former labour cabinet minister liam byrne breached parliamentary bullying rules and recommends he is suspended from the commons for two days. allegations of sexism in westminster — a labour mp alleges that inappropriate comments were made to her by a member of the shadow cabinet. it comes after two female conservative mps claimed they saw a male colleague watching pornography in the commons. going from bad to worse — england's worst performing mental health trust is rated inadequate again, with some services said to be further deteriorating. and england's men's cricket has a new captain — ben stokes has been named test captain, succeeding joe root. the united nations chief antonio guterres has denounced war in the 21st century as an "absurdity", as he saw for himself the devastation inflicted on ukraine by russia's invasion. he's been visiting towns, including bucha, where the russians are accused of war crimes. mr guterres called on moscow to cooperate with the international criminal court over investigations into potential abuses of human rights. he's due to meet president zelensky in the next few hours. we can cross live now to kyiv and my colleague ben brown. antonio gutierrez has been here looking at the damage caused in places like irpin, places where the russians are accused of committing war crimes. the war here in ukraine, he said, is evil, and it is an absurdity in the 21st century. meanwhile, the russian leader, vladimir putin, has warned of the countries that try to intervene in this conflict in ukraine will face in his words military retaliation. the united nations secretary general will meet president zelensky in talks that are expected to start quite soon here in kyiv. those talks are expected to focus in particular on how to establish safe humanitarian corridors to evacuate thousands of desperate civilians from places like the besieged city of mariupol, including those trapped underground there in the steelworks where they are with ukrainian fighters. our correspondent has this report. this is the trip the ukrainians said should have come first. borodyanka is said to be the scene of russian war crimes. much of the city was destroyed by artillery. over the last few weeks, 41 more bodies have been pulled from this rubble. when i see those destroyed buildings, i imagine my family in one of those houses that is now destroyed and black. i see my granddaughters running away in panic, part of the family eventually killed. so the war is an absurdity in the 21st—century. the war is evil. and it is in bucha where some of the worst crimes were allegedly committed. antonio guterres visited the site of a mass grave found after the russian withdrawal. this trip is not about finding a solution to the wider conflict. no one thinks that is on the table. but there is talk of opening a humanitarian corridor secured by the un to get people out of the azovstal steelworks. the last holdout of ukrainian resistance in the besieged city of mariupol. but this is increasingly notjust a war taking place inside ukraine. moscow has cut off gas supplies to two eu nations. there are fears of escalation in a pro—russian breakaway region of moldova. the kremlin has even raised the spectre of nuclear war. translation: if anyone i from the outside intends to interfere in what is happening, then they should know this. if they create threats for us, threats of a strategic nature, our retaliation, our counter strike will be instantaneous. over the last few days there have been a series of fires and explosions inside russia's borders. it has not been officially established what was behind them, but for the uk government, oil depots, arms dumps and logistical hubs would be legitimate targets. it is perfectly right for ukraine to use those weapons to defend itself and part of defending itself in this type of invasion is obviously where ukraine will go after the supply lines of the russian army. we seem to be reaching a crucial stage in this war. not necessarily on the battlefield but in diplomatic terms. the rhetoric from all sides has been heating up and there is now a real risk that this could spiral in a way that nobody can predict. antonio guterres will want to do everything he can to avoid that but it will not be an easy task. joe inwood, bbc news, kyiv. i'm joined now by the ukrainian mp kira rudyk. thanks forjoining us. we have got the united nations secretary—general here and he is meeting president zelensky today, what you think his visit can achieve? the zelensky today, what you think his visit can achieve?— zelensky today, what you think his visit can achieve? the bare minimum is caettin visit can achieve? the bare minimum is getting peeple _ visit can achieve? the bare minimum is getting peeple out _ visit can achieve? the bare minimum is getting people out from _ visit can achieve? the bare minimum is getting people out from the - visit can achieve? the bare minimum is getting people out from the city i is getting people out from the city of the besieged city of mariupol, and i do not believe his visit can achieve peace or persuade putin to stop the atrocities, but the minimum we need right now from the world leaders is to make sure that desperate people from the city of mariupol can get out. and for that we are really thankful to the secretary—general. we are really thankful to the secretary-general.- we are really thankful to the secretary-general. we are really thankful to the secreta -general. ., , secretary-general. there have been many attempts _ secretary-general. there have been many attempts to — secretary-general. there have been many attempts to get _ secretary-general. there have been many attempts to get those - secretary-general. there have been many attempts to get those people | many attempts to get those people out of mariupol, in particular, with humanitarian corridors but they haven't worked so far for one reason or another. haven't worked so far for one reason oranother. do haven't worked so far for one reason or another. do you think it is possible that the two sides can agree on that? i’m possible that the two sides can agree on that?— possible that the two sides can agree on that? i'm very sceptical. we know even — agree on that? i'm very sceptical. we know even if _ agree on that? i'm very sceptical. we know even if there _ agree on that? i'm very sceptical. we know even if there is - agree on that? i'm very sceptical. we know even if there is a - agree on that? i'm very sceptical. | we know even if there is a political agreement, even if the russians give their word they will let people out, in reality theyjust cannot ceasefire. this is even more outstandingly cruel, because can you imagine gathering all those people, women with children who have not eaten for some time and who are in absolute despair, getting on these buses, hoping to have a life, and then they have to return back to almost certain death. that is why i'm very careful with all the hopes we are having right now and all the hopes that we are spreading to the people in mariupol about the possibility to let them out. given that we have been in war with russia for the last eight years we know not to trust them and we also know that evenif to trust them and we also know that even if there will be agreements and negotiations, they could not execute it on the ground. this is the most dangerous situation. can it on the ground. this is the most dangerous situation.— it on the ground. this is the most dangerous situation. can i ask you about what _ dangerous situation. can i ask you about what vladimir _ dangerous situation. can i ask you about what vladimir putin - dangerous situation. can i ask you about what vladimir putin has - dangerous situation. can i ask you | about what vladimir putin has said because the rhetoric from russia seems to be even more ferocious and he said countries that intervene in any way in this war in ukraine will face retaliation from russia. he has been threatening _ face retaliation from russia. he has been threatening the _ face retaliation from russia. he has been threatening the world - face retaliation from russia. he has been threatening the world for - face retaliation from russia. he has been threatening the world for a - been threatening the world for a while right now, and my answer to that, he has said he would take kyiv in five days, but where did that go? it doesn't change the attempt that we need to be making, to bring more and more weapons to ukraine, putting more sanctions on russia and making sure that russia becomes the new north korea. a country that nobody wants to deal with and nobody wants to have business with. no matter what putin says, our plan needs to remain the same. and it should speed up remain the same. and it should speed up in this matter. you remain the same. and it should speed up in this matter.— up in this matter. you mentioned wea ons up in this matter. you mentioned weapons and _ up in this matter. you mentioned weapons and you _ up in this matter. you mentioned weapons and you are _ up in this matter. you mentioned weapons and you are getting - up in this matter. you mentioned l weapons and you are getting more weapons and you are getting more weapons and you are getting more weapons and there was a meeting the other day in germany, a0 countries agreeing to send more weapons including heavy weapons. are you satisfied with those promises or do you want more? i satisfied with those promises or do you want more?— you want more? i am not satisfied with any promises _ you want more? i am not satisfied with any promises but _ you want more? i am not satisfied with any promises but i _ you want more? i am not satisfied with any promises but i will- you want more? i am not satisfied with any promises but i will be - with any promises but i will be happy when my people that are fighting, will actually get the weapons and can post the russians back. the promises are great and we have been pushing for that for the last few months but they will be another few weeks before we see the first weapons from these agreements coming into ukraine and then there will be time before we can actually fight with them. right now we are working with the partners on speeding up the logistics and making sure that these promises are realised as soon as possible. as fast and as effective as possible. we heard from the british foreign secretary liz truss saying the british government want to see russian troops are pushed out of all of ukraine. including crimea. do you welcome this?— welcome this? yes, this is what all ukrainians won, _ welcome this? yes, this is what all ukrainians won, we _ welcome this? yes, this is what all ukrainians won, we want _ welcome this? yes, this is what all ukrainians won, we want to - welcome this? yes, this is what all ukrainians won, we want to return | welcome this? yes, this is what all l ukrainians won, we want to return to our sovereign country where we do not have russian forces on any of our territory and this is what we will be fighting for. that realistic, _ will be fighting for. that realistic, to _ will be fighting for. that realistic, to get - will be fighting for. that realistic, to get russia i will be fighting for. that i realistic, to get russia out will be fighting for. that - realistic, to get russia out of places they have held for years including crimea? this places they have held for years including crimea?— places they have held for years including crimea? this is our aim and if you — including crimea? this is our aim and if you have _ including crimea? this is our aim and if you have the _ including crimea? this is our aim and if you have the whole - including crimea? this is our aim and if you have the whole world i including crimea? this is our aim i and if you have the whole world and other leaders of the democratic world behind us i do believe this achievement is possible.- world behind us i do believe this achievement is possible. thanks for “oininu us. achievement is possible. thanks for joining us- that— achievement is possible. thanks for joining us. that was _ achievement is possible. thanks for joining us. that was a _ achievement is possible. thanks for joining us. that was a member- achievement is possible. thanks for joining us. that was a member of. joining us. that was a member of parliament here in ukraine. plenty more from kyiv including the latest on the talks between the united nations secretary—general and president zelensky. that is it from me. back to the studio in london. we will be live with him in the coming hours, of course. the labour mp liam byrne has been found to have bullied a now former member of staff, and will be suspended from the commons for two days. an investigation found the former cabinet minister and mp for birmingham hodge hill ostracised a then assistant, after a minor office dispute. mr byrne said he had apologised and was "profoundly sorry". a labour mp has spoken out about lewd comments allegedly made to her by a member of the shadow cabinet. the welsh mp, who wants to remain anonymous, said she was described as a "secret weapon" because "women want to be herfriend" and men want to sleep with her. it comes after two conservative mps claimed they saw a male colleague watching pornography in the commons. the claims were made at a meeting on tuesday night, when female conservative mps shared allegations of sexism and harassment in the commons. speaking on a visit to workington in cumbria, the labour leader sir keir starmer said he was deeply concerned about sexist comments made by an unnamed member of labour s shadow cabinet — and said the conservative party should "take action now" against the mp who allegedly watched pornography in the commons — but he acknowledged it is a widespread problem. we have all got a responsibility to change the culture in parliament and if you look at the awful things that were said about angela rayner and the rank sexism and misogyny, and it is notjust angela rayner, there are too many examples and too many women who have experienced the same misogyny as amanda sexism, we have all got a responsibility and that requires a culture change —— the same misogyny and sexism. it needs to be led from the top. we can cross live to westminster and speak to our political correspondent helen catt. so ella braverman said female mps have experienced harassment and said that some mps behave like animals. this seems to be almost opening up something many people want to speak about. ~ ., something many people want to speak about. ~ . ., , , about. what we are seeing is the scrutiny on _ about. what we are seeing is the scrutiny on the _ about. what we are seeing is the scrutiny on the culture _ about. what we are seeing is the scrutiny on the culture of - scrutiny on the culture of westminster as a workplace and the defence secretary ben wallace talked about the toxic mix that can be created by long hours, bars and people under pressure but there is the other question about, is it a particularly sexist culture in westminster? there are those who would say that yes, it is. the attorney general term on braverman has been speaking about this —— suella. she was talking about her experience but also about the mp who was allegedly watching pornography on his mobile when in the commons chamber. there has been a degree of shock about that. the party whips have suggested that it needs to be sent to the independent process for investigating sexual misconduct, to be investigated. 0thers investigating sexual misconduct, to be investigated. others have said the party should step in and take action now. the whip should be removed and i'm ashamed _ the whip should be removed and i'm ashamed that this person is carrying the conservatives rosette and i think_ the conservatives rosette and i think they need to be subject to a recall_ think they need to be subject to a recall and — think they need to be subject to a recall and be no longer holding their_ recall and be no longer holding their privileged position as a member of parliament and my personal experience _ member of parliament and my personal experience is that on no occasion have _ experience is that on no occasion have i_ experience is that on no occasion have i been— experience is that on no occasion have i been made to feel uncomfortable, with all the men i have _ uncomfortable, with all the men i have worked with them that they have been respectful, courteous and supportive. but there is a small minority— supportive. but there is a small minority of— supportive. but there is a small minority of men, who fall short, and there _ minority of men, who fall short, and there are _ minority of men, who fall short, and there are some bad apples who behave like animals _ there are some bad apples who behave like animals and who are bringing parliament into disrepute. i don't think— parliament into disrepute. i don't think we — parliament into disrepute. i don't think we should say it is throughout the culture, — think we should say it is throughout the culture, but there are certain individuals— the culture, but there are certain individuals who are behaving in an unacceptable way. the question with all these cases is whether people get away with it, if there's going to be a long investigation and it was kicked into the long grass. will anything really changed? the long grass. will anything really chanced? . , the long grass. will anything really chaned? ., , ., changed? that is always the question- — changed? that is always the question. we _ changed? that is always the question. we keep - changed? that is always the l question. we keep discussing changed? that is always the - question. we keep discussing this and it suggest that in the long term things have not changed in response to these issues when they have come up to these issues when they have come up in the past. with this one, any investigation, the party whips have suggested it needs to go through the formal process, the independent process parliament has for investigating claims of sexual misconduct and bullying. the only way the investigation can be held is if the female mps who witnessed him watching pornography and spoke about it this week were to make a formal complaint to that process, and then it's a long confidential process which can end up in a sanction in the end but it is not something that we would know about in advance. there are these processes and they take a long time and there will be questions asked in westminster about whether more needs to happen in terms of changing the culture. we are seeing more and more cases come to light in the last few days, since we saw the angela rayner story at the weekend. what is your sense of the weekend. what is your sense of the way that it is being discussed ljy the way that it is being discussed by mps and those who work in the commons and is there a degree of cross—party unity amongst women? there is cross—party unity amongst the women and also across parliament, if you speak to male mps, some are pretty outraged by the idea that one of their colleagues would have been sitting in the commons chamber watching pornography. a lot of them are outraged by that but i think there is a sense of, always a sense amongst female mps that this is something they deal with. a welsh mp fayjones said she described it as being like a death by a thousand paper cuts, that female mps are so used to unacceptable behaviour that they stop noticing it. it is certainly something that has been discussed in the past and is being discussed in the past and is being discussed this week, triggered by the reaction to the article about angela rayner. and i think it will be discussed further for some time. helen, at westminster, thanks for joining us. joining me now is dr hannah white, deputy director at the institute for government. can you explain what is the commons procedure for dealing with these kind of complaints?— procedure for dealing with these kind of complaints? since 2017, when the scandal first _ kind of complaints? since 2017, when the scandal first hit _ kind of complaints? since 2017, when the scandal first hit westminster, - the scandal first hit westminster, there have been a number of different procedures put in place and in 2018 they adopted the behaviour code and a scheme, and what happens on the back, if a complaint was made, it would first be investigated by an independent investigator who will establish whether the criteria for a full investigation were met and if they were another independent external investigation would conduct an inquiry, gather evidence, and make a report to the parliamentary commissionerfor report to the parliamentary commissioner for standards. report to the parliamentary commissionerforstandards. she report to the parliamentary commissionerfor standards. she then commissioner for standards. she then has commissionerfor standards. she then has the option either for making a decision about the case at that point, and she either can impose a range of relatively more minor sanctions herself, like requiring an apology, for example, or if she thinks a more serious sanction is warranted she can refer the case on to something called the independent expert panel which again is an external panel of experts and they can recommend a more serious sanction like suspension which could lead to an mp being recalled. 0r lead to an mp being recalled. or even indeed expulsion. but their recommendation has to be voted on by the house as a whole. that recommendation has to be voted on by the house as a whole.— the house as a whole. that process presumably — the house as a whole. that process presumably is _ the house as a whole. that process presumably is going _ the house as a whole. that process presumably is going to _ the house as a whole. that process presumably is going to take - the house as a whole. that process presumably is going to take a - the house as a whole. that process presumably is going to take a long | presumably is going to take a long time, and if for example, the conservatives are trying to deal with the mp accused of watching pornography in the commons, does the chief whip have the alternative option ofjust taking action directly himself? i option ofjust taking action directly himself? option ofjust taking action directl himself? ., , , ., directly himself? i absolutely do. the process _ directly himself? i absolutely do. the process is — directly himself? i absolutely do. the process is completely - the process is completely confidential and we won't even know if a complaint has been made and if it is being dealt with under that system or not because nothing is said about that. it is confidential for both the complainant and the person accused. but absolutely, as if an mp did anything else, the conservative party, in this case, that they found it unacceptable, it is up to them to decide if they want to withdraw the whip or do anything else. , ~ to withdraw the whip or do anything else. ,., , ~ ., to withdraw the whip or do anything else. , ~ ., ., , ., else. does the mp have any right of a- eal? is else. does the mp have any right of appeal? is it _ else. does the mp have any right of appeal? is it purely _ else. does the mp have any right of appeal? is it purely determined - appeal? is it purely determined within the party hierarchy? each -a has within the party hierarchy? each party has its _ within the party hierarchy? each party has its own _ within the party hierarchy? eacn party has its own disciplinary systems and i can't actually tell you what the appeals system is within the conservative party but there is a formal system within the commons system which is built in, if you have grounds to appeal, and even the complainant or the person who complained, they can lodge a formal appeal. {in complained, they can lodge a formal a- eal. . complained, they can lodge a formal aueal. ., , ., ., appeal. on a separate matter, we heard the labour— appeal. on a separate matter, we heard the labour mp _ appeal. on a separate matter, we heard the labour mp liam - appeal. on a separate matter, we heard the labour mp liam byrne. appeal. on a separate matter, we - heard the labour mp liam byrne being sanctioned. that process took a long time, and on the face of it, from the details, the complaint seems almost petty, and it is not clear what has happened, but is it the case that we don't necessarily get the full details? it is case that we don't necessarily get the full details?— the full details? it is only when the full details? it is only when the case goes _ the full details? it is only when the case goes through - the full details? it is only when the case goes through to - the full details? it is only when the case goes through to the l the case goes through to the independent expert panel, then you get a full report as we did recently on the behaviour ofjohn bercow and we had a full report at that point. what we have with liam byrne is the details of what he has been sanctioned for doing and the sanctioned for doing and the sanction that has been imposed. fik. sanction that has been imposed. ok. thanks for sanction that has been imposed. 