let's look at what he says in the telegraph newspaper. in the united states, it seems the problem may be the opposite — with workers concerned about taking too much time off. a survey by the american psychiatric association found that more than 40% of employees were concerned about retaliation for taking mental health days. while only 56% of employees say they can talk openly about mental health in the workplace. dr lade smith is president of

the royal college of psychiatrists. thank you very much for coming on the programme. thank you for having me. so what do you make of some of these context comments, then, openness about mental health is a good thing but it may have gone too far. i good thing but it may have gone too far. ~ �* , good thing but it may have gone too far. ~' �*, , ., far. i think it's disappointing that he has diminished _ far. i think it's disappointing that he has diminished and _ far. i think it's disappointing that he has diminished and were - he has diminished and were misrepresented people with mental illness. it's not simply a culture, a lifestyle choice that will go away on its own. these people are not pretending to be sick, they really are sick. ~ ., ., are sick. well, what about the argument _ are sick. well, what about the argument that _ are sick. well, what about the argument that he _ are sick. well, what about the argument that he puts - are sick. well, what about the| argument that he puts forward are sick. well, what about the - argument that he puts forward that work is good for you, work is good for your mental health? and he wants to get more people working. you know, to get more people working. you know. he's _ to get more people working. 7m, know, he's absolutely right, work is good for your mental health. but the fact is that over the past 15 years, we've seen a significant increase in the factors that cause what we know

are related and associated with developing a mental health problem. there's more poverty, deprivation, housing and and homelessness, loneliness, isolation, all of which are associated with depression and anxiety and even self—harm and suicide. what we know even from the government �*s own figures that 50% of people who are waiting, who have been assessed and waiting for nhs therapists, have moderate to severe depression and anxiety. these are people we know are working and they have been struggling and trying their hardest not to leave work, and finding that they haven't had any choice because they've become so unwell because they've been avoiding having to leave work that they've left it too long. and in fact we've got 1.4 million people on mental health waiting lists waiting for treatment. these are not people who are pretending. it’s treatment. these are not people who are pretending-— are pretending. it's not people... what about _ are pretending. it's not people... what about his _ are pretending. it's not people... what about his argument - are pretending. it's not people... what about his argument there, l what about his argument there,

talking about your gp for a single appointment and then being signed off after that, and him saying there that it's an average of seven minutes with agp to make that significant decision, and then the figures quoted there are 94% of occasions they will be signed off as not fit to carry out work at all. i was astounded when i read that. i don't know where he's getting his figures from. gps are highly skilled, highly trained professionals, their training is so they can assess complex conditions and situations in a matter of minutes, and that is the skill of being agp. and many many people, many people are not signed off, the they are signed off because they are ill, and unfortunately we've had chronic under resourcing of mental health services to many many years. what this means is there aren't enough people to look after and provide early treatment, the early

treatment which we know is much more effective for people who are sitting on waiting lists. what it means of people are working, they get sick, they get sent to see somebody and they get sent to see somebody and they said on the waiting list and they said on the waiting list and they sit on the waiting list, and they sit on the waiting list, and they sat on the waiting list for long enough your illness gets worse. the best approach rather than sanctioning people would actually be to support people by ensuring that there are good, effective mental health care as early as possible and support them in so far as we know there are work schemes like individual placement schemes that support people rather than sanction people. if you sanction people all that happens is that they get more ill. it's as simple or as that. in fact, i think he is gambling with the taxpayer money on that. thank ou ve the taxpayer money on that. thank you very much for _ the taxpayer money on that. thank you very much for coming - the taxpayer money on that. thank you very much for coming on - you very much for coming on the programme, thank you.- you very much for coming on the programme, thank you. susie boniface, daily mirror columnist also known as fleet street fox, and wills robinson, the assistant editor

of politics at dailymail. susie, what was your reaction when you read this in the telegraph? i think mel stride might be one of the most mentally ill people i've ever seenin most mentally ill people i've ever seen in politics. he'sjust come out said that being black and female is not what frank esther was talking about when he was criticising diane abbott saying that he wanted to shoot all black women having to listen to her. the entire british public, the thing that you've heard and seen is definitely not the thing he has heard and seen and he's right and you're not. he is capturing this hostage situation within a government that can go out and just have this post to his analysis of anything that's happened, he'lljust come out and say completely the opposite of what everyone else knows to be common sense, some of the most oppressed people in this country right now, today, are gps. they have

