had been unknowingly done and also he had not misled parliament. that phrase all prime ministers use when they get in trouble, getting on with the job. thank you. we will put some of those questions to government minister brandon lewis at 7:30am. the manchester united footballer cristiano ronaldo has announced the death of his baby boy. in a statement posted on social media, the footballer and his partner, georgina rodriguez, who were expecting twins, said it was the "greatest pain that any parents can feel". they said the birth of their baby daughter gave them "the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness". the family of a boy who was seriously injured when he was hit by a car last year are calling for police to be given more powers to ban drug—drivers. six—year—old noah was knocked off his bike by a man who'd taken a cocktail of drugs before getting behind the wheel. his parents are now opening up about their experience — and sharing some of the footage from that day — to highlight the dangers of drug—driving. a warning, you may find parts of fiona trott�*s report upsetting. pick a line, good lad. you go first. a father teaching his son how to be safe on the road. this is a bike lane. where? this red one here. then, a moment that changes their lives for ever. noah, noah! noah herring has been hit by a car at 60 mph. noah, sit down, don't move! don't move, noah. this is the video his family want you to watch. please, ambulance, please! he's in a really bad way. a car has crashed into us. noah, just stay with me, noah. i'm going to the cinema. today, the eight—year—old is back in the park they were cycling to that morning. it's something his dad never thought he would see. what do you think about drugs and people who take drugs when they are driving? that it's naughty. and it's not good. because people might die from it, because they might crash into other people. you were really brave, you know, noah, when that happened to you. do you think you are brave? yes. james is putting on a brave face. he is still coming to terms with what happened. just a big explosion. and then... a couple of seconds went by. i couldn't see noah. and that is when i went over to him and i saw him and i thought that was going to be the last time i was going to see my son. and i wasn't ready for that. he was broken and i couldn't fix him. something just inside kicked in and ijust did everything i could for him. i am arresting you on suspicion of driving whilst over— the prescribed drug limit. harry summersgill had taken cocaine, ketamine and cannabis when he hit noah. he was jailed for three years. he had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs twice before. but, in the weeks it takes for drug test results to come back, motorists like him can continue driving. james says that needs to change. magistrates, they willjust get a piece of paper telling what the person has done and hasn't done. whereas police see this day in, day out. i think if the police had more power to do something about it on the spot, revoke that licence or suspend that licence, i think that is the fastest way to do i think that is the fastest way to do things. in the meantime, the government has launched a consultation on whether high—risk offenders should take a rehabilitation course before they can get their licence back. i definitely think it is a step in the right direction. drug—driving ruins lives. for me, i believe the more information, help and support out there, the more chance we have to stop drug—drivers. this is the victim impact statement i read out in court. "this is not a simple accident. the biggest question i ask myself is how can i protect my son from someone like you. i live by the fact that noah is still with us, by some miracle. i hope your punishment will affect your life as you have affected mine. you may not have taken my life that day, but you have taken my spirit." how do you feel when you read it out now, do you feel you have been able to move on from that? yeah, i definitely feel... people around me have helped me through the situation. yeah. look up to the sky. got your brakes covered? good lad. as a family, what does the future hold for you guys? a lot more bike riding, hopefully. cycling is a massive part of my life and, hopefully, it will be a big part of noah's. noah is my hero. no kid should go through what he went through, but he went through it. and he's had a lot of support and he's supported us and he's back to being a happy little child again. fiona trott, bbc news, teesside. what a brave little boy. and good on them for talking about it. now the weather with carol. good morning. if we look at this week you can expect a lot of dry weather. some sunshine. the odd isolated shower but they could be heavy and thundery if you catch one. turning cooler in the east as we have more of an easterly breeze. this morning a cold start in parts of scotland, northern ireland, north wales with temperatures close to freezing. the weather front bringing rain across north—west scotland. showers in wales and also the south—west. cloud in central and south—eastern parts of england but note how it breaks up through the day as we see further showers develop. some of those could be heavy and potentially thundery. the best of the sunshine will be in the west. temperatures between 10—15, so down on yesterday. this evening and overnight we will have areas of cloud and many showers will fade and under clear skies in scotland and northern ireland, temperatures will move down towards freezing or a bit below. a cold night, so if you have been busy in the garden bear that in mind. there will be some frost. tomorrow, an easterly breeze. cloud drifting to the west. some showers. cloud in parts of northern ireland but also sunshine. cooler along the east coast but generally temperatures up but also sunshine. cooler along the east coast but generally temperatures up tomorrow. thank you. coastal towns were the big winners from the first easter bank holiday weekend without covid restrictions in three years. ben's in brighton for us and can tell us more. good morning. there is something here for everyone. i am on the world famous brighton palace pier which has been here more than 100 years and in that time people have flocked to get the benefits of a seaside break and fresh air. like so many places that rely on tourism, it suffered in the pandemic over the past couple of years. that is why the easter bank holiday was crucial. we can look at the numbers. the organisation springboard that takes stock of this says visitor numbers were up across the uk and it was coastal towns and cities like this and historic centres like york that were the big winners although numbers were still down if you compare them with 2019. the association representing visitor attractions said there was a rise in people going to the zoo, safari park, stately homes and gardens, which all benefited from the warm weather. some places that rely on foreign visitors, such as stonehenge, they have a way to go before things are back to normal and numbers recovered. a hotel group we are about to speak to says that bookings were up 25% compared with 2019 and also holiday cottages and campsites saw a spike in interest. but if easter is about beginning the recovery, the summer will be more important. warm weather plays a big part. it was glorious sunshine at the weekend. we can look at how people made the most of it. from the promenade in penarth... ..to the pleasure beach in great yarmouth. coast to coast, holiday—makers were out in force for the first easter bank holiday weekend without restrictions since 2019. nice to see the people around again after three years' lockdown. yeah, it's lovely, nice weather. what else could you ask for? any excuse now to get out and see people and, yeah, just have that human interaction again, isn't it? rather than being locked inside and not being able to do everything you want to do. it's nice to be able to walk around with no masks on. | because you see people smiling, and before your face was covered up, so it's just happy. seaside resorts did best, but attractions like these boat trips and train rides in devon also had a welcome boost from domestic tourists. in brighton, it wasn'tjust uk holiday—makers soaking up the sun. it's nice to see all people walking around, all people seem to be happy to be out on the streets again. the hot weather meant business was booming in burnham—on—sea, too. it was really busy, it was nice to see it happening, and lots of people around, and all town was chock—a—block all day yesterday and today, so we're very pleased — thank goodness! it's been a really . good bank holiday, the weather's been quite nice. a bit windy, but can't grumble, really. - we've had a lot of customers, yeah. the bank holiday boost is welcome news for an industry that suffered huge losses. but the big question is, can this momentum be carried into the all—important summer break? well let's find out the answer. with me we have bernard donoghue from the association of visitor attractions. bernard, was the easter weekend enough to help visitor attractions recover from the pandemic? enough to help visitor attractions recoverfrom the pandemic? the enough to help visitor attractions recover from the pandemic? the best ossible recover from the pandemic? the best possible start — recover from the pandemic? the best possible start for _ recover from the pandemic? the best possible start for a _ recover from the pandemic? the best possible start for a spring _ recover from the pandemic? the best possible start for a spring and - possible start for a spring and summer of recovery and the weather helped. it has given confidence to people to come back to places like brighton but attractions across the uk. ~ , , uk. where were the big winners? outside, safari _ uk. where were the big winners? outside, safari parks, _ uk. where were the big winners? outside, safari parks, stately - 0utside, safari parks, stately homes. i went to 1a attractions over the past five days and all were busy, but it is those dependent on overseas visitors that will have the longest recovery but this has been the best possible start.— the best possible start. tracy, you reresent the best possible start. tracy, you represent a _ the best possible start. tracy, you represent a big — the best possible start. tracy, you represent a big hotel _ the best possible start. tracy, you represent a big hotel chain. - the best possible start. tracy, you represent a big hotel chain. howl represent a big hotel chain. how were bookings _ represent a big hotel chain. how were bookings this _ represent a big hotel chain. how were bookings this easter? really encouraging. from a brighton perspective, which is busy around summer— perspective, which is busy around summer holidays and children being off, we _ summer holidays and children being off, we were up 26% on easter 2019 and nationwide 36% so a positive start to _ and nationwide 36% so a positive start to the new norm. do and nationwide 3696 so a positive start to the new norm.— and nationwide 3696 so a positive start to the new norm. do you think --eole start to the new norm. do you think peeple are — start to the new norm. do you think people are booking _ start to the new norm. do you think people are booking hotels - start to the new norm. do you think people are booking hotels in - start to the new norm. do you think people are booking hotels in the - start to the new norm. do you think people are booking hotels in the uk because they are not comfortable with travelling or are using people coming from abroad taking advantage of being able to come back to the uk? ., ., , , ., of being able to come back to the uk? ., .y ., ,. uk? predominantly it is a domestic market. uk? predominantly it is a domestic market- peeple _ uk? predominantly it is a domestic market. people are _ uk? predominantly it is a domestic market. people are travelling - uk? predominantly it is a domestic market. people are travelling not l market. people are travelling not only because they are a little bit scared _ only because they are a little bit scared to — only because they are a little bit scared to go overseas but a lot of it is an _ scared to go overseas but a lot of it is an ethical choice with people not wanting a negative impact on the environment so i think we will see more _ environment so i think we will see more people continuing that trend. bernard, _ more people continuing that trend. bernard, how important is the weather. when we look at this summer and the boost that brings, how important is it? it is and the boost that brings, how important is it? it is important, particularly _ important is it? it is important, particularly when _ important is it? it is important, particularly when people - important is it? it is important, particularly when people wake l important is it? it is important, i particularly when people wake up important is it? it is important, - particularly when people wake up and think what they are going to do with the day and if they have a sense it is a good day out and they can go outside that is brilliant. bad weather, indoor museums and galleries do well. we are not a sunshine destination so we cover both ends of the spectrum. abs, both ends of the spectrum. a diplomatic way of putting it! when you come to brighton you have to do your bit for the local economy so i have been out spending money in the shops. join me after eight and i will show you what i have been buying. studio: in the meantime, get yourself on the two pen slots. and doughnuts. get some of those. a shopping list sorted. i look forward to that. time to get the news weather where you are. good morning from bbc london, i'm asad ahmad. welcome to viewers across london, the home counties and those joining us this morning from the bbc�*s look east area. former world boxing champion amir khan says he was robbed at gunpoint in east london last night. he posted on twitter that he and his wife faryal were safe after he had a gun pointed in his face as two men stole his watch in leyton after the couple had crossed a road. amir khan is an olympic silver medallist and former wba and ibf light—welterweight champion. plans are being drawn up to expand the emergency department at the queen elizabeth hospital in kings lynn after claims being made that it was unfit for purpose. governors there say an increase in demand means the hospital has outgrown its current space. the ceiling of the queen elizabeth is currently being held up by almost 500 temporary props. the london aquatics centre will reopen today, almost a month after chlorine gas leak caused it to close. a major incident was declared with around 30 people being taken to hospital. the venue says the pool will be open as normal, and swimming lessons will also resume. if you're travelling into or around london today, a look at the situation on the underground. time for a look at the weather. good morning. after a largely sunny and warm bank holiday weekend it is going to turn a little fresher today, and a few showers added into the mix, as well. now there's more cloud around but still some bright and some sunny spells. the showers more frequent — especially through the afternoon — and one or two could be quite heavy, which could lead to a rumble or two of thunder. temperatures feeling cooler, too — 15 celsius the maximum. a gentle but north—easterly breeze making things feel chillier. now, overnight tonight, any remaining showers will die away, so largely dry, some lengthy clear spells. patches of cloud, however, minimum temperature between six and eight celsius. as we head into wednesday, high pressure builds to the north—east of the uk, so it's blocking any of these fronts just trying to edge in from the west. so it's a largely dry day, plenty of sunshine around, but the easterly breeze just gets a little bit stronger, so out along the east coast of essex, the thames estuary — temperatures a little reduced there. but further west, they make a bit of a recovery at 18 celsius. fairly settled conditions for thursday and for friday, but that easterly breeze will make things feel chillier in the east. before we go, a reminder that today is the deadline for registering to vote by post in the upcoming council elections on may 5th. it's an important chance to have your say in who decides your local services. there is a simple guide to the council elections on the bbc website. it includes a section on what councils do, why you should vote, and who is entitled to vote in just over two weeks' time. that's all for now — i'm back in half an hour. hello, this is breakfast with nina warhurst and dan walker. you may remember on breakfast we've been following the story of tony and sabrina from driffield, who signed up to take in a family of ukrainian refugees under a government scheme to help those fleeing the war. well — after weeks of waiting — finally, some good news. liliia and her family arrived in the uk over the weekend and were welcomed with open arms by their new hosts. graham satchell was there, and sent this report. luton airport, and tony and sabrina are here to pick up some special arrivals. it is a moment that will change the lives of two families forever. today's the day. really excited. just... you know, we've got lots of things planned, as well, so just to get them here, get them home, have a cup of coffee and, you know, get to know each other better. six weeks yesterday was when liliia first reached out to me, so it's been a long process. but, yeah, ijust want to see them, give them a hug, and... yeah, we're excited. we first met both families on this programme more than a month ago. sabrina and tony edge are here in the studio. i'm so overwhelmed — - this family, it's like something from god, you know? and we just want you to be with us so we can drink coffee, so we can go out and just do the things that we've spoken about. tony and sabrina have transformed their house, painted and decorated to make it ready for liliia, vitaly and their two children. hi! official figures show more than 50,000 uk families have applied to help ukrainians escape the war. we're just keeping our fingers crossed, as you know. we're getting everything ready for you when you come. as of last week, just 3,200 had arrived under the sponsorship scheme. the government acknowledges the visa process has not been quick enough — in some cases. can't wait, can't wait to see you. it's been like an obstacle course. this is a bit like trying to escape a burning house, and you've made your way to the door, and all of a sudden you've got to fill in a 50—page questionnaire to get out. finally, after six weeks of filling in forms, the waiting is over. there is a huge mix of emotions here — joy and relief, of course, and a good deal of nervousness. how does it feel to be finally in england? oh, it's a little bit. unusual, of course — it's a new country, new people — i but i'm lucky that i speak english! so that's why i feel very comfortable. i without the support of our family, maybe we would never get - here, but they like... doing like this. iyes, like, pushed or not pushed, l like, yes, must come, must come. the un says more than ten million ukrainians have now fled their homes since the start of the war. liliia says she will never understand why vladimir putin invaded her country. i don't know what is the goal of russia. i i cannot understand why — why does it happen? - because we... we are not bad people, you know? ukrainian people are very kind, and how can it be? | i just... i'm not into politics, but still, i can't believe that such awful things exist on our planet. so they emerge, blinking into the sunlight of a new day, a new start. we are nervous, very much — i yes, it's a new life, new people. we need to live together. i want them to feel comfortable, of course, and i see _ that they want us to be comfortable, as well. i so i think that it. will be a nice time. yeah, i feel that i'mi not alone here, yes? 0h, justamazing. just need to process it because we've just been fighting for such a long time. and now it's, you know — we can just enjoy and get to know each other properly. yeah, no, excited. lots of emotions today! it will, of course, take time to adjust, but if these pictures are anything to go by, it looks like the new family is settling in well. graham satchell, bbc news. that is a lovely. sometimes you need a little story — that is a lovely. sometimes you need a little story like _ that is a lovely. sometimes you need a little story like that. _ that is a lovely. sometimes you need a little story like that. and _ that is a lovely. sometimes you need a little story like that. and the - a little story like that. and the kids getting — a little story like that. and the kids getting on _ a little story like that. and the kids getting on so _ a little story like that. and the kids getting on so well. - a little story like that. and the kids getting on so well. good. a little story like that. and the i kids getting on so well. good on them all. good _ kids getting on so well. good on them all. good luck _ kids getting on so well. good on them all. good luck to _ kids getting on so well. good on them all. good luck to them. i it's100 days to go until the 2022 commonwealth games kicks off in birmingham. john is live at the brand—new sandwell aquatics centre, which has been purpose—built for the games. it opens for the first time today. good morning. good morning, it is indeed and — good morning. good morning, it is indeed and it _ good morning. good morning, it is indeed and it must _ good morning. good morning, it is indeed and it must be _ good morning. good morning, it is indeed and it must be new - good morning. good morning, it is indeed and it must be new when i good morning. good morning, it is i indeed and it must be new when you are wearing these, right? no dirt on the brand—new tiles. the sandwell aquatics centre built at a cost of around £80 million, the only new venue being built in and around birmingham ahead of the start of the commonwealth in 100 days. no one has used this pool properly. keith will get some of the youngsters into the pool get some of the youngsters into the pool. how about this? the first time they will have been in the pool. in they will have been in the pool. in they go, go for it, guys. take your mike scott — they go, go for it, guys. take your mike scott love _ they go, go for it, guys. take your mike scott love it. _ they go, go for it, guys. take your mike scott love it. the _ they go, go for it, guys. take your mike scott love it. the countdown| they go, go for it, guys. take your. mike scott love it. the countdown is on to the start _ mike scott love it. the countdown is on to the start of _ mike scott love it. the countdown is on to the start of the _ mike scott love it. the countdown is on to the start of the games - mike scott love it. the countdown is on to the start of the games in - mike scott love it. the countdown is on to the start of the games in 100 | on to the start of the games in 100 days and it promises to be like no other. my medals awarded to women than men. the largest para sport event. the largest to be staged in front of fans since the pandemic began. i have been finding out what it means to those involved. i think this is something special. there's so much going on. like, the people are amazing. we invite everybody- and we celebrate everybody and everyone is welcome here. even the tap water, they say, in birmingham, is a bit different to everywhere else. the countdown is on to the commonwealth games as the city prepares to showcase the very best of birmingham. for olympic gymnastjoe fraser, he's hoping that is landing gold in the city he was born and raised. how would it feel winning commonwealth gold in your city, here, in 100 days' time? it would be amazing to walk away with commonwealth champion or numerous medals. it is something i dream about at night. training in birmingham my whole life and, you know, growing up there, i just want the best for the city. and having such a prestigious competition there, where all of the best athletes across the commonwealth will come together and compete against each other, i think it will really uplift and inspire the next generation to come. it feels a bit like a bit of an honour because, like, big gymnasts from around the world are coming to where i live. it's hard to really comprehend. does it spur you on a bit with some of your routines and training, knowing you've got such a big event coming to your doorstep? yes, it's great to aim for a gold and the commonwealth games is one of the biggest competitions i'll ever get to, i guess. beyond the sporting legacy, how will the games benefit the wider community? cj lloyd webley is a writer who's been selected as one of the baton bearers for the work he does putting on theatre workshops to support young black men with their mental health, as well as running sessions such as this one for aspiring young actors. it's not about you, is not about me, is about her and what she wants. i a champion for young people. you were just going to find it as you went. i'm going to say something. what do you think it will mean for birmingham to have a games here? i think the commonwealth games will allow people to be more confident in themselves. it will allow them to know that the work that they are putting in, it doesn't get missed. it's now able to be at the forefront of what we do in birmingham. and it's also making people feel proud of where they come from, because it's not always about showing the kind of high status areas in birmingham. it's about showing that there is excellence in all walks of life and there is excellence in all areas in birmingham. this gives us the opportunity, as brummies, to really showcase what birmingham is about. what is that? vibrancy. i think the community here, naturallyjust being here, you come across people from all walks of life. the music scene, the art scene, theatre, the rep. and the food, plenty of good food places to go to. what does it mean to be a proud brummie? to be a proud brummie, itjust means, look, i'm a playwright, so if you see me on the street, say hi and quote me some shakespeare. that's what it means to be a brummie. do you want to quote us a bit of shakespeare, round us off with a little bit? to be or not to be, that is the question. be at the commonwealth games or i will come and find you and bring you myself. some of the athletes are excited, those involved are excited. is the community excited?