significance of the fact that sirjeffrey donaldson has resigned as party leader and has been suspended. nobody at all saw this coming until we had a statement from the police service of northern ireland this morning, saying that a 61—year—old man had been arrested and charged over those offences. it has caused tremendous shock not just myself personally— or my colleagues within the dup, but for the community right - across northern ireland. it came as a great shock. are panel our panel tonight is 7 andrew fisher, former director of policy for the labour party underjeremy corbyn. and gunner ramer 7 the political director at republican group, focused on defeating donald trump.

first, the latest headlines. president biden says the us is working every day to secure the release of the journalist, evan gershkovich from a russian prison. the wall streetjournal reporter was detained on spying charges exactly a year ago. the met police say it's continuing its investigation into potential offences at the post office over the horizon it scandal, and has interviewed two people under caution. yesterday, the bbc revealed that a previously undisclosed report had shown the company was told about faults with the computer system in 2017. the polish prime minister, donald tusk, says europe has entered a "pre—war era" and nobody on the continent will feel safe if russia defeats ukraine. moscow has stepped up its bombardment of ukraine, and a few days ago russian missiles briefly entered polish air—space. the us government has authorised an initial sixty million dollars to help clear the wreckage of a bridge that was brought down by a giant container ship.

the biggest crane on the east coast is being sent to baltimore to join the emergency effort. politics in northern ireland have been thrown into turmoil with the news that the leader of the democratic unionist party sir jeffrey donaldson has resigned after being charged with rape and other historical sexual offences. he was arrested yesterday along with a 57—year—old woman who has been charged with aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences. they will appear in court next month. sirjeffrey — who is northern ireland's longest serving mp at westminster —says he will strenously mp at westminster says he will strenously contest the charges. jennifer o'leary reports. sirjeffrey donaldson, a leader whojust weeks ago returned his party to power—sharing at stormont. today, his political career appears to be over. in a statement, his party announced his resignation, confirming that he's been charged with allegations of an historical nature.

bbc news understands he's been charged with rape and multiple other sexual offences as part of a police investigation spanning months after two women came forward. in a letter to his party, sirjeffrey donaldson said he will be strenuously contesting the charges. the dup�*s new interim leader is mp gavin robinson. it's been a devastating revelation and has caused tremendous shock not just myself personally or my colleagues within the dup, but for the community right across northern ireland. it came as a great shock, but we are a party and individuals that believe in justice. we have faith in our criminal justice system. sirjeffrey donaldson is long known for his unyielding defence of the union. and now what do you do in return for that? you throw me out of the forum to which i was elected by the people! his reputation was forged in opposition to the good friday agreement. i've got the framework

document here. that's what we think of the framework document! jeffrey, how are you, lad? today is not his first political exit. with regret, i have resigned from the ulster unionist party. his defection to a rival party eventually led him to the leadership of the dup, but he now stands apart from the party he steered back into power—sharing. in a statement, first minister michelle o'neill said her priority is to continue to provide the leadership the public expect and deserve. northern ireland has form when it comes to political earthquakes, but today's development leaves a fissure in unionism at a time when some see it under increasing threat from those who want a united ireland. # happy and glorious... # for now, sirjeffrey donaldson�*s party political days look firmly in the past. jennifer o'leary, belfast.

no one at all saw this coming in to be at a statement from police service of northern ireland this morning saying that a 61—year—old man had been arrested and charged over those offences and confirmation letter this afternoon and when sir geoffrey donaldson is going to be stepping down as the leader of the dup with immediate effect and although he is an mp and the interim leader at gavin robinson is also an mp and they said it was a spinster, of course there had been a lot of concern about what would happen here at stormont at northern ireland possible to divulge power—sharing government because these institutions can be notoriously fragile, specifically with what is been going on over the last number of years and so ijust a few months

since stormont has been back up and running because it was underserved jeffrey donaldson�*s leadership that they pulled out of power—sharing here, collapsing those institutions and leaving northern ireland without and leaving northern ireland without a devolved government for two years and i was in protest of a post—brexit trading arrangements. he then led what was his party at that time back to stormont although not everyone within the dup was happy about that at the time and so, it has been a very tumultuous time for the dup. rishi sunak is facing criticism after a major conservative party donor was given a knighthood. businessman mohamed mansour, a senior treasurer for the party, has been honoured for his business, charity and political service. last year he gave 5—million pounds, at the time the party's biggest donation since 2001. labour has accused the prime minister of showing �*blatant disrespect for the office he should feel privileged to hold'.