to deal with so much workload, as he you are saying, it's not that you have a mental health problem if you were sitting waiting and waiting. there are not enough gps to care for you, you have to go to andy, and you're on a waiting list with 7 million other people. this issue, mel stride, if people are signed off work because they aren't feeling very well, that would be the better solution, wouldn't it?— solution, wouldn't it? wills, what are our solution, wouldn't it? wills, what are your thoughts _ solution, wouldn't it? wills, what are your thoughts on _ solution, wouldn't it? wills, what are your thoughts on it? - solution, wouldn't it? wills, what are your thoughts on it? in - solution, wouldn't it? wills, what are your thoughts on it? in the i solution, wouldn't it? wills, what. are your thoughts on it? in the last few ears are your thoughts on it? in the last few years especially, _ are your thoughts on it? in the last few years especially, some - are your thoughts on it? in the last few years especially, some of- are your thoughts on it? in the last few years especially, some of the i few years especially, some of the biggest _ few years especially, some of the biggest companies, biggest industries have improved mental health. _ industries have improved mental health, given access to mental health— health, given access to mental health days and given access to treatment more frequently, i'm shocked — treatment more frequently, i'm shocked that people feel pressured to turn— shocked that people feel pressured to turn up— shocked that people feel pressured to turn up to work. i know the us has far— to turn up to work. i know the us has far less — to turn up to work. i know the us has far less vacation or holiday days, — has far less vacation or holiday days, but— has far less vacation or holiday days, but it's... the conversation we're _ days, but it's... the conversation we're having _ days, but it's... the conversation

we're having is very key and it's been _ we're having is very key and it's been crucial, and the fact that we can talk_ been crucial, and the fact that we can talk about it a lot more and there _ can talk about it a lot more and there are, _ can talk about it a lot more and there are, i_ can talk about it a lot more and there are, i want to say concessions for lack_ there are, i want to say concessions for lack of— there are, i want to say concessions for lack of a — there are, i want to say concessions for lack of a better word, it's cruciat — for lack of a better word, it's cruciat as_ for lack of a better word, it's crucial. as susie said, you are actually— crucial. as susie said, you are actually sick in these instances. i think— actually sick in these instances. i think the main issue that people have _ think the main issue that people have to — think the main issue that people have to get around is employees or who may— have to get around is employees or who may be — have to get around is employees or who may be using these as an out. it's very— who may be using these as an out. it's very hard — who may be using these as an out. it's very hard to tell and it's a very— it's very hard to tell and it's a very thin _ it's very hard to tell and it's a very thin line to tread, there's a difference — very thin line to tread, there's a difference between people who really do need _ difference between people who really do need these treatments and whether people _ do need these treatments and whether people are _ do need these treatments and whether people are saying, oh, i need to take _ people are saying, oh, i need to take a _ people are saying, oh, i need to take a mental health day because i feel like _ take a mental health day because i feel like it — take a mental health day because i feel like it. talking about the need of mental— feel like it. talking about the need of mental health in veterans which i personally— of mental health in veterans which i personally have covered a lot, and they have — personally have covered a lot, and they have a — personally have covered a lot, and they have a multitude of mental problems, issues, and they need a lot of— problems, issues, and they need a lot of treatment. and in terms of access— lot of treatment. and in terms of access to — lot of treatment. and in terms of access to this treatment, there is a massive variety, there's a lot of therapists — massive variety, there's a lot of therapists out here, so for example you wouldn't necessarily go to agp here in— you wouldn't necessarily go to agp here in the — you wouldn't necessarily go to agp here in the us, you go to a therapist— here in the us, you go to a therapist in places like cities like new york, — therapist in places like cities like new york, they are very widely used

and there's— new york, they are very widely used and there's often weightless to see people. _ and there's often weightless to see people. i_ and there's often weightless to see people, i think people should be seeking — people, i think people should be seeking to his help it's really very important — seeking to his help it's really very im ortant. ~ , seeking to his help it's really very imortant. ~ , ,, , ., ,, important. wills, susie, thank you very much- — important. wills, susie, thank you very much. back— important. wills, susie, thank you very much. back with _ important. wills, susie, thank you very much. back with you - important. wills, susie, thank you very much. back with you in - important. wills, susie, thank you very much. back with you in a - very much. back with you in a moment. around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news.