— those involved are excited. is the community excited? tone is from the local council. — community excited? tone is from the local council, what _ community excited? tone is from the local council, what a _ community excited? tone is from the local council, what a special- community excited? tone is from the local council, what a special day - community excited? tone is from the local council, what a special day to i local council, what a special day to be opening the doors. it is be opening the doors. it is fantastic. _ be opening the doors. it is fantastic. sandwell- be opening the doors. it is fantastic. sandwell council are very proud _ fantastic. sandwell council are very proud to _ fantastic. sandwell council are very proud to deliver this world—class facility— proud to deliver this world—class facility 100 days before the commonwealth games start but it is notjust— commonwealth games start but it is notjust about the commonwealth games start but it is not just about the games, there commonwealth games start but it is notjust about the games, there is commonwealth games start but it is not just about the games, there is a huge _ not just about the games, there is a huge legacy— not just about the games, there is a huge legacy for sandwell. we have the most _ huge legacy for sandwell. we have the most active children in the west midlands _ the most active children in the west midlands and this is a huge legacy that will— midlands and this is a huge legacy that will allow us to build on that level_ that will allow us to build on that level of— that will allow us to build on that level of activity and health benefit for sandwell for generations to come — for sandwell for generations to come. ., . ~ for sandwell for generations to come. ., ., ~ ., come. you talk about legacy, the floor of this _ come. you talk about legacy, the floor of this pool _ come. you talk about legacy, the floor of this pool can _ come. you talk about legacy, the floor of this pool can move - come. you talk about legacy, the floor of this pool can move up - come. you talk about legacy, the | floor of this pool can move up and down so they can raise it from two metres above the water so they can use the pool for other classes, families and young children. raj is a swimming coach. how do the kids feel being in the pool for the first time? ., , feel being in the pool for the first time? . , . , ., time? really excited, it is good to ut it to time? really excited, it is good to put it to use. _ time? really excited, it is good to put it to use. if— time? really excited, it is good to put it to use, if that _ time? really excited, it is good to put it to use, if that makes - time? really excited, it is good toj put it to use, if that makes sense. looking _ put it to use, if that makes sense. looking forward _ put it to use, if that makes sense. looking forward to _ put it to use, if that makes sense. looking forward to the _ put it to use, if that makes sense. looking forward to the future - put it to use, if that makes sense. looking forward to the future andl looking forward to the future and increasing — looking forward to the future and increasing the _ looking forward to the future and increasing the opportunities - looking forward to the future and increasing the opportunities to i looking forward to the future andl increasing the opportunities to get more _ increasing the opportunities to get more people — increasing the opportunities to get more people swimming _ increasing the opportunities to get more people swimming and - increasing the opportunities to get more people swimming and in- increasing the opportunities to get more people swimming and in the| more people swimming and in the water~ _ more people swimming and in the water. , , ., , , more people swimming and in the water. , , , ., water. give us a sense of the difference — water. give us a sense of the difference in _ water. give us a sense of the difference in the _ water. give us a sense of the difference in the facilities - water. give us a sense of the | difference in the facilities you been using up to now compared to this one. , , ., ., ,, this one. definitely a massive upgrade- _ this one. definitely a massive upgrade- it — this one. definitely a massive upgrade- it is _ this one. definitely a massive upgrade. it is a _ this one. definitely a massive upgrade. it is a 30 _ this one. definitely a massive upgrade. it is a 30 metre - this one. definitely a massive i upgrade. it is a 30 metre pool, this one. definitely a massive - upgrade. it is a 30 metre pool, an older— upgrade. it is a 30 metre pool, an older pool. — upgrade. it is a 30 metre pool, an older pool. so _ upgrade. it is a 30 metre pool, an older pool, so seeing _ upgrade. it is a 30 metre pool, an older pool, so seeing this- upgrade. it is a 30 metre pool, an older pool, so seeing this for- upgrade. it is a 30 metre pool, an older pool, so seeing this for the. older pool, so seeing this for the first time, — older pool, so seeing this for the first time, it— older pool, so seeing this for the first time, it is _ older pool, so seeing this for the first time, it is blowing _ older pool, so seeing this for the first time, it is blowing my- older pool, so seeing this for the first time, it is blowing my mindl first time, it is blowing my mind and i_ first time, it is blowing my mind and i cannot— first time, it is blowing my mind and i cannot wait— first time, it is blowing my mind and i cannot wait to _ first time, it is blowing my mind and i cannot wait to be - first time, it is blowing my mind and i cannot wait to be a - first time, it is blowing my mind and i cannot wait to be a part. first time, it is blowing my mind and i cannot wait to be a part of| first time, it is blowing my mind i and i cannot wait to be a part of it going _ and i cannot wait to be a part of it going forward _ and i cannot wait to be a part of it going forward-— going forward. how will this help the immediate _ going forward. how will this help the immediate community? - going forward. how will this help i the immediate community? people going forward. how will this help - the immediate community? people say the immediate community? people say the money being spent on the commonwealth games, where do people see the benefits? how will it help in this area?— see the benefits? how will it help in this area? you have three clubs cominu in this area? you have three clubs coming together _ in this area? you have three clubs coming together to _ in this area? you have three clubs coming together to form - in this area? you have three clubs coming together to form the - in this area? you have three clubs - coming together to form the sandwell aguatics _ coming together to form the sandwell aguatics club — coming together to form the sandwell aquatics club. just _ coming together to form the sandwell aquatics club. just the _ coming together to form the sandwell aquatics club. just the people - aquatics club. just the people around, — aquatics club. just the people around, there— aquatics club. just the people around, there will— aquatics club. just the people around, there will be - aquatics club. just the people i around, there will be increased opportunities _ around, there will be increased opportunities to— around, there will be increased opportunities to get _ around, there will be increased opportunities to get in - around, there will be increased opportunities to get in the - around, there will be increased . opportunities to get in the water, you have — opportunities to get in the water, you have a — opportunities to get in the water, you have a facility _ opportunities to get in the water, you have a facility that _ opportunities to get in the water, you have a facility that can - opportunities to get in the water, you have a facility that can cater. you have a facility that can cater for everyone _ you have a facility that can cater for everyone from _ you have a facility that can cater for everyone from beginners - you have a facility that can cater for everyone from beginners toi for everyone from beginners to advanced — for everyone from beginners to advanced and _ for everyone from beginners to advanced and hopefully - for everyone from beginners to advanced and hopefully get - for everyone from beginners to . advanced and hopefully get more people _ advanced and hopefully get more people into — advanced and hopefully get more people into the _ advanced and hopefully get more people into the club _ advanced and hopefully get more people into the club and - advanced and hopefully get more people into the club and take - advanced and hopefully get more i people into the club and take more lifelong _ people into the club and take more lifelong participation— people into the club and take more lifelong participation within - people into the club and take more lifelong participation within an - lifelong participation within an aquatic— lifelong participation within an aquatic sport _ lifelong participation within an aquatic sport. did _ lifelong participation within an aquatic sport-— lifelong participation within an aquatic sport. did you pack your trunks? nuts — aquatic sport. did you pack your trunks? nuts today! _ aquatic sport. did you pack your trunks? nuts today! have - aquatic sport. did you pack your trunks? nuts today! have you i aquatic sport. did you pack your i trunks? nuts today! have you got ours trunks? nuts today! have you got yours arm? _ trunks? nuts today! have you got yours arm? no- — trunks? nuts today! have you got yours arm? no. i— yours arm? no. i will tell you who has. regan, what is what like? yours arm? no. i will tell you who i has. regan, what is what like? quite one, not has. regan, what is what like? quite one. not as — has. regan, what is what like? quite one, not as cold _ has. regan, what is what like? quite one, not as cold as _ has. regan, what is what like? quite one, not as cold as i _ has. regan, what is what like? quite one, not as cold as i expected. - one, not as cold as i expected. simran, — one, not as cold as i expected. simran, how's it feel, this is your new home? it simran, how's it feel, this is your new home?— new home? it is such an amazing opportunity _ new home? it is such an amazing opportunity to — new home? it is such an amazing opportunity to try _ new home? it is such an amazing opportunity to try out _ new home? it is such an amazing opportunity to try out the - new home? it is such an amazing opportunity to try out the pool. new home? it is such an amazing| opportunity to try out the pool for the first— opportunity to try out the pool for the first time. _ opportunity to try out the pool for the first time. none _ opportunity to try out the pool for the first time. none of— opportunity to try out the pool for the first time. none of us - opportunity to try out the pool for the first time. none of us can- opportunity to try out the pool for| the first time. none of us can wait to start _ the first time. none of us can wait to start training _ the first time. none of us can wait to start training here _ the first time. none of us can wait to start training here regularly - the first time. none of us can wait| to start training here regularly and getting _ to start training here regularly and getting it — to start training here regularly and getting it into— to start training here regularly and getting it into our— to start training here regularly and getting it into our routine. - to start training here regularly and getting it into our routine.- getting it into our routine. those cold da s getting it into our routine. those cold days of— getting it into our routine. those cold days of swimming _ getting it into our routine. those cold days of swimming lessons i getting it into our routine— cold days of swimming lessons where you would be in the changing rooms, you would be in the changing rooms, you would be freezing. not here. it is so warm. an amazing place, stay with us, we will be back here later on, speaking to ellie simmonds, former paralympic champion. she will tell us about the significance of the games for the athletes and when you consider so many big events, the olympic, paralympic games and the world championships. titer? olympic, paralympic games and the world championships. very exciting, the countdown _ world championships. very exciting, the countdown commences. - world championships. very exciting, the countdown commences. thanki world championships. very exciting, i the countdown commences. thank you. 20 years since the manchester games, which i remember being massive for the city here. 20 years! i which i remember being massive for the city here. 20 years!— the city here. 20 years! i was workin: the city here. 20 years! i was working for— the city here. 20 years! i was working for a _ the city here. 20 years! i was working for a radio _ the city here. 20 years! i was working for a radio station i the city here. 20 years! i wasl working for a radio station and the city here. 20 years! i was i working for a radio station and i was in a blimp floating above the stadium for the opening ceremony. is stadium for the opening ceremony. is not a bad job! i— stadium for the opening ceremony. is not a bad job! i was _ stadium for the opening ceremony. is not a bad job! i was sick _ stadium for the opening ceremony. is not a bad job! i was sick on _ stadium for the opening ceremony. is not a bad job! i was sick on the - stadium for the opening ceremony. is not a bad job! i was sick on the way i not a bad “ob! i was sick on the way down. not a bad job! i was sick on the way down- anyway. _ not a bad job! i was sick on the way down- anyway. it— not a bad job! i was sick on the way down. anyway, it is _ not a bad job! i was sick on the way down. anyway, it is nice _ not a bad job! i was sick on the way down. anyway, it is nice and - not a bad job! i was sick on the way down. anyway, it is nice and warml down. anyway, it is nice and warm inside but let's find out what the weather is like outside. good morning. it is chilly outside. in good morning. it is chilly outside. in some _ good morning. it is chilly outside. in some parts of scotland it is —2. also— in some parts of scotland it is —2. also close — in some parts of scotland it is —2. also close to _ in some parts of scotland it is —2. also close to freezing in parts of northern — also close to freezing in parts of northern ireland and also wales. we are looking _ northern ireland and also wales. we are looking at roughly between two and 7 _ are looking at roughly between two and 7 degrees to start the day. quite _ and 7 degrees to start the day. quite a — and 7 degrees to start the day. quite a lot— and 7 degrees to start the day. quite a lot of cloud across central and southern england come into the south—eastern corner. we have a weak weather _ south—eastern corner. we have a weak weather fronts bringing some showery outbreaks _ weather fronts bringing some showery outbreaks of rain across the north west— outbreaks of rain across the north west of— outbreaks of rain across the north west of scotland. move east of that and it _ west of scotland. move east of that and it is _ west of scotland. move east of that and it is dry— west of scotland. move east of that and it is dry and we started with sunshine — and it is dry and we started with sunshine but chilly. the weather front _ sunshine but chilly. the weather front affecting western part of northern ireland with a few showers, the east _ northern ireland with a few showers, the east of— northern ireland with a few showers, the east of northern ireland seeing some _ the east of northern ireland seeing some sunshine and then we run into all this— some sunshine and then we run into all this cloud — some sunshine and then we run into all this cloud as we push down from yorkshire _ all this cloud as we push down from yorkshire into lincolnshire, east anglia. — yorkshire into lincolnshire, east anglia. the _ yorkshire into lincolnshire, east anglia, the south—east, the midlands and parts _ anglia, the south—east, the midlands and parts of wales. one of two showers — and parts of wales. one of two showers getting in across the south—west of england. as we go through— south—west of england. as we go through the course of the day, my showers _ through the course of the day, my showers will develop, some could be heavy— showers will develop, some could be heavy and _ showers will develop, some could be heavy and thundery but in between there _ heavy and thundery but in between there will— heavy and thundery but in between there will be some sunshine. temperatures down a touch and where they were _ temperatures down a touch and where they were yesterday. through this evening _ they were yesterday. through this evening and overnight you can see how the _ evening and overnight you can see how the showers drift further west with this _ how the showers drift further west with this easterly breeze pushing the cloud — with this easterly breeze pushing the cloud further westwards. clear skies _ the cloud further westwards. clear skies in _ the cloud further westwards. clear skies in scotland and northern ireland, — skies in scotland and northern ireland, so we could see a touch of frost _ ireland, so we could see a touch of frost in_ ireland, so we could see a touch of frost in some prone areas but it means— frost in some prone areas but it means they will be some sunshine here first — means they will be some sunshine here first thing tomorrow. however we still— here first thing tomorrow. however we still have all these cloud being pushed _ we still have all these cloud being pushed by the easterly breeze from the west— pushed by the easterly breeze from the west to be eased with a few showers — the west to be eased with a few showers in the west by the afternoon. we can also see at times some _ afternoon. we can also see at times some low— afternoon. we can also see at times some low cloud and mist lapping unsure _ some low cloud and mist lapping unsure across the north—east of england — unsure across the north—east of england and scotland. as the main try to _ england and scotland. as the main try to make inroads into northern and it— try to make inroads into northern and it will— try to make inroads into northern and it will bring work—out. 8 degrees _ and it will bring work—out. 8 degrees in the north to 17 in the south _ degrees in the north to 17 in the south but — degrees in the north to 17 in the south but with an easterly breeze it will feel— south but with an easterly breeze it will feel that bit cooler along the naughty— will feel that bit cooler along the naughty coastline. thank you. cooling down and we can't complain about the bank holiday weekend. it complain about the bank holiday weekend. ., , , complain about the bank holiday weekend. . , , . complain about the bank holiday i weekend._ sunday weekend. it was very nice. sunday was a bit different _ weekend. it was very nice. sunday was a bit different into _ weekend. it was very nice. sunday was a bit different into monday - weekend. it was very nice. sunday was a bit different into monday in| was a bit different into monday in the west— was a bit different into monday in the west when we saw some rain come in but _ the west when we saw some rain come in but you _ the west when we saw some rain come in but you are _ the west when we saw some rain come in but you are quite right, for most of us _ in but you are quite right, for most of us for— in but you are quite right, for most of us for most of the time it was. good _ of us for most of the time it was. good for— of us for most of the time it was. good for you, wasn't it? laughter thank you, carol. for weeks now, russia has been regrouping and reinforcing its ground troops for an all—out offensive on the east of ukraine. now president zelensky says that battle has begun in the donbas region, signalling the start of the second phase of the war. tobias ellwood is the chair of the commons defence select committee and joins us from central london. good morning, thank you for spending time with us this morning. let's start with what is happening in ukraine at the moment. we have heard from president zelensky, see what is happening in the donbas region. what are you hearing? brute happening in the donbas region. what are you hearing?— are you hearing? we thought the troo -s are you hearing? we thought the troops would _ are you hearing? we thought the troops would withdraw. - are you hearing? we thought the troops would withdraw. ukraine i troops would withdraw. ukraine started to turn back to the country, thinking the worst was over. the land campaignfor thinking the worst was over. the land campaign for president putin has gone badly indeed. he has been further humiliated by the loss of that flagship in the black sea and so he will steer even lower and we are entering a very dark chapter of this war and we need to listen carefully to president zelensky with his request for further carefully to president zelensky with his request forfurther ammunition, his request for further ammunition, logistical supplies, and his request forfurther ammunition, logistical supplies, and an upgrade in equipment we should provide. britain has done extremely well. we need to recognise this is far from over and notjust about ukraine. this is about putin trying to redraw the entire lines on the geographic map in eastern europe. what the entire lines on the geographic map in eastern europe. what options are available — map in eastern europe. what options are available to _ map in eastern europe. what options are available to the _ map in eastern europe. what options are available to the british _ are available to the british government? you talk about that requests from resident zelensky for logistical help and ammunition, is there much more the uk government can do? , , , .., ., can do? there is firstly recognition that we cannot _ can do? there is firstly recognition that we cannot be _ can do? there is firstly recognition that we cannot be held _ can do? there is firstly recognition that we cannot be held back - can do? there is firstly recognition that we cannot be held back by - can do? there is firstly recognition that we cannot be held back by a i that we cannot be held back by a nato consensus. if countries like america don't want to see mid—fight is being sent across, it is right that britain step forward with the czech republic and others to upgrade. pleased to see america is doing that but ultimately they are running out of, the ukrainians are running out of, the ukrainians are running out of ammunition and supplies. we need to recognise it is notjust supplies. we need to recognise it is not just the supplies. we need to recognise it is notjust the donbas region, but also odesa, this critical point where much of the world's brain is exported from. we need —— look at the world's grain. we need to upgrade our support, recognising we are up against a superpower as such. we do not want this to escalate beyond ukraine itself but we are very timid, very risk averse and how we are approaching russia in ukraine. , , , we are approaching russia in ukraine. , ,, ., ., , we are approaching russia in ukraine. ., ., , ., ukraine. this issue of what is going on in ukraine _ ukraine. this issue of what is going on in ukraine is _ ukraine. this issue of what is going on in ukraine is very _ ukraine. this issue of what is going on in ukraine is very high _ ukraine. this issue of what is going on in ukraine is very high on - ukraine. this issue of what is going on in ukraine is very high on the i on in ukraine is very high on the prime minister's list... to do list does not sound right but what he is aware of at the moment but also he will address mps today for the first time since he was fined for what has been going out with the so—called partygate scandal. you are one of those who has withdrawn your letters of no confidence in the prime minister because of what is happening in ukraine. you have not done that yet, so what if you are thinking on where the prime minister is with regards to what is going on with the parties at downing street at the moment?— with the parties at downing street at the moment? firstly, ifi may, i need to distinguish _ at the moment? firstly, ifi may, i need to distinguish between i at the moment? firstly, ifi may, i need to distinguish between whatl at the moment? firstly, ifi may, i. need to distinguish between what is going on in ukraine and the fact that, yes, there is difficult issues facing number 10 but we should not use the fig leaf of our involvement with ukraine to somehow say this is not a time to address those difficult challenges. our policy toward ukraine began back in 2014 when, quite rightly, we began to iron, supply and train ukrainian forces and we have built on that and thatis forces and we have built on that and that is an incredible effort by successive prime ministers. we replace the head of uk armed forces in december stopped how can we do that in build—up to a potential invasion, as we saw? because there is a rolls—royce machine that supports and provides options, recommendations to any prime minister on the day. likewise with the mod, a formidable capability that gives whitehall, cabinet, options for the prime minister to make a decision. whatever prime minster, whoever that will be, will get the same advice. if there were a leadership contest you would see i think a bidding war of candidates wanting to do more to lean forward to support ukraine. we need to park that as a potential distraction from the very difficult question that you pose. yes, this is something we will address today. the prime minister will want to say, listen, i was misled, i want to continue getting on with thejob. misled, i want to continue getting on with the job. unfortunately many mps continue to be very concerned by where we are going. we have to defend this at the next general election. we have my fixed penalty notices likely to come forward. sue gray's a point to conclude an important local elections on the 5th of may. if i were the prime minister i was sure leadership here, recognise this requires crisis management as such, and say these are difficult times, i will give the opportunity to support me through a vote of confidence after the 5th of may elections if they go badly, and therefore the party itself can recognise whether we all support the prime minister or the prime minister has the support, and we might forward, or it is time for change. what would be your plant specifically, if not borisjohnson, then who to lead the party? that specifically, if not boris johnson, then who to lead the party? that is not the question _ then who to lead the party? that is not the question we _ then who to lead the party? that is not the question we should i then who to lead the party? that is not the question we should be i not the question we should be posing. but i would say is ample talent within the conservative party, ministerial cabinet level, to move forward. at the moment, the media, if i can say that generally, have chosen potential winners but, rightly, for loyalty reasons and others, there is plenty of talent amongst the ranks. as we have seen in the past. it is not unusual to have leadership contests during the long life cycle of the conservative party in power. that is the responsibility of every mp to recognise and address. tobias ellwood, recognise and address. tobias ellwood. we — recognise and address. tobias ellwood, we appreciate i recognise and address. tobias ellwood, we appreciate your. recognise and address. tobias i ellwood, we appreciate your time and will put some of those points to brandon lewis who will be with us later this morning at 7:30am. after 70 years of service, this year marks a very special milestone in the queen's long reign. it is of course her platinum jubilee — and here on breakfast, we're sharing the stories of people who have had the opportunity to meet her majesty over the decades. john maguire has been speaking to some of them — including our very own carol. allow me to introduce yvonne, jackie, anne, and carol. ten years ago, during the diamond jubilee, carol was invited to speak at the sandringham women's institute, and in attendance would be its president — her majesty the queen. i can't believe it's been ten years since that day. where has the time gone?! i don't know, carol. we're absolutely delighted to see you again, it really is lovely — and in the platinum jubilee year, as well. i mean, it's fantastic that you could get here. queen mary set up the wi here more than 100 years ago. since then, the sandringham branch has boasted a royal presidential lineage. she actually became a member in her own right in 1943, and princess margaret came along, as well — and queen mary. i mean, they all used to come, when you read back in the minutes. and so we were pleasantly surprised when she agreed to take it on. carol was asked to speak about her life and career for a strict 20 minutes — during which she told her audience they could ask questions whenever they liked. and i did not expect the queen to be asking me questions, and one of them was about wearing green on television, and why she couldn't do it. and, of course, it's because if you're standing in front of a green screen and you're wearing green, all you'll see is your head and your hands. it's a very good way of making yourself look very thin! laughter. i'm doing it tomorrow, actually! during her talk, carol wanted to relay a funny story about the dangers faced by colleagues in the early days of television weather presenting. she checked with the palace beforehand, and it was a story that saw eyebrows raise, jaws drop — but one in the audience was very much amused. and it was about a weatherman from many years ago, in the days when they used magnetic boards to display the weather, and it had the symbols and it also had individual letters for ice and forfog. so as he was doing this live on television, he got to tonight, when we were expecting some fog, and he noticed the f had slipped off and he said, "sorry about the f in fog." laughter. and two of the ladies gasped and i thought, "what have i said? !" but then the queen was laughing so much, it was ok — in fact, she was laughing so much she dropped her glasses case on the floor. the queen is widely renowned for putting people at their ease, and it's just as well. the very first time i had to take the meeting, i had 15 minutes' notice. and i'd met the queen several times, but even so i was absolutely a nervous wreck! forjackie, a baptism of fire — asked tojudge pictures of horses in a competition, she failed to spot a crucial detail. one of the embroideries was a picture of the queen's horse in the queen's colours, but i didn't — obviously| didn't know anything _ about horse racing at the time, and didn't choose that one as first, but... i laughter. and you have to remember who you're talking to after a while... yes, yeah. ..because she'll chat to you as if you're almost her next—door neighbour, you know? and you think, "gosh, this is the queen of england!" and that's a view shared by ian shearman, an artist from gloucestershire whose a sculpture of the renowned horse breeder peter burrell was unveiled by the queen in newmarket in 1996. i don't know what you expect, but she isn't anything like that. she's...like you're talking to your grandmother, or you're talking to somebody in the street. she's very easy to... yes, to be around. she's remarkable, a most impressive character. one of the most memorable moments came due to a wardrobe malfunction, when they realised their eight—year—old son tom was still wearing his favourite slippers. well, i'd forgotten to put any other shoes in, i and he was standing in line, i not bothered by his thunderbird slippers, and the queen came down the line, looked at him, _ shook his hand. she always notices everything, apparently, about people — i has this thing ofjust noticing, and putting people at ease. i and she leant towards him and she said, "i watch i thunderbirds, too." and that was it! he shook her hand. and he said to me the other day, |it's one of his fondest memoriesj and he'll never forget it. nice lady. a simple act of kindness and humour that made a special day very special. an audience with her majesty the queen — no matter how brief — lives long in the memory. john maguire, bbc news. it must be a magical moment to meet her, you can see how happy they were stuck in a while, i don't like to talk about it but... i have! i didn't know that.