andrew fisher, former director of policy for the labour party. and gunner ramer 7 the political director at republican a group focused on defeating donald trump. what do you make of this, andrew7 what do you make of this, andrew? it highlights the whole system is corrupt, really. we need to abolish the system in the house of lords were we often people, a particularly egregious case will gain £5 million to the conservative party and he also the deposed dictator in egypt and the government was punctuated by corruption, embezzlement and the killing and torture political opponents. this is not someone who deserves an honour in this country. and until recently was being investigated by customs over his tax bill which is now settled with the

7—figure payment, it is believed. this is been going on for years by both parties and we had the scandal under the last labour government as well. and ijust think of under the last labour government as well. and i just think of the whole system needs to go and start fresh and perhaps get the public involved reds and politicians and choosing who gets put in the house of lords as well. if who gets put in the house of lords as well. , ., �* who gets put in the house of lords as well. i. �* ., who gets put in the house of lords as well. , ., �* ., ., . as well. if you're going for a oli , as well. if you're going for a policy. what _ as well. if you're going for a policy. what is _ as well. if you're going for a policy, what is your - as well. if you're going for a policy, what is your actual l as well. if you're going for a - policy, what is your actual good feeling of how likely that actually is? �* , , ., ,., is? it's in the interest of both arties is? it's in the interest of both parties to _ is? it's in the interest of both parties to maintain _ is? it's in the interest of both parties to maintain this - is? it's in the interest of both parties to maintain this in - parties to maintain this in rewarding cronyism and good service to their own political party and it's probably going to stay because neither party has the incentive to get rid of it. and he moved to get rid of it has to come from the public. it is also should be outrage of some of these people being put in the house of lords and also given knighthoods when they are clearly

quite disreputable people. what knighthoods when they are clearly quite disreputable people. what do ou make quite disreputable people. what do you make of _ quite disreputable people. what do you make of the — quite disreputable people. what do you make of the view _ quite disreputable people. what do you make of the view there? - quite disreputable people. what do you make of the view there? i - quite disreputable people. what do l you make of the view there? i cannot seak to you make of the view there? i cannot speak to the — you make of the view there? i cannot speak to the specifics _ you make of the view there? i cannot speak to the specifics of _ you make of the view there? i cannot speak to the specifics of getting - speak to the specifics of getting knighthood in the united kingdom but i would _ knighthood in the united kingdom but i would just say we do focus groups of the _ i would just say we do focus groups of the time — i would just say we do focus groups of the time and when there is a sign of corruption on the right, the left screams_ of corruption on the right, the left screams that its corruption and the rights _ screams that its corruption and the rights as_ screams that its corruption and the rights as there is no corruption. and there's _ rights as there is no corruption. and there's something on the left and this— and there's something on the left and this corruption, people on the rights _ and this corruption, people on the rights of— and this corruption, people on the rights of its — and this corruption, people on the rights of its corruption and people on the _ rights of its corruption and people on the left — rights of its corruption and people on the left say nope, there is no corruptioh _ on the left say nope, there is no corruption. and there's something on the left _ corruption. and there's something on the left and _ corruption. and there's something on the left and is corruption, people on the _ the left and is corruption, people on the right seats corruption and people _ on the right seats corruption and pe0pie on— on the right seats corruption and people on the left say nope, there's no corruption and the big open question— no corruption and the big open question going forward is one of be conservatives out there who collect their own _ conservatives out there who collect their own party said that we should stop this _ their own party said that we should sto this. �* ., . . ., , , stop this. and two elected chambers, is that something _ stop this. and two elected chambers, is that something you'd _ stop this. and two elected chambers, is that something you'd be _ stop this. and two elected chambers, is that something you'd be in - stop this. and two elected chambers, is that something you'd be in favour. is that something you'd be in favour of? ., �* , is that something you'd be in favour of? . �* , , ., ,, is that something you'd be in favour of? ., �*, , ., ,, ., is that something you'd be in favour of? , ., ,, ., , of? that's 'ust not the us model but the rest of? that'sjust not the us model but the rest of the _ of? that'sjust not the us model but the rest of the world _ of? that'sjust not the us model but the rest of the world is _ of? that'sjust not the us model but the rest of the world is democracy i the rest of the world is democracy but its chamber and its core chamber and we are really outdated and two