you're live with bbc news. the price of easter eggs is on the rise — some cost 50% more than they did a year ago, while others have shrunk in size — according to the consumer group, which?. and the reason? most chocolate is made from cocoa grown in west africa, but there has been a spike in global cocoa prices gfx with the overall cocoa prices with the overall price of chocolate increased by more than 12% in a year after a humid heatwave affected crops. rory payne is the managing director of �*cocoa loco', a fairtrade and organic chocolate producer in west sussex. thank you very much for coming on the programme. good evening, thank

you for inviting me along. 50 the programme. good evening, thank you for inviting me along.— you for inviting me along. so what is auoin you for inviting me along. so what is going on. _ you for inviting me along. so what is going on, where _ you for inviting me along. so what is going on, where you _ you for inviting me along. so what is going on, where you are - you for inviting me along. so what is going on, where you are the - is going on, where you are the prices going up?— is going on, where you are the prices going up? well, in the uk, the rainy season _ prices going up? well, in the uk, the rainy season has _ prices going up? well, in the uk, the rainy season has nearly - prices going up? well, in the uk, i the rainy season has nearly stopped here, we are all getting ready for easter, the poorfarmers in west africa were most of the world's cocoa comes from our having a terrible time. they had an incredibly wet december. that's allowed a fungal infection called black pod disease to affect cocoa pods and they actually rot on the trees. and they are now coming up to their april harvest which is the smaller harvest of the year because the trees actually fruit twice a year. and they've had the el nino effect, they've had very hot, dry weather. we are expecting a very poor crop. weather. we are expecting a very poor crop-— poor crop. interesting. so you listed a couple _ poor crop. interesting. so you listed a couple of _ poor crop. interesting. so you listed a couple of factors - poor crop. interesting. so you i listed a couple of factors there, poor crop. interesting. so you - listed a couple of factors there, el nino, the weather phenomenon that happens with certain regularity, the broader issue of climate change,

should people be expecting generally higher prices across the board in the years ahead, or not necessarily? yes, i think that is the case. with cocoa, it's a global commodity. our company, all of our organic chocolate actually comes from the dominican republic, it's not currently affected by these weather problems but it is a global market. companies like ourselves due by 6—12 months ahead, and at the moment the prices are on a 40 year high. so whilst we heard earlier today, inflation is down to 3.4% in the uk, i think on average in the last 12 months chocolate products have been up months chocolate products have been up 16% and i'm afraid it's going to carry on. up 16% and i'm afraid it's going to car on. . _ up 16% and i'm afraid it's going to car on. ,, ._ ., up 16% and i'm afraid it's going to car on. ,, ., , carry on. stay there for us, if you would come _ carry on. stay there for us, if you would come l _ carry on. stay there for us, if you would come i want _ carry on. stay there for us, if you would come i want to _ carry on. stay there for us, if you would come i want to come - carry on. stay there for us, if you would come i want to come back| would come i want to come back to you injust a moment. susie, let's start with you, this interplay of specific issues number climate