0k. thanks forjoining us. the headlines on bbc news... the un chief antonio guterres is in kyiv to meet president zelensky. as he visits scenes of alleged war crimes — he says russia must cooperate with the international criminal court. the death of four members of one family in south london — a man has appeared in court charged with murder. an investigation has found that former labour cabinet mininster liam byrne breached parliamentary bullying rules and recommends he is suspended from the commons for two days. a 28—year—old man has appeared in court charged with murder — after four members of a family were found stabbed at a property in south london, on monday. our home affairs correspondent tom symonds is at westminster magistrates�* court. it has been a very swift police investigation and it was a quick court hearing just a couple of minutes this morning, as it is quite normal in the situation, and the defendantjoshua jacques stood up in the dock wearing a prison uniform, and he confirmed his full name. he gave his date of birth, he is 28. and he gave his address in south london. he was simply told that the next stage of the criminal process will be for his case to be heard at the old bailey on the 3rd of may. this is the first hearing since the events of early on monday morning when neighbours of the family in this area of bermondsey heard screaming in the middle of the night and called the police and the police arrived and broke into the house and they found that few members of the same family had been stabbed to death. they were dolet hill, denton burke, her partner, tanysha 0fori—akuffo, who was a5, and samantha drummonds who was 27. joshua jacques is charged with all four of those murders. since this happened there have been tributes paid to the family and we spoke to the niece of dolet hill and she said her aunt was a very loving and kind and generous person who would do anything for you. she worked for the guy's and st thomas is nhs foundation trust who made a statement saying she was an active union member and a well respected colleague who had helped to improve the workplace in that nhs trust. thanks forjoining us. the mother of a 7—year—old boy found dead in a freezing garden after an asthma attack has been jailed for 20 years — after being convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence. hakeem hussain was found lifeless at the home in birmingham in november 2017. a court heard laura heath had prioritised her drug addiction over caring for him. england's worst performing mental health trust has been told it must improve after failing another inspection. the norfolk and suffolk nhs foundation trust has again been rated inadequate by the care quality commission. the trust has apologised, but local campaigners claim at least 1,000 lives have been lost because of poor services — and that more are now at risk. 0ur health correspondent sophie hutchinson reports. abigail henry loves performing in the privacy of her own bedroom but she struggles with her mental health and has attempted suicide many times. it's got to be about 15 times that her life has seriously been in danger. her mum says things got worse when the mental health trust stopped the support in the community and last year abigail was rushed to the hospital with an overdose but rather than being treated in a psychiatric unit she ended up being sedated in intensive care. there wasn't any beds available locally and so they kept her under sedation for six days because the intensive care unit was the only safe place to keep her. abigail's care comes under the norfolk and suffolk mental health trust, the worst performing trust in the country. today, hospital inspectors rated it inadequate once again. they found that care on the psychiatric ward for children and young people had deteriorated so severely it had to be closed to new admissions. that support in the community for children and young people and adults was inadequate. and that crisis care was so poor it was putting patients at risk. local campaigners and bereaved families estimate over the past nine years 1,000 patients have died unnecessarily. caroline aldridge's son tim was bipolar and had complex needs. he died in 201a while waiting for an appointment at the age of 30. i find it really heartbreaking to sit with people who are newly bereaved and people find their way to me and hear their stories of how they've just lost someone really precious to them and know that that was utterly preventable. i continue to apologise for people who have not got the service they want. that's not the reason why any of us come into work every day. i don't want to put forward excuses of why that's the case, i want to absolutely focus on what do we need to do now to make this better so people get the services they are entitled to. this is the fourth time in eight years that the norfolk and suffolk trust has been rated inadequate. time and time again efforts to improve care have failed. there are now undoubtedly big questions for ministers here about the trust's future and about how long it can be allowed to keep putting patients at risk. how, mr speaker, can i make it clear to the secretary of state for health that enough is enough and that he must take direct control of this failing service, provide emergency funding to do so, and rebuild it from the bottom up with patience and hard working dedicated staff who work in that service. inspectors say they'll return to the trust in the next few months and warn if there is no improvement further action will be taken. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. with high pressure across the uk it is another largely dry out there and a you showers around in the northern isles and into the far north—east of scotland and from the thickest cloud of parts of lincolnshire and east anglia you might see a bit of drizzle. hazy brightness in wales and the south—west but otherwise a lot of cloud out there and temperatures are struggling to reach 15. into tonight, may be a show into east anglia and south—east england and into the northern isles in the far north of scotland, but elsewhere it becomes increasingly clear overnight and a chance of a touch of frost in northern ireland, southern scotland and northern england into the morning. a bright and sunny day on friday and amongst patchy cloud, the thickest cloud will hold on to east anglia and the south—east and it will feel rather cool here. in the sunny spells elsewhere, it will feel a bit warmer. hello, this is bbc news with geeta guru—murthy. the headlines at 3pm: ——the headlines... the un chief, antonio guterres is in kyiv to meet president zelensky. as he visits scenes of alleged war crimes. he says russia must cooperate with the international criminal court. more than half a million ukrainian civilians have been forcibly deported to russia. the bbc hears first—hand accounts from some of those taken. an investigation has found that former labour cabinet mininster, liam byrne breached parliamentary bullying rules and recommends he is suspended from the commons for two days. allegations of sexism in westminster — a labour mp alleges that inappropriate comments were made to her by a member of the shadow cabinet. it comes after two female conservative mps claimed they saw a male colleague watching pornography in the commons. and england's mens cricket has a new captain — ben stokes has been named test captain, succeeding joe root. we will be talking a bit more about the cricket and sport, let's get more from the bbc sport centre and here is 0llie. good afternoon. ben stokes says it's an honour to become the england test captain. the 30—year—old all—rounder has been capped 79 times at test level since making his debut in 2013 and had been vice—captain. he takes over from joe root who stood down earlier this month after five years in the role. a terrible run of results he had overseen in recent years. root, who is expected to retain his place in the side, posted this on social media — "always got each other�*s backs. congratulations mate, i'll be right with you every step of the way". here's our sports correspondentjoe wilson. the man approaching is the cricketer who stepped back from his sport last year to restore his well—being. the man who is now england captain. it's ben stokes. and, well, he does everything. there was his trial. he was cleared of affray in 2018 after the brawl in bristol. there was his monumental innings to beat australia the following summer at headingley. ben stokes. he was sports personality of the year. stokes is unquestionably england's best all—round cricketer, but is being capped in two too much? well, here's a man who led england in 32 test matches. 0riginally, i would have said that ben is so important to the team just as a figure, as a presence in that dressing room. i think now there are two things — one he's more mature. i know he's had problems in the last couple of years and hopefully we all hope he is through those completely. he's done thejob in bits and pieces. he's done it temporarily before. he's captained the one day side and he's looked good doing it, so i think and hope he's ready for it. each cricket generation produces a charismatic all—rounder. ian botham was captain briefly. didn't work. same goes for andrew flintoff. free spirits can be restrained by responsibility. england need ben stokes at his very best. he's got the respect of the dressing room. he has been a leader in that for the last however long he's been in it, almost coming as a young man, he was someone that people follow. he's not one of these great players who just goes off and does his own thing. he is someone that is constantly thinking about the people around him and how he can make them better. and i think they're alljust great traits for being a captain, really. to haul england up from rock bottom — after all ben stokes has done his hardest work starts now. joe wilson, bbc news. rugby union news now. emily scarratt will captain england in the absence of the injured sarah hunter for this weekend's women's six nations grand slam decider in france. scarratt, who won her 100th cap last time out, says she'll be treating the game like a world cup final in front of the sell—out crowd in bayonnes. england have won the last three meetings against the french, but never by more than four points. number eight, poppy cleall, a replacement last week, is the only change to the 15, coming into the side for hunter. although she did pick up a calf injury against ireland but she's expected to be fit. the first of the snooker world championship semi—finals are under way at the crucible in sheffield. it is the fourth frame, the 29 championjudd trump has made a terrific start, winning the first three frames against the three—time winner mark williams. trump looking to replicate his win three years ago. it is the first to 17 at this stage. this evening, that is the real cat eye catching semifinal, six time winner ronnie 0'sullivan taking on four—time winnerjohn higgins. all four players in the semifinals of the former world champions. you can carry on watching that on bbc two. should you so wish. i will be back in the next hour with an update. thank you, 0llie. more now on ben stokes being named england test captain, taking overfrom joe root. all—rounder stokes has scored 5,061 runs and taken 17a wickets in 79 tests and had been vice—captain across two spells since 2017. joe root stepped down after five years in charge, having led england in a record 6a tests. stokes' first test as permanent england captain will be against world champions new zealand at lord's on 2nd june. with me now is the cricket commentator and former england player isa guha. thank you forjoining us. is it stokes the right man for the job? absolutely hears. he is the most obvious choice. there was not a lot else, to be fair, but at the age of 30, i think it is a wonderful moment for him to be able to take over. i think previously, it was a case friendship withjoe root think previously, it was a case friendship with joe root and friendship withjoe root and while he was leader, he did not want to take that spot, but what he moment for him. the rest of his family and for him. the rest of his family and for english cricket as well. it has had a bit of in the format any couple of years and undertake —— hit a better valeau. he couple of years and undertake -- hit a better valeau.— a better valeau. he plays all three es of a better valeau. he plays all three types of cricket. — a better valeau. he plays all three types of cricket, he _ a better valeau. he plays all three types of cricket, he has _ a better valeau. he plays all three types of cricket, he has a - a better valeau. he plays all three | types of cricket, he has a batsmen, bowlers, is the workload just going to be manageable? taking on the captaincy for test cricket to? that was always _ captaincy for test cricket to? that was always the — captaincy for test cricket to? that was always the question with ben stokes. no other team in the world plays as many tests, so it is probably the most demanding job in world cricket to be the test captain of england, so when you think about seven test matches this summer, they have already played four, three at the end of the year, it is a massive, massive year, 17 tests played last year, i will ben stokes manage that workload? they will be plenty of conversations, share, between him and at the new managing director about how he does manage that workload. but at this stage of his career, he has achieved so much any limited overs format that he can probably take a bit more of a break from that and focus on the longer form. there is obviously a t20 world cup in october and an absolutely certain that your mark and would love to have ben stokes as part of that squad, but these will have to dash my conversations will have to happen in the last couple of months —— eoin morgan would love to have him on that squad. captaincy is as much the people as it is the tactics of the game and people around him will absolutely follow him, he has the respect of the dressing room already. it was never a case of whether he could be captain or not, it was just a case of that workload and managing all those physical pressures as well. he and managing all those physical pressures as well.— hugely charismatic, exciting player that absolutely grips people when they're watching him, but in terms of his own character, we have seen a bit of an evolution. he has had his own demons in the past. i was behind him? j own demons in the past. i was behind him? ., , ~' ., ., , own demons in the past. i was behind him? ., , ,, ., ., , ., him? i actually think that leads to uuite a him? i actually think that leads to quite a strong _ him? i actually think that leads to quite a strong leader, _ him? i actually think that leads to quite a strong leader, to - him? i actually think that leads to quite a strong leader, to be - him? i actually think that leads to l quite a strong leader, to be honest. all the experiences he has had and yes, it has been a roller—coaster. you think back to the events in bristol back in 2017, coming back into the fold 2019, the headingley medical, winning the world cup at lord's. in quite ridiculous circumstances. —— headingley miracle. and at the loss of his father, grieving his father and taking time out of the game to focus on his mental health last year, i think it all leads to him as a character and the ability for the rest of his team to be able to relate to him. he has tremendous empathy and that understanding of his players about gets the best out of them, but has a talismanic character as well, i think he will lead from the front. he will have his own ideas, he has a very brave attacking sort of player, very positive. and that can be very inspirational when you're trying to through a new cycle, and this england team very much in transition as well, trying to find the best 11. they have players who will be coming back in, but it is leading this younger players —— younger group of players back in this new cycle. there is a change in some bakers in the management structure in england at the moment but with some of ian botham in the past, you have this charismatic brilliant all—rounder and he was a spurn of too much pressure on the wrong kind of pressures put on them when they become test captain. what is the... not want to lose one of the best players? not want to lose one of the best -la ers? ., .., ., not want to lose one of the best -la ers? ., ., , not want to lose one of the best laers? ., ., , ,, ., players? communication is essential. with ben stokes, _ players? communication is essential. with ben stokes, he _ players? communication is essential. with ben stokes, he still _ players? communication is essential. with ben stokes, he still has - players? communication is essential. with ben stokes, he still has joe - with ben stokes, he still hasjoe root there as his ally and i'm sure he'll be supporting him as much as possible. and that communication with rob key to say, i need more support or i need to take this time out so i can really focus on what i'm doing here to get the best out of myself and the best out of my team. and i think at this age, he has had that experience, that ability to kind of, i guess, figure out what he wants from this team. and what he wants from english cricket. and i think he is at this stage now where he can absolutely do that. . ., stage now where he can absolutely do that. ., ,, , ., stage now where he can absolutely do that. ., ~' , ., , stage now where he can absolutely do that. ., ,, i. , . stage now where he can absolutely do that. . ,, ,, , . ., stage now where he can absolutely do that. ., ,, i. , . ., i. that. thank you very much for your time. that. thank you very much for your time- and — that. thank you very much for your time- and your— that. thank you very much for your time. and your expertise _ that. thank you very much for your time. and your expertise today, i time. and your expertise today, thank you. let's return now to the conflict in ukraine, where the government says more than 500,000 of its civilians have been forcibly deported to russia, including 120,000 children. moscow claims they are willingly moving to russia. 0ur correspondent yogita limaye has been hearing from the families of some of those taken captive by russian forces — and civilians who've been returned from russia on prisoner exchanges, who all deny those claims by russia. still in disbelief that he's back home. volodymyr khropun, a red cross volunteer, was deported to russia, captured as he was evacuating people from war hit areas near kyiv. translation: we were beaten j with rifles, punched and kicked. they blindfolded us and tied our hands with tape. they used tasers and kept asking for information about the military. after six days in a crowded basement in ukraine, we were taken to belarus. they thought we couldn't see, but i saw our car crossing the border. he showed us the identity slip made for him there. it's issued by the military of the russian federation. and what does it say on the top? from belarus, he says, they were driven to a russian prison. when we went to the plant, we found evidence of men being taken. this is the basement at chernobyl, where 169 ukrainian national guard were held for weeks when it was occupied. other staff saw them being taken from here by russian forces as they withdrew from northern ukraine. in a village nearby, we met the family of one of the missing men. we're hiding their identities to protect them. the guard's wife last spoke to him on the 31st of march, just before he was taken. "he told me, i am 0k physically, but not emotionally. "i could hear the anxiety in his voice," she said. "our son keeps asking where his father is. "he's very worried and he's scared that i might disappear too, "so he keeps following me around everywhere". from different parts of ukraine, we've spoken to the families of more than a dozen civilians who have been taken. only a few have been released. most are yet to return. this includes a family of four with two young children, who've managed to contact their relatives here to say they're not being allowed to leave russia. the kremlin says civilians are willingly going across the border. but everything we've heard strongly contradicts those claims. ukraine's prosecutor general iryna venediktova says they're hearing testimony of war crimes from the people who've returned. we interview everyone who can come back from russian federation or from occupied territories. almost all of them were tortured in russian prisons. and again, we have a case about the departure of children, only children, from the donetsk region to the russian federation, and for me as a prosecutor it's very important. and as the war rages on in ukraine's east and south, every day there are new reports of people being forced into russia. yogita limaye, bbc news, kyiv. streaming services are set to be regulated by 0fcom for the first time under new government proposals. netflix, disney+, amazon prime video and other streamers will be given new rules that will bring them in line with traditional broadcasters. the culture secretary said the move would protect audiences from harmful material. the government's also publishing its plans for the sale of channel a. they're expected to be detailed in a white paper later today. let's now speak with philippa childs, who is head of bectu — the broadcasting, entertainment, communications and theatre union. thank you forjoining us. from what we know, are there any positives in this announcement?— we know, are there any positives in this announcement? there are one or two little nuggets _ this announcement? there are one or two little nuggets that _ this announcement? there are one or two little nuggets that people - this announcement? there are one or two little nuggets that people were i two little nuggets that people were welcome, i think, two little nuggets that people were welcome, ithink, so two little nuggets that people were welcome, i think, so the one you just described about regulation. i think to even the playing field, i think to even the playing field, i think that will be welcomed, that is some interesting stuff about sports events that i think people will also welcome. i think there is nothing like a world cup wimbledon to bring the nation together and if more people are able to see those, i think that is a positive thing. but the highlight, i suppose, or the low light, as far as we are concerned, in the white paper is the commitment to sell channel a. which is really disappointing. the government conducted a consultation around this. 96% of those who responded said that they did not want to see a change in the status of channel a, which is a hugely successful broadcaster with a unique remit which supports a thriving independent production sent to sector and are directly invest £12 billion into the uk production industry, creating something like 10,000 jobs in the supply chain, of which a third are in the nation's and regions —— nations and regions. so we are saying channel a is a huge success as it currently stands and this is about political ideology, not about what is best for the future of channel a. not about what is best for the future of channel 4.— not about what is best for the future of channel 4. future of channel a. when you see olitical future of channel 4. when you see political ideology, _ future of channel 4. when you see political ideology, you _ future of channel 4. when you see political ideology, you mean - future of channel 4. when you see| political ideology, you mean what? conservative party concerns about channel a news content? 0r conservative party concerns about channel a news content? or what? what else in channel a would they be worried about?— worried about? well, 'ust think the government — worried about? well, 'ust think the government thinks _ worried about? well, just think the government thinks that _ worried about? well, just think the government thinks that private - government thinks that private sector is good and public sector is not necessarily the way to go. we have seen that, haven't we, in terms of the announcement about a review of the announcement about a review of the announcement about a review of the bbc�*s funding and, actually, i think that as a country, we should be very proud of our public sector broadcasting providers and that we should protect them. they are envied around the world and... but if should protect them. they are envied around the world and. . ._ around the world and... but if there is enou:h around the world and... but if there is enough regulation, _ around the world and... but if there is enough regulation, you _ around the world and... but if there is enough regulation, you can - is enough regulation, you can protect the content, can can't you? and potentially this could bring in and potentially this could bring in a lot more money.— and potentially this could bring in a lot more money. well, i think we are very concerned _ a lot more money. well, i think we are very concerned about _ a lot more money. well, i think we are very concerned about what - a lot more money. well, i think we are very concerned about what it i are very concerned about what it will mean for the independent production sector, notjust ourselves, actually, but those who represent independent producers in channel a are concerned about the sector. i think there is more value keeping it in the public sector and the creative industries have been through a very difficult time through a very difficult time through the pandemic and at the last thing that it needs is a further upheaval. what are your thoughts on how this might affect jobs for bectu members and, more broadly, for audiences, how do you think channel 4 audiences, how do you think channel a might change a? and why are you concerned it might necessarily be worth? i think channel a has the ability to take risk and it has produced over the years are some really interesting content. i'm just concerned that if it is swallowed up by another existing company, possibly from the uk or abroad, that it willjust become like many others and will not keep its unique outlook and will not keep its unique outlook and content, i suppose. and and will not keep its unique outlook and content, isuppose. and in and will not keep its unique outlook and content, i suppose. and in terms of bectu members, obviously we will be concerned for people who work for channel a, be concerned for people who work for channela, but be concerned for people who work for channel a, but more importantly as well, it is the people who comedy freelancers who work for the dependent production sector who we are really concerned about —— the people, the freelancers who work for the independent production sector. we are concerned that some of the smaller independents will go under if they are unable to bridge us for channel a. but if they are unable to bridge us for channel 4-— if they are unable to bridge us for channela. �* , ., , ., channel a. but there is nothing you can do to resist _ channel a. but there is nothing you can do to resist this? _ channel a. but there is nothing you can do to resist this? it _ channel a. but there is nothing you can do to resist this? it is - channel a. but there is nothing you can do to resist this? it is coming, | can do to resist this? it is coming, presumably quest might there are lots of voices opposing this and we will continue to be a voice that is lobbying against this change. and to highlight how important channel a is and why it should remain in public hands. philippa childs, head of a bectu, thank you very much indeed. there is just one week to go until voters across the uk go to the polls. voters in england, wales, and scotland will pick who they want to run services that affect everyday life in their local area. those in northern ireland will choose its government. ahead of the vote, we will be profiling some of the key contests in the uk's four nations. today we're looking at england. and my colleague luxmy gopaljoins us from the town centre in newcastle—under—lyme in staffordshire. yes, iam yes, i am at a food bank at the congregational church in newcastle—under—lyme and behind me volunteers are gathering items to pack up and a bag up for people to collect. we have all seen our grocery bills go up, haven't we? with inflation at record levels and the demand for this food bank has arisen. we will be speaking to one of the project managers injust arisen. we will be speaking to one of the project managers in just a moment, but energy bills have gone up moment, but energy bills have gone up to and some people are having to choose between eating and heating. we can speak now to adam scorer, who is the chief executive of the campaign group, national energy action. thank you for being with us, adam. i'm not sure if you can hear miller, adam, but first question to you is, how severe is the situation facing people question my extraordinarily severe for many people it is the unavoidable priority in their lives, not only going to vote. taste priority in their lives, not only going to vote-— priority in their lives, not only auoin to vote. ~ ., ., , going to vote. we know the energy rice crisis going to vote. we know the energy price crisis that _ going to vote. we know the energy price crisis that we _ going to vote. we know the energy price crisis that we have _ going to vote. we know the energy price crisis that we have had - going to vote. we know the energy price crisis that we have had is - going to vote. we know the energy price crisis that we have had is the | price crisis that we have had is the biggest and longest in living memory, we have about 6.5 million households in philby overtake having to pay 10% of their income just to keep warm. we know one in four people unable to afford the bills —— households are having to pay. and adam, given that wholesale gas prices have gone up everywhere, what is the solution to this question like i know it is not an easy one to answer briefly, but what you think needs to happen?