thirds of the constitution and the head of state and both elected and we ought to try and change for the times in which the 20th century before we get to the 21st and have a democratic elected chamber where people do decide who makes the laws in the country and ultimately, they do have the power to block government legislation and we should have democratic collections for that and not undemocratic appointments. thank you very much. before we move on — lets bring you some breaking news. the persian—language news broadcaster, iran international, says one of its presenters has been attacked by unidentified men outside his home in london. the broadcaster say pouria zeraati is in a stable condition in hospital. in a statement, the metropolitan police have said they are investigating a stabbing. they also said "while we are keeping

an open mind, given the occupation of the victim and our publicised concerns about the threat to employees of that organisation, the investigation is being handled by the counter terrorism command." the motive of the attack is not yet clear. presidentjoe biden says the us is working every day to secure the release of the wall streetjournal reporter, evan gershkovich. today marks one year since his arrest in russia. he's the only american to be charged with spying by the russian authorities since the end of the cold war. the maximum possible punishment is 20 years in prison. today the white house said it remained committed to seing him freed. journalism is not a crime. let me say that again — journalism is not a crime. this administration will continue working every day to secure his release, we will continue to push back against russia's attempts to use

americans as bargaining chips and we will continue to stand strong against all those who seek to attack the press or targetjournalists. let's speak to clayton weimers, who is us director for reporters without borders. we can hear you now. let us pick up with that theme from the white house that we have just heard. people being held and effectively used as bargaining chips, is that you review? ., , bargaining chips, is that you review? . , ., , review? evan is not the first american — review? evan is not the first american prisoner - review? evan is not the first american prisoner who - review? evan is not the first american prisoner who hasl review? evan is not the first - american prisoner who has been review? evan is not the first _ american prisoner who has been taken in russia and used seemingly as a bargaining chip to secure the release of russian prisoners elsewhere in the world and he is the firstjournalist elsewhere in the world and he is the first journalist to elsewhere in the world and he is the firstjournalist to be taken in such a way and read to give really

represents a twofold strategy by the kremlin, one is to take high—value hostages in order to secure the release of prisoners abroad but the other is to clamp down on independent investigative reporting independent investigative reporting in russia. the independent press is a thing of the past in russia and all independent media and journalists have been driven into exile or thrown in jail journalists have been driven into exile or thrown injail and shut down and censored and arrest of evan one year ago today marked the new step of the kremlin is taking going after international reporters and since than they've arrested another american reporterfrom radio for europe radio liberty who was arrested for the crime ofjournalism and expressly charged under the russian criminal code that criminalises reporting about the war in ukraine. mas criminalises reporting about the war in ukraine. ~ . , ., criminalises reporting about the war in ukraine. ~ ., ., ., ., in ukraine. was that doing overall forjournalism _ in ukraine. was that doing overall forjournalism and _ in ukraine. was that doing overall forjournalism and russia - in ukraine. was that doing overall forjournalism and russia and - in ukraine. was that doing overall. forjournalism and russia and places like it? because more people hearing

stories about this, generalists are going to be assessing risks and this will have a dampening impact. iii will have a dampening impact. ill have a chilling effect on reporting and you have advisers come from the us state department into american media seem to not go to russia, it is not worth the risk and we cannot guarantee your safety. it is just really tragic situation is casting his country further and further into the shadows and for the independent media within russia, it is a thing of the past and it is virtually impossible to do honest independent journalism there.— journalism there. thank you very much for coming _ journalism there. thank you very much for coming on the - journalism there. thank you very - much for coming on the programme. andrew fisher, former director of policy for the labour party. and gunner ramer 7 the political director at republican a group focused on defeating donald trump. a year behind bars and incredibly difficult conditions. it is a year behind bars and incredibly difficult conditions.— difficult conditions. it is a