change, globaltrade, specific issues number climate change, global trade, all making our easter eggs more expensive. i think it's a perfect — easter eggs more expensive. i think it's a perfect opportunity _ easter eggs more expensive. i think it's a perfect opportunity for- easter eggs more expensive. i think it's a perfect opportunity for small l it's a perfect opportunity for small children to go back to having a painted egg and to be happy with that at easter time, rather than constant supplies of chocolate. and we can just keep that as a luxury for money, and i can have that late in the evening when she's going to bed. �* , ., ., , bed. there's nothing wrong with this at all. bed. there's nothing wrong with this at all- that's — bed. there's nothing wrong with this at all. that's one _ bed. there's nothing wrong with this at all. that's one solution _ bed. there's nothing wrong with this at all. that's one solution to - bed. there's nothing wrong with this at all. that's one solution to the - at all. that's one solution to the whole problem. wills, what is yours? it's quite sad over here because easter— it's quite sad over here because easter eggs, chocolate easter eggs aren't— easter eggs, chocolate easter eggs aren't really a thing in the us so i have _ aren't really a thing in the us so i have to _ aren't really a thing in the us so i have to rely— aren't really a thing in the us so i have to rely on people back home to send me _ have to rely on people back home to send me them and americans use painted _ send me them and americans use painted eggs, that's what they carry around _ painted eggs, that's what they carry around. but again, it feeds into the worry— around. but again, it feeds into the worry about — around. but again, it feeds into the worry about prices and inflation is coming _ worry about prices and inflation is coming down over here, so it's cooling off— coming down over here, so it's cooling off a bit more. but one of the main — cooling off a bit more. but one of the main issues coming out is shrink inflation _ the main issues coming out is shrink inflation which is happening a lot inflation which is happening a lot in the _ inflation which is happening a lot in the uk — inflation which is happening a lot in the uk as well. and if this starts — in the uk as well. and if this starts hitting chocolate products and the — starts hitting chocolate products and the combination of climate change — and the combination of climate change bringing up the prices, it's really— change bringing up the prices, it's

really going to be bad, and it becomes— really going to be bad, and it becomes a political issue beyond easter— becomes a political issue beyond easter as — becomes a political issue beyond easter as well which could have a damaging — easter as well which could have a damaging effect onjoe biden, funnily— damaging effect onjoe biden, funnily enough. but painted eggs are the way forward, so maybe that's what _ the way forward, so maybe that's what the — the way forward, so maybe that's what the uk should be doing as well. i was what the uk should be doing as well. i was not _ what the uk should be doing as well. i was not expecting this consent around painted eggs, but we've got it so i'll go with it. marie, i'll come back to you. you said prices because of where you source not impacted right now but in the years ahead, what kind of approach are you going to take? wills, or if your prices go up —— shrinkflation. what prices go up -- shrinkflation. what manufacturers _ prices go up -- shrinkflation. what manufacturers will _ prices go up -- shrinkflation. what manufacturers will do _ prices go up -- shrinkflation. what manufacturers will do is _ prices go up —— shrinkflation. what manufacturers will do is put cheaper ingredients— manufacturers will do is put cheaper ingredients into _ manufacturers will do is put cheaper ingredients into the _ manufacturers will do is put cheaper ingredients into the truck— manufacturers will do is put cheaper ingredients into the truck would - manufacturers will do is put cheaper ingredients into the truck would why you'll— ingredients into the truck would why you'll often — ingredients into the truck would why you'll often find _ ingredients into the truck would why