— talk about it but... i have! i didn't know that. ,, ., didn't know that. she came here to 0 en a didn't know that. she came here to open a new— didn't know that. she came here to open a new studios _ didn't know that. she came here to open a new studios and _ didn't know that. she came here to open a new studios and i _ didn't know that. she came here to open a new studios and i had i didn't know that. she came here to open a new studios and i had to - open a new studios and i had to extend... well, she extended her right hand. you can't shake her hand first. ., ., ., ., ., .,i first. you are told what to do. i had about _ first. you are told what to do. i had about a — first. you are told what to do. i had about a 15 _ first. you are told what to do. i had about a 15 hour _ first. you are told what to do. i had about a 15 hour briefing. i first. you are told what to do. i l had about a 15 hour briefing. did ou do had about a 15 hour briefing. did you do an abbreviation of the f—word like carol? m0! we'd love to hear your stories of meeting her majesty for our queen & i series. you can send us your photos by email at bbcbreakfast@bbc.co.uk, or tweet using the hashtag #bbcbreakfast and we'll aim to share them later in the programme. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. good morning from bbc london, i'm asad ahmad. welcome to viewers across london, the home counties and those joining us this morning from the bbc�*s look east area. former world boxing champion amir khan says he was robbed at gunpoint in east london last night. he posted on twitter that he and his wife faryal were safe after he had a gun pointed in his face as two men stole his watch in leyton after the couple had crossed a road. amir khan is an olympic silver medallist and former wba and ibf light—welterweight champion. plans are being drawn up to expand the emergency department at the queen elizabeth hospital in king's lynn after claims being made that it was unfit for purpose. governors there say an increase in demand means the hospital has outgrown its current space. the ceiling of the queen elizabeth is currently being held up by almost 500 temporary props. the london aquatics centre will reopen today, almost a month after a chlorine gas leak caused it to close. a major incident was declared with around 30 people being taken to hospital. the venue says the pool will be open as normal, and swimming lessons will also resume. if you're travelling into or around london today, a look at the situation on the underground. if we look at it, it looks like a good — if we look at it, it looks like a good service apart from the hammersmith and city line which has severe _ hammersmith and city line which has severe delays. we are not sure why yet. severe delays. we are not sure why et. ., ., ., .. , good morning. after a largely sunny and warm bank holiday weekend it is going to turn a little fresher today, and a few showers added into the mix, as well. now there's more cloud around but still some bright and some sunny spells. the showers more frequent — especially through the afternoon — and one or two could be quite heavy, which could lead to a rumble or two of thunder. temperatures feeling cooler, too — 15 celsius the maximum. a gentle but north—easterly breeze making things feel chillier. now, overnight tonight, any remaining showers will die away, so largely dry, some lengthy clear spells. patches of cloud, however, minimum temperature between six and eight celsius. as we head into wednesday, high pressure builds to the north—east of the uk, so it's blocking any of these fronts just trying to edge in from the west. so it's a largely dry day, plenty of sunshine around, but the easterly breeze just gets a little bit stronger, so out along the east coast of essex, the thames estuary — temperatures a little reduced there. but further west, they make a bit of a recovery at 18 celsius. fairly settled conditions for thursday and for friday, but that easterly breeze will make things feel chillier in the east. before we go, a reminder that today is the deadline for registering to vote by post in the upcoming council elections on may 5th. it's an important chance to have your say in who decides your local services. there is a simple guide to the council elections on the bbc website. it includes a section on what councils do, why you should vote, and who is entitled to vote in just over two weeks' time. that's all for now — i'm back in half an hour. good morning, welcome to breakfast with nina warhurst and dan walker. our headlines today. the battle for eastern ukraine begins — president zelensky vows to stand firm against russia's onslaught of donbas. translation: no matter how many of the russian | troops are driven there, we will be fighting. we will defend ourselves. the hangover continues — boris johnson faces mps today for the first time since he was fined for attending a birthday party during lockdown. from a sporting legacy to a community one, we assess the benefits to birmingham of the commonwealth games that begin in 100 days. hi, everyone. hi! and we catch up with 7—year—old conservationist aneeshwar after an exciting weekend. it isa it is a cold start and although some are starting with sunshine, there will be quite a lot of cloud producing some showers and some of those will be heavy and thundery. all the details throughout the programme. it's tuesday, 19th april. our main story. ukraine says russia has launched a large—scale offensive in the east of the country, signalling the start of the second phase of the war. according to president volodymyr zelensky, a large part of the russian army is now focusing on the donbas region. moscow's forces already occupy large parts of the territory. defence correspondentjonathan beale reports from eastern ukraine. distant explosion. this is now the sight and sound of donbas. severodonetsk, another city and another target for russia's unrelenting bombardment. translation: we can assess i now that the russian troops have begun the battle for donbas for which they have been preparing for a long time. a very large part of the russian army is now concentrated on this offensive. no matter how many of the russian troops are driven there, we will be fighting. we will defend ourselves. we tried to speak to families taking shelter. but the thump of artillery was steadily coming closer. we just came here to go to a shelter, but there is shelling a bit close to us and so we had to move out. a lot of crump of artillery going on at the moment. nothing appears to be sacred when russia wages war. this, one of the holiest sites in the donbas, but that did not save svaytogorsk�*s historic monastery from being scarred by a russian air strike. the few who have stayed behind have to queue for food. they are notjust hungry, though. they are scared. translation: i cry every day. what kind of god would allow this to happen? i cry every day. what kind of god should we ask to stop all this? there is now a strong military presence in this town. just a few miles down the road, russian forces are advancing from the north. a ukrainian soldier shared this drone footage of how they were trying to slow down the russian columns, blowing up a bridge. but they know more will be coming. translation: we know that russian forces are bringing i reinforcements into this region, but we are doing everything possible. we are ready to repel the russian occupiers and prevent the capture of our cities. we will stand to the last and defend our homeland. we headed south, the roads eerily empty. we soon found out why. plumes of smoke. once again, we were within range of russian artillery. the constant bombardment is also taking its toll on the city of avdiivka. here, they are praying for divine intervention. nowhere here is safe within range of russian artillery and, as we have seen, russia is pushing forward from the north, from the east and from the south. and there is a real danger that ukraine's forces here could be surrounded. for now, they are holding out. so, too, are the remaining citizens of avdiivka, hiding in bunkers. but for how long? jonathan beale, bbc news, eastern ukraine. the prime minister will face mps later today, for the first time since he was fined for breaking covid lockdown laws. borisjohnson is expected to apologise once again when he addresses the commons this afternoon — but opposition parties insist he misled parliament. chief political correspondent adam fleming is in downing street. we spoke to tobias ellwood, suggesting about leadership contention at some stage. fine suggesting about leadership contention at some stage. one of the big questions — contention at some stage. one of the big questions is _ contention at some stage. one of the big questions is will _ contention at some stage. one of the big questions is will there _ contention at some stage. one of the big questions is will there be - contention at some stage. one of the big questions is will there be more i big questions is will there be more people like tobias ellwood. people going public in saying he should resign or holding something like a vote of confidence in himself. i still think the biggest group amongst the conservative backbenchers are people waiting to see what happens. will further fixed penalty notices be sent to this place. what effect will it have on the may elections for councils in england? and what does sue gray, the civil servant tasked with looking at partygate, what does she say in her report when that is published, when all the police investigations have come to an end? another thing to keep an eye on is what do opposition parties do? labour, liberal democrats, snp, have scoured the parliamentary rule book for tactics they can use to hold the prime minister to account for breaking the rules and what they say are misleading statements to parliament and then it will be up to the speaker of the house of commons to decide what course of action to take. is it a vote in the prime minister or does he get a committee to look at it in parliament? i understand he will make a decision around lunchtime today. as far as what the prime minister will say mid—afternoon, all the hints from downing street are it will be similar to what he said last week when the fixed penalty notices were issued which is that he is sorry and that he broke the rules unknowingly because he thought he was at work at the time. . ~ because he thought he was at work at the time. ., ~ , ., because he thought he was at work at the time. . ~' ,, ~ because he thought he was at work at the time. ., ~ i. ~ , ., the time. ok, thank you. we shall ut some the time. ok, thank you. we shall put some of— the time. ok, thank you. we shall put some of those _ the time. ok, thank you. we shall put some of those questions - the time. ok, thank you. we shall put some of those questions to i put some of those questions to brandon lewis at 7:30am. we can speak now to labour's shadow attorney general, emily thornberry, i want to start with your thoughts on ukraine. it looks like there will be an escalation in donbas region. what you make of it? i am afraid we have expected this. we have known the russians are in the process of regrouping and focusing efforts on eastern ukraine. we will see the most appalling devastation. we know they are completely ruthless and we know tim swiel include many civilians. it is simply appalling. —— and we know that victims will include many civilians. we have to make sure that we give support to ukrainians so they can defend themselves and their country, and themselves and their country, and the russians can be in no doubt the ukrainians will not give up their fight to make sure they can their country. fight to make sure they can their count . �* , ., fight to make sure they can their count . �*, ., ., ., ., country. let's move on to what we exect country. let's move on to what we expect from — country. let's move on to what we expect from today. _ country. let's move on to what we expect from today. the _ country. let's move on to what we expect from today. the prime - expect from today. the prime ministerfacing mps expect from today. the prime minister facing mp5 for expect from today. the prime ministerfacing mp5 for the expect from today. the prime minister facing mp5 for the first time since he was charged for the partygate scandal which is unfolding. what would you like to hear from unfolding. what would you like to hearfrom him? i unfolding. what would you like to hear from him?— hear from him? i would like to hear... hear from him? i would like to hear- -- we _ hear from him? i would like to hear... we have _ hear from him? i would like to hear... we have heard - hear from him? i would like to i hear... we have heard apologies before, but i would like an apology from him and an explanation as to why he said what he did, so it is notjust a question of apologising. he will apologise once more about being in a room and a cake crept up on him and all this nonsense, but he needs to apologise for misleading parliament. he needs to come to parliament. he needs to come to parliament and say yes, i did mislead you, i did say there were no parties and no rules were broken, and i knew that was untrue and i apologise for that. then we want to hear how he squares that with his own rules when it comes to the ministerial code. it is his face at the beginning of the code. he writes the beginning of the code. he writes the preface saying these are the rules people should stick to. one of the breaches of the ministerial code is if you like to parliament, so what is he going to do about it? from what we know, it is unlikely he will do that. he will apologise —— that he will apologise and say he misled parliament. mil that he will apologise and say he misled parliament. min that he will apologise and say he misled parliament.— misled parliament. m“ can tell ou at misled parliament. m“ can tell you at the _ misled parliament. m“ can tell you at the moment _ misled parliament. m“ can tell you at the moment is _ misled parliament. m“ can tell you at the moment is my - misled parliament. m“ can tell- you at the moment is my colleagues have been working hard with opposition parties to try to make the most appropriate response and we will announce it in due course. the difficulty is that as you said in your report, we are looking at various ways in which parliament may be able to be used to hold the prime minister account but the fundamental point is this. even if there were a mechanism to hold him to account we still need the votes and the truth is at the last general election the conservative party won n86 —— they won a majority of 80 seats. the responsibility will lie heavily on the shoulders of conservative mps. they are waiting to see the full outcome of police investigations and the civil seven�*s report, until they make a decision which does not seem unreasonable. make a decision which does not seem unreasonable-— unreasonable. they wait and wait and the ublic unreasonable. they wait and wait and the public know _ unreasonable. they wait and wait and the public know they _ unreasonable. they wait and wait and the public know they have _ unreasonable. they wait and wait and the public know they have a _ unreasonable. they wait and wait and the public know they have a prime - the public know they have a prime minister who is a liar, a prime minister who is a liar, a prime minister who is a liar, a prime minister who had parties while they made sacrifices and frankly, they will not give him such time. they have made up their minds. if conservative mps want to drag their feet that is a matter for them. we have elections coming and the public will get an opportunity to express their disgust at the prime minister at that point. their disgust at the prime minister at that point-— at that point. some say he has apologised. — at that point. some say he has apologised, let's _ at that point. some say he has apologised, let's get _ at that point. some say he has apologised, let's get on - at that point. some say he has apologised, let's get on with l at that point. some say he has| apologised, let's get on with it, they want to leave this behind. i they want to leave this behind. i understand that. when i have spoken to members of the public i am surprised how strongly people feel about this because it is a question of fundamental fairness and that is an affront to how british people see themselves and the state, and they should not be led by people who think there is one rule for them and anotherfor think there is one rule for them and another for everybody else. that is something people feel strongly about. i something people feel strongly about. ., ., ., ., about. i want to ask about government _ about. i want to ask about government plans - about. i want to ask about government plans to - about. i want to ask about government plans to sendj about. i want to ask about - government plans to send refugees about. i want to ask about _ government plans to send refugees to rwanda. what would labour do. the total number crossing the channel this year is 6000 already. what this year is 6000 already. what would your _ this year is 6000 already. what would your plan _ this year is 6000 already. what would your plan b? _ this year is 6000 already. what would your plan b? we - this year is 6000 already. transit would your plan b? we would not this year is 6000 already. “mat would your plan b? we would not be trying to grab headlines by putting forward policies that will not work at all. senior civil servants have said it will not work. the refugee minister said it will not work. you have to put forward policies that will work. if you look at the australian version of this, more than £1 million for every refugee. it will not be value for money and it will not work. we should be looking at things that make a difference. what do we do? we need a proper relationship with european allies about how we deal with this together. we don't end up excluded from meetings with european leaders like priti patel because of her belligerent attitude and the inability to work with other countries. we need some sort of safe route so people who want to claim asylum in this country can do so safely and legally. i know from experience, when people have come to me, there are no safe routes, legal routes more or less these days for people to be able to claim asylum. we would say the amendment put forward a long time ago the conservatives said they would implement and cut short, which is a way families can come back together again, that is a very good law that ought to be there but we need to make sure routes are available so people do not resort to illegal and dangerous means of trying to get into the country.— dangerous means of trying to get into the country. emily thornberry, thank you- — into the country. emily thornberry, thank you- we _ into the country. emily thornberry, thank you. we will _ into the country. emily thornberry, thank you. we will be _ into the country. emily thornberry, thank you. we will be speaking - into the country. emily thornberry, thank you. we will be speaking to i thank you. we will be speaking to the government minister brandon lewis in the next half hour. the manchester united footballer cristiano ronaldo has announced the death of his baby boy. in a statement posted on social media, the footballer and his partner georgina rodriguez, who were expecting twins, said it was the "greatest pain that any parents can feel". they said the birth of their baby daughter gave them "the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness". here's carol with a look at the weather. good morning. good morning. forsome it is a beautiful start to the day as you can see from the picture here. there is some cloud around and this picture from canterbury shows what i am talking about. for others, quite a lot of cloud from yorkshire, lincolnshire, the midlands, east anglia and into the south—east. a weather front is crossing north—western scotland and northern ireland bringing showers. through the course of the day you can see how further showers bubble up and some will be heavy and potentially thundering. between, some sunshine. temperatures 10—15, with lighter wind in the north—west compared to yesterday and gentle breezes across the board. this evening and overnight many showers will fade and we will have areas of cloud. scotland and northern ireland, under clear skies, you are likely to see fog and temperatures slipping below freezing. it will be a cold night where ever you are. tomorrow, more of an easterly breeze, so it will feel cooler along the north sea coast. the cloud is blowing from the east to the west taking showers with it. along the north sea coast these are the temperatures you can expect. move inland, the further west you are, the temperatures will be higher in the sunshine. up to 16—17 in the sunshine will feel pleasant. we will hang on to the breeze for the next few days. thank you. it's one of wales' most popular tourist attractions, visited by more than 700,000 people each year. but snowdon's reputation as a renowned beauty spot took a bit of a hit over the bank holiday weekend with reports of litter and excrement on the popular mountain paths. i was there over the bank holiday. i did not do any of that. we took away what we brought with us. that is what people say. i did, i promise. snowdon guide, gemma davies, can tell us more. i know you are on the mountain most days. what did you see at the weekend that upset you? we days. what did you see at the weekend that upset you? we had gone u . weekend that upset you? we had gone u- for weekend that upset you? we had gone u - for a weekend that upset you? we had gone up for a sunrise — weekend that upset you? we had gone up for a sunrise hike. _ weekend that upset you? we had gone up for a sunrise hike. i _ weekend that upset you? we had gone up for a sunrise hike. i noticed - weekend that upset you? we had gone up for a sunrise hike. i noticed the - up for a sunrise hike. i noticed the extent of litter walking up but as we got to the top, there was human waste underneath stones and as we came down, i did catch somebody going to the toilet on the railway, which was not a pleasant sight. we had to walk past the gentlemen. as we reached the halfway house, again there was human waste in paper cups which again was a shocking sight to see. ., _ which again was a shocking sight to see. ., ., ., see. some would say if you have got to no, ou see. some would say if you have got to go. you have _ see. some would say if you have got to go. you have got _ see. some would say if you have got to go, you have got to _ see. some would say if you have got to go, you have got to go. _ see. some would say if you have got to go, you have got to go. explain i to go, you have got to go. explain what provisions are for people who need the toilet.— what provisions are for people who need the toilet. yes, of course, you do need to — need the toilet. yes, of course, you do need to go. _ need the toilet. yes, of course, you do need to go. i _ need the toilet. yes, of course, you do need to go, i understand - need the toilet. yes, of course, you do need to go, i understand that. l need the toilet. yes, of course, you| do need to go, i understand that. to go do need to go, i understand that. to 9° up do need to go, i understand that. to go up to the top of the summit it is a 6—8 hour hike. ifeel regular walkers are self—sufficient. we are talking about mass tourism and people coming from around the world. i do not think they understand sometimes the outdoors, that we do not have those facilities. even the facilities we have, when we got down to the bottom, the toilets are not open today. i did check. i think thatis open today. i did check. i think that is the issue. we are providing facilities at the bottom for people and people are not aware of what is required when they walk up. istallion and people are not aware of what is required when they walk up. when we went u- required when they walk up. when we went up over — required when they walk up. when we went up over the _ required when they walk up. when we went up over the weekend _ required when they walk up. when we went up over the weekend with - required when they walk up. when we went up over the weekend with my i went up over the weekend with my family, the cafe at the top was not open. is this part of the problem during one of the busiest parts of the year? during one of the busiest parts of the ear? , ., ., , during one of the busiest parts of the ear? .. ., , i, the year? yes, and of course, yes, there is a — the year? yes, and of course, yes, there is a cafe _ the year? yes, and of course, yes, there is a cafe at _ the year? yes, and of course, yes, there is a cafe at the _ the year? yes, and of course, yes, there is a cafe at the top _ the year? yes, and of course, yes, there is a cafe at the top and - the year? yes, and of course, yes, there is a cafe at the top and they | there is a cafe at the top and they do have toilets. it is a tourist attraction. i know people are against calling it that budget is. it brings injust underi million people a year. should the cafe and toilets be open? i think they should be. they have been closed a long time. i do not know why they are not open. sure, if they were open, it would help solve the issue. you went u . would help solve the issue. you went u- with a would help solve the issue. you went up with a group _ would help solve the issue. you went up with a group of— would help solve the issue. you went up with a group of people, _ would help solve the issue. you went up with a group of people, what - would help solve the issue. you went up with a group of people, what was | up with a group of people, what was the reaction of some of those may be on the mountain for the first time to what they saw?