— answer briefly, but what you think needs to happen? there are three thins needs to happen? there are three things that — needs to happen? there are three things that have _ needs to happen? there are three things that have to _ needs to happen? there are three things that have to happen. - needs to happen? there are three things that have to happen. the i things that have to happen. the urgent and immediate one is i'm afraid government has to find ways to get money into the pockets are of the energy bills are people in the lowest incomes. we have to reset the regulation of the energy market so greatest protection is provided to the people who are most vulnerable to these price shocks. the long—term solution is to insulate people from the shocks of these commodity price movement by and saluting their homes. we have some of the least energy efficient homes in europe, they lose heat faster than almost anyone else people can use less, pay less, or less. and have a better quality of life if our housing stock was much better, that is really important for people who are susceptible to the cold. and as we get to winter, when the heating season comes back, it is not going tojust be a season comes back, it is not going to just be a cost of living crisis, it will be a cost in lives. so it is urgent they have that long—term solution as well. urgent they have that long-term solution as well.— urgent they have that long-term solution as well. adam, thank you for “oininr solution as well. adam, thank you forjoining us- _ solution as well. adam, thank you forjoining us. that _ solution as well. adam, thank you forjoining us. that is _ solution as well. adam, thank you forjoining us. that is adam - solution as well. adam, thank you | forjoining us. that is adam scorer, chief executive of the campaign group national energy action. 0ne group national energy action. one aspect of the cost of living crisis, and another is food prices. we will speak now to the project manager of six food banks in this area, jane baker. what changes have you seen any food banks in this area? if rare any food banks in this area? if we com are any food banks in this area? if we compare the _ any food banks in this area? if we compare the figures _ any food banks in this area? if we compare the figures to _ any food banks in this area? if we compare the figures to the - any food banks in this area? if we: compare the figures to the last any food banks in this area? if he compare the figures to the last five years, we have seen a 57% increase just in this last year, january begley, 22% up on the same period two years ago before the pandemic. ——january and two years ago before the pandemic. —— january and february. we are seeing an exhilarating need now. find seeing an exhilarating need now. and ou're seeing an exhilarating need now. and you're seeing people come here for the first time? we you're seeing people come here for the first time?— the first time? we are seeing -- accelerating _ the first time? we are seeing -- accelerating it _ the first time? we are seeing -- accelerating it now. _ the first time? we are seeing -- accelerating it now. we - the first time? we are seeing -- accelerating it now. we are - the first time? we are seeing -- i accelerating it now. we are seeing people in and out of work, but lots of people are finding themselves in the situation very first time those up the situation very first time those up it must be quite harrowing, some of the stories people come to you with. 0h, of the stories people come to you with. oh, yeah, we have heard of people who do not have the fridge at home so they do not want anything that needs to be stored in the fridge, people who cannot charge mobile phone so they can't access services to help them so we are looking at a rapid and support as well as providing the food parcel. and briefly, you grew up in this area, lived here all your life, what is your priority? what issues will be on your mind as you go to the vote next week? it is be on your mind as you go to the vote next week?— vote next week? it is not right --eole vote next week? it is not right people have — vote next week? it is not right people have not _ vote next week? it is not right people have not got _ vote next week? it is not right people have not got enough i vote next week? it is not right - people have not got enough money to buy these essentials, food and heating, so i will be looking for people who will be working to help people out in that so they're going to strengthen the social security system so provides people enough to afford the essentials. it is not right we have great community support, and amazing wealth of volunteers, but it is not right that we are putting food on people's tables. j we are putting food on people's tables. .., , we are putting food on people's tables. , , ., we are putting food on people's tables. , , :, :, we are putting food on people's tables. , , :, ., , tables. i can see you getting a bit emotional- _ tables. i can see you getting a bit emotional- i— tables. i can see you getting a bit emotional. i know, _ tables. i can see you getting a bit emotional. i know, i— tables. i can see you getting a bit emotional. i know, i know. - tables. i can see you getting a bit emotional. i know, i know. it- tables. i can see you getting a bit emotional. i know, i know. it is. emotional. i know, i know. it is really hard _ emotional. i know, i know. it is really hard when _ emotional. i know, i know. it is really hard when you _ emotional. i know, i know. it is really hard when you hear- emotional. i know, i know. it is. really hard when you hear people's stories and talk to people face—to—face and they are really struggling. they do not find it easy to walk into a fed bank. they are just embarrassed. some people do not even ask for the help so we want people to know we are here, we can help. but we also want to work with the trussell trust and campaign for change so we do not end up in the situation forever.— change so we do not end up in the situation forever. thank you, jane, for speaking _ situation forever. thank you, jane, for speaking to _ situation forever. thank you, jane, for speaking to us _ situation forever. thank you, jane, for speaking to us and _ situation forever. thank you, jane, for speaking to us and your - for speaking to us and your volunteers were doing a greatjob. jane, baker, the project managerfor the sberbank and five others in the area, part of the newcastle staffs food group —— for this food bank. we will be talking to more people in the running to the council elections and holding a panel with candidates from the main political parties and putting these issues to them. thank you very much indeed, we will see you in the coming hours. and we'll be live across the uk in the coming weeks — with special coverage of the election campaigns. for full details of the elections in your area — go to the bbc news website. in the politics section, you can enter your postcode and get all the details. that's all at bbc.co. uk/news. the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall have visited the bbc�*s headquarters here at broadcasting house. prince charles and camilla met staff earlier today to mark the 90th anniversary of the bbc world service. they were shown how the bbc is maintaning operations across ukraine, russia and afghanistan in order to provide first—hand reports from conflicts. now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. hello. whilst most of us woke up to cloudy skies this morning, a bonus feature overnight which may have kept some awake — but in a good way — where skies were clear, especially in aberdeenshire, well, a view of the northern lights that were on show. and this is where, of course, after some clear skies overnight, we had most of the early sunshine, whereas the earlier satellite picture indicates where we had all of this cloud. and quite a lot of this is hanging on through the day, just some hazy sunny spells coming through. despite all of that cloud, though, most of us are not going to see any rain because it's high pressure right across the uk at the moment. there are just a few showers around towards the far north of scotland and northern ireland, and maybe from the thickest cloud in yorkshire and down towards east anglia, you may see a little drizzle. the cloud holding on for many. south wales and southern england, it will thin at times to allow some hazy brightness to come through, as it will in northern ireland. the further north you are in northern england and across southern parts of scotland, where we started with the sunshine in northern scotland, some cloud building. for the most part, temperatures close to the mid—teens, but it will feel really quite cool with the thickest cloud, especially across the eastern side of england, and maybe just get one or two showers running down towards the south—east overnight and into north—east scotland where we're expecting cloudier skies. a chance of frost, where it's clear, will be towards northern ireland, into northern england and southern scotland. this is how your friday is shaping up, and actually it does look like a brighter, sunnier day across many areas, though still a lot of cloud across east anglia and the south—east, whereas elsewhere a better chance of seeing the sunshine. some cloud building, squeezing out a few showers in central and eastern parts of scotland. and whilst overall it's looking like a warmer day tomorrow, with the clouds towards east anglia and the south—east, this is where temperatures will be on the cool side again, a little breeze too. now, a change into the weekend. look at this, low pressure, weather fronts. that is rain heading our way. of course, it is welcome in many places, though it has to be timed for the weekend, doesn't it? it does look as if on saturday we will see some rain gradually pushing in across more of scotland and northern ireland during the day, eventually into parts of northern england, whereas the rest of england and wales, the clouds going to increase, there'll be some sunny spells and this is where we'll see the higher temperatures — up to around 17 degrees, for example, in hulland london. that all weakens, that rain, as it moves south overnight and into sunday. still some patchy rain left on sunday and a lot of cloud left behind for the bank holiday. this is bbc news. the headlines: the un chief antonio guterres is in kyiv to meet president zelensky. as he visits scenes of alleged war crimes — he says russia must cooperate with the international criminal court. the war is an absurdity in the 21st—century. the war is evil. allegations of sexism in westminster — a labour mp alleges that inappropriate comments were made to her by a member of the shadow cabinet. it comes after two female conservative mps claimed they saw a male colleague watching pornography in the commons. there pornography in the commons. are some bad apple like there are some bad apples who behave like animals and are bringing parliament into disrepute. the death of four members of one family in south london — a man has appeared in court charged with murder. england's mens cricket has a new captain — ben stokes has been named test captain, succeeding joe root and coming up, a new treatment for a tremor condition that affects more than one million people in the uk is now available on the nhs — we'll find out morejust after 3:30. the united nations chief antonio guterres has denounced war in the 21st century as an "absurdity", as he saw for himself the devastation inflicted on ukraine by russia's invasion. he's been visiting towns, including bucha, where the russians are accused of war crimes. my colleague ben brown is in kyiv. hello from kyiv. antonio guterres is here, looking at the places that have been damaged by the places that have been damaged by the russians, places like irpin. he seemed pretty shocked by what he saw and heard, he said the war is evil and heard, he said the war is evil and it is an absurdity in the 21st century. the russian leader vladimir putin has warned that countries that try to intervene in this conflict in ukraine will face in his words military retaliation. united nations secretary—general will meet president zelensky in talks that are expected to start quite soon in kyiv. those talks are expected to focus in particular on how to establish safe humanitarian corridors to evacuate thousands of desperate civilians from places like the besieged city of mariupol. including those who are trapped underground there in the steelworks where they are with ukrainian fighters. 0ur correspondent has this report. this is the trip the ukrainians said should have come first. borodyanka is thought to be the scene of russian war crimes. much of the city was destroyed by artillery. over the last few weeks, a1 more bodies have been pulled from this rubble. when i see those destroyed buildings, i imagine my family in one of those houses that is now destroyed and black. i see my granddaughters running away in panic, part of the family eventually killed. so, the war is an absurdity in the 21st—century. the war is evil. and it is in bucha where some of the worst crimes were allegedly committed. antonio guterres visited the site of a mass grave found after the russian withdrawal. this trip is not about finding a solution to the wider conflict. no one thinks that is on the table. but there is talk of opening a humanitarian corridor secured by the un to get people out of the azovstal steelworks. the last holdout of ukrainian resistance in the besieged city of mariupol. but this is increasingly notjust a war taking place inside ukraine. moscow has cut off gas supplies to two eu nations. there are fears of escalation in a pro—russian breakaway region of moldova. the kremlin has even raised the spectre of nuclear war. translation: if anyone from the outside intends to interfere in what is happening, then they should know this — if they create threats for us, threats of a strategic nature, our retaliation, our counter strike, will be instantaneous. over the last few days there have been a series of fires and explosions inside russia's borders. it has not been officially established what was behind them, but for the uk government, oil depots, arms dumps and logistical hubs would be legitimate targets. it is perfectly right for ukraine to use those weapons to defend itself and part of defending itself in this type of invasion is obviously where ukraine will go after the supply lines of the russian army. we seem to be reaching a crucial stage in this war. not necessarily on the battlefield but in diplomatic terms. the rhetoric from all sides has been heating up and there is now a real risk that this could spiral in a way that nobody can predict. antonio guterres will want to do everything he can to avoid that but it will not be an easy task. joe inwood, bbc news, kyiv. i'm joined now by the ukrainian mp kira rudyk. thanks forjoining us. we have got the united nations secretary—general here and he is meeting president zelensky today, what do you think his visit can achieve? the bare minimum is getting people out from the city of the besieged city of mariupol. i do not believe his visit can achieve peace or persuade putin to stop the atrocities, but the minimum we need right now from the world leaders is to make sure that desperate people from the city of mariupol can get out. and for that we are really thankful to the secretary—general. there have been many attempts to get those people out of mariupol, in particular, with humanitarian corridors but they haven't worked so far for one reason or another. do you think it is possible that the two sides can agree on that? i'm very sceptical. we know that even if there is a political agreement, even if the russians give their word they will let people out, in reality they just cannot ceasefire when the buses are ready. this is even more outstandingly cruel, because can you imagine gathering all those people, women with children who have not eaten for some time and who are in absolute despair, getting on these buses, hoping to have a life, and then they have to return back to almost certain death? that is why i'm very careful with all the hopes we are having right now and all the hopes that we are spreading to the people in mariupol about the possibility to let them out. given that we have been in war with russia for the last eight years we know not to trust them, and we also know that even if there will be agreements and negotiations, they could not execute it on the ground. this is the most dangerous situation. can i ask you about what vladimir putin has said because the rhetoric from russia seems to be even more ferocious and he said countries that intervene in any way in this war in ukraine will face retaliation from russia. he has been threatening the world for a while right now, and my answer to that, he said he would take kyiv in five days, but where did that go? it doesn't change the attempt that we need to be making, to bring more and more weapons to ukraine, putting more sanctions on russia and making sure that russia becomes the new north korea. a country that nobody wants to deal with and nobody wants to have business with. no matter what putin says, our plan needs to remain the same. and it should speed up in this matter. you mentioned weapons and you are getting more weapons and there was a meeting the other day in germany, a0 countries agreeing to send more weapons including heavy weapons. are you satisfied with those promises or do you want more? i am not satisfied with any promises but i will be happy when my people that are fighting, will actually get the weapons and can push the russians back. the promises are great and we have been pushing for that for the last few months but there will be another few weeks before we see the first weapons from these agreements coming into ukraine and then there will be time before we can actually fight with them. right now we are working with the partners on speeding up the logistics and making sure that these promises are realised as soon as possible. as fast and as effective as possible. we heard from the british foreign secretary liz truss saying the british government want to see russian troops pushed out of all of ukraine. by implication including crimea. do you welcome this? yes, this is what all ukrainians want, we want to return to our sovereign country where we do not have russian forces on any of our territory and this is what we will be fighting for. is that realistic, to get russia out of places they have held for years, including crimea? this is our aim and if we have the whole world and all the leaders of the democratic world behind us i do believe this achievement is possible. kira, thanks forjoining us. that was a member of parliament here in ukraine. plenty more from kyiv later including the latest on the talks between the united nations secretary—general and president zelensky. that is it from me. back to the studio in london. a labour mp has spoken out about lewd comments allegedly made to her by a member of the shadow cabinet. the welsh mp, who wants to remain anonymous, said she was described as a "secret weapon" because "women want to be herfriend" and men want to sleep with her. the labour leader sir keir starmer said the claims were "deeply concerning", adding that added he wants to "get to the bottom of this and do something about it". it comes after two conservative mps claimed they saw a male colleague watching pornography in the commons. the claims were made at a meeting on tuesday night, when female conservative mps shared allegations of sexism and harassment in the commons. 0ur political correspondent helen catt said the incidents raised wider issues about the culture in westminster, and highlighted issues with existing procedures for investigating such claims. what we are seeing is the scrutiny on the culture of westminster as a workplace. the defence secretary ben wallace talked about the toxic mix that can be created by long hours, bars and people under pressure but there is the other question about, is it a particularly sexist culture in westminster? there are those who would say that yes, it is. the attorney general suella braverman has been speaking about this. she was talking about her experience but also about the mp who was allegedly watching pornography on his mobile when in the commons chamber. there has been a degree of shock about that. the party whips have suggested that it needs to be sent to the independent process for investigating sexual misconduct, to be investigated. others have said the party should step in and take action now. this is what suella braverman thought should happen. the whip should be removed and i'm ashamed that this person is carrying the conservative rosette and i think they need to be subject to a recall and be no longer holding their privileged position as a member of parliament. my personal experience is that on no occasion have i been made to feel uncomfortable. all the men i have worked with have been respectful, courteous and supportive. but there is a small minority of men, who fall short, and there are some bad apples who behave like animals and who are bringing parliament into disrepute. i don't think we should say it is a pervasive culture, but there are certain individuals who are behaving in an unacceptable way. the question with all these cases is whether people get away with it, if there's going to be a long investigation and it's kicked into the long grass. will anything really change? that is always the question asked. the fact we keep discussing this suggests that in the long term things have not changed in response to these issues when they have come up in the past. with this one, any investigation, the party whips have suggested it needs to go through the formal process, the independent process parliament has for investigating claims of sexual misconduct and bullying. the only way the investigation can be held is if the female mps who witnessed him watching pornography and spoke about it this week were to make a formal complaint to that process, and then it's a long confidential process which can end up in a sanction in the end but it is not something that we would know about in advance. there are these processes and they do take a long time and there will be questions asked in westminster about whether more needs to happen in terms of changing the culture. we're seeing more and more cases come to light in the last few days, since we saw the angela rayner story at the weekend. what is your sense of the way that it is being discussed by mps and those who work in the commons and is there a degree of cross—party unity amongst women? there is cross—party unity not just amongst the women and also across parliament. if you speak to male mps, some are pretty outraged by the idea that one of their colleagues would have been sitting in the commons chamber watching pornography. a lot of them are outraged by that but i think there is a sense of, always a sense amongst female mps that this is something they deal with. a welsh mp fayjones said she described it as being like a death by a thousand paper cuts, that female mps are so used to unacceptable behaviour that they stop noticing it. it's certainly something that has been discussed in the past and is being discussed this week, triggered by the reaction to the article about angela rayner. and i think it will be discussed furtherfor some time. helen catt, there, at westminster. the labour mp liam byrne has been found to have bullied a now former member of staff, and will be suspended from the commons for two days. an investigation found the former cabinet minister and mp for birmingham hodge hill ostracised a then assistant, after a minor office dispute. mr byrne said he had apologised and was "profoundly sorry". the headlines on bbc news... the un chief antonio guterres is in kyiv to meet president zelensky. as he visits scenes of alleged war crimes — he says russia must cooperate with the international criminal court. more than half a million ukrainian civilians have been forcibly deported to russia — the bbc hears first—hand accounts from some of those taken. allegations of sexism in westminster — a labour mp alleges that inappropriate comments were made to her by a member of the shadow cabinet. it comes after two female conservative mps claimed they saw a male colleague watching pornography in the commons. the uk government's social mobility tsar has been criticised for comments implying that girls do not study a—level physics because they would rather not do "hard maths". katharine birbalsingh, who is headteacher of michaela community school in wembley, told mps she was speaking from her own experience, but she's been asked to apologise. joining us now is katharaine birbalsingh, headmistress of michaela community school. you have had a lot of criticism, do you regret those comments and are you regret those comments and are you willing to apologise? i’m you regret those comments and are you willing to apologise?— you willing to apologise? i'm not atoin to you willing to apologise? i'm not going to apologise _ you willing to apologise? i'm not going to apologise because - you willing to apologise? i'm not going to apologise because i - you willing to apologise? i'm not l going to apologise because i spent 20 minutes with the committee explaining to them how i felt we could support girls across the country in choosing stem subjects and i gave them advice that we had used ourselves at our school which is why i then explained that if biology and chemistry a—levels, we have 65% girls taking those a—levels, but i explained in physics thatis a—levels, but i explained in physics that is not the case. what i should have said is that in 2019 our maths department was put at the best in the country and our science department at third in the country and the head of physics is a woman, all of our children take double and triple science or the way to gcse so we have done —— all the way. i talked about bringing in external people and that the government needed to help schools more with this, to talk about their careers, and that you would want to do this in such a way to help the more vulnerable groups. the in such a way to help the more vulnerable groups. in such a way to help the more vulnerable arou s. : :, , ., vulnerable groups. the comments that were icked vulnerable groups. the comments that were picked up — vulnerable groups. the comments that were picked up on _ vulnerable groups. the comments that were picked up on whether _ vulnerable groups. the comments that were picked up on whether fact - vulnerable groups. the comments that were picked up on whether fact that i were picked up on whether fact that you said it was a natural thing that girls did not want to do physics and you thought it was because of harder maths? j you thought it was because of harder maths? ., , ., ., you thought it was because of harder maths? :, , ., ,, ., , maths? i was talking about my school. when _ maths? i was talking about my school. when you _ maths? i was talking about my school. when you have - maths? i was talking about my school. when you have controlj maths? i was talking about my i school. when you have control for thoseissues school. when you have control for those issues that are cultural because of course there are cultural and environmental reasons why girls do not do stem subjects and that is what i have spent 20 minutes talking about with the committee. they asked me specifically about my school and we have controlled for those things here which is why we are so successful with our maths and sciences and then i said, our girls have not chosen physics and they said why, and i said, well, it is the fact that evidence shows that on average girls are more empathetic and boys are more systematic. that is just on average. there are brilliant women scientists and brilliant women scientists and brilliant women scientists and brilliant women physicists and mathematicians and some of them are in my school, like my head of physics, teaching our girls and boys. both girls and boys, sometimes avoid physics because they want to avoid physics because they want to avoid the hard maths, notjust the girls can but they asked me specifically about the girls in that moment so that is what i was explaining. moment so that is what i was explaining-— moment so that is what i was ex-tlainin. :, . explaining. you said new evidence that ou explaining. you said new evidence that you thought _ explaining. you said new evidence that you thought the _ explaining. you said new evidence that you thought the girls - explaining. you said new evidence that you thought the girls were . that you thought the girls were avoiding the hard maths and you said it was a natural thing and asked about the evidence you talked about nationwide evidence, so you are being criticised by the imperial couegein being criticised by the imperial college in london amongst others who have put out critical comments saying that these are outdated and damaging stereotypes that closed the doors on many talented girls and women. ., , doors on many talented girls and women. :, ,, my doors on many talented girls and women. :, ,, ~, .,, doors on many talented girls and women. :, ,, ~, ., , ., women. that is precisely what is not ha ”enin women. that is precisely what is not happening at — women. that is precisely what is not happening at our _ women. that is precisely what is not happening at our school. _ women. that is precisely what is not happening at our school. i _ women. that is precisely what is not happening at our school. i spent - women. that is precisely what is not happening at our school. i spent 20 | happening at our school. i spent 20 mitts giving evidence about what the schools need to do to get the results we get in maths and sciences for girls —— 20 minutes. i spent a long time explaining the details around this, and... you long time explaining the details around this, and...