terrible thing _ difficult conditions. it is a terrible thing and - difficult conditions. it is a terrible thing and for - difficult conditions. it is a i terrible thing and for those difficult conditions. it is a - terrible thing and for those items in the _ terrible thing and for those items in the walt— terrible thing and for those items in the wall street journal the front cover_ in the wall street journal the front cover today which was blank because it said. _ cover today which was blank because it said. this— cover today which was blank because it said, this is were evan story shouid've _ it said, this is were evan story should've been and i would just say, there _ should've been and i would just say, there is_ should've been and i would just say, there is a _ should've been and i would just say, there is a stark contrast to how the democratio— there is a stark contrast to how the democratic party is handling this issue _ democratic party is handling this issue and — democratic party is handling this issue and being very clear standing up issue and being very clear standing up to— issue and being very clear standing up to russia, supporting ukraine and things— up to russia, supporting ukraine and things of— up to russia, supporting ukraine and things of that nature. where is the republican party? was the party of ronald _ republican party? was the party of ronald reagan who stood up to the soviet _ ronald reagan who stood up to the soviet union and send you know it, this kind _ soviet union and send you know it, this kind of— soviet union and send you know it, this kind of authoritarian action is completely unacceptable, was donald trump _ completely unacceptable, was donald trump on _ completely unacceptable, was donald trump on this issue? he has been pretty— trump on this issue? he has been pretty much— trump on this issue? he has been pretty much silent and it's an indictment of the republican party indictment of the republican party in donald — indictment of the republican party in donald trump. is indictment of the republican party in donald trump.— in donald trump. is not a issue where i couldn't _ in donald trump. is not a issue where i couldn't tell _ in donald trump. is not a issue where i couldn't tell her - in donald trump. is not a issue where i couldn't tell her the . in donald trump. is not a issuel where i couldn't tell her the uk, what do you think push a little journalist have to be up to report

freely say that as a journalist myself, say very comfortably and not -auttin myself, say very comfortably and not putting myself— myself, say very comfortably and not putting myself in _ myself, say very comfortably and not putting myself in any _ myself, say very comfortably and not putting myself in any danger- myself, say very comfortably and not putting myself in any danger but - putting myself in any danger but those who do for countries like russia are taking huge personal risks to get stories out there and it is important to have the freedom and protection to do that. we've seen two in lethal stories, 90 journalists and media workers killed there. being a journalist can be a very dangerous occupation and julian, who told secrets at the uk in the us government didn't want people to know is locked up for five years and wanted by the us and one guarantee that they will be subject to the death penalty at this point. after protectjournalists to the death penalty at this point. after protect journalists and stories and blow the whistle and it's important it's disgusting how russia uses journalists and others like the wooden basketball player

who was similarly treated for russian prisoners and other countries as well and i think there's a will end up happening here but it's awfulfor there's a will end up happening here but it's awful for evan and his family and my heart goes out to them. ~ ., ., ,, them. we will turn now to us olitics. turning now to the us presidential race. joe biden�*s re—election campaign has got a boost from his democratic predecessors — barack 0bama and bill clinton — at a fundraiser in new york, that has raised a record—breaking twenty— five million dollars. it comes as his republican rival, donald trump, was also in new york — attending the wake of a police officer who was shot on duty. trump has sought to make crime a key issue in his presidential campaign. polls suggest the race for the white house is extremely close. let's get more analysis from eliza collins, national political reporter at the wall streetjournal

thank you for coming on the programme. thank you for coming on the programme-— thank you for coming on the rouramme. . ~ i. ., ., ~ thank you for coming on the rouramme. . ~ ., ., ~ programme. thank you and thank you for brinuain programme. thank you and thank you for bringing such _ programme. thank you and thank you for bringing such attention _ programme. thank you and thank you for bringing such attention to - for bringing such attention to evan's the tension in russia. it for bringing such attention to evan's the tension in russia. it has been a huge _ evan's the tension in russia. it has been a huge story _ evan's the tension in russia. it has been a huge story that _ evan's the tension in russia. it has been a huge story that we've - evan's the tension in russia. it has been a huge story that we've been| been a huge story that we've been covering over the last couple of hours. thank you very much for coming on the it's the end of the week and we tend to have a little bit of a wrap—up look at the state of us politics after the week and every week seems to deliver something else, we'll focus on the campaigning and i suppose the contrast and what the strategies are and let us start withjoe biden, talk us through that campaign stop we've heard the biden campaign really amped up their campaign in recent weeks and you mentioned earlier that his massive fundraiser that biden and former president 0bama and bill clinton held that raised a number of record—breaking at least 26 in dollars in new york

city with all sorts of celebrities, it was a major event putting in lots of money and we're starting to see advertisements and new offices going up advertisements and new offices going up in battleground states and advertisements and new offices going up in battleground states— up in battleground states and more an aressive up in battleground states and more aggressive response _ up in battleground states and more aggressive response to _ up in battleground states and more aggressive response to third-party| aggressive response to third—party candidates, including robert f kennedyjuniorfor the candidates, including robert f kennedyjunior for the democrats are seen as a threat. it really does does feel like the biden campaign thatis does feel like the biden campaign that is been in effect is feeling and acting like this is a general election and it's a general election with the incumbent is lagging, not by much, the polls are very tight in these battlegrounds national polls but he does have an uphill battle and you can see they're starting to feel this urgency from democrats to bring him basically up in the polls stop by looking at donald trump now, quick creases and lots of different legal proceedings will be dominated —— court cases. donald trump would

