and woke up 1,000 miles from home. hello, i'm katty kay in washington. christian fraser is in london. the domino effect is in full flow, first norway and denmark, then germany, france, and italy, and now spain. all of them suspending the use of the astrazeneca vaccine today until the european medicines agency has issued new guidance, which should come tomorrow. 17 million people have had the astrazeneca jab in the uk and europe and there have been 37 reports of blood clots. but scientists say you would expect that number in that many people — even without the vaccine. halting a vaccine roll—out during a pandemic has consequences — particularly when most of the countries in europe are seeing a steady rise in new cases. there were already issues surrounding the astrazeneca jab with some in europe refusing to take it. this will further complicate the roll out. tonight, the ema says it believes the benefits of the astrazensca jab in stopping deaths and hospitalisations outweigh any risks. here's our medical editor fergus walsh. a public display of confidence in the oxford—astrazeneca vaccine from northern ireland's chief medical officer today. by contrast, you cannot have the jab in the irish republic, in france, germany and a growing list of eu countries which have temporarily suspended its use. this is a safe, effective vaccine as recommended by mhra, and let's remember, this virus kills people, it kills people my age, younger people and older people. the benefit is strongly in favour of people getting this vaccine at this time. the eu vaccine roll—out was already lagging well behind of that of the uk. france has said it will wait for a safety analysis from the european medicines agency due tomorrow before deciding whether to restart using the oxford—astrazeneca vaccine. translation: the decision which has been taken is to suspend, _ as a precaution, vaccinating with the astrazeneca vaccine in the hope that we can resume quickly if the opinion of the european medicines agency allows. astrazeneca says more than 17 million people in the uk and european union have now had its vaccine and fewer than a0 cases of blood clots have been reported. it says the risks of having a clot are significantly lower than with those that have been vaccinated compared to the general population. we know blood clots are remarkably common and we would expect them to happen in 1—2 people per 1,000 per year. that is actually a very large number and much higher in these sorts of levels than we are talking about in this report. scientists in the uk are frankly baffled by the decisions made in the eu. there is concern that the pause in using the astrazeneca jab will cost lives because people won't be protected from covid, and that it would damage public confidence in a highly effective vaccine. fergus walsh, bbc news. let's bring in stephen evans, professor of pharmaco—epidemiology at the london school of hygiene and tropical medicine, and a former independent expert for the ema's drug safety committee. professor, thanks so much from judah —— forjoining us. from where you sit, do you think the astrazeneca vaccine is safe? i sit, do you think the astrazeneca vaccine is safe?— sit, do you think the astrazeneca vaccine is safe? i would undoubtedly take it, i vaccine is safe? i would undoubtedly take it. i have _ vaccine is safe? i would undoubtedly take it, i have taken _ vaccine is safe? i would undoubtedly take it, i have taken it, _ vaccine is safe? i would undoubtedly take it, i have taken it, and - vaccine is safe? i would undoubtedly take it, i have taken it, and i - take it, i have taken it, and i would— take it, i have taken it, and i would recommend that you should take it, would recommend that you should take it. provided _ would recommend that you should take it, provided they meet all the criteria — it, provided they meet all the criteria for taking it. the concerns in germany— criteria for taking it. the concerns in germany in particular are for a very— in germany in particular are for a very rare — in germany in particular are for a very rare adverse effect. but, as your— very rare adverse effect. but, as your report _ very rare adverse effect. but, as your report said earlier, the vaccine _ your report said earlier, the vaccine prevents large numbers of strokes _ vaccine prevents large numbers of strokes 50— vaccine prevents large numbers of strokes. ., ., , ., ,, vaccine prevents large numbers of strokes. ., ., ~ , strokes. so what do you think is happening _ strokes. so what do you think is happening in — strokes. so what do you think is happening in europe _ strokes. so what do you think is happening in europe with - strokes. so what do you think is happening in europe with one i strokes. so what do you think is - happening in europe with one country after another suspending distribution of the vaccine? well, they paused _ distribution of the vaccine? well, they paused the _ distribution of the vaccine? well, they paused the roll-out - distribution of the vaccine? well, they paused the roll-out of - distribution of the vaccine? well, they paused the roll-out of it - i distribution of the vaccine? well, they paused the roll-out of it - iti they paused the roll—out of it — it isn't _ they paused the roll—out of it — it isn't the — they paused the roll—out of it — it isn't the regulatory authorities, it isn't the regulatory authorities, it