— long time explaining the details around this, and... you think girls are more empathetic _ around this, and... you think girls are more empathetic and - around this, and... you think girls are more empathetic and boys - around this, and... you think girls are more empathetic and boys are more systematic, is there any evidence for that?— more systematic, is there any evidence for that? there is lots of evidence. you _ evidence for that? there is lots of evidence. you can _ evidence for that? there is lots of evidence. you can be _ evidence for that? there is lots of evidence. you can be empathetic| evidence for that? there is lots of. evidence. you can be empathetic and still be really — evidence. you can be empathetic and still be really interested _ evidence. you can be empathetic and still be really interested in _ evidence. you can be empathetic and still be really interested in tough - still be really interested in tough challenging maths and so it is surely about schools and head teachers encouraging girls and saying you can do this. that teachers encouraging girls and saying you can do this.- teachers encouraging girls and saying you can do this. that is what i sent 20 saying you can do this. that is what i spent 20 minutes _ saying you can do this. that is what i spent 20 minutes doing, - saying you can do this. that is what i spent 20 minutes doing, breaking| i spent 20 minutes doing, breaking down the ways we can encourage our girls and that's why we are so successful as a school with regards to that. �* :, , :, :, to that. but not getting girls to do -h sics? to that. but not getting girls to do physics? just _ to that. but not getting girls to do physics? just because _ to that. but not getting girls to do physics? just because you - to that. but not getting girls to do physics? just because you have i to that. but not getting girls to do physics? just because you have a| physics? just because you have a discrepancy _ physics? just because you have a discrepancy does _ physics? just because you have a discrepancy does not _ physics? just because you have a discrepancy does not mean i physics? just because you have a discrepancy does not mean you l physics? just because you have a i discrepancy does not mean you have discrimination. it is true that cultural factors matter, that's what i spent 20 minutes talking about but it isn'tjust i spent 20 minutes talking about but it isn't just that. i spent 20 minutes talking about but it isn'tjust that. there's also what people enjoy and to suggest my girls, those who haven't chosen physics, have not done so because they generally want to do it but somehow they are being forced not to, that is not true. my girls, in an environment where we have controlled those environmental factors, have chosen not to do it. how can you control the environmental factors, how can you control the environmentalfactors, you are not the only influence on them? that is m oint. the only influence on them? that is my point- we _ the only influence on them? that is my point. we brought _ the only influence on them? that is my point. we brought in _ the only influence on them? that is my point. we brought in a - the only influence on them? that is my point. we brought in a lot i the only influence on them? that is my point. we brought in a lot of i my point. we brought in a lot of role models and we have women teaching those subjects we are encouraging children to do any number of different things. notjust girls but minorities. and people from poorer backgrounds for top there's a lot of things here, around teaching methods and discipline, and i think it is wrong to see exact representation of groups but it is right to create an environment where all children can fulfil their potential. all children can fulfil their potential-— all children can fulfil their otential. �* :, �* , potential. but don't your comments to atainst potential. but don't your comments go against that? — potential. but don't your comments go against that? we _ potential. but don't your comments go against that? we have _ potential. but don't your comments go against that? we have heard i potential. but don't your comments. go against that? we have heard from eminent scientists all saying they want more girls to study the subjects and they think your comments are outdated and stereotypical. taste comments are outdated and stereotypical-— comments are outdated and stereotypical. comments are outdated and stereo ical. :, ~ , :, :, stereotypical. we have 6596 of our biolo: stereotypical. we have 6596 of our biology and _ stereotypical. we have 6596 of our biology and chemistry _ stereotypical. we have 6596 of our biology and chemistry and - stereotypical. we have 6596 of our biology and chemistry and they i stereotypical. we have 6596 of our| biology and chemistry and they are girls, so we have got lots of girls doing science. they are all doing double and triple science. taste doing science. they are all doing double and triple science. we are talkin: double and triple science. we are talking about _ double and triple science. we are talking about physics. _ double and triple science. we are talking about physics. i _ double and triple science. we are talking about physics. i think i talking about physics. i think there's something _ talking about physics. i think there's something else i talking about physics. i think there's something else at i talking about physics. i think. there's something else at play talking about physics. i think i there's something else at play and it isn'tjust there's something else at play and it isn't just the there's something else at play and it isn'tjust the environment. i have spent 20 minutes talking about the environment. 50 have spent 20 minutes talking about the environment.— have spent 20 minutes talking about the environment. so what is at play? our itrls the environment. so what is at play? 0ur girls don't _ the environment. so what is at play? our girls don't want _ the environment. so what is at play? our girls don't want to _ the environment. so what is at play? our girls don't want to do _ the environment. so what is at play? our girls don't want to do physics. i 0ur girls don't want to do physics. that is ok. our girls don't want to do physics. that is 0k-— that is ok. why do you think that is? i said there _ that is ok. why do you think that is? i said there are _ that is ok. why do you think that is? i said there are a _ that is ok. why do you think that is? i said there are a variety i that is ok. why do you think that is? i said there are a variety of. is? i said there are a variety of different reasons _ is? i said there are a variety of different reasons and - is? i said there are a variety of different reasons and one i is? i said there are a variety of- different reasons and one possible reason is they don't want to do the hard mathsjust like reason is they don't want to do the hard maths just like the reason is they don't want to do the hard mathsjust like the boys reason is they don't want to do the hard maths just like the boys who haven't chosen physics. but hard mathsjust like the boys who haven't chosen physics.— haven't chosen physics. but the tuestion haven't chosen physics. but the question is _ haven't chosen physics. but the question is why _ haven't chosen physics. but the question is why girls _ haven't chosen physics. but the question is why girls are - haven't chosen physics. but the question is why girls are doing l question is why girls are doing physics less than the boys and you are saying that girls don't like to do tough maths and you think that is natural? :,, do tough maths and you think that is natural? , , . . , :, �* natural? those specific girls don't and i think, _ natural? those specific girls don't and i think, the _ natural? those specific girls don't and i think, the fact _ natural? those specific girls don't and i think, the fact is, _ natural? those specific girls don't and i think, the fact is, evidence. and i think, the fact is, evidence shows girls are more empathetic and boys are more systematic. what shows girls are more empathetic and boys are more systematic.— boys are more systematic. what has that tot to boys are more systematic. what has that got to do _ boys are more systematic. what has that got to do with _ boys are more systematic. what has that got to do with whether - boys are more systematic. what has that got to do with whether you i boys are more systematic. what has that got to do with whether you do l that got to do with whether you do maths or not? challenging maths. well, it does. there is lots of analysis on this about the number of women who end up going into engineering and do any number of stem type professions, all of this has an impact and the environment has an impact and the environment has huge impact which is why i spent 20 minutes talking about that. but to suggest that any discrepancy is always, what you are saying is whenever you have a discrepancy in terms of representation, across groups nationally whenever you have any kind of discrepancy, you are saying that there must be some kind of discrimination involved, and i'm saying that isn't the case. i agree that culture matters and in fact we wrote the book at the school called the power of culture. it is wrote the book at the school called the power of culture.— the power of culture. it is not necessarily — the power of culture. it is not necessarily about _ the power of culture. it is not necessarily about your - the power of culture. it is not necessarily about your schoolj necessarily about your school discriminating and stopping girls but about girls being encouraged and being made to believe they can do that subject. the imperial college and the institute of physics have said you are wrong. you are not going to back down or listen to them? they believe the comments you have made in your role could be damaging for top they have taken the quotes out of context and they are not watching the entire 20 minute statement and they are not looking at the success of my school, they are taking one tiny clip that has been cut in a specific way in order to make it look like i'm saying something that i'm not saying, but what i am saying is that what our school has done, and i said over 20 minutes, talking about how to get girls to choose maths and science, which we have done here, we have done a greatjob. i was giving advice on how to increase that. if you want to cherry pick a quote and put it out there, that is a problem, but we should not do that. we should look at my entire career, which is about opening up access for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and from disadvantaged backgrounds and from vulnerable groups and my career has proved as i said, the top maths department, the third top science department, the third top science department, and my entire career has demonstrated what we are about here and i spent 20 minutes giving advice on how to achieve that elsewhere. for now, thanks forjoining us. a 28 year old man has appeared in court charged with murder — after four members of a family were found stabbed at a property in south london, on monday. earlier i spoke with our home affairs correspondent, tom symonds at westminster magistrates court. it has been a very swift police investigation and it was a quick court hearing just a couple of minutes this morning, as it is quite normal in the situation, and the defendant joshua jacques stood up in the dock wearing a prison uniform, and he confirmed his full name. he gave his date of birth, he is 28. and he gave his address in south london. he was simply told that the next stage of this criminal process will be for his case to be heard at the old bailey on the 3rd of may. this is the first hearing since the events of early on monday morning when neighbours of the family in this area of bermondsey heard screaming in the middle of the night, called the police and the police arrived and broke into the house and they found that four members of the same family had been stabbed to death. they were dolet hill, 6a, denton burke, her partner, 58, tanysha 0fori—akuffo, who was a5, and samantha drummonds who was 27. joshua jacques is charged with all four of those murders. since this happened there have been tributes paid to the family. we spoke to the niece of dolet hill and she said her aunt was a very loving and kind and generous person who would do anything for you. she worked for the guy's and st thomas's nhs foundation trust who made a statement saying she was an active union member and a well respected colleague who had helped to improve the workplace in that nhs trust. tom symonds, there. now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. with high pressure across the uk it is another largely dry day out there. a few showers around in the northern isles and into the far north—east of scotland, and from the thickest cloud of parts of lincolnshire and east anglia you might see a bit of drizzle. hazy brightness in wales and the south—west but otherwise a lot of cloud out there. temperatures struggling to reach 15c. into tonight, may be a shower into east anglia and south—east england and into the northern isles in the far north of scotland, but elsewhere it becomes increasingly clear overnight. a chance of a touch of frost in northern ireland, southern scotland and northern england into the morning. a brighter and sunnier day on friday in amongst some patchy cloud, the thickest cloud will hold on to east anglia and the south—east and it will feel rather cool here. showers in eastern parts of scotland. in the sunny spells elsewhere, it will feel a bit warmer. hello this is bbc news with geeta guru—murthy. the headlines: the un chief, antonio guterres, is in kyiv to meet president zelensky. as he visits scenes of alleged war crimes, he says russia must cooperate with the international criminal court. more than half a million ukrainian civilians have been forcibly deported to russia. the bbc hears first—hand accounts from some of those taken. allegations of sexism in westminster — a labour mp alleges that inappropriate comments were made to her by a member of the shadow cabinet. it comes after two female conservative mps claimed they saw a male colleague watching pornography in the commons. the death of four members of one family in south london — a man has appeared in court charged with murder. and england's men's cricket has a new captain — ben stokes has been named test captain, succeeding joe root. sport and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre, here's 0llie. good afternoon. ben stokes says it's an honour to become the england test captain. the 30—year—old all—rounder has been capped 79 times at test level since making his debut in 2013 and had been vice—captain. he takes over from joe root, who stood down earlier this month after five years in the role. root, who is expected to retain his place in the side, posted this on social media — "always got each other�*s backs. congratulations mate, i'll be right with you every step of the way". here's our sports correspondentjoe wilson. the man approaching is the cricketer who stepped back from his sport last year to restore his well—being. the man who is now england captain. it's ben stokes. and, well, he does everything. there was his trial. he was cleared of affray in 2018 after the brawl in bristol. there was his monumental innings to beat australia the following summer at headingley. ben stokes. he was sports personality of the year. stokes is unquestionably england's best all—round cricketer, but is being capped in two too much? well, here's a man who led england in 32 test matches. 0riginally, i would have said that ben is so important to the team just as a figure, as a presence in that dressing room. i think now there are two things — one he's more mature. i know he's had problems in the last couple of years and hopefully we all hope he is through those completely. he's done thejob in bits and pieces. he's done it temporarily before. he's captained the one day side and he's looked good doing it, so i think and hope he's ready for it. each cricket generation produces a charismatic all—rounder. ian botham was captain briefly. didn't work. same goes for andrew flintoff. free spirits can be restrained by responsibility. england need ben stokes at his very best. he's got the respect of the dressing room. he has been a leader in that for the last however long he's been in it, almost coming as a young man, he was someone that people follow. he's not one of these great players who just goes off and does his own thing. he is someone that is constantly thinking about the people around him and how he can make them better. and i think they're alljust great traits for being a captain, really. to haul england up from rock bottom — after all ben stokes has done, his hardest work starts now. joe wilson, bbc news. spain have been thrown out of next year's rugby world cup in france. they qualified for the tournament last month but were found to have fielded an ineligible player in two matches in the europe rugby championship. the spanish federation say that their south african—born prop gavin van den berg was deemed to be inelgible because of an alleged forged passport. the spanish were due to play in pool b alongside scotland, ireland and the holders south africa. romania are expected to take their place, although the spanish do have the right of appeal. they were also kicked out of the last tournament because of the same offence. let's head back to the snooker and the first of the semifinals at the world championship at the crucible in sheffield. these are live pictures. the 2019 championjudd trump took the first three frames against the three—time winner mark williams. it is now 3—1. it's taken a long time this frame after they have come back from the mid—session interval. trump is at the table now, looks to be snookered in the event behind it like there. it's the first first to 17 at this stage. against four —time winner john higgins 3-1 to 3—1tojudd 3—1 to judd trump 3—1tojudd trump in the first of the world snooker�*s semifinals. that's all the sport for now. i'll have more for you in the next hour. a new treatment for essential tremor — a neurological condition that affects over one million people and is ten times more common than parkinson's disease — is being made fully available on the nhs. a few nhs patients were able to access it until now. the treatment is availble at two hospitals in the uk, the walton centre in liverpool and st mary's hospital in london. jackie farrel is a patient support officer at the national tremor foundation and knows well what it's like living with this neurological condition. thank you forjoining us. just tell the little about what it is like for you to have this tremor condition. for me, i was diagnosed nearly 50 years ago in my 20s and if any of the viewers have essential tremor, it can impact on daily lives, eating, drinking, writing, shopping, and for some people, it can be quite severe, whereas for others it may be mild. but also for myself, i have had to give up my career because of the essential tremor. ththd had to give up my career because of the essential tremor.— the essential tremor. and what is our the essential tremor. and what is your reaction _ the essential tremor. and what is your reaction to _ the essential tremor. and what is your reaction to this _ the essential tremor. and what is your reaction to this news - the essential tremor. and what is your reaction to this news of- the essential tremor. and what is your reaction to this news of the . your reaction to this news of the treatment being made available on the nhs? ~ :, treatment being made available on the nhs? . ., _, treatment being made available on the nhs? ~ :, i. 4' treatment being made available on the nhs? . ., ~ ., , treatment being made available on the nhs? . ., ~ ., y the nhs? would you like to try to? i think for the — the nhs? would you like to try to? i think for the use _ the nhs? would you like to try to? i think for the use of _ the nhs? would you like to try to? i think for the use of this _ the nhs? would you like to try to? i think for the use of this new - think for the use of this new treatment, i think it is wonderful that people have this option because, as i said, some people, their tremors may be mild, but for others it may be quite severe and they cannot manage. you know, even simple tasks at home. for this treatment, it can be quite life changing. and i know of two or three people that have actually had the surgery and it has made a big difference to them. you know, if my tremors get so severe, to something i would consider as well. yes. tremors get so severe, to something i would consider as well.— i would consider as well. yes, we 'ust saw i would consider as well. yes, we just saw one _ i would consider as well. yes, we just saw one gentleman - i would consider as well. yes, we just saw one gentleman pouring . i would consider as well. yes, we | just saw one gentleman pouring a glass of water to get an idea of how something fairly simple is obviously quite difficult. yes. at what point would you consider having this treatment, then? are you worried about it? ., treatment, then? are you worried about it?_ yes? l treatment, then? are you worried about it?_ yes? about it? new treatment? yes? it is, let's 'ust about it? new treatment? yes? it is, let's just say — about it? new treatment? yes? it is, let's just say because _ about it? new treatment? yes? it is, let'sjust say because my _ about it? new treatment? yes? it is, let'sjust say because my tremors i i let's just say because my tremors i can manage, just to let of years now, my tremors are in my hands, head and legs and the treatment is basically for the hand tremors, so it probably would not affect my leg tremors, etc are my head, but as i say, for others, it is basically the option for them to manage their daily lives. option for them to manage their daily lives-— daily lives. ok, jackie farrell, thank you _ daily lives. ok, jackie farrell, thank you very _ daily lives. ok, jackie farrell, thank you very much - daily lives. ok, jackie farrell, thank you very much indeed l daily lives. ok, jackie farrell, i thank you very much indeed for explaining that for us. and keith pearson is the second nhs patient who underwent the treatment and he's with us today to talk about it. thank you very much indeed for joining us, keith. you have had the treatment, just tell us what a difference it has made to you. the difference it has made to you. huge difference. it is difficult to know where to begin. before i had the operation, i couldn't eat using a knife and fork properly. i was embarrassed to go out for fear of chucking food all over the floor, which is what regularly happened. i couldn't write. i hadn't written anything, i couldn't pick up a pen. i couldn't put a pen to paper. i physically couldn't do it, couldn't touch the paper with a pen. it was very odd, never understood that. but just another thing, there are so many things. i used to wear lenses in my eyes which, of course, had to forget about doing because i kept stabbing myself in the eye. lots of nonsensical things like that which were in your sins. any musician, guitar player and a banjo player and i had to abandon a completely —— which were a nuisance. there i had to abandon a completely -- which were a nuisance.— i had to abandon a completely -- which were a nuisance. are we saw a tlim tse of which were a nuisance. are we saw a glimpse of your _ which were a nuisance. are we saw a glimpse of your hand _ which were a nuisance. are we saw a glimpse of your hand they _ which were a nuisance. are we saw a glimpse of your hand they are, i which were a nuisance. are we saw a glimpse of your hand they are, is i glimpse of your hand they are, is everything now stable? and what was it like to actually have the treatment?