— on the mountain for the first time to what they saw? yes, it was not aood. i to what they saw? yes, it was not good- i had _ to what they saw? yes, it was not good- i had to _ to what they saw? yes, it was not good. i had to apologise - to what they saw? yes, it was not good. i had to apologise on - to what they saw? yes, it was not - good. i had to apologise on numerous occasions to my group. they are europeans, they have not been to the area before. it is such a beautiful place. to have to apologise and explain to them, to mind that, it was not ideal. it was embarrassing. the national park authorities say it is a mountain, not an attraction, and it is up to people to take that into account when they set out. what into account when they set out. what would ou into account when they set out. what would you say — into account when they set out. what would you say to _ into account when they set out. what would you say to that? _ into account when they set out. twat would you say to that? that into account when they set out. tip"isgt would you say to that? that is an interesting comment and statement because on their website in bold letters they classify it as an attraction. so interesting they have said that. i attraction. so interesting they have said that. ~ ., attraction. so interesting they have said that. ~' ., ., said that. i think we need to get to the bottom — said that. i think we need to get to the bottom of— said that. i think we need to get to the bottom of that, _ said that. i think we need to get to the bottom of that, don't - said that. i think we need to get to the bottom of that, don't we? - said that. i think we need to get to i the bottom of that, don't we? thank you very much. are you climbing the mountain today? i you very much. are you climbing the mountain today?— mountain today? i am, yes, and, unfortunately _ mountain today? i am, yes, and, unfortunately behind _ mountain today? i am, yes, and, unfortunately behind me, - mountain today? i am, yes, and, unfortunately behind me, it - mountain today? i am, yes, and, unfortunately behind me, it is i mountain today? i am, yes, and, i unfortunately behind me, it is mist, so hopefully it will clear and it will be a beautiful day. get so hopefully it will clear and it will be a beautiful day.- will be a beautiful day. get all our 'obs will be a beautiful day. get all youriobs out _ will be a beautiful day. get all yourjobs out of— will be a beautiful day. get all yourjobs out of the _ will be a beautiful day. get all yourjobs out of the way - will be a beautiful day. get all| yourjobs out of the way before will be a beautiful day. get all- yourjobs out of the way before you head off. i am sure you are used to it. what a way to end the interview. there was a lot of mist in cloud when we went up. it is interesting it is an escalating issue. anybody who has climbed snowdon, there are many routes, but the easiest one is usually packed. we went on another. but as you went down the track with the railway beside it was packed. that was thursday and even busier at the bank holiday. and do not drop litter. i could go on for ages about that. there's a call for free or low—cost covid testing kits to be made available to companies to help them cope with large numbers of staff catching the virus. according to the british chambers of commerce, as many as three quarters of employers reported workers off sick with coronavirus in the last four weeks. our consumer affairs correspondent colletta smith has more. business has been booming here for the last couple of years with these home—cooking spice kits taking off. but that means extra pressure for the boss to keep orders flowing while keeping staff safe. so there's 15 of us in total. we've had a number of cases in the warehouse — enough for us to, as i said, shut down production for a week or two weeks. figures from the ons show that the omicron peak for factory—floor workers was in january, but for office—based staff, the peaks been within recent weeks. i think it's pretty much spot on, that data, actually. i think that's what we found. we've found our kind of manual workers in the unit have had it through the end of last year or the year before and then coming up to january, and then we've had instances of the management team getting it very much in the last sort of eight weeks. yeah, we've got plenty on the table ready to go. lesley works in the office upstairs, and had covid herself a couple of weeks ago. as a small business especially, we do have to crack on, you know, and make the most of it, make the best of it. we have kits in the office to test, just in case anyone's feeling a bit off—colour. we do our best but you have just got to get on with it. now that it's up to individual companies to decide what to do about covid cases, the british chamber of commerce are calling for every business to have access to free or cheap lateral flow tests so that they can keep their workforce safe, while keeping the workflow moving. laura's an employment lawyer, and says official rules had been a kind of comfort blanket, but now companies face a new minefield. the typical issues seem to be what policies to put in place if people think they might have covid, particularly now that tests aren't so readily available, people aren't sure whether they might have covid or not, and what to do about that. what to do about staff that they think aren't being honest about whether they might have covid or symptoms because they don't want to lose pay. round here, we are all trying to, like, helped each other out. ciaran's already had covid, but appreciates still being given options. when we do have covid in here, you have the choice whether to stay off, or if you feel safer at home. just try and do a little bit at home, we do labels and you can take them home. getting staff on side with new sickness policies will be crucial to keeping the orders stacking up. colletta smith, bbc news, in liverpool. in reponse, the government said it recognised the impact of rising costs to businesses and had given firms 400 billion pounds in covid support. it was the first easter in three years without restrictions, and with most parts of the uk seeing sunny spells, thousands of people flocked to the coast. ben is in brighton this morning, to tell us how businesses fared there. good morning. looks like he has a treasure chest! good morning, notjust any beach, but famous pebble beach in brighton. it was coastal towns and cities that got a boost over the bank holiday weekend. warm weather helped. it was the first easter weekend without covid restrictions. i will have the details about how uk tourism fared in a moment. first, the news where you are. good morning from bbc london, i'm asad ahmad. welcome to viewers across london, the home counties and those joining us this morning from the bbc�*s look east area. former world boxing champion amir khan says he was robbed at gunpoint in east london last night. he posted on twitter that he and his wife faryal were safe after he had a gun pointed in his face as two men stole his watch in leyton after the couple had crossed a road. amir khan is an olympic silver medallist and former wba and ibf light—welterweight champion. plans are being drawn up to expand the emergency department at the queen elizabeth hospital in king's lynn after claims were made that it was unfit for purpose. governors there say an increase in demand means the hospital has outgrown its current space. the ceiling of the queen elizabeth is currently being held up by almost 500 temporary props. the london aquatics centre will reopen today, almost a month after a chlorine gas leak caused it to close. a major incident was declared with around 30 people being taken to hospital. the venue says the pool will be open as normal, and swimming lessons will also resume. if you're travelling into or around london today, a look at the situation on the underground. lots on the underground. going on. hammersmith and line lots going on. hammersmith and city line has severe delays, the metropolitan line has minor delays, ongoing maintenance on the northern line. we are trying to find out what the reason is for those delays, we can't find out! maybe tfl are still on their easter break! time for a look at the weather. good morning. after a largely sunny and warm bank holiday weekend it is going to turn a little fresher today, and a few showers added into the mix, as well. now there's more cloud around but still some bright and some sunny spells. the showers more frequent — especially through the afternoon — and one or two could be quite heavy, which could lead to a rumble or two of thunder. temperatures feeling cooler, too — 15 celsius the maximum. a gentle but north—easterly breeze making things feel chillier. now, overnight tonight, any remaining showers will die away, so largely dry, some lengthy clear spells. patches of cloud, however, minimum temperature between six and eight celsius. as we head into wednesday, high pressure builds to the north—east of the uk, so it's blocking any of these fronts just trying to edge in from the west. so it's a largely dry day, plenty of sunshine around, but the easterly breeze just gets a little bit stronger, so out along the east coast of essex, the thames estuary — temperatures a little reduced there. but further west, they make a bit of a recovery at 18 celsius. fairly settled conditions for thursday and for friday, but that easterly breeze will make things feel chillier in the east. we now know some of the reasons for those tube delays. there are a number of signal failures this morning so now we know what is causing those issues. before we go, a reminder that today is the deadline for registering to vote by post in the upcoming council elections on may 5th. it's an important chance to have your say in who decides your local services. there is a simple guide to the council elections on the bbc website. it includes a section on what councils do, why you should vote, and who is entitled to vote in just over two weeks' time. that's all for now — i'm back in an hour. hello, this is breakfast with nina warhurst and dan walker. let's take a look at today's front pages. the times leads on the announcement from ukraine's president zelensky, who says the next phase of the war with russia has begun. the paper reports the kremlin is focusing on the "large scale" assault on the donbas region. meanwhile, the mirror says the prime minister faces a "walk of shame" today, as he faces mp5 for the first time since he was fined for breaking lockdown rules. civil servants who are still working from home are being told to return to the office — that's according to the telegraph. however, the paper reports that the plan could be hampered by unions pushing for "further concessions on flexible working" instead. and the sun leads on the death of cristiano ronaldo's twin son, who died during childbirth. the footballer revealed the news on instagram with his partner georgina rodriguez. he also shared that his baby daughter survived. going to show you some stories from the inside. more than 1.5 million streaming subscriptions were cancelled by uk customers in the first three months of the year and the biggest reason people were giving was because of household budgets and the cost—of—living crisis. fewer people left netflix and amazon but netflix and disney have put their prices up in recent months but i suppose as the purse strings are tightening... during got down quite a few people have netflix and disney and maybe amazon and at least one is going. —— during lockdown. you have been speaking about the cost—of—living crisis a lot. about the cost-of-living crisis a lot. , , ., ~' about the cost-of-living crisis a lot. , , ., ~ , ., ., lot. every time you think you are auoin to lot. every time you think you are going to cancel _ lot. every time you think you are going to cancel your— lot. every time you think you are l going to cancel your subscriptions, suddenly there is a new series you have to watch! i try to rotate mind a bit. this story says independent brides are fuelling a rise in double—barrelled names. an increasing number of women opting to retain their original name when they get married. the deep office says request to retain maiden names rose by 30% between 2020 and 2021. the biggest annual rise it has ever seen, which i did, ten years ago. i kept my name and my husband took on my name, as well. ilil" kept my name and my husband took on my name. as well-— my name, as well. our director tim asks what happens _ my name, as well. our director tim asks what happens if _ my name, as well. our director tim asks what happens if you _ my name, as well. our director tim asks what happens if you marry - asks what happens if you marry someone with a double—barrelled name? someone with a double-barrelled name? , ., ., ., , ., name? they will have to worry about that, that name? they will have to worry about that. that will _ name? they will have to worry about that, that will be _ name? they will have to worry about that, that will be there _ name? they will have to worry about that, that will be there issue. - name? they will have to worry about that, that will be there issue. one i that, that will be there issue. one ofthe that, that will be there issue. one of the longest _ that, that will be there issue. one of the longest names ever. the long—expected all—out russian assault on eastern ukraine has begun, according to the country's president volodymyr zelensky. it comes after the kremlin declared the capture of the donbas its main goal of the war. we can speak now to the government minister brandon lewis, who is in westminster this morning. thank you for being with us. we have heard from president zelensky talking about my logistical help, the need for ammunition. what sort of options are available to the government to give more assistance to ukraine at the moment? fits government to give more assistance to ukraine at the moment?- to ukraine at the moment? as you 'ust to ukraine at the moment? as you just reported _ to ukraine at the moment? as you just reported we — to ukraine at the moment? as you just reported we are _ to ukraine at the moment? as you just reported we are seeing - to ukraine at the moment? as you just reported we are seeing a - just reported we are seeing a further push it seems from putin's a regime so we can to support ukraine, as the prime minister said when he was in kyiv with the president a week or so ago. we will be sending out there that defensive arms, some i am very proud and lucky to be able to go see it being produced in northern ireland, in belfast. very much seeing the uk play its part and we will continue to do that to support ukraine in the work it is doing to defend the sovereign democracy. i’m doing to defend the sovereign democracy-— doing to defend the sovereign democra . �* , ., , democracy. i'm sure you have seen the reports — democracy. i'm sure you have seen the reports about _ democracy. i'm sure you have seen the reports about two _ democracy. i'm sure you have seen the reports about two british - democracy. i'm sure you have seen the reports about two british men | the reports about two british men who are being held captive by the russians at the moment. will there be some sort of prisoner exchange, is it something our government will get involved in? i is it something our government will get involved in?— get involved in? i have to be really clear, the defence _ get involved in? i have to be really clear, the defence secretary - get involved in? i have to be really clear, the defence secretary said l get involved in? i have to be reallyj clear, the defence secretary said a while ago that people should not be going from the uk out there. we have a proper process for people in the uk who want to support ukraine and we have seen hundreds of thousands of people opening their homes to people. that is how to support them. the government and the armed forces are supporting ukraine with the training work we have done, the support with lethal defensive weapons and working with our partners in of nato. people should not take what is in reality an illegal route through to a very dangerous situation. people should not do that. i hope you appreciate i won't comment on the situation with the individual cases you reference. we really should be very clear that thatis we really should be very clear that that is not what they should be doing, there are ways to support ukraine and those are the official ways aren't the government website that people can follow. i’m ways aren't the government website that people can follow.— that people can follow. i'm sure the prime minister _ that people can follow. i'm sure the prime minister will _ that people can follow. i'm sure the prime minister will talk _ that people can follow. i'm sure the prime minister will talk about - that people can follow. i'm sure the prime minister will talk about that l prime minister will talk about that today but both he and the chancellor will be appearing before mps today but both he and the chancellor will be appearing before mp5 for the first time since they were both fined over their attendance at events which breached the government's own covid legislation. can i ask you aboutjust? do you think the prime minister is able to rebuild trust with those people who voted for him to be prime minister? i do. as prime minister, and i fortunately get to work with him, and i work with him on a day—to—day basis, he is somebody who is focused on the issues that are affecting people across the country, he cares passionately about improving the lives of people across the uk. i think people will see that and he will be able to build that trust, which means he will fight unsuccessfully when the next general election. d0 unsuccessfully when the next general election. , ., ~ unsuccessfully when the next general election. ~ , , election. do you think he accepts he broke his own _ election. do you think he accepts he broke his own rules? _ election. do you think he accepts he broke his own rules? as _ election. do you think he accepts he broke his own rules? as he - election. do you think he accepts he broke his own rules? as he said - election. do you think he accepts he broke his own rules? as he said in l election. do you think he accepts he broke his own rules? as he said in aj broke his own rules? as he said in a statement last _ broke his own rules? as he said in a statement last week _ broke his own rules? as he said in a statement last week he _ broke his own rules? as he said in a statement last week he absolutely i statement last week he absolutely accepts the decision the police have come to, he has paid the fine, apologised for that. he has gone further than that, a few months ago we outlined that he accepts some of the things that happened at number 10 were not done in a way people would see as being right and proper which is why he has changed the team at number 10 which is why he has changed the team at numberio and which is why he has changed the team at number 10 and has done exactly what he said he would. this at number 10 and has done exactly what he said he would.— what he said he would. this is not the end of— what he said he would. this is not the end of this _ what he said he would. this is not the end of this and _ what he said he would. this is not the end of this and i _ what he said he would. this is not the end of this and i know- what he said he would. this is not the end of this and i know there l what he said he would. this is not i the end of this and i know there are lots of your colleagues in the conservative party waited to see what happens. they could be more fixed penalty notices, the soo what happens. they could be more fixed penalty notices, the 500 great reports, he has to answer those questions about whether he misled parliament or not. —— is there a point at which the fixed penalty notice continue, if the sue gray report is damning, will he lose your support at some stage? we report is damning, will he lose your support at some stage?— support at some stage? we have to wait and see — support at some stage? we have to wait and see what _ support at some stage? we have to wait and see what the _ support at some stage? we have to wait and see what the outcome - support at some stage? we have to wait and see what the outcome of. wait and see what the outcome of those is. i have never been tempted into hypotheticals so i will not start now. what i would say is people are going to want to see the outcome, so they get the full picture of what was happening. the prime minister has outlined there were things happening at ten which he understands why people would be angry about it. i have seen of myself and that is why he has made those changes, he has apologised for what is happening. in this particular instance he accepted the fine from the police, apologised. his focus has been, and the reason he has continued to have my support throughout this, all through covid from when he had it himself right through the pandemic, has been about making those decisions and he has got those big decisions right on the covid, on ukraine and we work on issues moving out of covid and dealing with the cost of living pressures people i dealing with to do things that are the right thing for people to give them a better opportunity tomorrow. emit; for people to give them a better opportunity tomorrow.— for people to give them a better opportunity tomorrow. only if issue of not getting _ opportunity tomorrow. only if issue of not getting involved _ opportunity tomorrow. only if issue of not getting involved in _ of not getting involved in hypothetical situations, i had this conversation with dominic rob and he dismissed the fact they could be sanctions coming the way of boris johnson and now he is the only prime minister to be sanctioned for breaking the law. i appreciate you are talking about hypothetical situations but this is the strangest of situations where the prime minister actually broke the laws he put in place. we minister actually broke the laws he put in place-— minister actually broke the laws he ut in lace. . ., , ., put in place. we have seen over the ears put in place. we have seen over the years ministers _ put in place. we have seen over the years ministers of— put in place. we have seen over the years ministers of both _ put in place. we have seen over the years ministers of both parties - years ministers of both parties having fixed penalty notices for various different things, including speeding, which i appreciate is not the same as the covid regulations. what the prime minster has done is accept that, acknowledge it, apologised. we have seen other party leaders over the last few days being told they have broken rules and regulations around covid. what our prime minister has done is outline he recognise things at ten were not being done how the public would expect. he has changed the team, done what he said he would do, accepted the fixed penalty notice, pay that fine, apologise and has been getting back to and has been absolutely focused on the issues that will have those long term as well as sure to benefit the people across the uk. whether the challenges of ukraine or the domestic challenges we are seeing that we are trying to deal with to help people with the cost of energy, the announcement today on using the rail fares the announcement today on using the railfares for the announcement today on using the rail fares for people to help the wider industry of tourism as well as the cost of living. all of these things are where his focus is rightly based. d0 things are where his focus is rightly based.— things are where his focus is rightly based. things are where his focus is riahtl based. ,. ~ rightly based. do you think if the rime rightly based. do you think if the prime minster _ rightly based. do you think if the prime minster today _ rightly based. do you think if the prime minster today comes - rightly based. do you think if the i prime minster today comes before parliament and talks, as you have, mentioning parking fines with regard to what he has been censured for, how do you think that will sit with people who could not attend family funerals? fits people who could not attend family funerals? i , people who could not attend family funerals? . , , .,, people who could not attend family funerals? . , , ., funerals? as i say, people have made, funerals? as i say, people have made. and _ funerals? as i say, people have made. and i — funerals? as i say, people have made, and i have _ funerals? as i say, people have made, and i have said - funerals? as i say, people have made, and i have said this - funerals? as i say, people have made, and i have said this on i funerals? as i say, people have i made, and i have said this on your show as well, people made huge sacrifices through the pandemic which is why the prime minister absolutely recognises the anger people had around what they perceived and saw happening at ten in that period, which is why he has changed the team as he said he would. i have not seen the speech and a statement to the prime minister is going to make later today but he will make a statement today but he will make a statement to parliamentarians which will obviously be covered later today. i would expect you will seem continue to make the point that he accepts that decision the police have come to, he has apologised as he did last week for those actions and he is still focused on the issues that will have a big difference to our country and its economy and people's daily lives as we go forward. both coming out of the pandemic itself but also with those wide issues around the cost of living pressures people are feeling at the moment and i think that is where ultimately people willjudge this government, around dealing with those issues, that will have effects on our lives in the day—to—day and medium and long—term. i in the day-to-day and medium and long-term— long-term. i notice quite a few conservative _ long-term. i notice quite a few conservative mps, _ long-term. i notice quite a few conservative mps, when - long-term. i notice quite a few- conservative mps, when defending the prime minister, talk about the situation in ukraine and we cannot make changes or talk about the prime minister's future when this is going on. tobias ellwood, the chair of the defence select committee, was asked earlier on today, and one of the things you mentioned was that we are not at war, and if you look at history, we changed prime minster twice during world war ii and during the gulf war and the point is specifically made was that we have been helping ukraine since 2014 and this has been happening through a number of prime ministers being in charge and also the head of the uk armed forces was changed in december and this is a well oiled military machine, it doesn't require the day—to—day support of the prime minister. there are support mechanisms there which can happen whoever is in charge. from mechanisms there which can happen whoever is in charge.— whoever is in charge. from my point of view i am — whoever is in charge. from my point of view i am supporting _ whoever is in charge. from my point of view i am supporting the - whoever is in charge. from my point of view i am supporting the prime i of view i am supporting the prime minister and i will continue to, because he has worked hard and got decisions right on a range of issues. one ukraine he has been leading that work around the world with our colleagues and he was the prime minister and the defence secretary making those decisions very early on to give that lethal defensive support to ukraine when others, we were way ahead of others, that has made a big difference to the ability of ukraine to defend itself, so he has made those decisions correctly. my support for the prime ministers because he is getting the decisions right on domestic issues. as we came through covid, coming out of it, the work we are doing to build a strong economy for the future, to help people around the cost of living pressures they are feeling, these are the issues people want to see the focus on and they are the decisions he has got right consistently through the last few years as prime minister and will continue to do so. fine last few years as prime minister and will continue to do so.