you'll often find vegetable _ ingredients into the truck would why you'll often find vegetable oils, - you'll often find vegetable oils, palm _ you'll often find vegetable oils, palm oil. — you'll often find vegetable oils, palm oil, that's _ you'll often find vegetable oils, palm oil, that's not _ you'll often find vegetable oils, palm oil, that's not somethingl you'll often find vegetable oils, - palm oil, that's not something we'll do, palm oil, that's not something we'll do. we _ palm oil, that's not something we'll do. we will— palm oil, that's not something we'll do, we will never— palm oil, that's not something we'll do, we will never compromise - palm oil, that's not something we'll do, we will never compromise on i palm oil, that's not something we'll. do, we will never compromise on the quality— do, we will never compromise on the quality of— do, we will never compromise on the quality of our — do, we will never compromise on the quality of our chocolate, _ do, we will never compromise on the quality of our chocolate, so - do, we will never compromise on the quality of our chocolate, so that - quality of our chocolate, so that leaves _ quality of our chocolate, so that leaves us — quality of our chocolate, so that leaves us with _ quality of our chocolate, so that leaves us with two _ quality of our chocolate, so that leaves us with two root - quality of our chocolate, so that leaves us with two root lovers, i leaves us with two root lovers, really — leaves us with two root lovers, really one _ leaves us with two root lovers, really. one is _ leaves us with two root lovers, really. one is to _ leaves us with two root lovers, really. one is to change - leaves us with two root lovers, really. one is to change the i leaves us with two root lovers, . really. one is to change the price, how really. 0ne is to change the price, how much— really. 0ne is to change the price, how much of— really. one is to change the price, how much of the _ really. one is to change the price, how much of the price _ really. one is to change the price, how much of the price increase . really. one is to change the price, how much of the price increase doj really. one is to change the price, i how much of the price increase do we observe. _ how much of the price increase do we observe. and — how much of the price increase do we observe. and the _ how much of the price increase do we observe, and the other— how much of the price increase do we observe, and the other thing - how much of the price increase do we observe, and the other thing is- how much of the price increase do we observe, and the other thing is how. observe, and the other thing is how do we _ observe, and the other thing is how do we change — observe, and the other thing is how do we change the _ observe, and the other thing is how do we change the size _ observe, and the other thing is how do we change the size of— observe, and the other thing is how do we change the size of our- do we change the size of our products. _ do we change the size of our products. the _ do we change the size of our products, the dreaded - do we change the size of our- products, the dreaded shrinkflation. and that's _ products, the dreaded shrinkflation. and that's not — products, the dreaded shrinkflation. and that's not something _ products, the dreaded shrinkflation. and that's not something we - products, the dreaded shrinkflation. and that's not something we are - products, the dreaded shrinkflation. i and that's not something we are keen to do either~ — and that's not something we are keen to do either~ a— and that's not something we are keen to do either. a chocolate _ and that's not something we are keen to do either. a chocolate bar - and that's not something we are keen to do either. a chocolate bar should . to do either. a chocolate bar should really _ to do either. a chocolate bar should really be _ to do either. a chocolate bar should really be100 — to do either. a chocolate bar should really be 100 grams. _ to do either. a chocolate bar should really be 100 grams. iust _ to do either. a chocolate bar should really be 100 grams.— really be 100 grams. just lastly, ro , really be 100 grams. just lastly, roy. before _ really be 100 grams. just lastly, roy. before i — really be 100 grams. just lastly, roy, before i let _ really be 100 grams. just lastly, roy, before i let you _ really be 100 grams. just lastly, roy, before i let you go, - really be 100 grams. just lastly, roy, before i let you go, how. roy, before i let you go, how pleased were you with yourself when you came up with the name coco loco? i can't take credit for that, i'm afraid — i can't take credit for that, i'm afraid. �* , ., i can't take credit for that, i'm afraid. v ., i can't take credit for that, i'm afraid. �*, ., ., afraid. it's a good one. right, we'll let you _ afraid. it's a good one. right, we'll let you go, _ afraid. it's a good one. right, we'll let you go, rory - afraid. it's a good one. right, we'll let you go, rory payne, | afraid. it's a good one. right, - we'll let you go, rory payne, thank you so much. now it's time for the panel. this is the part of the programme where our panel get to talk about what they want to talk about. susie, can you kick us off, the floor is yours. can you kick us off, the floor is ours. , " can you kick us off, the floor is ours. , ~ .,, , ,

yours. so this week has been very excitin: yours. so this week has been very exciting for _ yours. so this week has been very exciting for me. _ yours. so this week has been very exciting for me. i _ yours. so this week has been very exciting for me. i write _ yours. so this week has been very exciting for me. i write about - exciting for me. i write about survivors of britain's nuclear tests, and we've served legal papers on the ministry of defence asking for the missing medical records from the 19505 which will prove whether or not they were radiated. the good news is, within 24 hours of serving tho5e legal papers, the weapons establishment had declassified a big part of the documents about blood and you're in testing which they previously denied ever having existed, within the space of 24 hours and probably notjust a result of our legal case we managed to make a huge breakthrough and itju5t goe5 a huge breakthrough and itju5t goes to show the benefits really i think ofjournalism that really sort of keeps on pounding away at something and never gives up, and eventually you do you get big institutions to deny things and deny things and deny things and also the fact that we've had a legal crowdfund which has helped getting this case to where it is, right up to the steps of it and drag him to court. find is, right up to the steps of it and drag him to court.— drag him to court. and for the arencies drag him to court. and for the agencies involved _ drag him to court. and for the agencies involved time - drag him to court. and for the agencies involved time is - drag him to court. and for the -