— it like to actually have the treatment? ~ ., treatment? well, having the treatment — treatment? well, having the treatment is... _ treatment? well, having the treatment is... it _ treatment? well, having the treatment is... it is - treatment? well, having the treatment is... it is not i treatment? well, having the treatment is... it is not fun, | treatment? well, having the i treatment is... it is not fun, but at the same time, it is nothing like as horrible as a lot of things are. you're fully conscious all the time. what is the worst bit of it? the worst bit is having the local anaesthetic in the skull where they put a bit of scaffold on your head and they screw it in and have to make little holes to allow for that to happen. that sounds much more horrible than it actually was. it is not nice just having that bit done, but that is the worst bit of the whole thing. and lying any machine for any couple of hours it is again, not fun, but it is well worth doing. it is always doing in my opinion. for the improvement. it is known in noninvasive, we should reinterpret people, it is done by magnetic resonance. we can see it is —— reassure people. what would you say to people who are trying to find out about having this treatment? stop thinkint about having this treatment? stop thinking about _ about having this treatment? stop thinking about it _ about having this treatment? stan, thinking about it and have it done if you can. it is superb. there is my hand now. before, it really would have been like that. i can pick up a glass, you see with one hand, which i would have been completely incapable of. it was always two hands to a glass or cup or anything. well, keith pearson, thank you so much for talking to us and for showing us there is a huge change, and obviously delighted to see that progress. and obviously delighted to see that trotress. ., ~' and obviously delighted to see that trotress. ., ~ ,, , and obviously delighted to see that trotress. ., ~ y : progress. thank you very much indeed. you're _ progress. thank you very much indeed. you're very _ progress. thank you very much indeed. you're very welcome. . there is just one week to go until voters across the uk go to the polls. voters in england, wales, and scotland will pick who they want to run services that affect everyday life in their local area. those in northern ireland will choose its government. ahead of the vote we will be profiling some of the key contests in the uk's four nations. today we're looking at england. and my colleague luxmy gopaljoins us from the town centre in newcastle—under—lyme in staffordshire. i'm actually in the auditorium of a newcastle college in newcastle—under—lyme. there are 9000 students who study here and, of course, many of them will be voting for the first time and the local council elections. for the residents here, one of the issues that may well be on their mind is an issue thatis well be on their mind is an issue that is quite typical of potential local issues that are a concern when people come to vote and that is the issue of what happens to the green spaces? it is a balance between protecting green spaces and the need for more housing. that is exactly what one of the questions is here in newcastle—under—lyme and i'm joined by dr duncan hindmarsh now who is from save our green spaces. just briefly give _ from save our green spaces. just briefly give us — from save our green spaces. jitst briefly give us the context for this. thank you very much for having me on. we have basically a 200 acre former golf course which close in 2015 and since then it has evolved into there is a wonderful and beautiful parkland which is so popular with the local people. it is used for recreation and walking and we want to preserve it, but unfortunately, it is earmarked for development by the council. but some nteole have development by the council. but some people have argued, _ development by the council. but some people have argued, well, _ development by the council. but some people have argued, well, it _ development by the council. but some people have argued, well, it is - development by the council. but some people have argued, well, it is not i people have argued, well, it is not being used as a golf course any more, so why not build there? i think when we are thinking about the pandemic, people have realised the value of nature and how important it is to get out into open space. this is to get out into open space. this is an important green belt space around the town. so we think it is very important to preserve, that is not really an need for housing on the area. we have plenty of brownfield spaces around the town that have not been used at so i would defy anyone who works on the site think it is the best place for developing. so site think it is the best place for developing-— site think it is the best place for develo-itn. ,:,�* developing. so you're saying there are other places _ developing. so you're saying there are other places where _ developing. so you're saying there are other places where houses i developing. so you're saying there are other places where houses can developing. so you're saying there i are other places where houses can be built. the issue is nobody ever wants it in their backyard, but why do you think, then, this green belt site has been chosen, if you are saying there are brownfield sites available? , , :, available? firstly, to counter the argument. _ available? firstly, to counter the argument. we — available? firstly, to counter the argument, we had _ available? firstly, to counter the argument, we had a _ available? firstly, to counter the argument, we had a lot- available? firstly, to counter the argument, we had a lot of- argument, we had a lot of development in the local area, including development on green belt land, but in terms of why it should be developed, it is an absolutely spectacular sight. be developed, it is an absolutely spectacularsight. i be developed, it is an absolutely spectacular sight. i think the main reason it has been given for developing as the council seat as an opportunity to make between £30 million and potentially £33 million. but this is publicly owned land and what they are effectively proposing its privatisation of that, and it is a shame to take what is publicly owned and what everyone enjoys in the local area. we have a petition with over 3500 people signing it and they are going to take it into private ownership, which i think would be a great loss by the local area. �* , :, �* would be a great loss by the local area. �* �* area. but if you're saying the council saying _ area. but if you're saying the council saying they _ area. but if you're saying the council saying they could i area. but if you're saying the l council saying they could make millions from this, is that there is not at a time when that could be quite a valuable asset and, actually, people are talking at the squeeze on things, the lack of investment in public services, is there is not a great opportunity question make no i think that is in their dreams. i question make no i think that is in their dreams.— their dreams. i think the reality is somethint their dreams. i think the reality is something different. _ their dreams. i think the reality is something different. they - their dreams. i think the reality is something different. they have i their dreams. i think the reality is i something different. they have been planning this since 2013, we have had seven years of a joint local plan which they abandoned after spending hundreds of thousands of pounds. and now is the latest. i really don't think they will get anything like that because if you look at the site, there are so many problems with development, it would be an absolute disgrace to build there. ., ., be an absolute disgrace to build there. :, ~' ,, , : be an absolute disgrace to build there. :, «i , . , there. thank you very much, duncan for sharing — there. thank you very much, duncan for sharing your _ there. thank you very much, duncan for sharing your thoughts _ there. thank you very much, duncan for sharing your thoughts with i there. thank you very much, duncan for sharing your thoughts with us. i for sharing your thoughts with us. that is dr duncan hindmarsh there and as you could hear, that is a really key issue affecting some of the people here and something that residents will probably have at the back of their minds when they go to the polls next week. we will be here throughout the afternoon and we'll be hearing from some of the students at this college will be voting for the first time and from some of the party representatives who will be standing for the elections next week as well. exciting to vote for the very first time, i vaguely remember that. thank you, luxmy. more now on ben stokes being named england test captain, taking overfrom joe root. all—rounder stokes has scored 5,061 runs and taken 17a wickets in 79 tests and had been vice—captain across two spells since 2017. joe root stepped down after five years in charge, having led england in a record 6a tests. stokes' first test as permanent england captain will be against world champions new zealand at lord's on 2nd june. earlier, i spoke to the cricket commentator and former england player isa guha and asked her if stokes was the right man for the job. he absolutely is. he's the most obvious choice. there wasn't a lot else, to be fair. but at the age of 30, i think it's a wonderful moment for him to be able to take over. i think previously it was a case of that friendship with joe root, and whilejoe root was leader, he didn't want to take that spot. but what a moment for him, the rest of his family and for english cricket as well, that has hit a bit of a low in the longer format in the last couple of years and up to fresh leadership now to take this england team forwards. i mean, he has a lot on his plate, doesn't he? because he plays all three types of cricket. he's a batsman and a bowler. is the workload just going to be manageable if taking on the captaincy for test cricket too? well, that was always the question with ben stokes and no other team in the world plays as many tests, so it's probably the most demanding job in world cricket to be the test captain of england. so when do you think about seven test matches this summer, they've already played four and three at the end of the year, it is a massive, massive year. 17 test played last year. how is ben stokes going to manage that workload? there's going to be plenty of conversations, i'm sure, between him and the new managing director, rob key, about how he does manage that workload. but at this stage of his career, he's achieved so much in the limited overs format, he can probably take a bit more of a break from that and focus on the longer form. there's obviously a t20 world cup in october, and i'm absolutely certain that eoin morgan would love to have ben stokes as part of that that squad, but these conversations are going to have to happen in the coming months, just to preserve ben as a player, but also when it comes to that captaincy, and we all know that captaincy is as much about understanding people as it is the tactics of the game. i think everyone around him will absolutely follow him. he has the respect of the dressing room already, so it was never a case of whether he could be captain or not. it was just a case of that workload and managing all those physical pressures as well. and he is a hugely sort of charismatic, exciting player that absolutely sort of grips people when they're watching him. but in terms of his own character, we've seen a bit of an evolution. he's had his own demons in the past. are those behind him? i actually think that leads to quite a strong leader, to be honest, all the experiences he has had and, yes, it has been a roller coaster. when you think back to the events in bristol back in 2017, coming back into the fold, 2019, the headingley miracle, winning the world cup at lord's in quite ridiculous circumstances — to go through all that, the loss of his father, grieving his father, and then obviously taking time out of the game to focus on his mental health last year, i think that all leads to him as a character and the ability for the rest of his team to be able to relate to him. rob key mentioned that he has tremendous empathy and i think he does have that understanding of his players and what gets the best out of out of them, but as a talismanic character as well, i think he will lead from the front and he'll have his own ideas. he's a very brave, attacking sort of player, very positive, and that can be very inspirational when you're trying to go through a new cycle. and this england team as well, very much in transition. they're trying to find their best 11. of course, they've got the likes of stuart broad and james anderson, who will be coming back in, but it's about leading this younger group of players through this next cycle. and how do those around stokes, and we know there's obviously a change and some vacancies in the management structure in england at the moment, but we saw with ian botham in the past, you have this very charismatic, brilliant allrounder who then loses form if too much pressure is perhaps put on them or the wrong kind of pressure when they become test captain. what is the danger there for stokes? because england don't want to lose one of their best players, do they? no, absolutely not. and so communication is essential with ben. he's still gotjoe root there as his ally and his great mate, and i'm sure he will be supporting him as much as possible, and that communication with rob key to to say, "look, i need more support" or "i need to take this this time out so i can really focus on on what i'm doing here to get the best out of myself and the best out of my team". and i think at this this age, he's had that experience, he's had that ability to kind of, i guess, figure out what he wants from this team and what he wants from english cricket, and i think he's at a stage now where he can absolutely do that. isa guha on ben stokes. some news coming from ukraine, the foreign office says a british national has been killed in ukraine and the second is missing. they have not said whether they were fighting in ukraine, but theyjust say not said whether they were fighting in ukraine, but they just say they can confirm a british national has been killed in ukraine and they are supporting theirfamily been killed in ukraine and they are supporting their family and are aware of a british national who is missing in ukraine and, again, they are supporting their family. they are supporting their family. they are urgently seeking further information. we will bring you more, of course, as soon as we get it on that. the chief executive of sainsbury�*s says he expects profits to be lower this year, as the company tries to stay competitive on price and support customers through the cost of living crisis. despite that, the uk's second biggest supermarket reported good figures this morning — with £85a million in pre—tax profit in the year to march 5th, compared with a loss of £16a million the previous 12 months. simon roberts was speaking to our business correspondent emma simpson. well, everyone, of course, is feeling real pressure in their household finances. we are very close to what our customers are seeing, what they're feeling, and ourjob is to keep our prices as competitive as they can possibly be. customers are watching every penny and every pound right now, and that's why we're really focused on making sure the products that customers are buying week in, week out, milk and bread and potatoes and fruit and vegetables and meat and fish that we're keeping our prices as low as we possibly can. and look, you can see there are cost pressures all around us. the cost of fuel�*s going up, the cost of fertiliser to grow and produce food is going up, the cost of labour is going up, and so against the backdrop of a lot of cost pressure, cost inflation, we're working really hard to make sure we keep our prices down, and we're doing that by being more efficient, by making savings elsewhere in our company so we can refocus that back into being the best value we can be for customers. and look, over the last 18 months, we've been working hard to get our prices down to be at our most competitive and today, prices in sainsbury�*s are going up slower than any of our competitors and we are absolutely committed to make sure for our customers, for everyone shopping day in, day out, week in, week out, they can be assured of great value when they shop with us. do you think you're doing enough? there's always more we push ourselves to do. this is a very competitive market. margins are low, but we're very clear that in the year ahead, giving great value to our customers is our number one priority. we expect profits this year to be lower than last year as we invest more to be even better value and to be really on the side of every shopper, because at this time, at times like this, that's ourjob, to do the bestjob we can for all of our customers. and picking up on that, how difficult a balancing act is it? because that's the thing, how much you absorb, how much you pass on, and you've got rivals breathing down your necks. i mean, it's as competitive as it's ever been, right? you're absolutely... it's a very competitive time. and i think, you know, when we look at the market, you know, there's lots of noise in the market at the moment. but in the end, i think customers, they tell us they're looking for prices they can be assured of week in, week out, so what you'll see in sainsbury�*s is a whole range of products where we're matching to the best price in the market, thousands of products where we're keeping the prices locked down, and we're doing everything we can in that competitive market with the rising costs all around us to make sure that our customers can get the best possible value when they shop with us. the ceo of sainsbury�*s there, simon roberts, with that interview with emma simpson. the conservative mpjamie wallis has been charged with failing to stop, following a road traffic collision and driving without due care and attention. south wales police has been investigating a collision which happened in cowbridge in november. mr wallis is scheduled to appear before cardiff magistrates�* court in may. now, are flying cars just a sci—fi fantasy? or could they actually one day be lifting off? a dutch company that makes them has set up a base at coventry airport. phil mackie reports. for as long as there have been cars and planes, someone's been trying to combine the two. this italian model was built in the 19a0s. the trouble is they've never been really practical, but now things could be about to change. so we have to stop dreaming and we're now at the very last stage of processing the regulations within permissions for flight with this vehicle, so it's getting so close. the liberty is made by a dutch company which is nearing the end of the long process to get everything licensed and approved. the question is who's going to buy one? well, they've already got lots of orders. this is the fastest way to become a pilot so there's always a small james bond seat in every heart of every guy and every girl, so that's where we are selling to. it takes less than ten minutes to turn it from a plane to a car. you could land it at any airfield and then drive home. if you want to buy one of these, it's going to cost you 300,000 euros. sounds a lot, but probably a snip if you want to be at the forefront of what they're promising will be a new motoring and aviation revolution. you'll need a private pilot's licence, but you can learn both here in coventry and in oxford. there have been many false starts in bringing a flying plane to market. next year, they reckon, is when you may see one driving along a street near you. phil mackie, bbc news, coventry. i would love one, person! —— personally! now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. with high pressure right across the uk it's another largely dry day out there. a few showers around in the northern isles and into the far north—east of scotland, and from the thickest cloud from parts of lincolnshire into east anglia you might see a little drizzle. some hazy brightness south wales, southern england, but otherwise a lot of cloud out there. temperatures struggling to reach 15 celsius. into tonight, maybe a shower in east anglia and south—east england and into the northern isles in the far north of scotland, but elsewhere it becomes increasingly clear overnight. a chance of a touch of frost in northern ireland, southern scotland and northern england into the morning. a brighter and sunnier day on friday in amongst some patchy cloud, the thickest cloud will hold on through east anglia and the south—east and it will feel rather cool here. showers in eastern parts of scotland. in the sunny spells elsewhere, it will feel a bit warmer. this is bbc news. the headlines at apm: the un chief antonio guterres is in kyiv to meet president zelensky. as he visits scenes of alleged war crimes, he says russia must cooperate with the international criminal court. the war is an absurdity in the 21st—century. the war is evil. allegations of sexism in parliament. a labour mp alleges that inappropriate comments were made to her by a member of the shadow cabinet. it comes after two female conservative mps claimed they saw a male colleague watching pornography in the commons. there are some bad apples who are out of order, who behave like animals, and are bringing parliament into disrepute. the government publishes its plan for reforming the broadcast sector — so what does it mean for the soon to be privatised channel a? and england's mens cricket has a new captain. ben stokes has been named test captain, succeeding joe root. in the last few minutes, the foreign office has confirmed that a british national has been killed in ukraine and a second british person is missing. they say they're supporting both families, and urgently seeking information on the missing person. today in the ukraine conflict, the un secretary general is visiting to see for himself the horrors inflicted on towns like irpin, borodyanka and bucha, places where the russians are accused of war crimes. antonio guterres visited a mass grave and described the war in ukraine as "evil". meanwhile, vladimir putin has warned that countries let's get the latest from ben brown in kyiv. hello. we live in kyiv, and let me start with some breaking news this hour, which is that we are hearing from the british foreign office that a british national has been killed here in ukraine, and a second is currently missing. we know that quite a number of british citizens have volunteered to join the ukrainian resistance here against the russian invasion, and also citizens from all over the world have now come here. but we are hearing from the uk foreign office that a british national has been killed in ukraine, and a second is missing. a foreign office spokesman said they are supporting both families and urgently seeking more information. we will bring you more as we get it. meanwhile, ukraine's president zelensky is meeting the united nations secretary general antonio guterres here in kyiv today. he is expected to discuss a possible ceasefire and plan for a peace deal, but specifically trying to get trapped civilians out of mariupol, and in particular, the steal plant in mariupol, where hundreds of ukrainian citizens have been sheltering alongside ukrainian fighters. our correspondent has the latest. this is the trip the ukrainians said should have come first. borodyanka is thought to be the scene of russian war crimes. much of the city was destroyed by artillery. over the last few weeks, a! artillery. over the last few weeks, a1 more bodies have been pulled from this rubble. when i see those destroyed buildings, i imagine my family in one of those houses. that is now destroyed. and black. i see my granddaughters, running away in panic, part of the family eventually killed. so the war is an absurdity of the 21st—century. the war is evil. and it is in bucha where some of the worst crimes were allegedly committed. antonio guterres visited the site of a mass grave, found after the russian withdrawal. this trip is not about finding a solution to the wider conflict. no one thinks thatis to the wider conflict. no one thinks that is on the table. but there is talk of opening a humanitarian corridor, secured by the un, to get people out of the azovstal steelworks, the last holdout of ukrainian resistance in the besieged city of mariupol. but this is increasingly notjust city of mariupol. but this is increasingly not just a city of mariupol. but this is increasingly notjust a war taking place inside ukraine. moscow has cut off gas supplies to two eu nations. there are fears of escalation in transnistria, a breakaway region of moldova. the kremlin has even raised the spectre of nuclear war. translation: ii the spectre of nuclear war. translation:— the spectre of nuclear war. translation: :, , :, :, translation: if anyone from the outside and _ translation: if anyone from the outside and tends _ translation: if anyone from the outside and tends to _ translation: if anyone from the outside and tends to interfere i translation: if anyone from the outside and tends to interfere in l outside and tends to interfere in what is happening, then they should know this. if they create threats for us, threats of a strategic nature, our retaliation, our counter strike, will be instantaneous. over the last few days, there have been a series of fires and explosions inside russia's borders. it's not been officially established what was behind them, but for the uk government, oil depots, arms dumps and logistical hubs would be legitimate targets. it is perfectly ritht legitimate targets. it is perfectly ri t ht for legitimate targets. it is perfectly right for ukraine _ legitimate targets. it is perfectly right for ukraine to _ legitimate targets. it is perfectly right for ukraine to use - legitimate targets. it is perfectly right for ukraine to use those i right for ukraine to use those weapons to defend itself, and part of defending itself in this type of invasion is obviously where ukraine will go after the supply lines of the russian army. taste will go after the supply lines of the russian army.— will go after the supply lines of the russian army. will go after the supply lines of the russian arm . ~ , , :, , the russian army. we hey seem to be reachint a the russian army. we hey seem to be reaching a crucial— the russian army. we hey seem to be reaching a crucial stage _ the russian army. we hey seem to be reaching a crucial stage in _ the russian army. we hey seem to be reaching a crucial stage in this - reaching a crucial stage in this war. not necessarily on the battlefield, but in diplomatic terms. the rhetoric from all sides has been heating up, and there is now a real risk that this could spiral in a way that nobody can predict. antonio guterres will want to do everything he can to avoid that, but it will not be an easy task. well, as joe well, asjoe says, the rhetoric is ratcheting up on both sides, and we are hearing now from the united states, and from washington, and joe biden is proposing a new package of assistance for ukraine, for the ukraine government and for the ukrainian fight against russia, and also, more action against russian oligarchs. let's go to our correspondent in washington. tell us more about what the president is proposing. yes, the us wants to basically expand — yes, the us wants to basically expand its financial war against russia, — expand its financial war against russia, so_ expand its financial war against russia, so at the start of the invasion, _ russia, so at the start of the invasion, the us really did go after oligarchs, — invasion, the us really did go after oligarchs, it sanctioned many of them _ oligarchs, it sanctioned many of them, sanctioned those close to putin. _ them, sanctioned those close to putin, seized ships and private property, _ putin, seized ships and private property, private aircraft, but there— property, private aircraft, but there were lots of questions about 'ust there were lots of questions about just how— there were lots of questions about just how effective that was. well, nowr _ just how effective that was. well, now, president biden is asking for congress — now, president biden is asking for congress to do a lot more, so one of the main _ congress to do a lot more, so one of the main headlines here is, as you mentioned, — the main headlines here is, as you mentioned, he wants the us to have new powers — mentioned, he wants the us to have new powers to seize the assets of russian _ new powers to seize the assets of russian oligarchs and use those funds _ russian oligarchs and use those funds to — russian oligarchs and use those funds to give to ukraine. but the challenge — funds to give to ukraine. but the challenge here is, though, that under— challenge here is, though, that under current law, the us can only freeze _ under current law, the us can only freeze the — under current law, the us can only freeze the assets of sanction individuals. they can't seize or liquidate — individuals. they can't seize or liquidate them. so this would almost be asking _ liquidate them. so this would almost be asking for a change in the law, because _ be asking for a change in the law, because it — be asking for a change in the law, because it would be asking for federal— because it would be asking for federal law to effectively circumvent judicial law. so that will be — circumvent judicial law. so that will be something he will be going to congress for, and what will be interesting, ben, is that i imagine there _ interesting, ben, is that i imagine there will— interesting, ben, is that i imagine there will be a lot of intense wrangling over this. he will need to rat wrangling over this. he will need to get republican support as well. at the moment in the us, you have an economy— the moment in the us, you have an economy that is worsening, and already. — economy that is worsening, and already, the administration is pushing — already, the administration is pushing congress to approve billions of dollars' _ pushing congress to approve billions of dollars' worth of packages to help americans get through the pandemic. so we will see what happens — pandemic. so we will see what happens when he announces it, when he makes _ happens when he announces it, when he makes that request to congress, but i he makes that request to congress, but i think— he makes that request to congress, but i think what it shows is that there _ but i think what it shows is that there is— but i think what it shows is that there is huge pressure on the us and western— there is huge pressure on the us and western allies to really ramp up that pressure on russia to go a lot further— that pressure on russia to go a lot further than they already have. 0k, further than they already have. 0k. for— further than they already have. ok, for the moment, further than they already have. 0k, forthe moment, thank you further than they already have. ok, for the moment, thank you very much indeed. let's talk now to the former ukrainian ambassador to the united nations, between the years 2015-2019. thank united nations, between the years 2015—2019. thank you very much for being with us here on bbc news. i would like to ask you first of all about the un secretary general�*s visit here in ukraine today. he is meeting your president zelensky this afternoon, in fact. meeting your president zelensky this afternoon, infact. do meeting your president zelensky this afternoon, in fact. do you believe that antonio guterres, the secretary general, can broker any kind of peace between russia and ukraine? this trip he has made to moscow are now to kyiv, do you think it will bear any fruit?