is those _ isn't the regulatory authorities, it is those who deliver the vaccine who are different group. i think they've become _ are different group. i think they've become anxious based on reports, and the reports _ become anxious based on reports, and the reports that we have in the uk, where _ the reports that we have in the uk, where we _ the reports that we have in the uk, where we have much better follow—up, i where we have much better follow—up, ithink. _ where we have much better follow—up, ithink. of— where we have much better follow—up, i think, of what has happened to the vaccine _ i think, of what has happened to the vaccine then they have been any individual— vaccine then they have been any individual state in europe — we do not find _ individual state in europe — we do not find that there is any excess of either— not find that there is any excess of either blood clots or bleeding. in the issues — either blood clots or bleeding. in the issues that people raise our combination of the two. professor, it does covid _ combination of the two. professor, it does covid cause _ combination of the two. professor, it does covid cause blood - combination of the two. professor, it does covid cause blood clots? i it does covid cause blood clots? absolutely! it causes bleeding, as well, _ absolutely! it causes bleeding, as well, it— absolutely! it causes bleeding, as well, it causes this thing called thrombocytopenia, which is causing a lot of— thrombocytopenia, which is causing a lot of stress — thrombocytopenia, which is causing a lot of stress in individuals, and the number that a lot of stress in individuals, and the numberthat a number of lot of stress in individuals, and the number that a number of deaths — a lot of— the number that a number of deaths — a lot of patients admitted to hospital with covid have problems with blood coagulation. so hospital with covid have problems with blood coagulation.— hospital with covid have problems with blood coagulation. so those who have blood clots _ with blood coagulation. so those who have blood clots may _ with blood coagulation. so those who have blood clots may be _ with blood coagulation. so those who have blood clots may be had - with blood coagulation. so those who have blood clots may be had covid i have blood clots may be had covid before getting the job?— before getting the “ob? that's a possibility. h before getting the 'ob? that's a possibility, unless— before getting the job? that's a possibility, unless it _ before getting the job? that's a possibility, unless it is - before getting the job? that's a possibility, unless it is being i possibility, unless it is being ruied — possibility, unless it is being ruled out, that is a very strong possibility. ruled out, that is a very strong possibility-— ruled out, that is a very strong ossibili . ., ., ~ ~ ., , possibility. you were at the ema as an independent _ possibility. you were at the ema as an independent expert. _ possibility. you were at the ema as an independent expert. i'm - possibility. you were at the ema as i an independent expert. i'm confused, when they say they're going to give new guidance tomorrow afternoon, what could they give in terms of science to issue new guidance? what science to issue new guidance? what will ha en science to issue new guidance? what will happen is — science to issue new guidance? what will happen is the _ science to issue new guidance? what will happen is the regulatory authority experts will look at the data in _ authority experts will look at the data in a — authority experts will look at the data in a view that takes a total view— data in a view that takes a total view of— data in a view that takes a total view of the data, rather than the view— view of the data, rather than the view from — view of the data, rather than the view from one individual country. and i_ view from one individual country. and i would — view from one individual country. and i would hope that they take a proper— and i would hope that they take a proper public health view that says the benefits of this vaccine outweigh any possible theoretical risk. we've proven the benefit... but presumably, whatever the ema says tomorrow, some damage might�*ve already been done in increasing vaccine hesitancy?— already been done in increasing vaccine hesitancy? you're absolutely riiht, as vaccine hesitancy? you're absolutely right. as usual. _ vaccine hesitancy? you're absolutely right, as usual, and _ vaccine hesitancy? you're absolutely right, as usual, and the _ vaccine hesitancy? you're absolutely right, as usual, and the problem i vaccine hesitancy? you're absolutely right, as usual, and the problem is l right, as usual, and the problem is notjust_ right, as usual, and the problem is notjust in— right, as usual, and the problem is notjust in europe, but through the rest of— notjust in europe, but through the rest of the — notjust in europe, but through the rest of the world. these messages will mean — rest of the world. these messages will mean that people in africa, india. _ will mean that people in africa, india. and — will mean that people in africa, india, and south america will become more _ india, and south america will become more reluctant to take the vaccine, and astrazeneca is the only one iikeiy— and astrazeneca is the only one likely to — and astrazeneca is the only one likely to be able