— will continue to do so. one of the other thing _ will continue to do so. one of the other thing is _ will continue to do so. one of the other thing is not _ will continue to do so. one of the other thing is not of _ will continue to do so. one of the other thing is not of our - will continue to do so. one of the other thing is not of our viewers i other thing is not of our viewers talk about this morning at the moment is the policy with regard to taking asylum seekers to rwanda. emily thornberry, the shadow attorney general, mentioned on the programme this morning, for those for example coming from war—torn area were facing persecution in a country like syria or afghanistan, what is the safe route into the uk at the moment?— what is the safe route into the uk at the moment? ., , .., ., at the moment? people can come into the uk. at the moment? people can come into the uk- since — at the moment? people can come into the uk. since 2015 — at the moment? people can come into the uk. since 2015 we _ at the moment? people can come into the uk. since 2015 we have _ at the moment? people can come into the uk. since 2015 we have had - the uk. since 2015 we have had 185,000 people come into the uk through legal roots, whether afghanistan, syria, hong kong and tens of thousands of people coming from ukraine. again, this is an area the prime minister is making those big decisions and huge credit to him and the home secretary for taking forward such an innovative scheme to look at how do we break the people smugglers' business model, how do stuff that modern slavery process that the people smugglers put people into? i have been immigration minister, this is difficult. people have seen in the press, horrible scenes and stories about what these people smugglers put people through. we have to break that business model and doing something like this with rwanda which has such a strong track record is right for the people at the uk, we can be rightly proud of our humanitarian support because this is a humanitarian thing to do, ensuring we are deterring people taking what is treacherous as well as illegaljourney to the uk. fits as illegaljourney to the uk. as someone with experience of this, you talked about a record in immigration, can you say, hand on heart, given senior civil servants have told the home secretary this is not going to work, given that if you look at the australian model again, which emily thornberry mention this programme, which has cost i think £1 million per who has gone through there, that this £120 million deal with rwanda will work and constitutes value for money? i think it will work- — constitutes value for money? i think it will work. let _ constitutes value for money? i think it will work. let me _ constitutes value for money? i think it will work. let me also _ constitutes value for money? i think it will work. let me also clarify - it will work. let me also clarify something. i have been very careful about some people interpret dating what is happening at the home office. there is a technical issue with what things are done around an accounting sense. i support the home secretary, and elected, democratically elected member of parliament and secretary of state, as i am. we are the ones as politicians who have to make these decisions and it is right that the home secretary has made a decision like this. we are spending over £1 billion per year as a country, sometime like 4.7 million per day people spending for migrants in the uk, some who are here legally, as well, it is right we are looking at how we find a scheme that has a humanitarian side of stopping people smugglers from putting lives at risk to take a treacherous journey. at the same time, and this is the other side of the humanitarian side, given these people who are fleeing country is a real chance of a positive future. we can do that if we have a system in the uk that works, which we have, we have taken 185,000 in the last few years, and working with pipers like rwanda who have a great track record over the last few years, and is a very fast growing economy. —— are working with partners. this can work in a positive way for the uk and for those people who need support and help in the right way. it is wrong that we continue to say to people that we continue to say to people that somewhere like france is not a safe place and some i like rwanda is not safe. they are and it is right we work with these schemes. brandon lewis, we work with these schemes. brandon lewis. talking — we work with these schemes. brandon lewis. talking to _ we work with these schemes. brandon lewis, talking to us, _ we work with these schemes. brandon lewis, talking to us, appreciate - lewis, talking to us, appreciate your time. lewis, talking to us, appreciate your time-— it's100 days to go until the 2022 commonwealth games kicks off in birmingham. john is live at the brand—new sandwell aquatics centre in smethwick, which has been purpose built for the games. they don't have to wear stupid blue shoes. you are no do not know you are with size. they are competing in the games this year. theyjoin us at this fantastic new facility, the only one that has been built ahead of the commonwealth games. ellie simmonds del america, you were born close to here it will solve. if you had a facility like this, what would you have made of it? this had a facility like this, what would you have made of it?— you have made of it? this is 'ust incredible and i you have made of it? this is 'ust incredible and having * you have made of it? this is 'ust incredible and having a i you have made of it? this isjust incredible and having a chance i you have made of it? this isjust| incredible and having a chance to have a 50 metre pool every single day, having that practice getting ready for the olympics, the paralympics, a huge deal. having a facility like this here isjust amazing for the legacy of the birmingham commonwealth games, plus for sandwell and birmingham. you have to be selected but it looks like you will do and it is interesting because unlike some of the other big multisport events we note the to run alongside the able—bodied events, has significant is that? able-bodied events, has significant is that? ., , able-bodied events, has significant is that? . , , ., is that? really significant, i am lookin: is that? really significant, i am looking forward _ is that? really significant, i am looking forward to _ is that? really significant, i am looking forward to hopefully i looking forward to hopefully competing alongside mike para to mix and also _ competing alongside mike para to mix and also the able—bodied ones because — and also the able—bodied ones because we don't normally get the chance _ because we don't normally get the chance to — because we don't normally get the chance to do that, whether at the world, _ chance to do that, whether at the world, paralympics, limits. this is the only— world, paralympics, limits. this is the only opportunity we get. i think it will— the only opportunity we get. i think it will be _ the only opportunity we get. i think it will be really educational for us to see _ it will be really educational for us to see what they do in person and for them — to see what they do in person and for them to— to see what they do in person and for them to see what we do because it is so— for them to see what we do because it is so separate that once they are together— it is so separate that once they are together i— it is so separate that once they are together i think we can all learn something from each other. it will be the largest _ something from each other. it will be the largest para _ something from each other. it will be the largest para event - something from each other. it will be the largest para event run, - something from each other. it will be the largest para event run, sol something from each other. it ii. he the largest para event run, so it be the largest para event run, so it shows the size and significance to come. .. , ., shows the size and significance to come. .. , . ., shows the size and significance to come. , ., ., shows the size and significance to come. ,~ , come. each year, it para sport is caettin come. each year, it para sport is getting bigger _ come. each year, it para sport is getting bigger and _ come. each year, it para sport is getting bigger and more - come. each year, it para sport is| getting bigger and more popular. come. each year, it para sport is i getting bigger and more popular. it getting biggerand more popular. it is getting _ getting biggerand more popular. it is getting more coverage, which is fantastic— is getting more coverage, which is fantastic and hopefully in another four years — fantastic and hopefully in another four years it will be even better and there — four years it will be even better and there will be even more events than there — and there will be even more events than there are in now. progression from _ than there are in now. progression from a _ than there are in now. progression from a to— than there are in now. progression from a to a — than there are in now. progression from a to a nine years ago, it is fantastic— from a to a nine years ago, it is fantastic and as long as we keep moving — fantastic and as long as we keep moving forward like this, it is only positive _ moving forward like this, it is only ositive. , , positive. there is huge interest alread , positive. there is huge interest already, around _ positive. there is huge interest already, around 1 _ positive. there is huge interest already, around 1 million - positive. there is huge interest| already, around 1 million tickets have been sold and tickets go on sale again this morning at 8am. give us a sense of the cost and if people want to come and watch the events, what they can see. it is want to come and watch the events, what they can see.— what they can see. it is amazing, 1 million tickets _ what they can see. it is amazing, 1 million tickets put _ what they can see. it is amazing, 1 million tickets put more _ what they can see. it is amazing, 1 million tickets put more availablel million tickets put more available to purchase 8am today and that is all sports. to purchase 8am today and that is allsports. prices to purchase 8am today and that is all sports. prices start at £8 for under 16 is and then for adults at the base price is £16. it isjust great for everyone to be involved and notjust the spectators but it helps you guys when you have a home crowd, people cheering for you. i remember walking in front of london 2012 and that crowd gave me a massive motivation, a massive spare so you guys and the whole nation, having a sold—out crowd just helps usually. having a sold-out crowd 'ust helps usuall . ., ., usually. you are both there in to 0, usually. you are both there in tokyo, competing. _ usually. you are both there in tokyo, competing. you - usually. you are both there in tokyo, competing. you have. usually. you are both there in - tokyo, competing. you have announced her retirement since then so what is next for you?— next for you? amazing things like this, incredible _ next for you? amazing things like this, incredible opportunities. - next for you? amazing things like this, incredible opportunities. i. this, incredible opportunities. i did a documentary about dwarfism and interviewed well. you did a documentary about dwarfism and interviewed well.— interviewed well. you are sharing in to 0. we interviewed well. you are sharing in tokyo- we wear. — interviewed well. you are sharing in tokyo. we wear, we _ interviewed well. you are sharing in tokyo. we wear, we were _ interviewed well. you are sharing in | tokyo. we wear, we were flatmates. it is treat tokyo. we wear, we were flatmates. it is great for — tokyo. we wear, we were flatmates. it is great for me, _ tokyo. we wear, we were flatmates. it is great for me, i _ tokyo. we wear, we were flatmates. it is great for me, i have _ tokyo. we wear, we were flatmates. it is great for me, i have been - it is great for me, i have been around in the sport for the paralympic games for years but is now enjoying the next chapter and seen these guys trying to sit up, being spectator, watching these guys do incredible things, cheering on team england, scotland, wales, all the home nations, seeing the likes of british athletes swim really well but also thankful that i am not one of those individuals that has to race and swim, so it is nice to be able to watch.— race and swim, so it is nice to be able to watch. let's find out what the water is _ able to watch. let's find out what the water is like. _ able to watch. let's find out what the water is like. we _ able to watch. let's find out what the water is like. we have - able to watch. let's find out what the water is like. we have some. able to watch. let's find out what - the water is like. we have some swim is down here already. what is the water like?— water like? very nice, very nice ool. water like? very nice, very nice pool- how _ water like? very nice, very nice pool. how will _ water like? very nice, very nice pool. how will it _ water like? very nice, very nice pool. how will it feel _ water like? very nice, very nice pool. how will it feel to - water like? very nice, very nice pool. how will it feel to swim i water like? very nice, very nicej pool. how will it feel to swim in this everyday — pool. how will it feel to swim in this everyday now, _ pool. how will it feel to swim in this everyday now, your- pool. how will it feel to swim in this everyday now, your new i pool. how will it feel to swim in - this everyday now, your new training base? it this everyday now, your new training base? , ., , base? it will be great. it will be ruite fun base? it will be great. it will be quite fun to _ base? it will be great. it will be quite fun to be _ base? it will be great. it will be quite fun to be able _ base? it will be great. it will be quite fun to be able to - base? it will be great. it will be quite fun to be able to train - base? it will be great. it will be quite fun to be able to train in i base? it will be great. it will be j quite fun to be able to train in a 50 metre— quite fun to be able to train in a 50 metre pool whenever we want to. amazing. _ 50 metre pool whenever we want to. amazing, enjoy it, it looks lovely. 1.2 million gallons of water in there. that equates to about 9.6 million pints of beer. i don't know why that particular stat lodged in my mind. why that particular stat lodged in m mind. ., , ., why that particular stat lodged in m mind. ., ., my mind. that is a strange comparison. _ my mind. that is a strange comparison. a _ my mind. that is a strange comparison. a lot - my mind. that is a strange comparison. a lot of - my mind. that is a strange comparison. a lot of beer. | my mind. that is a strange - comparison. a lot of beer. that is a heck of a night _ comparison. a lot of beer. that is a heck of a night out _ comparison. a lot of beer. that is a heck of a night out or— comparison. a lot of beer. that is a heck of a night out or a _ comparison. a lot of beer. that is a heck of a night out or a night - comparison. a lot of beer. that is a heck of a night out or a night in. i heck of a night out or a night in. normally— heck of a night out or a night in. normally it _ heck of a night out or a night in. normally it is double—decker buses that we compare things to but we have gone four pints of beer. it looks like an amazing facility and we were remembering the manchester games 20 years ago and the aquatic centre in the centre, the football that manchester city has taken over. it is the legacy of the commonwealth games. , ., it is the legacy of the commonwealth games. , . , :: games. they are used five, ten, 20 ears games. they are used five, ten, 20 years later — games. they are used five, ten, 20 years later it _ games. they are used five, ten, 20 years later it for— games. they are used five, ten, 20 years later it for the _ games. they are used five, ten, 20 years later it for the next _ years later it for the next generation of athletes were people who need to use the facilities to come through. the weather is with carol who is with us, good morning. good morning. the weather is fairly quiet _ good morning. the weather is fairly quiet it— good morning. the weather is fairly quiet it will— good morning. the weather is fairly quiet. it will be largely dry, some sunshine, — quiet. it will be largely dry, some sunshine, isolated showers so more today— sunshine, isolated showers so more today and _ sunshine, isolated showers so more today and it — sunshine, isolated showers so more today and it will turn coolly in the east as _ today and it will turn coolly in the east as we — today and it will turn coolly in the east as we pull in more of an easterly— east as we pull in more of an easterly breeze. at the moment it is a chilly— easterly breeze. at the moment it is a chilly sight, particularly in the highlands with temperatures around freezing _ highlands with temperatures around freezing. this is what will greet you. _ freezing. this is what will greet you, between two and 9 degrees. we also have _ you, between two and 9 degrees. we also have some rain, showery rain across— also have some rain, showery rain across north—west of scotland, one or two _ across north—west of scotland, one or two showers in northern wales and the south—west and one or two fringing — the south—west and one or two fringing the east where we have a bit more — fringing the east where we have a bit more cloud around. in between these _ bit more cloud around. in between these areas — bit more cloud around. in between these areas of cloud there will be some _ these areas of cloud there will be some sunshine. through the day you can see _ some sunshine. through the day you can see how— some sunshine. through the day you can see how our weather front slips southwards, bringing some showers into northern ireland. not as windy across— into northern ireland. not as windy across the — into northern ireland. not as windy across the north—west as today but further _ across the north—west as today but further showers will develop and some _ further showers will develop and some of— further showers will develop and some of those could be heavy and thundering with temperatures ten to 15 degrees. down a couple of degrees and where _ 15 degrees. down a couple of degrees and where we were yesterday. tree pollen _ and where we were yesterday. tree pollen levels today are high across east anglia and the south—east, low to moderate across the rest of the country _ to moderate across the rest of the country. through this evening and overnight— country. through this evening and overnight many of the showers will fade _ overnight many of the showers will fade. there will still be areas of cloud _ fade. there will still be areas of cloud but— fade. there will still be areas of cloud but under clear skies in scotland _ cloud but under clear skies in scotland and northern ireland we will see _ scotland and northern ireland we will see pettiness and fog for temperatures could drop as low as freezing _ temperatures could drop as low as freezing or— temperatures could drop as low as freezing or itjust below in some sheltered — freezing or itjust below in some sheltered areas. tomorrow is where we will_ sheltered areas. tomorrow is where we will start — sheltered areas. tomorrow is where we will start off with the sunshine. the cloud — we will start off with the sunshine. the cloud in— we will start off with the sunshine. the cloud in the east drifting westwards as the breeze picks up along _ westwards as the breeze picks up along this — westwards as the breeze picks up along this north sea coastline. they will be _ along this north sea coastline. they will be a _ along this north sea coastline. they will be a few showers in the west, more _ will be a few showers in the west, more in _ will be a few showers in the west, more in a — will be a few showers in the west, more in a way of cloud coming into northern— more in a way of cloud coming into northern ireland as you go through the day— northern ireland as you go through the day but mainly in the west and temperatures 14 to 16, it may be17 in western— temperatures 14 to 16, it may be17 in western areas, but cooler along this north — in western areas, but cooler along this north sea coastline so we have a real— this north sea coastline so we have a real east—west split in our temperatures. compare that to what is happening in other parts of europe — is happening in other parts of europe and it is more of a north—south split. look at spain, 14 and 15_ north—south split. look at spain, 14 and 15 degrees. that is because we have this _ and 15 degrees. that is because we have this area of low pressure bringing — have this area of low pressure bringing a _ have this area of low pressure bringing a lot of rain and it will be drifting over towards southern france _ be drifting over towards southern france and italy over the next couple — france and italy over the next couple of _ france and italy over the next couple of days stop this is in southern _ couple of days stop this is in southern france at the moment. in the north, — southern france at the moment. in the north, high pressure, bringing the north, high pressure, bringing the easterly wind. the easterly wind will make _ the easterly wind. the easterly wind will make you feel cool, again especially on the east coast. on thursday. — especially on the east coast. on thursday, still a lot of dry weather around, _ thursday, still a lot of dry weather around, still some sunshine to be had _ around, still some sunshine to be had we _ around, still some sunshine to be had. we have that brisk easterly wind _ had. we have that brisk easterly wind just— had. we have that brisk easterly wind just knocking the edge off those _ wind just knocking the edge off those temperatures which, at best, i'm nine _ those temperatures which, at best, i'm nine to — those temperatures which, at best, i'm nine to about 17 degrees. as we head _ i'm nine to about 17 degrees. as we head into _ i'm nine to about 17 degrees. as we head into the end of the week and that we _ head into the end of the week and that we can, still large areas of cloud _ that we can, still large areas of cloud around, that's breeze and one or two— cloud around, that's breeze and one or two showers in the south. thank you, carol. now to the story of an inspirational little boy whose passion for the planet has seen him dubbed the next david attenborough. you may remember a year ago we spoke to seven—year—old budding conservationist aneeshwar about his mission to raise awareness of wildlife and nature one youtube video at a time. now he's graduated from social media to the stage — earning a standing ovation on britain's got talent with his poem about the environment. let's take a look. we've been getting it wrong. for much, much, much too long. cutting down trees, polluting the seas. poaching the animals for accessories. we need to stop getting it wrong. oh, if you could see the tasmanian tiger. in its very special unique attire. the bats and the flying squirrels. glide in the open skies. and we can catch the beauty. forever in our eyes. the gorgeous peacocks. dance their way. fantastic golden eagles glide and display. but there's no other planet like earth. well done. this is the start of something very special, aneeshwar, - and it's a huge honour to give you your first yes! _ oh, yeah! i'm saying yes. it's a yes from me. thank you so much. and you've got four yeses. wow! oh, yeah! aneeshwar and his dad aniljoin us now. good morning to you. good morning. what was it — good morning to you. good morning. what was it like _ good morning to you. good morning. what was it like watching _ good morning to you. good morning. what was it like watching that - good morning to you. good morning. j what was it like watching that game? i felt really amazing. i felt really happy _ i felt really amazing. i felt really happy. i— i felt really amazing. i felt really happy. ijust can't really say how happy— happy. ijust can't really say how happy i — happy. ijust can't really say how happy i am — happy. ijust can't really say how happy i am that i got four yeses. i am happy— happy i am that i got four yeses. i am happy that i spread awareness about— am happy that i spread awareness about the — am happy that i spread awareness about the endangered animals to all these _ about the endangered animals to all these people. about the endangered animals to all these people-— about the endangered animals to all these people. where you nervous up there? i know _ these people. where you nervous up there? i know you _ these people. where you nervous up there? i know you are _ these people. where you nervous up there? i know you are live _ these people. where you nervous up there? i know you are live on - these people. where you nervous up there? i know you are live on tv - these people. where you nervous up| there? i know you are live on tv now put in front of that huge crowd with the judges, put in front of that huge crowd with thejudges, when put in front of that huge crowd with the judges, when you put in front of that huge crowd with thejudges, when you nervous put in front of that huge crowd with the judges, when you nervous at all doing that? ila. the judges, when you nervous at all doinu that? ., ., , the judges, when you nervous at all doing that?