— now to kyiv, do you think it will bear any fruit? well, hello, thank ou for bear any fruit? well, hello, thank you for having _ bear any fruit? well, hello, thank you for having me. _ bear any fruit? well, hello, thank you for having me. to _ bear any fruit? well, hello, thank you for having me. to be - bear any fruit? well, hello, thank you for having me. to be frank, i bear any fruit? well, hello, thank| you for having me. to be frank, to answer— you for having me. to be frank, to answer your— you for having me. to be frank, to answer your question, you for having me. to be frank, to answeryour question, i you for having me. to be frank, to answer your question, i think no. i don't _ answer your question, i think no. i don't think— answer your question, i think no. i don't think this is realistic to imagine. _ don't think this is realistic to imagine, that the visit of the un secretary— imagine, that the visit of the un secretary general will bring some fruit in— secretary general will bring some fruit in the — secretary general will bring some fruit in the shape of at least a ceasefire _ fruit in the shape of at least a ceasefire. if you listen carefully to what — ceasefire. if you listen carefully to what putin said to him in moscow the day— to what putin said to him in moscow the day before yesterday, that he agrees _ the day before yesterday, that he agrees in — the day before yesterday, that he agrees in principle with the un participation, and the participation of the _ participation, and the participation of the international committee of the red _ of the international committee of the red cross in establishing humanitarian corridor from mariupol. so he _ humanitarian corridor from mariupol. so he never — humanitarian corridor from mariupol. so he never said exactly that russia is ready— so he never said exactly that russia is ready to — so he never said exactly that russia is ready to open this kuroda, he 'ust is ready to open this kuroda, he just agreed —— this corridor, he just— just agreed —— this corridor, he just agreed _ just agreed —— this corridor, he just agreed in principle, we know that diplomatic principle may mean nothing _ that diplomatic principle may mean nothing i_ that diplomatic principle may mean nothing. i think even if the un succeeds _ nothing. i think even if the un succeeds in organising some sort of humanitarian assistance or humanitarian assistance or humanitarian exit from mariupol, this is— humanitarian exit from mariupol, this is important, given the circumstances on the ground and the tragic— circumstances on the ground and the tragic situation in mariupol, in the li-ht tragic situation in mariupol, in the light of— tragic situation in mariupol, in the light of civilians trapped there, it is important, of course. but this is 'ust is important, of course. but this is just one _ is important, of course. but this is just one episode of this terrible warr _ just one episode of this terrible war. and — just one episode of this terrible war, and as far as i understand, at least _ war, and as far as i understand, at least from — war, and as far as i understand, at least from the media, we have not seen _ least from the media, we have not seen any— least from the media, we have not seen any signs of ceasefire or launching _ seen any signs of ceasefire or launching negotiations. putin again repeated _ launching negotiations. putin again repeated this stupid lecture about kosovo _ repeated this stupid lecture about kosovo and how it got independence, and about _ kosovo and how it got independence, and about the coup d'etat in ukraine in2014. _ and about the coup d'etat in ukraine in2014. and— and about the coup d'etat in ukraine in 2014, and that russia has nothing to do— in 2014, and that russia has nothing to do with _ in 2014, and that russia has nothing to do with bucha. but he did not say anything _ to do with bucha. but he did not say anything practical which would make me believe that there may be some kind of— me believe that there may be some kind of un — me believe that there may be some kind of un secretary general role in mediating _ kind of un secretary general role in mediating this. the only positive thing _ mediating this. the only positive thing coming out of the meetings with mr_ thing coming out of the meetings with mr otero is in moscow and kyiv is that— with mr otero is in moscow and kyiv is that he _ with mr otero is in moscow and kyiv is that he proposed his personal mediation — is that he proposed his personal mediation efforts. —— mr guterres, between _ mediation efforts. —— mr guterres, between russia and ukraine, in order to stop _ between russia and ukraine, in order to stop the _ between russia and ukraine, in order to stop the war. this is a good sign of course — to stop the war. this is a good sign of course. this may bring some kind of course. this may bring some kind of un _ of course. this may bring some kind of un rollback, although now, as we can see _ of un rollback, although now, as we can see the — of un rollback, although now, as we can see, the security council cannot do anything. — can see, the security council cannot do anything, so the political role of the _ do anything, so the political role of the un — do anything, so the political role of the un in this or is close to zero — of the un in this or is close to zero there _ of the un in this or is close to zero. there may be some other un roles, _ zero. there may be some other un roles, like — zero. there may be some other un roles, like humanitarian assistance, or economic— roles, like humanitarian assistance, or economic reconstruction after the war, or economic reconstruction after the war. but— or economic reconstruction after the war. but i_ or economic reconstruction after the war. but i do— or economic reconstruction after the war, but i do not see anything political— war, but i do not see anything political right now, unfortunately. can i_ political right now, unfortunately. can i also — political right now, unfortunately. can i also ask you, president putin seemed to be stepping up the rhetoric against the west, saying that russia could retaliate if countries interfere in ukraine. we have also heard warnings from the kremlin about a third world war, and nato trying to fight a proxy war here. do you take any of those warning seriously? personally, i don't, warning seriously? personally, idon't, but warning seriously? personally, i don't, but nobody knows — personally, i don't, but nobody knows what is going on in putin's head _ knows what is going on in putin's head and — knows what is going on in putin's head. and let me put it this way. back— head. and let me put it this way. back in— head. and let me put it this way. back in 2014, nobody would expect that putin — back in 2014, nobody would expect that putin will go as far as taking crimea _ that putin will go as far as taking crimea and — that putin will go as far as taking crimea and then starting the warrant on bass _ crimea and then starting the warrant on bass. and then again, eight years later, _ on bass. and then again, eight years later, no— on bass. and then again, eight years later, no one — on bass. and then again, eight years later, no one even in bad dreams, no one could _ later, no one even in bad dreams, no one could imagine putin would start this reat— one could imagine putin would start this real war against ukraine. —— waron— this real war against ukraine. —— war on donbas. even a couple of days before _ war on donbas. even a couple of days before the _ war on donbas. even a couple of days before the war. gk, war on donbas. even a couple of days before the war.— before the war. ok, i am sorry, i will have — before the war. ok, i am sorry, i will have to _ before the war. ok, i am sorry, i will have to interrupt _ before the war. ok, i am sorry, i will have to interrupt you, i before the war. ok, i am sorry, i. will have to interrupt you, because we are going to hearfrom president joe biden, talking in the united states. let's listen in. counselling putin has no progression at a very— counselling putin has no progression at a very pivotal moment. we need this bill_ at a very pivotal moment. we need this bill to — at a very pivotal moment. we need this bill to support ukraine in its fight _ this bill to support ukraine in its fight for— this bill to support ukraine in its fight for freedom, and our nato allies— fight for freedom, and our nato allies will— fight for freedom, and our nato allies will pay their fair share of the costs— allies will pay their fair share of the costs as well, but we have to do thisr _ the costs as well, but we have to do this, we _ the costs as well, but we have to do this, we have — the costs as well, but we have to do this, we have to do our part as welt _ this, we have to do our part as welt the — this, we have to do our part as well. the cost of this fight is not cheap, _ well. the cost of this fight is not cheap, but— well. the cost of this fight is not cheap, but caving to aggression is going _ cheap, but caving to aggression is going to _ cheap, but caving to aggression is going to be more costly if we allow it to happen. we either back ukrainian _ it to happen. we either back ukrainian people as they defend their country always stand by as the russians— their country always stand by as the russians continue their atrocities and aggression in ukraine. every day, _ and aggression in ukraine. every day, every— and aggression in ukraine. every day, every day, the ukrainians pay the price. — day, every day, the ukrainians pay the price, and the price they pay us with their— the price, and the price they pay us with their lives for this fight. so we need — with their lives for this fight. so we need to contribute arms, funding, ammunition. — we need to contribute arms, funding, ammunition, and the economic support to make _ ammunition, and the economic support to make their— ammunition, and the economic support to make their courage and sacrifice have purpose, so they can continue this fight— have purpose, so they can continue this fight and do what they are doing — this fight and do what they are doing it — this fight and do what they are doing. it is critical this funding gets— doing. it is critical this funding gets approved and approved as quickly— gets approved and approved as quickly as possible. you know, long before _ quickly as possible. you know, long before russia launched its invasion, i before russia launched its invasion, i made _ before russia launched its invasion, i made clear— before russia launched its invasion, i made clear how the united states would _ i made clear how the united states would respond, predicted they would invade _ would respond, predicted they would invade, and they surely did. we said we would _ invade, and they surely did. we said we would not send us troops to fight russian _ we would not send us troops to fight russian troops in ukraine, but we would _ russian troops in ukraine, but we would provide robust military assistance and tried to unify the western— assistance and tried to unify the western world against russia's aggression. i said i would impose aggression. ! said i would impose powerful— aggression. i said i would impose powerful sanctions on russia, and that we _ powerful sanctions on russia, and that we would destroy this myth that somehow— that we would destroy this myth that somehow they continue to move without — somehow they continue to move without the rest of the world acting — without the rest of the world acting. now, we deploy additional forces _ acting. now, we deploy additional forces to— acting. now, we deploy additional forces to defend nato territory, particularly in the east along the russian — particularly in the east along the russian and belarus borders. that's exactly. _ russian and belarus borders. that's exactly, that's exactly what we said we would _ exactly, that's exactly what we said we would do. will- we would do. will come back to president biden, it was asking congress for $33 billion to support ukraine in a dramatic increase of funding for the war against russia. we will bring you more on that in a few minutes. first, to return to events here. streaming services are set to be regulated by ofcom for the first time, under new government proposals. netflix, disney+, amazon prime video and other streamers will be given new rules that will bring them in line with traditional broadcasters. the culture secretary said the move would protect audiences from harmful material. the government's also publishing its plans for the sale of channel a. they've been detailed in a white paper today. let's speak with damian collins, mp for folkestone & hythe and chairjoint select committee on the online safety bill. just first of all, on channel a, even conservative mps have expressed their concerns, saying this white paper is fixing a problem that doesn't exist. at the critics have said that this ideological a driven move by the government. well, i think there is a very real problem, and it affects channel a as it does public service broadcasters, which is that there is a long—term trend of viewers away from traditional television, there is a long—term decline of traditional spend on tv advertising, and that if you look at the amount of money public service broadcasters, including channel a, spend on first run original programmes, that has fallen significantly since 2010, so these are the problem is that... can i pick you up on that point? ian katz has tweeted, and he do when you mention this in an interview today with bbc radio, and he's mentioned that actually, channel a posted record advertising revenues last year and this year will spend more on content than any time in its history. i have seen that tweet and replied to it. in the most recent channel a annual report, published last summer, it shows that publishing this year with last year, revenues were down, and content spend was down as well, but the point i was making that the white paper sets out is that over the last five years, there has been a 30% decline in linear tv advertising, which is tv advertising porting is programmes on traditional television. that's a long—term trend in digital markets. channel a are growing their digital revenue, but there is a long—term trend going against traditional broadcasters. the amount of money spent, their annual report says they spent, their annual report says they spent less on content last year than the year before, but the significant point i made on the radio really one was about first run original content, so, new programmes that have been commissioned from producers, and those spending figures have fallen significant before channel a as they have four of the public service broadcasters as well. . of the public service broadcasters as well. :, :, ., as well. overall, though, channela bosses say — as well. overall, though, channela bosses say they _ as well. overall, though, channela bosses say they are _ as well. overall, though, channela bosses say they are still _ as well. overall, though, channela bosses say they are still raising i bosses say they are still raising revenue and serving audiences in a successful and distinctive fashion. isn't this just an ideological fight that the government has picked for political reasons purely? not at all. i think most people in the industry would look at a company like channel a today, which is a solely advertising funded stand—alone tv company that is trying to compete in a world where audiences are moving online increasingly, it can't do at the bbc and itv do to try and raise revenue, which is commission and make their own programmes and sell those programme formats around the world. it is in a very challenging situation, and i think the responsible thing to do is to look ahead and say, actually, we want to see channel a grow and be more successful, be investing significant sums more every year new programming, increasing those trends. it may well need now to be part of a bigger organisation with greater access to commercial revenues to do that, and i think we should look ahead rather than get into a situation where channel a might require rescuing, because its financial situation is bad. it does not cost the public anything, though, does it? it is purely funded by advertisers, and its leadership has said that it is still financially successful. what does this channel, which is serving british audiences and has a significant global reach through youtube, for example, what does it gain by being bought out by a probable international owned company?— probable international owned com tan ? ~ :, :, probable international owned com tan ? . ., :, , company? well, at the moment, it is constrained — company? well, at the moment, it is constrained in — company? well, at the moment, it is constrained in how _ company? well, at the moment, it is constrained in how it _ company? well, at the moment, it is constrained in how it can _ company? well, at the moment, it is constrained in how it can raise - constrained in how it can raise revenue. it can't make money from making its own programmes and selling them, which is what most of television companies do. it can't raise money on the financial markets privately or borrow it commercially. but you could just change the law to change that particular rule, couldn't you? you don't have to privatise it. couldn't you? you don't have to privatise it— couldn't you? you don't have to trivatise it. �* , :, privatise it. but the question here is, is privatise it. but the question here is. is public _ privatise it. but the question here is, is public ownership _ privatise it. but the question here is, is public ownership actually i is, is public ownership actually holding channel a back? would it be more successful in private hands? h0 more successful in private hands? no one in the industry thinks that, do they? i interviewed the chief executive of bectu, the union representing all the technical staff. we have heard a lot of opposition within the conservative party, and from the opposition parties. i party, and from the opposition tarties. .. . party, and from the opposition tarties. ~ :, _, ., parties. i think what the covenant has to do is _ parties. i think what the covenant has to do is look _ parties. i think what the covenant has to do is look at _ parties. i think what the covenant has to do is look at these - has to do is look at these longer—term trends in the industry, which i think everyone in the industry would accept, and say that actually, the remit of channel a could be altered or it could be kept as a public service broadcaster but be at the own. i mean, itv is a public service broadcaster and is privately owned. how do you think it should be changing its remit, and will you, for example, protect programming like news, current affairs, in prime time, through regulation? absolutely. the white paper sets out that the commitment to news and current affairs, to making programmes that reflect the life of britain, notjust in the south—east but across the whole country, the requirement that it continues to work with independent production companies as part of its remit, those things will stay, but we think channel a can be more successful, commercially more successful, and be in a position where it is investing more in content every year rather than constantly having to trim and being underfinancial than constantly having to trim and being under financial pressure. than constantly having to trim and being underfinancial pressure. so these the longer term issues which these the longer term issues which the government has to look at. many people in the industry would acknowledge that if you are setting up acknowledge that if you are setting up channel a today, to do it as a solely advert funded company in a world where there is greater pressure on digital advertising revenue, would probably not be the way you would do it. the landscape has changed dramatically since channel a was created. we didn't have the additional content providers like skye and netflix and amazon making content as well. finally, on this question, looking at the white paper overall, there has been some praise for some of the regulations staff that has been announced, but it also includes, obviously, funding changes to the bbc. when you look at what is happening to channel a and the bbc, public service broadcasting in this country, this government hasn't seemed very supportive and to many, this has seemed like a politically driven move to try and curb independentjournalism, independent media in this country. that's what many critics of this government white paper would say.- many critics of this government white paper would say. critics may sa that, white paper would say. critics may say that. but _ white paper would say. critics may say that, but it's _ white paper would say. critics may say that, but it's not _ white paper would say. critics may say that, but it's not what - white paper would say. critics may say that, but it's not what i - white paper would say. critics may say that, but it's not what i agree, j say that, but it's not what i agree, it's not what i think. firstly, public service broadcasting isjust the bbc and channel a. it includes itv and channel five as well, and those are private companies. the —— the remit for public service broadcasters, the prominence they get, is something to stay. we can't ignore that subscription and streaming services are capturing more and more attention. all public service broadcasters have seen a declining spend on first run original content for their platforms. it is a much more competitive environment than it used to be, and just carrying on as before would not be good enough, and the companies are changing, but the question is, for channel a, were channel a be better able to compete in the future, offer a better service, commission more new programming, it was privately owned? and that the decision the government has made. i and that the decision the government has made. :, , and that the decision the government has made. :,, i. and that the decision the government has made. :,, ,, :, �* has made. i hope you don't mind me askint a has made. i hope you don't mind me asking a little _ has made. i hope you don't mind me asking a little bit _ has made. i hope you don't mind me asking a little bit about _ has made. i hope you don't mind me asking a little bit about the - asking a little bit about the questions we have seen on the culture in westminster in the last few days. we seen the attorney general saying that she thinks there needs to be a discussion about moral standards. she said that she was a shame that the mp who apparently viewed pornography in the house of commons wore a conservative rosette, and has called amongst others for a real change in what is going on in westminster, with the way women are treated. well, you know, i would certainly agree, i think everyone would agree, that there can be no place for that behaviour in parliament. this matter has been referred to the parliamentary authority to investigate, but that behaviour, there can be no excuse for it. it cannot be tolerated. it wouldn't be another working environments. these are serious allegations against the individual, but i think we should reflect on why this has happened and whether there needs to be wider cultural changes within parliament as well. do you think that particular case, is it something that should be dealt with by the chief whip swiftly, for example, suspension or expulsion, if they prove the case against these mp, or should they prove the case against these mp, orshould it go they prove the case against these mp, or should it go to an independent investigation which could go to —— which could take a very long time? i don't see why it should take a long time. a very serious allegation has been made. the chief whip has passed on the information he has to the parliamentary authorities. there has to be due process, and the conservative party will take action against this member of parliament if they are found to be guilty. have you seen colleagues behaving in an inappropriate way? i have you seen colleagues behaving in an inappropriate way?— an inappropriate way? i think we are all athast an inappropriate way? i think we are all aghast by — an inappropriate way? i think we are all aghast by this _ an inappropriate way? i think we are all aghast by this incident. _ an inappropriate way? i think we are all aghast by this incident. i - an inappropriate way? i think we are all aghast by this incident. i have i all aghast by this incident. i have never seen or heard anything like this before, but it is clearly incredibly serious and should be treated as such. damian collins, many thanks for joining us today. thank you. a labour mp has spoken out about lewd comments allegedly made to her by a member of the shadow cabinet. the welsh mp, who wants to remain anonymous, said she was described as a "secret weapon" because "women want to be herfriend" and men want to sleep with her. the labour leader sir keir starmer said the claims were "deeply concerning", adding that added he wants to "get to the bottom of this and do something about it". it comes after two conservative mps claimed they saw a male colleague watching pornography in the commons. the claims were made at a meeting on tuesday night, when female conservative mps shared allegations of sexism and harassment in the commons. let's get a bit more on this. we can cross live to westminster and speak to our political correspondent damian grammaticus. damian, we know we are hearing more and more allegations here across the parties, in fact? and more allegations here across the parties. in fact?