agencies involved time is important. in the mid—805, the5e agencies involved time is important. in the mid—805, these were the ones the youngest at a time come the ones who are still alive are the ones who were healthiest and least affected, 5o were healthiest and least affected, so one of the things we've offered the government is a chance to make this case go away with a one—year public inquiry which will be a much cheaper way of settling their claims and compensating them and getting to the truth of what finally happened all those years ago. find the truth of what finally happened all those years ago.— the truth of what finally happened all those years ago. and has there been any response _ all those years ago. and has there been any response from _ all those years ago. and has there been any response from the - all those years ago. and has there been any response from the mod| been any response from the mod in the last 24 hours or so?— the last 24 hours or so? none whatsoever. _ the last 24 hours or so? none whatsoever. same _ the last 24 hours or so? none whatsoever. same situation i the last 24 hours or so? none i whatsoever. same situation it's the last 24 hours or so? none - whatsoever. same situation it's been for the last 70 years. the defence minister has not reviewed the5e nonexisting documents they suddenly found it, we hope they'll be an announcement in parliament about what is actually is in the next monday. what is actually is in the next monda . ., ~ what is actually is in the next monda . ., ,, what is actually is in the next monda. ., ,, . ., what is actually is in the next monda. ., . ., ., monday. thank you so much for that. let's no monday. thank you so much for that. let's go over— monday. thank you so much for that. let's go over to _ monday. thank you so much for that. let's go over to the _ monday. thank you so much for that. let's go over to the us, _ monday. thank you so much for that. let's go over to the us, wills, - let's go over to the us, wills, floor yours. let's go over to the us, wills, floor yours-— floor yours. i'm going for the victims disaster— floor yours. i'm going for the victims disaster which - floor yours. i'm going for the victims disaster which is - floor yours. i'm going for the victims disaster which is a i victims disaster which is a massively important point to choose in the _ massively important point to choose in the presidential election. a few weeks _ in the presidential election. a few weeks ago — in the presidential election. a few weeks ago we saw donald trump bringing — weeks ago we saw donald trump bringing out his golden sneakers

that he _ bringing out his golden sneakers that he was selling for $300 apiece, which _ that he was selling for $300 apiece, which would be... pounds. this week we've _ which would be... pounds. this week we've had _ which would be... pounds. this week we've had joe — which would be... pounds. this week we've had joe biden shoes. the big narrative _ we've had joe biden shoes. the big narrative in — we've had joe biden shoes. the big narrative in the us is whetherjoe biden— narrative in the us is whetherjoe biden will— narrative in the us is whetherjoe biden will slip and fall which will cause _ biden will slip and fall which will cause a — biden will slip and fall which will cause a huge problem for his reelection campaign given his age. please _ reelection campaign given his age. please see — reelection campaign given his age. please see him wearing used to sneakers— please see him wearing used to sneakers that they cost about £17 and they — sneakers that they cost about £17 and they are meant for lifestyle, they are — and they are meant for lifestyle, they are white, they've got a good grip, _ they are white, they've got a good grip, and — they are white, they've got a good grip, and he's been using them more frequently because eggs around him if there _ frequently because eggs around him if there is— frequently because eggs around him if there is another tumble which we've _ if there is another tumble which we've seen a couple of times, it could _ we've seen a couple of times, it could present a big image problem and what _ could present a big image problem and what is looking up to be a very vicious _ and what is looking up to be a very vicious and — and what is looking up to be a very vicious and very close 2024 general election. so— vicious and very close 2024 general election, so i guess we'll see... we're _ election, so i guess we'll see... we're zooming in on these trainers we're zooming in on these trainer5 right now. i don't want to give too much of an advert to them, but what is special about them and why are