— the judges, when you nervous at all doing that? no, i was really excited and a little bit — doing that? no, i was really excited and a little bit nervous. _ doing that? no, i was really excited and a little bit nervous. nothing - and a little bit nervous. nothing wron: and a little bit nervous. nothing wrong with _ and a little bit nervous. nothing wrong with being _ and a little bit nervous. nothing wrong with being a _ and a little bit nervous. nothing wrong with being a bit - and a little bit nervous. nothing wrong with being a bit nervous. | and a little bit nervous. nothing| wrong with being a bit nervous. i wonder how the rest of the family feel, you must be so proud to see aneeshwar doing that. we we are really proud, he is seven years old, learning a lot and really proud, he is seven years old, learning a lo— learning a lot and learning for the actual world _ learning a lot and learning for the actual world and _ learning a lot and learning for the actual world and the _ learning a lot and learning for the actual world and the endangered | actual world and the endangered animals— actual world and the endangered animals and _ actual world and the endangered animals and saving _ actual world and the endangered animals and saving the - actual world and the endangered animals and saving the planet, i actual world and the endangered i animals and saving the planet, we feel really— animals and saving the planet, we feel really happy— animals and saving the planet, we feel really happy that _ animals and saving the planet, we feel really happy that he - animals and saving the planet, we feel really happy that he is - feel really happy that he is learning _ feel really happy that he is learning and _ feel really happy that he is learning and having - feel really happy that he is learning and having this i feel really happy that he is - learning and having this beautiful journey— learning and having this beautiful journey and — learning and having this beautiful journey and it _ learning and having this beautiful journey and it is— learning and having this beautiful journey and it is helpful- learning and having this beautiful journey and it is helpful for- learning and having this beautiful journey and it is helpful for the i journey and it is helpful for the world _ journey and it is helpful for the world and _ journey and it is helpful for the world and also _ journey and it is helpful for the world and also his _ journey and it is helpful for the world and also his learning. i journey and it is helpful for the| world and also his learning. can journey and it is helpful for the world and also his learning. can you remember. — world and also his learning. can you remember, aneeshwar, _ world and also his learning. can you remember, aneeshwar, when - world and also his learning. can you remember, aneeshwar, when did i world and also his learning. can you i remember, aneeshwar, when did you first start worrying about about the planet and the animals on the planet? planet and the animals on the lanet? ~ ., , planet and the animals on the lanet? ~ . , ., , planet? well, it was when i was like... about— planet? well, it was when i was like... about four _ planet? well, it was when i was like... about four years - planet? well, it was when i was like... about four years old, i planet? well, it was when i was i like... about four years old, when my teacher — like... about four years old, when my teacher showed me a picture of a dead whale _ my teacher showed me a picture of a dead whale who has died from plastic because _ dead whale who has died from plastic because his tummy was filled with plastic— because his tummy was filled with plastic and it had gone all the way to its— plastic and it had gone all the way to its mouth. plastic and it had gone all the way to its mouth-— plastic and it had gone all the way to its mouth. ~ ., ., , ., ~' to its mouth. what do you think when ou saw to its mouth. what do you think when you saw it? — to its mouth. what do you think when you saw it? i — to its mouth. what do you think when you saw it? i was _ to its mouth. what do you think when you saw it? i was thinking, _ to its mouth. what do you think when you saw it? i was thinking, like, - you saw it? i was thinking, like, oh, no, you saw it? i was thinking, like, oh. no. pour— you saw it? i was thinking, like, oh. no. poura_ you saw it? i was thinking, like, oh, no, pour a whale, _ you saw it? i was thinking, like, oh, no, poura whale, i- you saw it? i was thinking, like, oh, no, pour a whale, i need i you saw it? i was thinking, like, oh, no, pour a whale, i need to| you saw it? i was thinking, like, i oh, no, pour a whale, i need to do oh, no, poura whale, i need to do something — oh, no, poura whale, i need to do something to _ oh, no, poura whale, i need to do something to stop all of that! then ou something to stop all of that! then you started — something to stop all of that! then you started doing _ something to stop all of that! then you started doing your _ something to stop all of that! “i"ien you started doing your videos and now you have been on britain's got talent. i ., ; now you have been on britain's got talent-_ 0h. - now you have been on britain's got talent._ oh, hello! j talent. and countryfile. oh, hello! and bbc breakfast. _ talent. and countryfile. oh, hello! and bbc breakfast. yeah, - talent. and countryfile. oh, hello! and bbc breakfast. yeah, now! i talent. and countryfile. oh, hello! i and bbc breakfast. yeah, now! yeah obvious that — and bbc breakfast. yeah, now! yeah obvious that you _ and bbc breakfast. yeah, now! yeah obvious that you are _ and bbc breakfast. yeah, now! yeah obvious that you are proud, - and bbc breakfast. yeah, now! yeah obvious that you are proud, anil, - obvious that you are proud, anil, but aneeshwar potentially has something... people call him the next _ something... people call him the next david — something... people call him the next david attenborough but this could _ next david attenborough but this could also be his career. absolutely, this is something which is required — absolutely, this is something which is required for— absolutely, this is something which is required for the _ absolutely, this is something which is required for the world, _ absolutely, this is something which is required for the world, as - absolutely, this is something which is required for the world, as well. i is required for the world, as well. he is— is required for the world, as well. he is figuring _ is required for the world, as well. he is figuring out _ is required for the world, as well. he is figuring out what _ is required for the world, as well. he is figuring out what he - is required for the world, as well. he is figuring out what he needs. is required for the world, as well. i he is figuring out what he needs to do, he is figuring out what he needs to do. as— he is figuring out what he needs to do. as welt — he is figuring out what he needs to do. as welt as _ he is figuring out what he needs to do. as welt as a _ he is figuring out what he needs to do, as well. as a seven—year—old i he is figuring out what he needs toi do, as well. as a seven—year—old he is figuring _ do, as well. as a seven—year—old he is figuring out — do, as well. as a seven—year—old he is figuring out what _ do, as well. as a seven—year—old he is figuring out what he _ do, as well. as a seven—year—old he is figuring out what he needs - do, as well. as a seven—year—old he is figuring out what he needs to - do, as well. as a seven—year—old he is figuring out what he needs to do i is figuring out what he needs to do but he _ is figuring out what he needs to do but he said — is figuring out what he needs to do but he said he _ is figuring out what he needs to do but he said he wants _ is figuring out what he needs to do but he said he wants to— is figuring out what he needs to do but he said he wants to save - but he said he wants to save wildlife _ but he said he wants to save wildlife and _ but he said he wants to save wildlife and also _ but he said he wants to save wildlife and also raise - but he said he wants to save wildlife and also raise about| wildlife and also raise about conservation _ wildlife and also raise about conservation and _ wildlife and also raise about conservation and other- wildlife and also raise about i conservation and other things wildlife and also raise about - conservation and other things like that _ conservation and other things like that he _ conservation and other things like that he is— conservation and other things like that. he is figuring _ conservation and other things like that. he is figuring out _ conservation and other things like that. he is figuring out whether. conservation and other things like that. he is figuring out whether it| that. he is figuring out whether it is through— that. he is figuring out whether it is through paintings _ that. he is figuring out whether it is through paintings or— is through paintings or documentaries - is through paintings or documentaries or- is through paintings or. documentaries or poetry, is through paintings or- documentaries or poetry, so i is through paintings or— documentaries or poetry, so i think absolutely— documentaries or poetry, so i think absolutely it — documentaries or poetry, so i think absolutely it is _ documentaries or poetry, so i think absolutely it is good _ documentaries or poetry, so i think absolutely it is good to _ documentaries or poetry, so i think absolutely it is good to do - documentaries or poetry, so i think absolutely it is good to do that. - absolutely it is good to do that. last absolutely it is good to do that. last time — absolutely it is good to do that. last time you _ absolutely it is good to do that. last time you are _ absolutely it is good to do that. last time you are on _ absolutely it is good to do that. last time you are on the - absolutely it is good to do that. - last time you are on the programme you told us one of your heroes is steve backshall. you are going to meet him and hopefully we will show that but look at this screen over here and we have message for you on the programme this morning. aneeshwar, hi, it's me, stevie b, and my pal feargal sharkey. we just wanted to get in touch to say that we've seen you on britain's got talent and it is the most inspiring thing. if i'm honest, it made me want to cry crocodile tears. what about you ? yeah, i'm guessing he felt exactly the same. as you know, i can't be with you right now to celebrate your incredible successes because i am on tour at theatres like this one here. i would, though, obviously much rather be there with you, talking about animals and the environment, because that is my passion, as it is yours. but all i can say is, keep doing what you're doing, keep fighting the good fight, because you are jaw—some. i'm sorry about that one. anyway, i'm very much looking forward to seeing you very, very soon. i understand we're going to be meeting up before you know it. and until then, all the very best from me, stevie b. thank you, steve backshall! what is it like getting _ thank you, steve backshall! what is it like getting a _ thank you, steve backshall! what is it like getting a message _ thank you, steve backshall! what is it like getting a message from - thank you, steve backshall! what is it like getting a message from your| it like getting a message from your hero? i it like getting a message from your hero? ., , it like getting a message from your hero? . , ., ., you it like getting a message from your| hero?— you are hero? i felt really amazing! you are due to to hero? i felt really amazing! you are due to go back— hero? i felt really amazing! you are due to go back to _ hero? i felt really amazing! you are due to go back to school, _ hero? i felt really amazing! you are due to go back to school, what - hero? i felt really amazing! you are due to go back to school, what will| due to go back to school, what will your teacher and classmates say about all this? i your teacher and classmates say about all this?— your teacher and classmates say about all this? i really hope they will sa , about all this? i really hope they will say. well — about all this? i really hope they will say, well done, _ about all this? i really hope they will say, well done, aneesh, - about all this? i really hope they will say, well done, aneesh, i i about all this? i really hope they| will say, well done, aneesh, i am will say, well done, aneesh, lam happy— will say, well done, aneesh, lam happy you — will say, well done, aneesh, lam happy you have been on bbc breakfast. do happy you have been on bbc itreakfast-— happy you have been on bbc breakfast. , ., , ., , ., breakfast. do you feel people are listenin: breakfast. do you feel people are listening to _ breakfast. do you feel people are listening to you _ breakfast. do you feel people are listening to you more? _ breakfast. do you feel people are listening to you more? that - breakfast. do you feel people are| listening to you more? that poem breakfast. do you feel people are - listening to you more? that poem was so powerful and all your friends coming on really made that message drunk, didn't it?— drunk, didn't it? yeah, everybody who was watching _ drunk, didn't it? yeah, everybody who was watching that _ drunk, didn't it? yeah, everybody who was watching that really - who was watching that really understood what i mean. i who was watching that really understood what i mean. i know you are only seven _ understood what i mean. i know you are only seven so _ understood what i mean. i know you are only seven so maybe _ understood what i mean. i know you are only seven so maybe your- understood what i mean. i know you are only seven so maybe your dad i understood what i mean. i know you i are only seven so maybe your dad can jump are only seven so maybe your dad can jump in but are you having other conversations with people? do you think people are talking more about the environment and animals? i think self. i the environment and animals? i think self- i think— the environment and animals? i think self. i think so, _ the environment and animals? i think self. i think so, like, _ the environment and animals? i think self. ithink so, like, i'm _ the environment and animals? i think self. i think so, like, i'm talking - self. i think so, like, i'm talking a lot— self. i think so, like, i'm talking a lot about _ self. i think so, like, i'm talking a lot about the animals because i really— a lot about the animals because i really am — a lot about the animals because i really am worried about them and i'm really— really am worried about them and i'm really sure _ really am worried about them and i'm really sure that everyone else would understand what i mean and they will also try— understand what i mean and they will also try and _ understand what i mean and they will also try and help the environment and the _ also try and help the environment and the animalsjust like i am doing — and the animals 'ust like i am doinu. ~ ., and the animals 'ust like i am doina.~ . and the animals 'ust like i am doinu. ., ., and the animals 'ust like i am doinu. ., . ., , doing. what you are doing is amazing. — doing. what you are doing is amazing. we _ doing. what you are doing is amazing, we wish _ doing. what you are doing is amazing, we wish you - doing. what you are doing is amazing, we wish you the i doing. what you are doing is i amazing, we wish you the best doing. what you are doing is - amazing, we wish you the best of luck in the next round of britain's got talent and i absolutely love your t—shirt. got talent and i absolutely love your t-shirt-— got talent and i absolutely love your t-shirt._ it - got talent and i absolutely love your t-shirt._ it has | got talent and i absolutely love i your t-shirt._ it has all your t-shirt. thank you. it has all the riaht your t-shirt. thank you. it has all the right pictures. _ your t-shirt. thank you. it has all the right pictures. lovely - your t-shirt. thank you. it has all the right pictures. lovely to - your t-shirt. thank you. it has all the right pictures. lovely to see i the right pictures. lovely to see ou this the right pictures. lovely to see you this morning _ the right pictures. lovely to see you this morning and _ the right pictures. lovely to see you this morning and it - the right pictures. lovely to see you this morning and it is - the right pictures. lovely to see you this morning and it is lovely the right pictures. lovely to see i you this morning and it is lovely to watch your dad watching you, looking so proud as you are speaking live on tv. all the best as britain's got talent goes forward. thank you for being on the sofa, lovely to see you both. ., ~ being on the sofa, lovely to see you both. . «p y., being on the sofa, lovely to see you both. . ~' ,. , being on the sofa, lovely to see you both. . «p y., , . being on the sofa, lovely to see you both-_ thanki being on the sofa, lovely to see you i both-_ thank you both. thank you very much. thank you so much for— both. thank you very much. thank you so much for saying _ both. thank you very much. thank you so much for saying that _ both. thank you very much. thank you so much for saying that to _ both. thank you very much. thank you so much for saying that to me! - both. thank you very much. thank you so much for saying that to me! thank. so much for saying that to me! thank ou for so much for saying that to me! thank you for saying — so much for saying that to me! thank you for saying that — so much for saying that to me! thank you for saying that to _ so much for saying that to me! thank you for saying that to us, _ so much for saying that to me! thank you for saying that to us, this - you for saying that to us, this could go on for a while. thank you. you can hang _ could go on for a while. thank you. you can hang around _ could go on for a while. thank you. you can hang around as _ could go on for a while. thank you. you can hang around as long - could go on for a while. thank you. you can hang around as long as i could go on for a while. thank you. | you can hang around as long as you like. stay with us, headlines coming up. good morning, welcome to breakfast with nina warhurst and dan walker. our headlines today. the battle for eastern ukraine begins — president zelensky vows to stand firm against russia's onslaught of donbas. translation: no matter how many of the russian | troops are driven there, we will be fighting. we will defend ourselves. the hangover continues — boris johnson faces mps today for the first time since he was fined for attending a birthday party during lockdown. a bank holiday boost for tourism? i am in brighton to find out how places benefited from warm weather in the first easter break without covid restrictions. 100 days to go until the commonwealth games in birmingham and we will hearfrom athletes hoping to make a splash. professor brian cox will be taking us out of this world as he kicks off his new tour on the origins of the universe. good morning, a cold start today. some sunshine around but quite a bit of cloud and that will produce quite a lot of showers, some of which will be heavy and thundery. all the details later. it's tuesday, 19th of april. our main story. ukraine says russia has launched a large—scale offensive in the east of the country, signalling the start of the second phase of the war. according to president volodymyr zelensky, a large part of the russian army is now focusing on the donbas region. moscow's forces already occupy large parts of the territory. our defence correspondent jonathan beale reports from eastern ukraine. distant explosions. this is now the sight and sound of donbas. severodonetsk, another city and another target for russia's unrelenting bombardment. translation: we can assess i now that the russian troops have begun the battle for donbas for which they have been preparing for a long time. a very large part of the russian army is now concentrated on this offensive. no matter how many of the russian troops are driven there, we will be fighting. we will defend ourselves. we tried to speak to families taking shelter. but the thump of artillery was steadily coming closer. we just came here to go to a shelter, but there is shelling a bit close to us and so we had to move out. a lot of crump of artillery going on at the moment. nothing appears to be sacred when russia wages war. this, one of the holiest sites in the donbas, but that did not save svaytogorsk�*s historic monastery from being scarred by a russian air strike. the few who have stayed behind have to queue for food. they are notjust hungry, though. they are scared. translation: i cry every day. what kind of god would allow this to happen? i cry every day. what kind of god should we ask to stop all this? there is now a strong military presence in this town. just a few miles down the road, russian forces are advancing from the north. a ukrainian soldier shared this drone footage of how they were trying to slow down the russian columns, blowing up a bridge. but they know more will be coming. translation: we know that russian forces are bringing i reinforcements into this region, but we are doing everything possible. we are ready to repel the russian occupiers and prevent the capture of our cities. we will stand to the last and defend our homeland. we headed south, the roads eerily empty. we soon found out why. plumes of smoke. once again, we were within range of russian artillery. the constant bombardment is also taking its toll on the city of avdiivka. here, they are praying for divine intervention. nowhere here is safe within range of russian artillery and, as we have seen, russia is pushing forward from the north, from the east and from the south. and there is a real danger that ukraine's forces here could be surrounded. for now, they are holding out. so, too, are the remaining citizens of avdiivka, hiding in bunkers. but for how long? jonathan beale, bbc news, eastern ukraine. let's speak to correspondent danjohnson, who is in lviv in western ukraine. how significant is this? it is important, it had been expected since russian forces withdrew from around kyiv and the numbers have increased in the east. we have seen more military equipment coming over the russian border to reinforce units in expectation of the conflict intensifying and president zelensky said the new offensive has begun with russian forces advancing through the regions of luhansk, donetsk and kharkiv. these are places that have seen intense fighting in the past weeks but the warning is people there face a new threat and should evacuate. at the same time, it is becoming clear how dangerous things are across the country with renewed air strikes overnight and air raid warnings, evenin overnight and air raid warnings, even in cities like lviv. the strikes that hit the city yesterday underlined the risks people face. luhansk and donetsk are important for the russians and vladimir putin started the invasion by recognising the separatist breakaway movements there, the so—called people's republics of luhansk and annex. he said forces were coming into ukraine to liberate those regions so it is important for his forces to complete the takeover there and connect up with troops that have moved north of crimea, the area russia has control since 2014. if they can complete control of the eastern flank, we are likely to see russian forces moving further westward into ukraine but president zelensky said his forces are digging in in the east and if they continue the supply of weapons they continue the supply of weapons they need, the defence of the eastern flank will continue. the prime minister will face mps later today, for the first time since he was fined for breaking covid lockdown laws. borisjohnson is expected to apologise once again when he addresses the commons this afternoon — but opposition parties insist he misled parliament. our chief political correspondent, adam fleming, is in downing street. interesting to see what happens today. you will be one of many keeping a close eye on what the prime minister says but also reaction of mps._ prime minister says but also reaction of mps. yes, opposition arties, reaction of mps. yes, opposition parties. labour. _ reaction of mps. yes, opposition parties, labour, liberal- reaction of mps. yes, opposition i parties, labour, liberal democrats, snp have been looking through the rule book to see if there are tactics they can use to hold the prime minister to account for breaking rules and what they see as misleading parliament when he talked about parties in downing street and denied they existed in the first place. there are options being looked at. do you have a motion, refer it to a special committee to investigate what the prime minister said and did? labour's emily thornberry, shadow attorney general, was honest when she said anything that requires a vote will not go through because the conservatives have a majority in parliament. eaten have a ma'ority in parliament. even if all the have a majority in parliament. even if all the opposition _ have a majority in parliament. even if all the opposition stood united, the question is what are the conservative mps going to do, are they going — conservative mps going to do, are they going to allow him to get away with this? _ they going to allow him to get away with this? the responsibility lies heavily— with this? the responsibility lies heavily on— with this? the responsibility lies heavily on the shoulders of conservative mps. the heavily on the shoulders of conservative mps. ., conservative mps. the hint we are caettin conservative mps. the hint we are getting from _ conservative mps. the hint we are getting from downing _ conservative mps. the hint we are getting from downing street - conservative mps. the hint we are| getting from downing street about what the prime minister will say is it will be similar to what he said when he was issued with the fixed penalty notice. where he's said he was sorry and accepted he broke the rules but that he had done so unknowingly and as far as he saw it told the truth throughout. the northern ireland secretary brandon lewis said the opposition parties were trying to politicise this. taste were trying to politicise this. we have seen _ were trying to politicise this. we have seen over the years ministers of both— have seen over the years ministers of both parties have had fixed penalty — of both parties have had fixed penalty notices for things including speeding which i appreciate is not the same — speeding which i appreciate is not the same but it is fixed penalty notices — the same but it is fixed penalty notices. the prime minister acknowledged that, apologise, we have seen— acknowledged that, apologise, we have seen other party leaders over the past _ have seen other party leaders over the past days being told they have broken _ the past days being told they have broken rules and regulations around covid _ broken rules and regulations around covid 0ur— broken rules and regulations around covid. our prime minister has outlined — covid. our prime minister has outlined he recognised things at number— outlined he recognised things at number 10 outlined he recognised things at numberio were not outlined he recognised things at number 10 were not done in a way the public— number 10 were not done in a way the public would _ number 10 were not done in a way the public would expect, he changed the team and _ public would expect, he changed the team and accepted the fixed penalty notice _ team and accepted the fixed penalty notice and _ team and accepted the fixed penalty notice and paid the fine and apologised. the fact is this is still not the end of this. there could be more fixed penalty notices based on other events in downing street and whitehall and we are waiting for the report by the senior civil servant sue gray. a lot of conservative mps waiting for that to happen before they decide borisjohnson's waiting for that to happen before they decide boris johnson's fate. waiting for that to happen before they decide borisjohnson's fate. so todayis they decide borisjohnson's fate. so today is not a hugely pivotal moment although it might be quite dramatic. thank you. the manchester united footballer cristiano ronaldo has announced the death of his baby boy. in a statement posted on social media, the footballer and his partner georgina rodriguez, who were expecting twins, said it was the "greatest pain that any parents can feel". they said the birth of their baby daughter gave them "the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness". here's carol with a look at the weather. good morning. today we are looking at showers throughout the day but after today, for the rest of the week, a lot of dry weather with isolated showers. but turning cooler in eastern areas as we bring in more of an easterly breeze. we have cloud this morning across central, southern and south—eastern england and a weather front coming south across north—west scotland and northern ireland. but for you, not as windy today. in between, looking at sunshine. temperatures 10—16. as we head through the latter part of the afternoon you can see although it is dry in the channel islands, in many parts of england and wales there are showers and they have the potential to be heavy and thundery. we will see them in northern ireland, northern and western scotland. between, sunshine to look forward to. through the evening and overnight many showers will fade and under clear skies in scotland and northern ireland some mist and fog but cloud still across england and wales. a touch of frost in sheltered glens but generally, a cold night in prospect. tomorrow we pick up the easterly breeze across the east coast and here it will feel cooler. cloud will drift west with some showers and we will see cloud building in the west of northern ireland. and these are the temperatures. you may remember on breakfast we've been following the story of tony and sabrina from driffield who signed up to take in a family of ukrainian refugees under a government scheme to help those fleeing the war. well, after weeks of waiting, finally, some good news. lily and her family arrived in the uk over the weekend and were welcomed with open arms by their new hosts. graham satchell was there and sent this report. luton airport, and tony and sabrina are here to pick up some special arrivals. it is a moment that will change the lives of two families for ever. today's the day. really excited. just... you know, we've got lots of things planned, as well, so just to get them here, get them home, have a cup of coffee and, you know, get to know each other better. six weeks yesterday was when liliia first reached out to me, so it's been a long process. but, yeah, ijust want to see them, give them a hug, and... yeah, we're excited. we first met both families on this programme more than a month ago. sabrina and tony edge are here in the studio. i'm so overwhelmed — - this family, it's like something from god, you know? and we just want you to be with us so we can drink coffee, so we can go out and just do the things that we've spoken about. tony and sabrina have transformed their house, painted and decorated to make it ready for liliia, vitaly and their two children. hi! official figures show more than 50,000 uk families have applied to help ukrainians escape the war. we're just keeping our fingers crossed, as you know. we're getting everything ready for you when you come. as of last week, just 3,200 had arrived under the sponsorship scheme. the government acknowledges the visa process has not been quick enough — in some cases. can't wait, can't wait to see you. it's been like an obstacle course. this is a bit like trying to escape a burning house, and you've made your way to the door, and all of a sudden you've got to fill in a 50—page questionnaire to get out. finally, after six weeks of filling in forms, the waiting is over. there is a huge mix of emotions here — joy and relief, of course, and a good deal of nervousness. how does it feel to be finally in england? oh, it's a little bit. unusual, of course — it's a new country, new people — i but i'm lucky that i speak english! so that's why i feel very comfortable. i without the support of our family, maybe we would never get - here, but they like... doing like this. iyes, like, pushed or not pushed, l like, yes, must come, must come. the un says more than ten million ukrainians have now fled their homes since the start of the war. liliia says she will never understand why vladimir putin invaded her country. i don't know what is the goal of russia. i i cannot understand why — why does it happen? - because we... we are not bad people, you know? ukrainian people are very kind, and how can it be?