— parties, in fact? yes, and on this case, parties, in fact? yes, and on this case. this— parties, in fact? yes, and on this case, this incident _ parties, in fact? yes, and on this case, this incident where - parties, in fact? yes, and on this case, this incident where to i parties, in fact? yes, and on this i case, this incident where to female conservative mps say they saw a colleague watching pornography in parliament —— two female conservative mps, in the commons, that has done more and more criticism. so what we have had our expressions of outrage, the whips, as you were just talking about, seeing that rather than them investigating, they want the commons independent complaints and grievance scheme to look into this. the prime minister has also interestinglyjust being asked about it, a short time ago, and this is what he had to say. obviously, it is unacceptable for anybody — obviously, it is unacceptable for anybody to be doing that kind of thing _ anybody to be doing that kind of thing in — anybody to be doing that kind of thing in the workplace. it would be the same — thing in the workplace. it would be the same for any kind ofjob up and down _ the same for any kind ofjob up and down the _ the same for any kind ofjob up and down the country. let's be absolutely clear about that. what needs _ absolutely clear about that. what needs to — absolutely clear about that. what needs to happen now is that the proper— needs to happen now is that the proper procedures need to be gone through. _ proper procedures need to be gone through, the independent complaints and grievances procedure needs to be activated. _ and grievances procedure needs to be activated, and we need to get to understand the facts, but yes, this is clearly— understand the facts, but yes, this is clearly that kind of behaviour is totally _ is clearly that kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable. and is clearly that kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable.— totally unacceptable. and many others too- _ totally unacceptable. and many others too. the _ totally unacceptable. and many others too. the defence - totally unacceptable. and many i others too. the defence secretary talked of the culture problem in parliament. sajid javid tweeted that it was shameful. the home office ministerfor it was shameful. the home office minister for safeguarding women called it shocking, disgusting, grossing behaviour. and the attorney general —— gruesome behaviour. and the attorney general was on radio four�*s woman's hour, said this was reckless and appalling, and said there should be a severe reprimand. the whi- should be a severe reprimand. the whip should be removed. i'm — whip should be removed. i'm ashamed that this person is carrying — i'm ashamed that this person is carrying the conservative rosette, and i_ carrying the conservative rosette, and i think— carrying the conservative rosette, and i think they really do need to be subject— and i think they really do need to be subject to a recall and be no longer— be subject to a recall and be no longer holding their privileged position as a member of parliament. my personal experience, i have to say, my personal experience, i have to say. is _ my personal experience, i have to say. is that— my personal experience, i have to say, is that on no occasion have i been _ say, is that on no occasion have i been made — say, is that on no occasion have i been made to feel uncomfortable, and all the _ been made to feel uncomfortable, and all the men _ been made to feel uncomfortable, and all the men i've worked with have been _ all the men i've worked with have been respectful, courteous and supportive. there is, however, a very— supportive. there is, however, a very small— supportive. there is, however, a very small minority of men, and it is men. _ very small minority of men, and it is men. who— very small minority of men, and it is men, who fall short, and there are some — is men, who fall short, and there are some bad apples who are out of order. _ are some bad apples who are out of order. who — are some bad apples who are out of order, who behave like animals, and are bringing — order, who behave like animals, and are bringing parliament into disrepute, to be honest. sol are bringing parliament into disrepute, to be honest. so i don't think— disrepute, to be honest. so i don't think we _ disrepute, to be honest. so i don't think we should be saying there is a pervasive _ think we should be saying there is a pervasive culture. that is not my experience _ pervasive culture. that is not my experience. there are certain individuals who are behaving in an unacceptable manner. but individuals who are behaving in an unacceptable manner.— individuals who are behaving in an unacceptable manner. but there is a tuestion, unacceptable manner. but there is a question. as — unacceptable manner. but there is a question. as you _ unacceptable manner. but there is a question, as you are _ unacceptable manner. but there is a question, as you are suggesting i question, as you are suggesting there, about, is it the right way to tackle this for the conservative party to refer it to the commons authorities? that requires the mps who saw the behaviour to lodge the complaint, so to take the lead in this, and then, we know that body has dozens of other complaints it is already looking at, and they can take months and months, including appeals processes, to work through. so the opposition have been very clear today. the labour leader sir keir starmer said the conservative party should take action now. he said it's good we have that complaints process, but he said that this is a case where the tory party knows who this individual is, and they should deal with it. and the liberal democrat leader sir ed davey said the conservative party should get their act together and get rid of the mp. damian, at westminster for us, of the mp. damian, at westminsterfor us, thank you very much indeed. the labour mp liam byrne has been found to have bullied a now former member of staff, and will be suspended from the commons for two days. an investigation found the former cabinet minister and mp for birmingham hodge hill ostracised a then assistant, after a minor office dispute. mr byrne said he had apologised and was "profoundly sorry". a 28—year—old man has appeared in court charged with murder, after four members of a family were found stabbed at a property in south london, on monday. earlier i spoke with our home affairs correspondent, tom symonds, at westminster magistrates court. well, it has been a very swift police investigation. it was a very quick court hearing, just a minute or two this morning, as is quite normal in these situations. the defendant, joshua jacks, stood up in the dock wearing grey prison uniform, grey top and grey trousers. he confirmed his full name and gave his date of birth, and he is 28 years old, as he said. he gave his address in south london and was simply told that the next stage of this criminal process would be for his case to be heard at the old bailey on the 3rd of may. this is the first hearing since the events of early on monday morning, when neighbours of the family in this area of bermondsey heard screaming in the middle of the night, called the police, and the police arrive in force and broke into the house. they found four members of the same family had been stabbed to death, and they were dolet hill, her partner, her daughter tanysha, a5, and granddaughter. he has been charged with all of those murders. they have been tributes paid to the family. we spoke to the niece of dolet hill, she said her aunt was a very kind, loving, generous person who would do anything for you. she worked with the guys in saint thomas' nhs trust, he made a statement saying that she was an active union member, well respected colleague, who had helped to improve the workplace in that nhs trust. sport and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre, here's ollie. ben stokes has already told the ecb that he expects james anderson and stuart broad to come back into the england reckoning after they were dropped from the tour of the west indies. stokes first series as the new test capatin will be against new zealand injune. the 30—year—old all—rounder takes over from joe root, who stood down earlier this month. everything that has happened will stand him in good stead for what he has now got to do, and he is also point where you end up maturing, like you all do, when you get a bit older, and you start understanding, you have to box a bit clever, you have to go out there, you have to make sure you're notjust going out there and being superman are doing everything you possibly can, you have to have to learn to delegate, all that type of stuff. and that is what ben stokes will do. we've had wins for manchester city and liverpool in the champions league this week. tonight, west ham and rangers both face german opposition in their europa league semi—finals. an estimated 7,000 rangers fans are in germany for the first leg of their semi against rb leipzig. they're underdogs against a side on course for a top—four finish in the bundesliga. the key for rangers will be keeping the tie alive ahead of the second leg at ibrox next week. west ham are at home to eintracht frankfurt. the last time the hammers got this far in europe was 1976, when they went on to lose in the final of the european cup winners' cup. it's also the furthest david moyes has been in europe in his management career. if you want to be good, you have to start getting used to it, and we have to start feeling this is where we're supposed to be. as i said, if we can replicate the form had, or close of the form we had in the early part of the season, we'll be very hard to beat against anybody. it's whether we can actually get quite onto that form and get back to that level where we were. the first of the semifinals is under way at the world snooker championship at the crucible in sheffield. the 2019 championjudd trump has the upper hand against the three—time winner mark williams. trump currently leads 6 frames to 1. it's the first to 17 at this stage. they are played over a couple of days. the other semifinal starts this evening between the six—time champion ronnie o sullivan and four—time winnerjohn higgins. cannot wait for that one. you can watch it across the bbc, of course. i will be back with an update in the next hour. the uk government's social mobility tsar has been criticised for comments implying that girls do not study a—level science because they dislike "hard maths". headteacher katharine birbalsingh told a commons committee discussing diversity in stem subjects that girls do not seem to "fancy" physics as much as other subjects. she told me she was explaining to mps about the situation in her own school. well, you know, it is the fact that evidence shows that, on average, girls are more empathetic and boys are more systematic. now that's just an average. there are brilliant scientists out there, women scientists. there are brilliant women physicists and brilliant women mathematicians. some of them are here in my school, like my head of physics, teaching our girls and our boys. both girls and boys sometimes avoid physics because they think "i want to avoid the hard maths," notjust the girls, but they were asking me specifically about our girls in that moment, so that's what i was explaining. but you said in your evidence that you thought the girls were avoiding the hard maths and you said it was a natural thing. when asked about the evidence, you wre talking about nationwide evidence. i don't think you were talking about your own evidence, were you? and you didn't seem very sure of that. i mean, you are being criticised by the institute for physics and the imperial college here in london. they've all put out, you know, critical comments saying these are outdated and damaging stereotypes that close the doors on many talented girls and women. well, that's precisely what's not happening at our school. i spent 20 minutes giving evidence about what other schools need to do to get the kinds of results that we get in maths and sciences for girls. i spent a very long time explaining the details around this and the importance of role models and so on. but even now you're just saying, though, that you think girls are more empathetic and boys are more systematic, i think you said. i don't know if there is any evidence for that, but in any case... there is, there is lots of evidence for that. in any case, you can be empathetic and still be really interested in tough and challenging maths and physics. yes. and it's surely about schools and headteachers and governments and people in your sorts ofjobs to be encouraging girls and saying, "you must do this. it's fantastic." that's exactly what i spent 20 minutes doing, breaking down the ways in which we can encourage our girls and the ways we've done it here, and that's why we're so successful as a school with regard to that. we are hoping to get a response to that in the next few minutes from a physicist, so stay with us for that. now, are flying cars just a sci—fi fantasy? or could they one day be lifting off? a dutch company that makes them has set up a base at coventry airport. phil mackie reports. for as long as there have been cars and planes, someone's been trying to combine the two. this italian model was built in the 19a0s. the trouble is they've never been really practical, but now things could be about to change. so we have to stop dreaming and we're now at the very last stage of processing the regulations within permissions for flight with this vehicle, so it's getting so close. the liberty is made by a dutch company which is nearing the end of the long process to get everything licensed and approved. the question is who's going to buy one? well, they've already got lots of orders. this is the fastest way to become a pilot so there's always a small james bond seat in every heart of every guy and every girl, so that's where we are selling to. it takes less than ten minutes to turn it from a plane to a car. you could land it at any airfield and then drive home. if you want to buy one of these, it's going to cost you 300,000 euros. sounds a lot, but probably a snip if you want to be at the forefront of what they're promising will be a new motoring and aviation revolution. you'll need a private pilot's licence, but you can learn both here in coventry and in oxford. there have been many false starts in bringing a flying plane to market. next year, they reckon, is when you may see one driving along a street near you. phil mackie, bbc news, coventry. a very exciting idea, isn't it? there is just one week to go until voters across the uk go to the polls. voters in england, wales, and scotland will pick who they want to run services that affect everyday life in their local area. those in northern ireland will choose its government. ahead of the vote, we will be profiling some of the key contests in the uk's four nations. today we're looking at england. and my colleague luxmy gopaljoins us from the town centre in newcastle—under—lyme in staffordshire. yes, i'm in the auditorium of newcastle college where some of the students are actually part of our audience panel here. many of them will be voting for the first time next week in the local council elections. and alsojoined by a panel of representatives from each of the four main political parties and we will be putting questions to them, some of which will come from our audience. them, some of which will come from ouraudience. so, them, some of which will come from our audience. so, without further ado, we will go to our first one, from one about students here, tom walker. ~ . from one about students here, tom walker. ~ :, , ., , ., ., walker. what plants you have to rejuvenate _ walker. what plants you have to rejuvenate newcastle _ walker. what plants you have to rejuvenate newcastle town i walker. what plants you have to i rejuvenate newcastle town centre? first. _ rejuvenate newcastle town centre? first. we _ rejuvenate newcastle town centre? first. we will— rejuvenate newcastle town centre? first. we will go _ rejuvenate newcastle town centre? first, we will go to _ rejuvenate newcastle town centre? first, we will go to aidan _ rejuvenate newcastle town centre? first, we will go to aidanjenkins, i first, we will go to aidanjenkins, standing as a liberal democrat. when i was any town centre earlier, lots of people i spoke to said it was a town in decline.— of people i spoke to said it was a town in decline. how do you reverse this? indeed — town in decline. how do you reverse this? indeed it— town in decline. how do you reverse this? indeed it is _ town in decline. how do you reverse this? indeed it is and _ town in decline. how do you reverse this? indeed it is and i— town in decline. how do you reverse this? indeed it is and i think - town in decline. how do you reverse this? indeed it is and i think what i this? indeed it is and i think what we need to do is make sure we have lots of people that are willing to change things in the town centre, so effectively we need to look at what the business rates are, and the local democrats have a clear plan to reduce the business rates and ensure community assets put back into the town centre —— liberal democrats. we need to work with the police and a deal with the anti—social behaviour problem in newcastle town community because it is about not just this side of that side are what we do nationally, but what we do locally to ensure newcastle has its heart back, have more of those things where we have at the artisan market, which is fantastic and a wonderful resource and maybe put more of those back into the town itself. : . more of those back into the town itself. : :, ., ,, , :, more of those back into the town itself. : . :, ~' , :, : :, itself. aidan, thank you, adam, the same question _ itself. aidan, thank you, adam, the same question to _ itself. aidan, thank you, adam, the same question to you, _ itself. aidan, thank you, adam, the same question to you, you - itself. aidan, thank you, adam, the same question to you, you are i itself. aidan, thank you, adam, the same question to you, you are a - same question to you, you are a representative of the green party, who are building candidates what would you do to reverse the decline in the town centre rejuvenate a? we in the town centre re'uvenate a? we need in the town centre rejuvenate a? we need to get people back living in newcastle town centre, lots of the centres. _ newcastle town centre, lots of the centres, there are lots of empty spaces — centres, there are lots of empty spaces above the shops and those could _ spaces above the shops and those could be _ spaces above the shops and those could be repurposed to make family homes _ could be repurposed to make family homes we — could be repurposed to make family homes. we need to get independent shops— homes. we need to get independent shops back— homes. we need to get independent shops back into newcastle to keep the money in the area and bring the market_ the money in the area and bring the market back to life. newcastle market — market back to life. newcastle market has survived for 800 years and it _ market has survived for 800 years and it has — market has survived for 800 years and it has died over the past decade~ _ and it has died over the past decade. we need to bring it back to life. decade. we need to bring it back to life~ and _ decade. we need to bring it back to life and we — decade. we need to bring it back to life. and we want to make newcastle town centre a greener, more pleasant place _ town centre a greener, more pleasant place and — town centre a greener, more pleasant place and improve public transport link so _ place and improve public transport link so people can get their from outlying — link so people can get their from outlying commuters.— link so people can get their from outlying commuters. adam, thank you. another question _ outlying commuters. adam, thank you. another question from _ outlying commuters. adam, thank you. another question from our _ outlying commuters. adam, thank you. another question from our audience - another question from our audience now. this is a from ashley moran. last year, said banks had to deliver 2.1 last year, said banks had to deliver 11 million — last year, said banks had to deliver 11 million fed — last year, said banks had to deliver 2.1 million fed packages— last year, said banks had to deliver 2.1 million fed packages for- 2.1 million fed packages for families— 2.1 million fed packages for families and _ 2.1 million fed packages for families and households. . 2.1 million fed packages fori families and households. —— 2.1 million fed packages for- families and households. —— food banks _ families and households. —— food banks who— families and households. —— food banks. who should _ families and households. —— food banks. who should be _ families and households. —— food banks. who should be held - banks. who should be held accountable, _ banks. who should be held accountable, and _ banks. who should be held accountable, and what - banks. who should be held accountable, and what is l banks. who should be held i accountable, and what is the solution? _ accountable, and what is the solution?— accountable, and what is the solution? , , ., solution? this is the cost of living crisis, solution? this is the cost of living crisis. which _ solution? this is the cost of living crisis, which we _ solution? this is the cost of living crisis, which we have _ solution? this is the cost of living crisis, which we have talked - solution? this is the cost of living | crisis, which we have talked about. we were in one of the local food banks earlier where they said the has risen. i will put ashley's question to you, first of all, ian wilkes from the conservative who is defending his seat. food wilkes from the conservative who is defending his seat.— wilkes from the conservative who is defending his seat. food banks have become a necessity. _ defending his seat. food banks have become a necessity. how _ defending his seat. food banks have become a necessity. how do - defending his seat. food banks have become a necessity. how do we - defending his seat. food banks have | become a necessity. how do we stock prices rising? well, they're independent, we do not only people who produce the food... but it independent, we do not only people who produce the food. . ._ who produce the food... but it is not about _ who produce the food... but it is not about the _ who produce the food... but it is not about the price _ who produce the food... but it is not about the price is _ who produce the food... but it is not about the price is rising - who produce the food... but it is not about the price is rising in i not about the price is rising in particular, is it? it is that people's wages are not going up as well. we people's wages are not going up as well. ~ , ., , . , people's wages are not going up as well. , ., ,., ., people's wages are not going up as well. , well. we 'ust got, prices go up, that is well. we just got, prices go up, that is the _ well. we just got, prices go up, that is the way _ well. we just got, prices go up, that is the way things _ well. we just got, prices go up, that is the way things run. -- i well. wejust got, prices go up, - that is the way things run. -- wages that is the way things run. —— wages go up. so it is a catch 22. yes, we are a first world country, we should not be having food banks, but unfortunately, that is the way things have ended up, and hopefully, as things go on, if we can produce more of our own food, it will bring prices down. if it is not travelling halfway across the world, which i'm sure you would agree, it is a lot better for everybody. the environment and your pocket. ”an. environment and your pocket. ian, thank you- — environment and your pocket. ian, thank you- i _ environment and your pocket. ian, thank you. i will— environment and your pocket. ian, thank you. i will put _ environment and your pocket. ian, thank you. i will put the same question to you steph talbot, standing as a labour candidate. i standing as a labour candidate. i think food banks are a real scar in our society— think food banks are a real scar in our society and i think it is absolutely dreadful that we have heard _ absolutely dreadful that we have heard banks and we certainly should not he _ heard banks and we certainly should not be accepting them as a way of feeding _ not be accepting them as a way of feeding our poorest residents. i run a charity. _ feeding our poorest residents. i run a charity, we — feeding our poorest residents. i run a charity, we run a fed bank and we have _ a charity, we run a fed bank and we have seen— a charity, we run a fed bank and we have seen demand go up 300% in the last 12 _ have seen demand go up 300% in the last 12 months —— food bank. | have seen demand go up 300% in the last 12 months -- food bank.— last 12 months -- food bank. i don't think it when _ last 12 months -- food bank. i don't think it when we _ last 12 months -- food bank. i don't think it when we disagree _ last 12 months -- food bank. i don't think it when we disagree with - last 12 months -- food bank. i don't think it when we disagree with your| think it when we disagree with your net, but how do resolve that? you have not net, but how do resolve that? you have get get _ net, but how do resolve that? you have get get to — net, but how do resolve that? you have got got to start looking at the inequality— have got got to start looking at the inequality across society. we have -ot inequality across society. we have got to _ inequality across society. we have got to give — inequality across society. we have got to give people who are on low incomes— got to give people who are on low incomes and on benefits more cash in their pockets. incomes and on benefits more cash in their pockets-— their pockets. where does that cash come from? — their pockets. where does that cash come from? it _ their pockets. where does that cash come from? it has _ their pockets. where does that cash come from? it has to _ their pockets. where does that cash come from? it has to come - their pockets. where does that cash come from? it has to come from - their pockets. where does that cash i come from? it has to come from taxes ofthe come from? it has to come from taxes of the very rich- _ come from? it has to come from taxes of the very rich. and _ come from? it has to come from taxes of the very rich. and i _ come from? it has to come from taxes of the very rich. and i think _ come from? it has to come from taxes of the very rich. and i think the - of the very rich. and i think the problem — of the very rich. and i think the problem with the conservatives as they peddle this model that all of they peddle this model that all of the middle classes will be affected, but were _ the middle classes will be affected, but were not talking about taxing the middle classes, we are talking about— the middle classes, we are talking about the — the middle classes, we are talking about the elite rich of the country. we need _ about the elite rich of the country. we need to— about the elite rich of the country. we need to redistribute the wealth of this— we need to redistribute the wealth of this country. there is no doubt there _ of this country. there is no doubt there are — of this country. there is no doubt there are tonnes of wealth in this country — there are tonnes of wealth in this count . , , , ., country. very briefly, that income back on that _ country. very briefly, that income back on that point. _ country. very briefly, that income back on that point. tonnes - country. very briefly, that income back on that point. tonnes of - back on that point. tonnes of wealth, back on that point. tonnes of wealth. yeah. _ back on that point. tonnes of wealth, yeah, but _ back on that point. tonnes of wealth, yeah, but isn't - back on that point. tonnes of wealth, yeah, but isn't that l back on that point. tonnes of - wealth, yeah, but isn't that more of a communist idea? spread the wealth out? i mean... that is not a laboured idea, that is a communist idea. and i do not think that has actually been working throughout the world. 