they being worn because we've got big clo5e—up5 they being worn because we've got big close—ups of them on screen now. so it's their wits, and it's the grip— so it's their wits, and it's the grip on— so it's their wits, and it's the grip on the _ so it's their wits, and it's the grip on the bottom. so they bring in the sense _ grip on the bottom. so they bring in the sense of— grip on the bottom. so they bring in the sense of a running shoe and a, you'd say— the sense of a running shoe and a, you'd say sort of a... a casual lifestyle — you'd say sort of a... a casual lifestyle shoe. they look like a smart — lifestyle shoe. they look like a smart black shoe you'd wear to the office _ smart black shoe you'd wear to the office every— smart black shoe you'd wear to the office every day, but they have better— office every day, but they have better grip, they're a bit sturdier as well — better grip, they're a bit sturdier as well. and so he has a bit more safety in — as well. and so he has a bit more safety in a — as well. and so he has a bit more safety in a bit more comfort as he walks _ safety in a bit more comfort as he walks around. | safety in a bit more comfort as he walks around-— safety in a bit more comfort as he walks around. . , , . ., walks around. i was expecting to end the show with _ walks around. i was expecting to end the show with a _ walks around. i was expecting to end the show with a close-up _ walks around. i was expecting to end the show with a close-up of joe i the show with a close—up ofjoe biden'5 sneakers, we have wills robinson, thank you very much to my panelists. thank you very much. now, before i go, i want toju5t bring you up—to—date with some line5 coming out of the eu, you would remember la5t coming out of the eu, you would remember last couple of hours or so, we've been focusing on what's been happening in brussels. eu leaders are they are talking about a range of topics. ukraine, specifically, one of them. vladimir zelensky, earlier on the via video link

appeared. —— appealed to the uu leaders to send her more ammunition, artillery shells, to ukraine. they've been talking about several different ideas, one of them involved using the profits from russia and prison assets to send that to ukraine, that is not a straightforward idea and not universally supported but we did hear from one of the universally supported but we did hearfrom one of the eu leadersjust a little earlier supporting that idea. now, separately, eu leaders are together and they have been talking about other issues, too. they've been talking about the conflict in gaza and on social media, shows michelle posting in the last couple of hours or so saying that the eu calls for immediate humanitarian causes leading to a sustainable cease—fire, so this is charles michelle, president of the council, the eu calls for an

immediate humanitarian cause leading to a sustainable cease—fire. so a couple of lines coming out of brussels, and if more come out we will bring them straight to you. that is it for me but thank you very much for your company. i am lewis vaughanjones, this is bbc news. bye—bye. hello from the bbc sport centre. wales are just one match away from qualifying for the european championship this summer. after beating finland 4—1in their play—off semifinal this evening . the welsh fans at the cardiff city stadium didn't have long to wait for a goal when david brooks put his side ahead after two minutes. and that lead was doubled shortly before half—time, when nico williams made it 2—0 to the hosts. but there was still time

for finland to pull one back before the break as teemuu pukki got his side back into the match. brennanjohnson restored wales' two goal advantage, before a defensive clanger gave danieljames only the keeper to beat. and 4—1 it finished. wales will play poland in a play—off final in cardiff on tuesday. elsewhere, ukraine came back from a goal down to beat bosnia and herzegovina 2—1. they had been a goal down with just moments remaining but two goals in the last five minutes put them through. ukraine will now play iceland in their final on tuesday after they beat israel. georgia are also through after beating luxembourg 2—0. budu zivzi—vadze scored both goals for the home side, but not without controversy in the game — luxembourg had a goal disallowed after a var penalty check for georgia in the build up to the goal. no penatly was given — and luxembourg's maxime chanot was sent off. they'll now play greece on tuesday who comfortably beat kazhakstan. so let's take a look at the rest

of the playoff semifinal results. confirmation wales will play poland, after they thrashed estonia 5—1. ukraine will have a chance of the euros. they'll meet iceland in their playoff final. and greece put five past kazakhstan, to secure their final against georgia. bukayo saka has pulled out of the england camp two days before their wembley friendly against brazil. the 22—year—old arsenal forward trained away from the main squad earlier this week, after reporting for duty carrying an injury. he has returned to his club to continue his rehabilitation, and the fa have said no replacement will be called up. england also play another friendly against belgium next tuesday, also at wembley. scotland have already qualified for the euros and face the netherlands on friday night in a friendly in amsterdam, before taking on northern ireland, who haven't qualified for germany, at hampden park next tuesday. in terms of preparation, it's important because we have four friendlies before we get to the tournament itself. the better we can play the better we can be prepared then. more likely we will do