| i just... i'm not into politics, but still, i can't believe that such awful things exist on our planet. so they emerge, blinking into the sunlight of a new day, a new start. we are nervous, very much — i yes, it's a new life, new people. we need to live together. i want them to feel comfortable, of course, and i see _ that they want us to be comfortable, as well. i so i think that it. will be a nice time. yeah, i feel that i'mi not alone here, yes? oh, justamazing. just need to process it because we've just been fighting for such a long time. and now it's, you know — we can just enjoy and get to know each other properly. yeah, no, excited. lots of emotions today! it will, of course, take time to adjust, but if these pictures are anything to go by, it looks like the new family is settling in well. graham satchell, bbc news. that is great to see. and you cannot imagine the relief. all of that tension, hoping they will get there safely and they have. we have followed a lot of families trying to flee ukraine and it is nice to see one of those stories come to an end where you put the families together. and everyone getting on. coastal towns were the big winners from the first easter bank holiday weekend without covid restrictions in three years. ben's in brighton and can tell us more. good morning. good morning. we good morning. we are good morning. we are on good morning. we are on the good morning. we are on the we are on the world—famous good morning. we are on the world—famous brighton palace pier. it has been here more than 100 years. the city is a well—established tourist destination. like so many places that rely on tourism, it has had a tough couple of years so the easter break was important. the good news is that coastal resorts like this as well as historic centres saw visitor numbers up over the bank holiday weekend. also in visitor attractions like safari parks, stately homes and gardens, their numbers of visitors were up thanks to warm weather. hotels saw an increase in bookings, as did holiday cottage rentals and campsites. so it is going on the right direction. the easter break is the beginning of the recovery, but the beginning of the recovery, but the summer is even more crucial. a lot of that will depend on good weather. it was great over the weekend. we looked at how some people spent the sunny days. from the promenade in penarth... ..to the pleasure beach in great yarmouth. coast to coast, holiday—makers were out in force for the first easter bank holiday weekend without restrictions since 2019. nice to see the people around again after three years' lockdown. yeah, it's lovely, nice weather. what else could you ask for? any excuse now to get out and see people and, yeah, just have that human interaction again, isn't it? rather than being locked inside and not being able to do everything you want to do. it's nice to be able to walk around with no masks on. | because you see people smiling, and before your face was covered up, so it's just happy. seaside resorts did best, but attractions like these boat trips and train rides in devon also had a welcome boost from domestic tourists. in brighton, it wasn'tjust uk holiday—makers soaking up the sun. it's nice to see all people walking around, all people seems to be happy to be out on the streets again. the hot weather meant business was booming in burnham—on—sea, too. it was really busy, it was nice to see it happening, and lots of people around, and all town was chock—a—block all day yesterday and today, so we're very pleased — thank goodness! it's been a really i good bank holiday, the weather's been quite nice. a bit windy, but can't grumble, really. - we've had a lot of customers, yeah. the bank holiday boost is welcome news for an industry that suffered huge losses. but the big question is, can this momentum be carried into the all—important summer break? well let's find out now and we can speak to the chief executive of brighton palace pier. was it as good a weekend as you needed? realize a weekend as you needed? really aood. we a weekend as you needed? really good- we were — a weekend as you needed? really good. we were blessed _ a weekend as you needed? really good. we were blessed with - a weekend as you needed? really good. we were blessed with the i good. we were blessed with the weather and wonderful to see so many out and about after such a long and difficult time.— difficult time. how are things lookin: difficult time. how are things looking as — difficult time. how are things looking as we _ difficult time. how are things looking as we approach - difficult time. how are things looking as we approach the i difficult time. how are things - looking as we approach the summer or does it depend on the weather? the weather is does it depend on the weather? i"ie: weather is hugely does it depend on the weather? t"ie: weather is hugely important but we are seeing a lot of people enjoying the british seaside. i think people have got more used to a staycation now so we are becoming more attractive to flying abroad. i think it will be a good _ attractive to flying abroad. i think it will be a good summer. - attractive to flying abroad. i think it will be a good summer. how. attractive to flying abroad. i thinkj it will be a good summer. how do attractive to flying abroad. i think - it will be a good summer. how do you convince people to choose to come to a seaside resort rather than jumping on a plane, which might be the first time they have been able to do in three years. tstate time they have been able to do in three years-— time they have been able to do in three years. we will not persuade eo - le three years. we will not persuade people not _ three years. we will not persuade people not to _ three years. we will not persuade people not to go _ three years. we will not persuade people not to go abroad - three years. we will not persuade people not to go abroad but - three years. we will not persuade | people not to go abroad but during the pandemic people fell in love with this country again and i think people remember that. we are seeing people remember that. we are seeing people returning time and again, even through the winter, sol people returning time and again, even through the winter, so i think summer will be great. tstate even through the winter, so i think summer will be great.— even through the winter, so i think summer will be great. we can speak to john adams. _ summer will be great. we can speak to john adams, who _ summer will be great. we can speak to john adams, who is _ summer will be great. we can speak to john adams, who is the _ summer will be great. we can speak to john adams, who is the owner i summer will be great. we can speak to john adams, who is the owner of| tojohn adams, who is the owner of an ice cream shop. how was it this weekend, were people spending or not in the same way? tstate weekend, were people spending or not in the same way?— in the same way? we are celebrating our tenth anniversary _ in the same way? we are celebrating our tenth anniversary and _ in the same way? we are celebrating our tenth anniversary and had - in the same way? we are celebrating our tenth anniversary and had a - our tenth anniversary and had a brilliant — our tenth anniversary and had a brilliant start with a busy easter weekend, — brilliant start with a busy easter weekend, the best we have had in a lon- weekend, the best we have had in a long time _ weekend, the best we have had in a long time. we weekend, the best we have had in a lona time. ~ ., weekend, the best we have had in a lona time. ~ . ., long time. we hear about the ressure long time. we hear about the pressure on _ long time. we hear about the pressure on people's - long time. we hear about the pressure on people's budgets long time. we hear about the - pressure on people's budgets with the cost of living squeeze, bills going up. are people cutting back on luxuries such as ice cream? fits a luxuries such as ice cream? as a roducer luxuries such as ice cream? as a producer of— luxuries such as ice cream? as a producer of handmade _ luxuries such as ice cream? as a producer of handmade ice cream it is an affordable luxury and people are still spending. they like a treat when _ still spending. they like a treat when they come to the seaside. and businesses are _ when they come to the seaside. jific businesses are also seeing when they come to the seaside. el"ic businesses are also seeing high energy bills and staffing costs. how important is the recovery in tourism to survive? tstate important is the recovery in tourism to survive?— to survive? we hope we will have a really busy — to survive? we hope we will have a really busy summer. _ to survive? we hope we will have a really busy summer. it _ to survive? we hope we will have a really busy summer. it is _ to survive? we hope we will have a | really busy summer. it is important we have _ really busy summer. it is important we have customers coming in. thank ou ve we have customers coming in. thank you very much _ we have customers coming in. thank you very much indeed. _ we have customers coming in. thank you very much indeed. the _ we have customers coming in. thank you very much indeed. the big - you very much indeed. the big question is, what do you have to buy when you come to? i? i thought i would do my bit for the local economy and i went shopping and i have brighton rock. i thought these would make a gift for your kids, dan and nina. if these do not get to you, it means somebody has scoffed them down the delivery chain. studio: lets hope the dentist is not watching. they are already on their way to school so i can do what i like with them! and you have started a conversation about favourite ice cream flavours. that will continue as we go fair. morning live follows us on bbc one. let's find out what's in store with gethin and katie. good morning. coming up on morning live. tinnitus is an officially recognised symptom of covid, but recent headlines have also linked it to the vaccine. with around 30% of us experiencing this frustrating condition _ at some point in our lives, i including lots of morning live viewers who've been in touch, dr punam will be joining us i to explain how listening - to crashing waves or birdsong could help ease symptoms. and from sore ears to eyesores — not only does fly—tipping cost councils millions each year, it also affects the communities living with the dumped rubbish. dom littlewood meets those blighted by the problem and learns how one person's trash is another's treasure. and, sadly, unwanted rubbish isn't the only thing being abandoned. i with the cost of living crisis hitting people hard, - many are having to give up the family pet. _ drjames greenwood has some cost saving ideas to help. _ yes, with the rspca reporting a 20% increase in pets being given up, i'll tell you how to get low—cost vet care, and how pet sharing might help you to save time and money. and making himself at home isjamie laing, who will be taking us through our strictly fitness. dan wants to see the hercules performance. here it is. who does not want _ performance. here it is. who does not want this kind of fake suntan at 8:30am? _ not want this kind of fake suntan at 8:30am? it— not want this kind of fake suntan at 8:30am? it is quite something to watch _ 8:30am? it is quite something to watch. ., , ., 8:30am? it is quite something to watch. ., y., , ., ,, , 8:30am? it is quite something to watch. ., , , ., watch. you need your sunglasses for that. . studio: that. - studio: | that. — studio: i cannot wait. isjamie that. studio: i cannot wait. isjamie more studio: i cannot wait. is jamie more awake than yesterday? i am studio: i cannot wait. is jamie more awake than yesterday?— awake than yesterday? i am always awake than yesterday? i am always awake and i — awake than yesterday? i am always awake and i was _ awake than yesterday? i am always awake and i was awake _ awake than yesterday? i am always awake and i was awake yesterday, | awake than yesterday? i am always| awake and i was awake yesterday, i just could not hear you. is it awake and i was awake yesterday, i just could not hear you.— just could not hear you. is it true ou will just could not hear you. is it true you will learn _ just could not hear you. is it true you will learn the _ just could not hear you. is it true you will learn the hercules? - just could not hear you. is it true you will learn the hercules? do i just could not hear you. is it true i you will learn the hercules? do you know anything _ you will learn the hercules? do you know anything about _ you will learn the hercules? do you know anything about that _ you will learn the hercules? do you know anything about that because i j know anything about that because i have not— know anything about that because i have not seen the script. i got know anything about that because i have not seen the script.— have not seen the script. i got a sneaky text _ have not seen the script. i got a sneaky text it — have not seen the script. i got a sneaky text it might _ have not seen the script. i got a sneaky text it might be - have not seen the script. i got a i sneaky text it might be happening. that is— sneaky text it might be happening. that is a _ sneaky text it might be happening. that is a maybe _ see you at 9:15. time to get the news where you are. good morning, i'm asad ahmad. welcome to viewers across london, the home counties, and thosejoining us this morning from the bbc�*s look east area. former world boxing champion amir khan says he was robbed at gunpoint in east london last night. he posted on twitter that he and his wife faryal were safe after he had a gun pointed in his face as two men stole his watch in leyton after the couple had crossed a road. amir khan is an olympic silver medallist and former wba and ibf light—welterweight champion. plans are being drawn up to expand the emergency department at the queen elizabeth hospital in king's lynn after claims were made that it was unfit for purpose. governors there say an increase in demand means the hospital has outgrown its current space. the ceiling of the queen elizabeth is currently being held up by almost 500 temporary props. the london aquatics centre will reopen today, almost a month after a chlorine gas leak caused it to close. a major incident was declared with around 30 people being taken to hospital. the venue says the pool will be open as normal, and swimming lessons will also resume. if you're travelling into or around london today, a look at the situation on the underground. lots going on. the metropolitan line is having checks on its trains and there are signalling delays early on hammersmith and city line. time for a look at the weather. good morning. after a largely sunny and warm bank holiday weekend it is going to turn a little fresher today, and a few showers added into the mix, as well. now there's more cloud around but still some bright and some sunny spells. the showers more frequent — especially through the afternoon — and one or two could be quite heavy, which could lead to a rumble or two of thunder. temperatures feeling cooler, too — 15 celsius the maximum. a gentle but north—easterly breeze making things feel chillier. now, overnight tonight, any remaining showers will die away, so largely dry, some lengthy clear spells. patches of cloud, however, minimum temperature between six and eight celsius. as we head into wednesday, high pressure builds to the north—east of the uk, so it's blocking any of these fronts just trying to edge in from the west. so it's a largely dry day, plenty of sunshine around, but the easterly breeze just gets a little bit stronger, so out along the east coast of essex, the thames estuary — temperatures a little reduced there. but further west, they make a bit of a recovery at 18 celsius. fairly settled conditions for thursday and for friday, but that easterly breeze will make things feel chillier in the east. before we go, a reminder that today is the deadline for registering to vote by post in the upcoming council elections on may 5th. it's an important chance to have your say in who decides your local services. there is a simple guide to the council elections on the bbc website. it includes a section on what councils do, why you should vote, and who is entitled to vote in just over two weeks' time. that's all for now — i'm back in half an hour. hello, this is breakfast with nina warhurst and dan walker. the family of a boy who was seriously injured when he was hit by a car last year are calling for police to be given more powers to ban drug—drivers. six—year—old noah was knocked off his bike by a man who'd taken a cocktail of drugs before getting behind the wheel. his parents are now opening up about their experience — and sharing some of the footage from that day — to highlight the dangers of drug—driving. a warning — you may find parts of fiona trott�*s report upsetting. pick a line, good lad. you go first. a father teaching his son how to be safe on the road. this is a bike lane. where? this red one here. then, a moment that changes their lives for ever. noah, noah! noah herring has been hit by a car at 60 mph. noah, sit down, don't move! don't move, noah. this is the video his family want you to watch. please, ambulance, please! he's in a lot of pain, he's in a really bad way. a car has crashed into us. noah, just stay with me, noah. i'm going to the cinema. today, the eight—year—old is back in the park they were cycling to that morning. it's something his dad never thought he would see. what do you think about drugs and people who take drugs when they are driving? that it's naughty. and it's not good. because people might die from it, because they might crash into other people. you were really brave, you know, noah, when that happened to you. do you think you are brave? yes. james is putting on a brave face. he is still coming to terms with what happened. just a big explosion. and then... a couple of seconds went by. i couldn't see noah. and that is when i went over to him and i saw him and i thought that was going to be the last time i was going to see my son. and i wasn't ready for that. he was broken and i couldn't fix him. something just inside kicked in and ijust did everything i could for him. i am arresting you on suspicion of driving whilst over— the prescribed drug limit. harry summersgill had taken cocaine, ketamine and cannabis when he hit noah. he was jailed for three years. he had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs twice before. but, in the weeks it takes for drug test results to come back, motorists like him can continue driving. james says that needs to change. magistrates, they willjust get a piece of paper telling what the person has done and hasn't done. whereas police see this day in, day out. i think if the police had more power to do something about it on the spot, revoke that licence or suspend that licence, i think that is the fastest way to do things. in the meantime, the government has launched a consultation on whether high—risk offenders should take a rehabilitation course before they can get their licence back. i definitely think it is a step in the right direction. drug—driving ruins lives. for me, i believe the more information, help and support out there, the more chance we have to stop drug—drivers. this is the victim impact statement i read out in court. "this is not a simple accident. the biggest question i ask myself is how can i protect my son from someone like you. i live by the fact that noah is still with us, by some miracle. i hope your punishment will affect your life as you have affected mine. you may not have taken my life that day, but you have taken my spirit." how do you feel when you read it out now, do you feel you have been able to move on from that? yeah, i definitely feel... people around me have helped me through the situation. yeah. look up to the sky. got your brakes covered? good lad. as a family, what does the future hold for you guys? a lot more bike riding, hopefully. cycling is a massive part of my life and, hopefully, it will be a big part of noah's. noah is my hero. no kid should go through what he went through, but he went through it. and he's had a lot of support and he's supported us and he's back to being a happy little child again. fiona trott, bbc news, teesside. joining us now is mike barton, the former chief constable of durham constabulary. thank you for coming in. he sat on the sofa said it is every parent's worst nightmare. it is to get your head around what noah and his family have been through, it is amazing he has still here.— has still here. people rarely survive at — has still here. people rarely survive at 60 _ has still here. people rarely survive at 60 mph, - has still here. people rarely survive at 60 mph, it - has still here. people rarely survive at 60 mph, it is - has still here. people rarely survive at 60 mph, it is a i has still here. people rarely - survive at 60 mph, it is a 50-50 survive at 60 mph, it is a 50—50 survival rate at 30 mph. it is a miracle. ~ ., ., survival rate at 30 mph. it is a miracle. ~ . . ., survival rate at 30 mph. it is a miracle. . . . ., ., miracle. what are we learning from incidences like _ miracle. what are we learning from incidences like that? _ miracle. what are we learning from incidences like that? that - miracle. what are we learning from incidences like that? that is - miracle. what are we learning from incidences like that? that is going i incidences like that? that is going forward, you dread watch will go for your own head if yourfamily forward, you dread watch will go for your own head if your family are involved in that but how do we prevent it from happening, what legislation is coming in?- legislation is coming in? people don't realise _ legislation is coming in? people don't realise that _ legislation is coming in? people don't realise that cars _ legislation is coming in? people don't realise that cars and - legislation is coming in? people i don't realise that cars and vehicles are a weapon and people see it as a right that they can drive their car and they are cocooned but it is really dangerous and you see that today. people may not know this but it is only in the last few years that the law has been changed to sell drug driving is an actual —— changed so that drug driving is a crime. 10,000 people are prosecuted per year every year on drug driving. a remarkable rise over the last ten years but you can see that more needs to be done and the big problem with drug—driving is we are finding that 40% of the people convicted are convicted before. that that 40% of the people convicted are convicted before.— convicted before. that is interesting. _ convicted before. that is interesting. questions i convicted before. that is - interesting. questions around, convicted before. that is _ interesting. questions around, this is what noah's family has it, whether enough is being done in terms of investigating that drug use and rehabilitation, in a way it perhaps is with people who have problematic alcohol use. it gee perhaps is with people who have problematic alcohol use. if we 'ust rel on problematic alcohol use. if we 'ust rely on convictions, i problematic alcohol use. if we 'ust rely on convictions, i i problematic alcohol use. if we 'ust rely on convictions, i don't i problematic alcohol use. if we just rely on convictions, i don't think. rely on convictions, i don't think that will solve it. there has to be something wider than that, which is why the government are talking about rehabilitation courses. we have the cautious —— it rehabilitation courses for drink—driving, if they don't go on conveyor two to three times more likely to reoffend than those who do. there is no doubt that the drink rehabilitation courses right. the problem is the government have not been able to come up with a curriculum for the drug—driving course because it is more tricky because people are addicted to drugs. what is being done outside the criminaljustice system is something called operation revoke which is where the police if they suspect someone has a mental health issues or medical conditions or drug dependency, then the police can get that evidence together, parcel it up, send it to the dvla and they can then revoke that licence after due process. but that sadly takes months or so, again, process. but that sadly takes months orso, again, james was process. but that sadly takes months or so, again, james was talking about the immediacy of something that needed to be done, which i agree with, but at the moment the things that are being done take time. ., , things that are being done take time. . , , ., , things that are being done take time. . , , .,, ., ., things that are being done take time. . , , ., ., ., time. that is the problem, again for the families. _ time. that is the problem, again for the families, the _ time. that is the problem, again for the families, the blood _ time. that is the problem, again for the families, the blood tests, - time. that is the problem, again for the families, the blood tests, the i the families, the blood tests, the court summons and, as we heard, there had already been two arrests for drug—driving on the guy who hit noah before then being involved in the collision.