50 actually been working throughout the world. ,, actually been working throughout the world, y., ., actually been working throughout the world. i. ., actually been working throughout the world. y., . . world. so you are saying that higher taxes would — world. so you are saying that higher taxes would mean _ world. so you are saying that higher taxes would mean we _ world. so you are saying that higher taxes would mean we are _ world. so you are saying that higher taxes would mean we are in - world. so you are saying that higher taxes would mean we are in a - taxes would mean we are in a communist system questioning if you're going to put higher taxes on to the rich... this conservative party has increased taxes, though. and it is going to go towards the nhs, but if you increase touches, even a windfall tax on gas company, electric companies, they will end up passing it onto the consumer, so they will not be any better off. and i know your leaflets are saying they will be 600 pan better off, but the prices are still going to go up. == prices are still going to go up. -- £600. prices are still going to go up. —— £600. very briefly, said, we will give you a line to come back on that. to give you a line to come back on that. ., ., . , give you a line to come back on that. ., ., ., , _, , give you a line to come back on that. ., ., ., , , ., , that. to throw any communist word is 'ust -la in: that. to throw any communist word is just playing to — that. to throw any communist word is just playing to peeple's _ that. to throw any communist word is just playing to people's worst - that. to throw any communist word is just playing to people's worst fears i just playing to people's worst fears and we _ just playing to people's worst fears and we are — just playing to people's worst fears and we are all a bit brighter than that _ and we are all a bit brighter than that the — and we are all a bit brighter than that. the idea that rishi sunak can pay £40,000 to heat his swimming pool. _ pay £40,000 to heat his swimming pool. i_ pay £40,000 to heat his swimming pool. l have — pay £40,000 to heat his swimming pool, i have people coming into my fed lrank— pool, i have people coming into my fed bank refusing to take certain foods— fed bank refusing to take certain foods because they cannot put their other— foods because they cannot put their other non--- — foods because they cannot put their other non——— food banks. we foods because they cannot put their other non--- food banks.— foods because they cannot put their other non--- food banks. we will now no to other non--- food banks. we will now go to another— other non--- food banks. we will now go to another aspect, _ other non--- food banks. we will now go to another aspect, which _ other non--- food banks. we will now go to another aspect, which is - other non--- food banks. we will now go to another aspect, which is a - other non--- food banks. we will now go to another aspect, which is a lot. go to another aspect, which is a lot of people are not necessarily getting that interested in the local council elections, so just to give you an example, when i was out in town earlier, people spoke to me and said, many of them did not know the elections run next week. and many said, what is the difference between the political parties, they're all the political parties, they're all the same? that is putting them off voting. i will come to you, eating, representative of the liberal democrats, what is the solution questioning how to get people excited about local council elections question make —— a den. it is about being ordinary people, like i am, teacher and a secondary school. and ensuring that they know that their vote can and does make a real difference. i think people are sometimes bored between this extreme or that extreme. we are the difference and can hold the other two to account and really challenge those and hold the balance of power, potentially, in the chamber. and also, we are notjust a protest vote. we have a long history... there is not a history of keeping them to account, though, because when the liberal democrats winning coalition, there was criticism they were not really the temping force that people had expected them to be. there was criticism, of course, but in that time there was a lots and lots of liberal democrat that were enacted that held the tories are to account at that time and there was no real alternative. the alternative was no stable government at all or a stable government that lasted five years. and everybody said it was going to fail, and it didn't, and we enacted lots of very strong policies about communities and ensuring a freer and fairer and more democratic society and, ultimately, we are standing for transparency because at this election, you have got a stark choice between nearly one wanting to hold onto power, another one that is offering an alternative, but we are offering an alternative, but we are offering an alternative, but we are offering a real alternative where we can hold both those to account. i will put that question to you, as well, adam, representing the greens. how do you get people engaged in local council elections question might be get their way we get them involved with politics is and changing things in the community is because we are active in the community. because we are active in the community-— because we are active in the community. because we are active in the communi . .. ., ., , , community. our candidate has been out for the past _ community. our candidate has been out for the past 12 _ community. our candidate has been out for the past 12 months - community. our candidate has been out for the past 12 months fighting i out for the past 12 months fighting to protect — out for the past 12 months fighting to protect trees next to her home that are _ to protect trees next to her home that are going to cut down. we stand with people protesting against —— for the _ with people protesting against —— for the cop26 summit, and we stand with people protesting against the police _ with people protesting against the police and crime bill, where they are behind — police and crime bill, where they are behind people because my concerns— are behind people because my concerns and we also hold the public executive _ concerns and we also hold the public executive at account. if anyone has ever seen _ executive at account. if anyone has ever seen mp, caroline mp, at pmqs, every— ever seen mp, caroline mp, at pmqs, every single _ ever seen mp, caroline mp, at pmqs, every single week she is there for government —— challenging the government —— challenging the government and boris johnson and rooted _ government and boris johnson and rooted in _ government and boris johnson and rooted in the concerns for local people — rooted in the concerns for local --eole. ~ ., rooted in the concerns for local neale, . ., ., rooted in the concerns for local --eole. ~ ., rooted in the concerns for local n-eole. . . . . people. what about the fact that some peeple _ people. what about the fact that some people do _ people. what about the fact that some people do consider - people. what about the fact that some people do consider the - people. what about the fact that - some people do consider the greens orany some people do consider the greens or any party that is not one of the two main parties are a wasted vote? i do not believe we are a wasted vote _ i do not believe we are a wasted vote at— i do not believe we are a wasted vote at all _ i do not believe we are a wasted vote at all. we can change things and we _ vote at all. we can change things and we do — vote at all. we can change things and we do change things. we are changing — and we do change things. we are changing things in kent across the city, changing things in kent across the city. and _ changing things in kent across the city, and across the country. if you look _ city, and across the country. if you look at _ city, and across the country. if you look at lewis — city, and across the country. if you look at lewis council in the south of england, we have changed how the council— of england, we have changed how the council housing works. insulating draughty— council housing works. insulating draughty homes, helping people cut their bills, _ draughty homes, helping people cut their bills, getting people into homes — their bills, getting people into homes they can afford to live in. that— homes they can afford to live in. that is— homes they can afford to live in. that is what green councillors are doing _ that is what green councillors are doing all— that is what green councillors are doing all across the country. we can doing all across the country. we can do the same — doing all across the country. we can do the same here. _ doing all across the country. we can do the same here. i _ doing all across the country. we can do the same here. iwill— doing all across the country. we can do the same here. i willjust - doing all across the country. we can do the same here. i willjust get - doing all across the country. we can do the same here. i willjust get a l do the same here. i willjust get a quick straw poll from our student audience. hands up if you are eligible to vote in the elections next week. 0k. nice and high, come on. someone at the back, about seven of you. how many of you are going to vote? one. 0k, of you. how many of you are going to vote? one. ok, so this is what we're facing, isn't it? this is what we need to do to try and get people engaged in politics. we will move on now to our next question, which is from annelise longmore, a question from annelise longmore, a question from an audience member. to tackle the cost of living _ from an audience member. to tackle the cost of living crisis, _ from an audience member. to tackle the cost of living crisis, how - from an audience member. to tackle the cost of living crisis, how do - the cost of living crisis, how do you propose _ the cost of living crisis, how do you propose to _ the cost of living crisis, how do you propose to keep— the cost of living crisis, how do you propose to keep council. the cost of living crisis, how do i you propose to keep council taxes low and _ you propose to keep council taxes low and affordable? _ you propose to keep council taxes low and affordable?— low and affordable? thank you, annelise- _ low and affordable? thank you, annelise. we _ low and affordable? thank you, annelise. we will _ low and affordable? thank you, annelise. we will put _ low and affordable? thank you, annelise. we will put that - low and affordable? thank you, - annelise. we will put that question to ian from the conservatives. the council tax — to ian from the conservatives. tue: council tax actually is to ian from the conservatives. the: council tax actually is kept to ian from the conservatives. tu9: council tax actually is kept low council tax actually is kept [ow through the barrel. 1.9 is one of the lowest going. depending where you live, if you're in my area, there are three lots of council taxes, the parish, the borough, the county. and of course, you have the police, fire brigade, everything else that goes on, but the boro one is at the lowest that it is going to be. the best way to make sure it is low is by making sure that you are doing things right, you're not paying for offices to sit around and do some —— officers to sit around doing nothing, everyone has a job and you should do it. doing nothing, everyone has a 'ob and you should do mi and you should do it. thank you, ian, i and you should do it. thank you, ian. i would _ and you should do it. thank you, ian, i wouldjust _ and you should do it. thank you, ian, i wouldjust put _ and you should do it. thank you, ian, i would just put that - and you should do it. thank you, ian, i would just put that stuff. ian, i would just put that stuff now. i ian, i would 'ust put that stuff now. ~' ian, i would 'ust put that stuff now. ~ . :, . ian, i would 'ust put that stuff now. ~ _, . ., ian, i would 'ust put that stuff now. ~ . ., , :, , now. i think the council tax is only a really small— now. i think the council tax is only a really small part _ now. i think the council tax is only a really small part of _ now. i think the council tax is only a really small part of the - now. i think the council tax is only a really small part of the solution | a really small part of the solution towards _ a really small part of the solution towards attacking the cost of living crisis~ _ towards attacking the cost of living crisis~ l'm — towards attacking the cost of living crisis. i'm going to agree with in on this, — crisis. i'm going to agree with in on this, lrut— crisis. i'm going to agree with in on this, but it is around making sure _ on this, but it is around making sure people are getting value for money — sure people are getting value for money. but people who work for the council _ money. but people who work for the council do _ money. but people who work for the council do a — money. but people who work for the council do a good job in newcastle and were — council do a good job in newcastle and were often very different parties — and were often very different parties with very different views, but all— parties with very different views, but all in — parties with very different views, but all in this body by reason, we care about — but all in this body by reason, we care about our community. for me, the of— care about our community. for me, the of living — care about our community. for me, the of living is what we need to be looking _ the of living is what we need to be looking at. — the of living is what we need to be looking at, the cost of housing, food, _ looking at, the cost of housing, food, the — looking at, the cost of housing, food, the energy crisis, and putting measures— food, the energy crisis, and putting measures in— food, the energy crisis, and putting measures in place to help people deal with— measures in place to help people deal with that. i measures in place to help people deal with that.— deal with that. i 'ust want to briefly bring _ deal with that. i 'ust want to briefly bring in _ deal with that. i just want to briefly bring in the _ deal with that. i just want to briefly bring in the liberal. briefly bring in the liberal democrat candidate, aidan now, because i want to get your thoughts on how much power cancels realistically have to tackle all theseissues realistically have to tackle all these issues that you have all been talking about —— councils. you do have some level of agreement on what needs to be done or what needs to be improved. but how much power do councils have to do this?— councils have to do this? given fundin: councils have to do this? given funding squeezes _ councils have to do this? given funding squeezes question - councils have to do this? (1: 9t funding squeezes question mega does vary, depending on what cancer you're talking about, but the local borough council does have some power to manage and they will be budgets, which would eventually [and in the pockets of ordinary working people. and we do have some power in order to change things and look at transport links and make the whole borough fairer and more economically viable for people so we do have some power on some areas, but then other councils have other powers. sertic maiden, councils have other powers. sertic maiden. just _ councils have other powers. sertic maiden, just want _ councils have other powers. sertic maiden, just want to _ councils have other powers. sertic maiden, just want to briefly - councils have other powers. sertic maiden, just want to briefly bring | maiden, just want to briefly bring in adam. how much power do councils have? —— sorry, aidan. i do in adam. how much power do councils have? -- sorry, aidan.— have? -- sorry, aidan. i do not think they _ have? -- sorry, aidan. i do not think they have _ have? -- sorry, aidan. i do not think they have enough - have? -- sorry, aidan. i do not think they have enough power. have? -- sorry, aidan. i do not. think they have enough power and have? -- sorry, aidan. i do not- think they have enough power and one of the _ think they have enough power and one of the things the green party wants to devolve — of the things the green party wants to devolve power away from westminster to local people and you will get _ westminster to local people and you will get the money spent properly then because people on the ground know— then because people on the ground know how— then because people on the ground know how to spend, what the needs are, and _ know how to spend, what the needs are, and how to spend the money properly — are, and how to spend the money --roerl. :, ~' ,, are, and how to spend the money --roerl. . ,, i. ., are, and how to spend the money --roerl. :, ~' . :, are, and how to spend the money n-roerl. :, ~' :, :, , properly. thank you all for being here. properly. thank you all for being here- thank _ properly. thank you all for being here. thank you _ properly. thank you all for being here. thank you to _ properly. thank you all for being here. thank you to our - properly. thank you all for being here. thank you to our panel- properly. thank you all for being here. thank you to our panel for| here. thank you to our panel for facing the tough questions from our audience members. and thank you to our students in the audience for giving us a brilliant question there. we have come of course, been spending the day here in newcastle—under—lyme are looking at all the issues that are potentially weighing on voters and' mines as they head to the polls next week and this has just been a snapshot of some of them because those are local elections are next week and we have some first—time voters, potentially. the key is getting them engaged in perhaps turning up and casting their ballot at all. let's hope they do. and you can find out more about the upcoming local elections in newcastle under lyme council on 5th may, including information on how to vote, and who your local candidates are, by going to the council website newcastle—staffs.gov.uk let's return to the news that the uk government's social mobility tsar has been criticised for comments implying that girls do not study a—level science because they dislike "hard maths". we can speak to professor sheila rowan, who is the president of the institute of physics and chair of natural philosophy at glasgow university's school of physics and astronomy. thank you very much forjoining us. what is your reaction to catherine's claims? ~ , ,:, claims? well, it is both disappointing _ claims? well, it is both disappointing to - claims? well, it is both disappointing to hear . claims? well, it is both - disappointing to hear there statements and also actually not borne out by the evidence in terms of girls�* reaction to last. i think the evidence does appear that the girls just like the evidence does appear that the girlsjust like hard maths because if you look at 2021a—level maths entrance, true, there are more boys than girls studying a—level maths, but if we just look at the numbers, 38,000 entrants for a—level maths were girls. 22,000 of those got an a star or a a, were girls. 22,000 of those got an a star ora a, the were girls. 22,000 of those got an a star or a a, the highest grades, so girls do maths in high numbers and when we do it, they excel at it. they did really well.— they did really well. catherine birbalsingh — they did really well. catherine birbalsingh said _ they did really well. catherine birbalsingh said there - they did really well. catherine birbalsingh said there is - they did really well. catherine i birbalsingh said there is evidence to show that girls are more empathetic and boys are more systematic, and is evidence to show that question make and if there is evidence for that, does it mean you cannot do had massive your martyn pert empathetic? that cannot do had massive your martyn pert empathetic?— pert empathetic? that is not significant — pert empathetic? that is not significant evidence. - pert empathetic? that is not significant evidence. i i pert empathetic? that is not significant evidence. i think. pert empathetic? that is not i significant evidence. i think the scientific evidence is not there, but what is true is that, certainly if you�*re empathetic, and i hope we all have a degree of empathy, but it does not mean we cannot be interested in physics, maths, and the things they allow us to do in terms of being able to change the world we live in. share sick macpherson is the social mobility aids are appointed by the government —— katherine birbalsingh, do you worry these comments could put girls off or do you think teachers are encouraging girls to do what subject they want question make it as a good question and it is importantly things we say and the messages give as educators and people who are engaged in stem subjects is very important. this people who are engaged in stem subjects is very important. sub'ects is very important. this is an subjects is very important. this is an area that _ subjects is very important. this is an area that the _ subjects is very important. this is an area that the institute - subjects is very important. this is an area that the institute of i an area that the institute of physics has done research on again for more than a decade. actually looking at how cultural expectations, societal expectations of what girls and other underrepresented minorities in science subjects, how those messages that we give to them affect the choices they then make. [10 that we give to them affect the choices they then make. do you think ms birbalsingh _ choices they then make. do you think ms birbalsingh should _ choices they then make. do you think ms birbalsingh should apologise, i ms birbalsingh should apologise, some have said?— ms birbalsingh should apologise, some have said? well, i think what would be constructive _ some have said? well, i think what would be constructive would - some have said? well, i think what would be constructive would be i some have said? well, i think what would be constructive would be to l would be constructive would be to engage with some of that work and see what the evidence actually does suggest in terms of girls engaging with physics and what we can do not to force anyone to do it, but actually to not be discouraged in their aspirations. loath? actually to not be discouraged in their aspirations.— actually to not be discouraged in their aspirations. why do you think of our their aspirations. why do you think of your girls _ their aspirations. why do you think of your girls do _ their aspirations. why do you think of your girls do take _ their aspirations. why do you think of your girls do take it? _ their aspirations. why do you think of your girls do take it? it - their aspirations. why do you think of your girls do take it? it is i their aspirations. why do you think of your girls do take it? it is only i of your girls do take it? it is only about one fifth or something of girls who do physics a—level compared with boys? girls who do physics a-level compared with boys?- girls who do physics a-level compared with boys? girls who do physics a-level comared with bo s? , , compared with boys? yes. so the eye ore es compared with boys? yes. so the eye or eyes work — compared with boys? yes. so the eye or eyes work has _ compared with boys? yes. so the eye or eyes work has shown _ compared with boys? yes. so the eye or eyes work has shown that - compared with boys? yes. so the eye or eyes work has shown that in i or eyes work has shown that in schools, —— iop�*s has shown what works is taking a whole school approach to examining the ways in which teachers actually put forward they teaching approaches. taking a whole school approach to the messages that we give about engaging with physics, but notjust any physics classroom, but actually about the unconscious biases that can happen when i talk to young people outside physics around the whole school outside the classroom. and that we see networks, when we do those things, think about the actions that we are taking, how teaching is done in schools. when we celebrate success, when we show female role models, when we show women doing modern physics, explain what physics really is, what physics careers really are, it actually really can significantly change the number of girls who choose to engage in what is a wonderful career. i�*m in what is a wonderful career. i'm sure. in what is a wonderful career. i'm sure- thank _ in what is a wonderful career. i'm sure. thank you so much forjoining us, professor sheila rowan, professor of the institute of physics, thank you for your time. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with nick. it is no quite cold today, especially across the midlands and northern england where we have had the thickest cloud. just nine celsius by the top temperature. it has been some of the highest temperatures today in scotland where we have seen the lion�*s share of the sunshine today. high pressure, a lot of cloud over this area of high pressure. a lot of people want the rain. if it is going to be cloudy, might as well rain, but that will not be the case today. there are some changes around run by the weekend, wetter changes as we will see any moment. some of the cloud we have had today will clear tonight, but it will continue mainly across eastern parts, the chance of northern and eastern scotland, perhaps south—east england too. the lowest temperatures, hints of blue here, nor the lowest temperatures, hints of blue here, northern, southern scotland and england, the chance there will be if you are central patches here and there. overall, a bright sunny day tomorrow. a lot of cloud still across the east and south—east of england until quite late in the days of feeling quite cool here still. elsewhere, with the more generous amount of sunshine, it is going to feel warmer. up to 17 degrees in glasgow, central and eastern parts of scotland. if your showers breaking it. there will be some towards the north—east of scotland early on, but elsewhere in scotland, some will develop late money, more especially into the afternoon. we look at the event starting to push in from the west, connected to low pressure weather fronts. we have not seen them for a while, northern ireland and scotland getting that first on saturday. some decent rain. pushing down towards northern england, northern wales later in the day. ahead of that, there will be some sunny spells, they will turn increasingly hazy. this is where we will see the days highest temperatures and of course it will stay dry. this move south overnight into sunday. starts to weaken, but there will still be through parts of england and wales free time some outbreaks of rain around. a lot of cloud, some sunny spells in scotland and northern ireland, the chance of picking up a shower, though, and it is a chilly here we will get a warmer feeling day but as for england and wales on sunday, it will fill cooler. forthe bank holiday, we did a lot of cloud, the chance of a shower, most places staying dry and it will feel fairly pleasant if we get to see some sunshine, but hard to get much anyway a blue sky. a greater chance of showers on tuesday. this is bbc news. i�*m jane hill. today at 5: the un chief, antonio guterres is in kyiv to meet president zelensky. as he visits scenes of alleged war crimes — he says russia must cooperate with the international criminal court war is an absurdity in the 21st century. the war is evil. the foreign office says that a british national has been killed in ukraine and a second is currently missing. allegations of sexism in westminster — a labour mp alleges that inappropriate comments allegations of sexism in westminster —