well in the summer. leicester city say they're surprised and disappointed by the timing of premier league charges — which allege they broke spending rules during their last three seasons in the top flight. leicester were relegated to the championship at the end of last season — and have been referred to an independent commission for breaching profit and sustainabilty rules, and failing to submit audited accounts. if found guilty, they could face a points deduction. ronnie 0'sullivan is out of the world open after a surprise defeat by hossein vafaei in the last 16 in china. the world number one took the match to a deciding frame, with a brilliant break of 125, but was beaten in the best of nine frame match. the iranian will play ding jinhui in the last eight. elsewhere, 2019 championjudd trump will take on kyren wilson in the quarterfinals after his 5—3 win against david lilley. a big moment for england captain marlie packer to come in this weekend's women's six nations opener against italy on sunday — she'll win her 100th cap for the side.

the 34—year—old flanker made her debut for the red roses in 2008, and becomes only the seventh woman to reach the milestone. england won the six nations grand slam last year — and are aiming to win their sixth six nations title in a row. fly—half zoe harrison, centre emily scarratt and lock abbie ward all return to the starting fifteen. yeah, super excited. i think for me it's more aboutjust kicking off the six nations, always a tournament you want to be involved in. to receive my 100 and the first game is pretty to receive my 100 cap the first game is pretty special. over in palmer, my friends and family are coming over, i think. had to ask for a manager for 16, 17 tickets the other day and the max allocation you could have on the app was six, so i don't know if we'll get all 16 tickets but we hope so. and that's all the sport for now. will be back with more later on,

we'll see you then. good evening. there have been mixed fortunes across the country once again today. for much of central and southern england it stayed largely fine and dry with glimpses of sunshine. in fact, in london, once again we had temperatures into the mid—teens so you could get out and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom that we've got at the moment. it was a different story, however, further north and west — the rain not too heavy, but it was a nuisance as you can see from lancashire just a few hours ago. now, this weather front will continue to sink its way south and east, clearing the south—east during friday and then behind it, under this influence of low pressure, a cooler story is set to dominate. so it will be a rather murky start with some light, drizzly rain pushing its way south—east. behind it, somewhat brighter with a rash of showers and gale force gusts of winds to the far north. so, we could see that frontjust lingering across the kent coast during the afternoon. but a brighter story across england and wales, a few isolated showers, but look at the difference in the temperature —

notably cooler feel out there. further showers into northern ireland and scotland accompanied by gales, perhaps severe gales across the northern isles. so that really will make it feel quite chilly here. and some of those showers will start to turn quite wintry to higher ground. low pressure drifts its way steadily east. the winds remain tightly packed with those isobars for the start of saturday. and that weather front will continue to enhance the showers. so a chilly start to the weekend — low single figures in many rural spots and there will be some showers from the word go across scotland and northern ireland. these will, yes, be of snow to higher ground and we'll then get to see some showers developing across england and wales — some of these heavy with some hail and maybe some thunder mixed in there as well, and temperatures will remain on the cool side. gusty winds, 35 to 45 miles an hour and temperatures down on where they should be, really, for this time of year. a brief ridge of high pressure for sunday quiets things down, but not for long. low pressure once again set

to return into next week, keeping things again quite cool for this time of year and unsettled. so yes, sunday the better of the two days through the weekend, but there's further showers or longer spells of rain and temperatures a little bit below par as we head towards easter weekend.

at10: the governnent is told millions of women should get compensation for not being properly warned about an increase in their state pension age. the parliamentary ombudsman says victims deserve an apology, having expected pensions at 60 when they weren't eligible until 65. we felt totally cancelled, totally worthless in the eyes of our government, who are there to represent us. chris mason and faisal islam will assess if the government has the money — or the desire — to pay up. also tonight...

the bank of england holds interest rates at 5.25% but says future cuts are coming. the highest number of people this year in a single day cross the channel in small boats — around 500. a woman has been found guilty of murdering her three—year—old son, along with four separate charges of child cruelty. the tech giant apple is getting sued by the us government, accused of squashing the growth of rival products. and they've done it — wales beat finland 4—1 in their men's euro 2024 play—off semifinal in cardiff. 0n newsnight at 10.30, we'll go deeper behind the headlines the labour deputy leader speaks to us and we will be asking about whether she paid all the capital gains tax due on the sale of her home.

good evening.