rather be out on the campaign trail raising money and all that sort of thing but trump has been tied up in several legal battles on the same day of the biden fundraiser, he was also in new york at the funeral of the police officer and he certainly is still out and about but these legal troubles are a problem for donald trump and have a child said for him and that is going to take up a lot of his time and donald trump is proven that despite legal battles or because of legal battles, his bases rallied around them and is lagging behind but he certainly is bringing in millions and millions of dollars in size base consolidate with each time he was criminally charged and, they don't see it as a problem, they see it as independent voters in the middle and a small number of battleground states and so even donald trump is busy with this

court cases, he is still been able to speak out on social media and talking to his voters as well. bringing in the panel. gunnar, what is your assessment of the two campaigns? i is your assessment of the two campaigns?— is your assessment of the two campaigns? is your assessment of the two camaians? ~' �*, ., ., , campaigns? i think it's going to be tiuht and campaigns? i think it's going to be tight and will— campaigns? i think it's going to be tight and will be _ campaigns? i think it's going to be tight and will be a _ campaigns? i think it's going to be tight and will be a single _ campaigns? i think it's going to be tight and will be a single joe - tight and will be a single joe biden is campaign and outside groups who were against trump, it is general election— were against trump, it is general election season and voters are starting — election season and voters are starting to internalise the trump biden_ starting to internalise the trump biden rematch and see the polls tighten— biden rematch and see the polls tighten and i was it a previous guest — tighten and i was it a previous guest point about donald trump sports _ guest point about donald trump sports team saying these investigations are ok, it's ok with the base _ investigations are ok, it's ok with the base of— investigations are ok, it's ok with the base of the base wants and we saw indictment after indictment and renewed _ saw indictment after indictment and renewed focus groups with republicans, that created a

sustained rally around trump affect and its— sustained rally around trump affect and it's another thing that we know and it's another thing that we know and its— and it's another thing that we know and it's that swing voters are repulsed _ and it's that swing voters are repulsed by donald trump and his brand _ repulsed by donald trump and his brand of— repulsed by donald trump and his brand of politics. in 2020, his party— brand of politics. in 2020, his party lost, _ brand of politics. in 2020, his party lost, but trump lost in the 2022 _ party lost, but trump lost in the 2022 and — party lost, but trump lost in the 2022 and a _ party lost, but trump lost in the 2022 and a very poor environment nationally— 2022 and a very poor environment nationally from democrats, republicans lost and this is a losihg — republicans lost and this is a losing strategy for donald trump your thoughts of the inner workings and campaigning services and what do you make of president biden with his fundraising that's been going on pretty well infrastructure pretty well—established in the campaign, where did you see them? i well-established in the campaign, where did you see them?- well-established in the campaign, where did you see them? i thinkjoe biden is a where did you see them? i thinkjoe ihiden is a very _ where did you see them? i thinkjoe biden is a very solid _ where did you see them? i thinkjoe biden is a very solid records - where did you see them? i thinkjoe biden is a very solid records in - biden is a very solid records in terms of getting the message across with the us politics but you have the best grade in the us of the

moment and he should be fairly confident in bringing out big guns like barack 0bama and bill clinton shows unity but also, high—profile supporters as well which is something donald trump cannot do because love the republicans hierarchy does not support him and as i want to be associated with them. and so, he is a problem there and forjoe biden it's about showing up and forjoe biden it's about showing up and sure in the campaigning and trying to pull it back because there are questions about his age and health and so but for me, money being talked about to surmise that the court from rhodes palace saying it's the best progress money can buy. it's the best progress money can bu . ~ . ., it's the best progress money can bu. ., it's the best progress money can buy. when i come back to you, i'm favourable state _ buy. when i come back to you, i'm favourable state of _ buy. when i come back to you, i'm favourable state of time _ buy. when i come back to you, i'm favourable state of time but - favourable state of time but arizona, that's where you are and it comes down to this battleground give us a bit of an insight of the ground where you are about what you're