— the collision. what could have happened. — the collision. what could have happened, though _ the collision. what could have happened, though rare, - the collision. what could have happened, though rare, baili happened, though rare, bail conditions could have been imposed by the judiciary. conditions could have been imposed by thejudiciary. even conditions could have been imposed by the judiciary. even then, conditions could have been imposed by thejudiciary. even then, if conditions could have been imposed by the judiciary. even then, if you revoke somebody�*s license they can still drive whilst disqualified, sadly. that is another thing the police have got to consider. when you are talking about the delays on blood tests and what the blood tests can look like. what was a real game changer in drink—driving in my time in policing is when people could have their breath assembled and that was used in court. we did not send blood and urine samples off, and that was a real game changer. and we don't have that for a drug testing at the moment. it is all about blood being sent away for analysis. it is all in the private sector now. one of the things we have got is whether there is discrepancy between police forces but it costs police forces a fortune to actually do this. of course, in other countries, it is paid for by the government, so just for a roadside saliva test it is £16 for a roadside saliva test it is £16 for the police and over £400 to have it tested. sadly, in some police forces who are short of cash, there may be fiscal reason why they are not actually doing as many as they might have done. it is not actually doing as many as they might have done.— might have done. it is interesting to know how _ might have done. it is interesting to know how money _ might have done. it is interesting to know how money makes - might have done. it is interesting to know how money makes these j to know how money makes these decisions difficult to try to get the process through and get to a conviction in the end. being with us this morning, it is interesting to get your take on a fascinating but horrible story for people to watch. happily, not a tragedy. interesting that ou happily, not a tragedy. interesting that you look _ happily, not a tragedy. interesting that you look at _ happily, not a tragedy. interesting that you look at the _ happily, not a tragedy. interesting that you look at the fundamental i that you look at the fundamental reasons around why people are taking drugs and getting behind the wheel, which is the best way of preventing this. thank you. it's100 days to go until the 2022 commonwealth games kicks off in birmingham. john is live at the brand—new sandwell aquatics centre, which has been purpose—built for the games. it opens for the first time today. he's one of the in the. yes, good morning- — he's one of the in the. yes, good morning- good — he's one of the in the. yes, good morning. good morning. - he's one of the in the. yes, good morning. good morning. i- he's one of the in the. yes, good morning. good morning. i am i he's one of the in the. yes, good | morning. good morning. i am one he's one of the in the. yes, good i morning. good morning. i am one of the first people and also one of the first of these brand—new diving boards is damn good fellow, who won gold at last, life goes on the gold coast and you hope to go for gold again. coast and you hope to go for gold aaain. �* , ,., , coast and you hope to go for gold aaain. , , ., again. absolutely, i am looking forward to _ again. absolutely, i am looking forward to it — again. absolutely, i am looking forward to it and _ again. absolutely, i am looking forward to it and hoping - again. absolutely, i am looking forward to it and hoping i - again. absolutely, i am looking forward to it and hoping i can . again. absolutely, i am looking| forward to it and hoping i can do the same~ — forward to it and hoping i can do the same-— forward to it and hoping i can do the same. ,, ., , ., , the same. show us what will propel ou to the the same. show us what will propel you to the gold _ the same. show us what will propel you to the gold if— the same. show us what will propel you to the gold if you _ the same. show us what will propel you to the gold if you qualify. - you to the gold if you qualify. around £80 million spent on this facility, the only new purpose—built facility. check this out. look at that height. isn't that good? special stuff. that height. isn't that good? specialstuff. it that height. isn't that good? special stuff. it will be because this promises to be a games like no other when you consider there will be more medals awarded in that women stamp menace, more para events. for the athletes it is very special. we will speak to dan in a moment about how some of the events differ from the games. to give a flavour of what it means for the city, what the games will do for birmingham and the surrounding area, i have been speaking to some of those involved. i think this is something special. there's so much going on. like, the people are amazing. we invite everybody- and we celebrate everybody and everyone is welcome here. even the tap water, they say, in birmingham, is a bit different to everywhere else. the countdown is on to the commonwealth games as the city prepares to showcase the very best of birmingham. for 0lympic gymnastjoe fraser, he's hoping that is landing gold in the city he was born and raised. how would it feel winning commonwealth gold in your city, here, in 100 days' time? it would be amazing to walk away with commonwealth champion or numerous medals. it is something i dream about at night. training in birmingham my whole life and, you know, growing up there, i just want the best for the city. and having such a prestigious competition there, where all of the best athletes across the commonwealth will come together and compete against each other, i think it will really uplift and inspire the next generation to come. it feels a bit like a bit of an honour because, like, big gymnasts from around the world are coming to where i live. it's hard to really comprehend. does it spur you on a bit with some of your routines and training, knowing you've got such a big event coming to your doorstep? yes, it's great to aim for a gold and the commonwealth games is one of the biggest competitions i'll ever get to, i guess. beyond the sporting legacy, how will the games benefit the wider community? cj lloyd webley is a writer who's been selected as one of the baton bearers for the work he does putting on theatre workshops to support young black men with their mental health, as well as running sessions such as this one for aspiring young actors. it's not about you, is not about me, is about her and what she wants. i a champion for young people. you were just going to find it as you went. i'm going to say something. what do you think it will mean for birmingham to have the games here? i think the commonwealth games will allow people to be more confident in themselves. it will allow them to know that the work that they are putting in, it doesn't get missed. it's now able to be at the forefront of what we do in birmingham. and it's also making people feel proud of where they come from, because it's not always about showing the kind of high—status areas in birmingham. it's about showing that there is excellence in all walks of life and there is excellence in all areas in birmingham. this gives us the opportunity, as brummies, to really showcase what birmingham is about. what is that? vibrancy. i think the community here, naturallyjust being here, you come across people from all walks of life. the music scene, the art scene, theatre, the rep. and the food, plenty of good food places to go to. what does it mean to be a proud brummie? to be a proud brummie, itjust means, look, i'm a playwright, so if you see me on the street, say hi and quote me some shakespeare. that's what it means to be a brummie. do you want to quote us a bit of shakespeare, round us off with a little bit? to be or not to be, that is the question. be at the commonwealth games or i will come and find you and bring you myself. if there is a gold medalfor the fastest change it has to go to dan. that was rapid. we have 19 sports across 11 days of action and we will see medals won in this pool on the opening day on the 29th ofjuly. you won gold with term daley out in the gold cost —— i cut with tom daley on the gold coast. what impact has it had on your career? the commonwealth games is amazing _ had on your career? the commonwealth games is amazing because _ had on your career? the commonwealth games is amazing because it _ had on your career? the commonwealth games is amazing because it is - had on your career? the commonwealth games is amazing because it is a - games is amazing because it is a multisport event and multisport events are really special to me because it is more of a team of field because it is notjust diving, we are going to have swimming, water polo, i think. we are going to have swimming, water polo, ithink. there we are going to have swimming, water polo, i think. there will be so many other sports, as well, that you can go and watch while you're at the games and it gives you that big team feel and i think that is the main difference with multisports games and hopefully it will be amazing. you won bronze at the olympic level, where does the commonwealth gold rank alongside that? it is where does the commonwealth gold rank alongside that?— rank alongside that? it is 100% up there. i rank alongside that? it is 10096 up there- i have _ rank alongside that? it is 10096 up there. i have not— rank alongside that? it is 10096 up there. i have not won _ rank alongside that? it is 10096 up there. i have not won many - rank alongside that? it is 10096 up there. i have not won many gold l there. i have not won many gold medals in my career and to do that representing england is something i will always remember and hopefully i can do the same again this summer. 72 nations and territories across the commonwealth so you will be representing instead of gb. how is that, representing your home nation? —— that you will be representing england. i am competing against some people i would usually compete with, some athletes from scotland. extra rival rick? it _ some athletes from scotland. extra rival rick? it is _ some athletes from scotland. extra rival rick? it is but _ some athletes from scotland. extra rival rick? it is but it _ some athletes from scotland. extra rival rick? it is but it is _ some athletes from scotland. extra rival rick? it is but it is nice - some athletes from scotland. extra rival rick? it is but it is nice to - rival rick? it is but it is nice to see their _ rival rick? it is but it is nice to see their togetherness, - rival rick? it is but it is nice to see their togetherness, as - rival rick? it is but it is nice to i see their togetherness, as well, with team scotland. it is different but, again, it is a similarfeeling that because it is a multisport games you want to get that out of you and it is another event, and we have not had many, so to have an event going ahead like this is a great thing. event going ahead like this is a great thing-— event going ahead like this is a treat thin. ., great thing. good luck, and i hope ou great thing. good luck, and i hope you qualify — great thing. good luck, and i hope you qualify stop — great thing. good luck, and i hope you qualify stop best _ great thing. good luck, and i hope you qualify stop best of _ great thing. good luck, and i hope you qualify stop best of luck. - great thing. good luck, and i hope you qualify stop best of luck. lots| you qualify stop best of luck. lots of athletes are still trying to qualify. maisie summers—newton, two time paralympic champion, good morning. we were saying about the size of the para programme as part of the commonwealth games, eight 01 events, running alongside the able—bodied events. it goes to show the size of the games and the way para sport is included. it is the size of the games and the way para sport is included.— para sport is included. it is so important _ para sport is included. it is so important how _ para sport is included. it is so important how it _ para sport is included. it is so important how it is _ para sport is included. it is so important how it is included, | para sport is included. it is so . important how it is included, and hopefully over time the whole programme of para sport will be able to be included in future commonwealth games but this shows how important para sport is and how it can inspire people. hopefully in these games i can inspire the next generation of para swimmers and hopefully by the time there will be a full programme of para sport. iuntimely a full programme of para sport. when ou where a full programme of para sport. when you where you — a full programme of para sport. when you where you are _ a full programme of para sport. when you where you are starting _ a full programme of para sport. when you where you are starting out as a swimmer, if you have had a facility like this on your doorstep, what impact would that have had? it would have been amazing. _ impact would that have had? it would have been amazing. it _ impact would that have had? it would have been amazing. it is _ impact would that have had? it would have been amazing. it is a _ impact would that have had? it would have been amazing. it is a 50 - impact would that have had? it would have been amazing. it is a 50 metre i have been amazing. it is a 50 metre pool have been amazing. it is a 50 metre pool, which is 0lympic size, so to train there every day would have been incredible. this community and the benefits it will bring to that community commit being able to swim here is incredible and hopefully it will develop future swimmers and divers for the future and hopefully, love games for them, as well. what love games for them, as well. what are our love games for them, as well. what are your hopes _ love games for them, as well. what are your hopes for— love games for them, as well. what are your hopes for the _ love games for them, as well. what are your hopes for the games? hopefully come away with a medal. i am aiming forthe hopefully come away with a medal. i am aiming for the gold medal, i would love to add that to my collection. 100 breaststroke is one of my strong events, i got a gold medal in tokyo with it, so fingers crossed it will go well and really looking forward to it. best crossed it will go well and really looking forward to it.— crossed it will go well and really looking forward to it. best of luck, ureat looking forward to it. best of luck, treat to looking forward to it. best of luck, great to speak _ looking forward to it. best of luck, great to speak to _ looking forward to it. best of luck, great to speak to you. _ looking forward to it. best of luck, great to speak to you. thank - looking forward to it. best of luck, great to speak to you. thank you. | looking forward to it. best of luck, l great to speak to you. thank you. it is going to be amazing. there is a sense of a real buzz around the games, starting to build here in birmingham and the surrounding area where we are today. you can imagine this place. we have not been able to see crowds in arenas and venues like this for such a long time but this will be the first time we see a multisport event staged in front of crowds since the pandemic began and, as we know, tickets are back on sale once again for all of those events coming up at the commonwealth games which begin in 100 days. i'm quite thankful that i didn't pack my trucks this morning because i would have fancied getting in. you probably would have asked. i saw how it might have gone this morning, they would have been me doing the 100 breaststroke in there. we they would have been me doing the 100 breaststroke in there.— they would have been me doing the 100 breaststroke in there. we are so predictable. — 100 breaststroke in there. we are so predictable. i— 100 breaststroke in there. we are so predictable, i was _ 100 breaststroke in there. we are so predictable, i was expecting - 100 breaststroke in there. we are so predictable, i was expecting the - 100 breaststroke in there. we are so predictable, i was expecting the mic| predictable, i was expecting the mic drop and you like it at the end of the diving board. he drop and you like it at the end of the diving board.— the diving board. he is going in an a ! the diving board. he is going in anyway! thank— the diving board. he is going in anyway! thank you _ the diving board. he is going in anyway! thank you very - the diving board. he is going in anyway! thank you very much, | the diving board. he is going in - anyway! thank you very much, looks like a _ anyway! thank you very much, looks like a fantastic arena. you can imagine — like a fantastic arena. you can imagine the noise in there. i remember being on the 2012 aquatic sector— remember being on the 2012 aquatic sector in— remember being on the 2012 aquatic sector in london and the noise is incredible — sector in london and the noise is incredible. it sector in london and the noise is incredible-— incredible. it is thrilling, so excited. — incredible. it is thrilling, so excited, 100 _ incredible. it is thrilling, so excited, 100 days - incredible. it is thrilling, so excited, 100 days to - incredible. it is thrilling, so excited, 100 days to go. i he's the rock star—turned physicist who's brought the secrets of the solar systems into our living rooms. now professor brian cox is back with a brand—new tour exploring the origins of the universe, no less. here's a reminder of his work. the idea that this place is close to this place, and that time ticks along, is wrong — there is a deeper picture of reality in which space and time do not exist. 0ur attempts to answer a seemingly simple question about the fate of objects that fall into black holes has led us to a profound and quite unsettling conclusion. space and time — concepts so foundational to how we experience the world — are not fundamental properties of nature. they emerge from a deeper reality in which neither exist. professor brian cox joins us from south london this morning. good morning. lovely to have you on the show. we were looking at the aquatic centre and talking about it being in a 100 days. how do you fill an arena? you are incredibly popular but you managed to do this by talking about the universe, physics, science, and made it incredibly popular. fist science, and made it incredibly --oular. �* ., , popular. at one level it is the most magnificent — popular. at one level it is the most magnificent escapism, _ popular. at one level it is the most magnificent escapism, looking - popular. at one level it is the most magnificent escapism, looking at l popular. at one level it is the most l magnificent escapism, looking at the beautiful images of galaxies, images from the surface of mice, asking questions about the potential for life on mice. i think itjust caries, astronomy carries our imaginations away. one of the things we do in the big arenas, i will be at birmingham arena in september, we put the biggest screams that we can fit in there, so huge led screens, they are something like 30 or 35 metres across, massive screens. and just start by looking at the beauty of nature, but then, as you saw in that clip, which is one of the most complex clips i think i did in the last series on the universe, we start to ask deeper questions because of looking at the universe, just looking at nature, anything from a leaf on the ground to the stars in the sky, raises questions. we start to ask, well, how did this come to be here? how did we come to be here? how many civilisations either in a galaxy? as you saw that clip, what are these things we take for granted, space and time? was there an origin to the universe, did there an origin to the universe, did the universe begin? and so the questions pour out and as i start simple with beautiful music and beautiful graphics and then go on to explore the deepest possible questions!— explore the deepest possible ruestions! ~ ., ., , ., questions! with that in mind, do you need a certain _ questions! with that in mind, do you need a certain level _ questions! with that in mind, do you need a certain level of _ need a certain level of understanding, level of sophistication when it comes to physics, or can someone with no prior knowledge turn up and join you on thatjourney? prior knowledge turn up and 'oin you on that journeyafi prior knowledge turn up and 'oin you on that journeytfi prior knowledge turn up and 'oin you on that journey? on that 'ourney? when we have done this on that journey? when we have done this before in — on that journey? when we have done this before in the _ on that journey? when we have done this before in the big _ on that journey? when we have done this before in the big arenas - on that journey? when we have done this before in the big arenas we - this before in the big arenas we have had families come in, ten—year—olds at the shells and i9—year—olds so i assume no knowledge. —— 90—year—old. iassume people are curious and want to know and in my experience people say, well, science or physics or mathematics, people say i don't really understand, my experience is, actually, that... iam no really understand, my experience is, actually, that... i am no more clever than anyone else, it is just that i became interested and so all i assume is that everyone who goes in there is interested. {line i assume is that everyone who goes in there is interested.— in there is interested. one thing ou are in there is interested. one thing you are interested _ in there is interested. one thing you are interested in, _ in there is interested. one thing you are interested in, i- in there is interested. one thing you are interested in, i know - in there is interested. one thing | you are interested in, i know you have researched black holes, i was learning more about that all the time? where are we now with regard to that as opposed to where we were 15, 20 years to that as opposed to where we were 15,20 years ago? i to that as opposed to where we were 15. 20 years ago?— 15, 20 years ago? i think it is the most exciting — 15, 20 years ago? i think it is the most exciting area _ 15, 20 years ago? i think it is the most exciting area of _ 15, 20 years ago? i think it is the most exciting area of physics - 15, 20 years ago? i think it is the most exciting area of physics at l 15, 20 years ago? i think it is the i most exciting area of physics at the moment. stephen hawking really started the modern study of black holes in the 19705 when he found that they radiate away. we always think of a black hole as something that nothing ever comes out, you fall in, you can't get out. stephen hawking showed that, actually, they have a lifetime and one day they will be gone. scientists always ask simple questions and he just said, well, if something falls into a black hole, a book or an astronaut, whatever, does it somehow, again at some point? when the black hole has gone what happens to all the information in that book or the essence of the person that fell in? now, as of 2020, 2021, we think everything comes out again. but that clip you showed, that demonstrates the way that things that come out, it is mind blowing. if you are a science fiction fan you will know about wormholes, they are always in science fiction films, you can travel to distant parts of the universe, it seems it is quite possible that wormholes in space and time open up from the inside of the black holes to the distant universe and somehow allow all the information to flow out of them. it is mind blowing stuff.— is mind blowing stuff. what is fascinating — is mind blowing stuff. what is fascinating is _ is mind blowing stuff. what is fascinating is that _ is mind blowing stuff. what is fascinating is that has - is mind blowing stuff. what is. fascinating is that has emerged relatively recently. you talk about the simple questions being the best. the perpetual one from children, like you say, all the way up to older people, is, is there life out there? you would say inevitably yes stop the chances of finding it, is it a case of us going to them, then coming to us, do you predict it to be haphazard? it coming to us, do you predict it to be haphazard?— coming to us, do you predict it to be haphazard? it depends what you mean by life- _ be haphazard? it depends what you mean by life. on _ be haphazard? it depends what you mean by life. on mice _ be haphazard? it depends what you mean by life. on mice as— be haphazard? it depends what you mean by life. on mice as we - be haphazard? it depends what you mean by life. on mice as we speak| mean by life. on mice as we speak there is a rover called perseverance, which is the most remarkable mission. —— on the planet mice. i probablyjustan remarkable mission. —— on the planet mice. i probablyjust an m something i shouldn't have but we have a show on the bbc in the next few months looking at that. it is on the river delta, an ancient river delta, so we know there was a river flowing across the surface of mice and it is taking samples which will come back to earth —— the surface of mars. it will bring back samples. the reason is we will get them onto laboratories on earth and look for signs that there was or may still is a life below the surface of mars so we may discover we are not alone in the universe on mars. the wonderful thing about astronomy as you can look up and see that in the night sky. if you get one of those apps on your phone you can see this red dot of light and you might be looking at the thing where life began or may still exist. we might find it in our backyard. still exist. we might find it in our bac ard. ., ., backyard. the other thing i wanted to talk to you _ backyard. the other thing i wanted to talk to you about _ backyard. the other thing i wanted to talk to you about is _ backyard. the other thing i wanted to talk to you about is the - to talk to you about is the commercialisation of space travel, if you have a spare a0 million quid nothing about you can go to space. does that excite you, the prospect of that being done by other people? there is a serious answer, that near earth space, earth orbit, whether space station is, weather satellites, communication satellites, communication satellites, we all use that every day, satellite navigation. the easier the access is to that space, the better our lives will be, we will have better climate forecast, weather forecast, will have better climate forecast, weatherforecast, gps. better weather forecast, gps. better communications. weatherforecast, gps. better communications. putting all that aside, it has got a bad name. it is billionaires flying into space, looks like a terrible waste of resources and in some sense it really is. however, the ability to get up there cheaply and to begin too, for example, one of the project is to spread intranet access across the world which is tremendously useful and many people don't have access to the internets, those things are good things sol access to the internets, those things are good things so i think we have to separate out the image of rich people spending lots of money on a jolly from the reality which is that it on a jolly from the reality which is thatitis on a jolly from the reality which is that it is an incredibly useful place. that it is an incredibly useful . lace. , that it is an incredibly useful lace. , . ., place. very exciting. professor brian cox. _ place. very exciting. professor brian cox, thank _ place. very exciting. professor brian cox, thank you, - place. very exciting. professor brian cox, thank you, and - place. very exciting. professorj brian cox, thank you, and best place. very exciting. professor i brian cox, thank you, and best of luck with that way. tickets for horizons: a 21st century space odyssey are available to buy online now. you're watching bbc breakfast, it's 8.59. this is bbc news with the latest headlines: ukraine says russia's large—scale offensive on the donbas has begun — but president zelensky remains defiant. no matter how many of the russian troops are driven there, we will be fighting, we will defend ourselves. boris johnson faces mp5 today for the first time since he was fined for attending a birthday party during lockdown. over the years, actually, ministers of both parties have had fixed penalty notices for various different reasons including speeding which i appreciate is not the same as the covid—19 regulations, but it is fixed penalty notices. what the prime minister has done is he's accepted that, he's acknowledged that, he's apologised for that. so the prime minister's expected to apologise today. is that enough for you? orare you still making up your minds? we'd like to hear from you, do get in touch at @annitabbc