to be afforded by many _ likely to be able to be afforded by many countries. so the damage will be many countries. so the damage will he terrihie — many countries. so the damage will be terrible for the global community. be terrible for the global community-— be terrible for the global communi . ., ., be terrible for the global communi. ., ., ., community. professor, always good to iet our community. professor, always good to get your thoughts. _ community. professor, always good to get your thoughts, thank _ community. professor, always good to get your thoughts, thank you - community. professor, always good to get your thoughts, thank you very i get your thoughts, thank you very much indeed for that. quite an interesting one, that, in light of the way infection rates are going in europe, we've had so many questions about astrazeneca in the last few weeks. hundreds of people have joined protests in leeds and london tonight — to demonstrate against the metropolitan police's handling of a vigilfor sarah everard at the weekend. the following pictures include flashing imagery. here were the scenes in westminster in the last few hours, where protesters clashed with police for the third night in a row. the gatherings began on saturday after a metropolitan police officer was charged with the murder and kidnap of 33—year—old sarah everard. for the government, the sudden spotlight on police handling of protests couldn't come at a worse time — just as mps this week began debating its new crime bill. it's a mammoth piece ofjustice legislation — but, suddenly its sections relating to policing protests are under renewed focus. as it stands, the bill would give police the powers to set stronger limits on protests. it would create a new public nuisance offence — intended to target protesters who in the past have glued themselves to buildings. and it would make damaging a statue or memorial an offence with a prison time of up to ten years. but does the bill do enough to protect women? ellie reeves is a labour mp she the opposition party's shadow solicitor general — shejoins us now from london. thanks so much for being with us. let's just start with what's happened over the last few days. if you had been the commissioner of the met police, what would you have said they are officers on saturday morning? i they are officers on saturday morning?— they are officers on saturday mornini? ,, , ., morning? i think before saturday mornini , morning? i think before saturday morning. i— morning? i think before saturday morning, i would've _ morning? i think before saturday morning, i would've tried - morning? i think before saturday morning, i would've tried to i morning? i think before saturday| morning, i would've tried to work with the — morning, i would've tried to work with the organisers of the vigil to find a _ with the organisers of the vigil to find a covid safe way for them to take place — find a covid safe way for them to take place in advance of saturday evening — take place in advance of saturday evening. that would be my starting point _ evening. that would be my starting point but— evening. that would be my starting point. but then, these were women who were _ point. but then, these were women who were upset, who were grieving, niany _ who were upset, who were grieving, many of _ who were upset, who were grieving, many of whom have had their own experiences and stories to share that wanted to gather peacefully and have a _ that wanted to gather peacefully and have a vigil in clapham common. in heavy— handed have a vigil in clapham common. in heavy—handed policing of that, the images _ heavy—handed policing of that, the images we — heavy—handed policing of that, the images we all saw really were quite shocking _ images we all saw really were quite shockini. ., . images we all saw really were quite shocking._ absolutely i images we all saw really were quite i shocking._ absolutely tone shocking. tone deaf? absolutely tone deaf, absolutely. _ shocking. tone deaf? absolutely tone deaf, absolutely. let's _ shocking. tone deaf? absolutely tone deaf, absolutely. let's get _ shocking. tone deaf? absolutely tone deaf, absolutely. let's get onto i shocking. tone deaf? absolutely tone deaf, absolutely. let's get onto the l deaf, absolutely. let's get onto the bill, then. you _ deaf, absolutely. let's get onto the bill, then. you say _ deaf, absolutely. let's get onto the bill, then. you say it _ deaf, absolutely. let's get onto the bill, then. you say it does - bill, then. you say it does absolutely nothing to tackle violence against women, but it does. the conservatives would say it has tougher sentences for child mirrors, killer drivers, new sexual offences for adults who are in position of trust. so this is there something you could do to resurrect this bill? ., ., ~ , , something you could do to resurrect this bill? , , , ,': i: i: this bill? look, this bill is 300 iiaes this bill? look, this bill is 300 pages long. _ this bill? look, this bill is 300 pages long. and _ this bill? look, this bill is 300 pages long, and it _ this bill? look, this bill is 300 pages long, and it doesn't i this bill? look, this bill is 300 - pages long, and it doesn't mention wonien~ _ pages long, and it doesn't mention wonien~ it's— pages long, and it doesn't mention women. it's a billthat pages long, and it doesn't mention women. it's a bill that does