picking up. where you are about what you're picking up-_ where you are about what you're ickin: u. ., ~ , picking up. talking about the swing voters who will _ picking up. talking about the swing voters who will decide _ picking up. talking about the swing voters who will decide the - picking up. talking about the swing voters who will decide the election | voters who will decide the election it's going to be me and about seven battleground states and tens of thousands of voters were going to satisfy and decide the selection come over 10,000 votes in the polling we've seen gives donald trump a natural voters have repeatedly rejected donald trump and his allies here in arizona voters also feel very dismal about the economy despite the numbers showing that they are doing quite well and they're not feeling it and are concerned about immigration and the biden team is going to have an uphill battle to convince voters that they're more afraid of trump than they are about how they are feeling under biden. the than they are about how they are feeling under biden.— than they are about how they are feeling under biden. the best story never told- — feeling under biden. the best story nevertold- i— feeling under biden. the best story never told. i think _ feeling under biden. the best story never told. i think that _ feeling under biden. the best story never told. i think that was - feeling under biden. the best story never told. i think that was the - never told. i think that was the line they're trying to assign about the economy. tens of thousands,

hundred thousands do you know who those people are and will they be targeted on that level) did that detailed7 it targeted on that level) did that detailed? , ., , , ., detailed? it is absolutely that detailed? it is absolutely that detailed and _ detailed? it is absolutely that detailed and the _ detailed? it is absolutely that detailed and the parties - detailed? it is absolutely that detailed and the parties no i detailed? it is absolutely that l detailed and the parties no who they're targeting and the county where phoenix is, the largest county in the state and it's related suburban ring around the next thousand long—term republican area and they shifted towards democrats, we can expect both sides to be here and heavily invested in knocking on doors, targeting ads, the same can be said of these other states. i’m be said of these other states. i'm sure ou be said of these other states. i'm sure you will _ be said of these other states. i'm sure you will be there for those crucial results. thank you so much for coming on the programme i am louis funjones. this is bbc news.

hello there. the easter weekend will settle down a little, perhaps music to your ears in comparison to the last few days. yes, there is going to be more sunshine around and fewer showers and as a result, it will be a little warmer. but there's more rain to come for some of us by easter monday — more on that in just a moment. for the moment, though, the low pressure is drifting its way westwards. the isobars are opening out, so saturday will be a quieter, less windy day for all of us. maybe a little more cloud across east anglia and that kent coast and a few isolated showers out to the west. most frequent showers perhaps to northern ireland and scotland, but even so, few and far between in comparison to recent days. 11 to 15 degrees with a little more sunshine coming through that should feel quite pleasant. now, with those clear skies by day continuing through the night, those temperatures are likely to fall away for some the exception down to the south—west where we could continue to see some showers pushing up through the channels and across cornwall. but low single figures, a touch of frost is likely through scotland and north—east england and even some patchy fog. it's worth bearing in mind as well that we are springing

into british summertime on sunday. yes, we all lose an hour, but the clocks go forward and the daytimes get a little longer. so sunday morning, then the fog will lift quite readily away. a lot of dry settled weather for most of us on sunday. that rain down towards the south west could still be a bit of a nuisance here and temperatures generally between ten and 1a degrees once again. now, as we move out of sunday into monday is when we start to see the potential for another spell of wet weather as the low drifts its way eastwards once again and bring some rain for england and wales. not looking too bad — the best of the sunshine, perhaps through northern ireland and western scotland. more cloud coming in off the north sea and the rain will be quite showery from time to time across england and wales. but as a result of the change of wind direction here, a little cooler on those exposed east coast — nine or ten degrees, perhaps highest values of 12 celsius. and then as we move out of monday into tuesday, low pressure is set to dominate the weather story. you can see the next system waiting in the wings.

and so as we go through the week ahead, we'll see some showers or longer spells of rain from time to time.

hello, i'm lewis vaughanjones.

you're watching the context on bbc news. polish prime minister donald tusk warns that europe has entered a "pre—war era" and nobody on the continent will feel safe if russia defeats ukraine. mr tusk very well realises that autocrats like mr putin signal ahead of time what they're going to do. and mr putin has long said that he wishes to so—called defend the rights of russian speakers wherever they may be. we start with ukraine. and a blunt warning from poland's prime minister donald tusk to the world — that war is a real threat and europe is not ready. "war is no longer a concept from the past", he said. adding — "it's real and it started over two years ago." he wants urgent military aid for ukraine. he said the next two years will be crucial. saying, "we are living in the most

critical moment since the end of the second world war."