nothing to increase — women. it's a bill that does nothing to increase sentences for rape, and seems _ to increase sentences for rape, and seems to— to increase sentences for rape, and seems to place statues of more importance over attacks on women. and i_ importance over attacks on women. and i think— importance over attacks on women. and i think it's really, really important, actually, that we call this out — important, actually, that we call this out. so there is a moment where we could _ this out. so there is a moment where we could stand together and really tackie _ we could stand together and really tackle violence against women that's become _ tackle violence against women that's become endemic in society, and we could _ become endemic in society, and we could work— become endemic in society, and we could work together to do that rather— could work together to do that rather than these ill thought—out plans— rather than these ill thought—out plans that don't go nearly far enough. _ plans that don't go nearly far enough, that don't have violence against _ enough, that don't have violence against women at the heart of it. there's_ against women at the heart of it. there's nothing on increasing sentences for rape, nothing on creating — sentences for rape, nothing on creating sexual harassment offences in public _ creating sexual harassment offences in public places, nothing around niisogyny— in public places, nothing around misogyny being a hate crime — it's a missed _ misogyny being a hate crime — it's a missed opportunity to tackle this real issue — missed opportunity to tackle this real issue around violence against women _ real issue around violence against women which is felt across society. labour _ women which is felt across society. labour was — women which is felt across society. labour was going to abstain on the bill, it's now announced that it will oppose it. what's change? the bill hasn't changed, if the bill was so bad, why not oppose it from the beginning? i so bad, why not oppose it from the bettinnin ? ., so bad, why not oppose it from the bettinnin ? . ., �* ., beginning? i mean, we haven't voted on the billyet. _ beginning? i mean, we haven't voted on the bill yet, it _ beginning? i mean, we haven't voted on the bill yet, it goes _ beginning? i mean, we haven't voted on the bill yet, it goes to _ beginning? i mean, we haven't voted on the bill yet, it goes to a _ beginning? i mean, we haven't voted on the bill yet, it goes to a vote i on the bill yet, it goes to a vote tomorrow— on the bill yet, it goes to a vote tomorrow night, and it is right that in the _ tomorrow night, and it is right that in the run — tomorrow night, and it is right that in the run up — tomorrow night, and it is right that in the run up to that, discussions take _ in the run up to that, discussions take place — in the run up to that, discussions take place. and actually, the bill was looked at very closely and, having — was looked at very closely and, having looked very closely, it's clear— having looked very closely, it's clear that _ having looked very closely, it's clear that it doesn't do anything to address— clear that it doesn't do anything to address violence against women. i think— address violence against women. i think it's _ address violence against women. i think it's absolutely right therefore that we will vote against it, sending a clear signal to the government that we need change. the government that we need change. the government has set up this task force. _ government has set up this task force. this — government has set up this task force, this consultation around vioience — force, this consultation around violence against women — the government announced an m2m rape review— government announced an m2m rape review two— government announced an m2m rape review two years ago, and we're still waiting for that two years iater~ — still waiting for that two years iater~ i — still waiting for that two years later. ., , still waiting for that two years later. . , . still waiting for that two years later. ., ., ., still waiting for that two years later. . ., . still waiting for that two years later. ., ., ., later. i was about to ask you about that, there — later. i was about to ask you about that, there was _ later. i was about to ask you about that, there was a _ later. i was about to ask you about that, there was a legal _ later. i was about to ask you about that, there was a legal challenge l later. i was about to ask you about| that, there was a legal challenge to how rape was handled today, and there was a dismissal by the court of appeal. but we still have no answers from the crown prosecution service white rape prosecution levels are at a record low. in 2019-20, levels are at a record low. in 2019—20, under2000 levels are at a record low. in 2019—20, under 2000 rape cases were prosecuted, less than 3% of 55,000 rapes reported. why? the prosecuted, less than 3% of 55,000 rapes reported. why?— prosecuted, less than 396 of 55,000 rapes reported. why? the figures are absently shocking, _ rapes reported. why? the figures are absently shocking, great _ absently shocking, great prosecutions at their lowest level evei’i _ prosecutions at their lowest level ever. and — prosecutions at their lowest level ever. and a — prosecutions at their lowest level ever, and a report by the victims commissioner found that only one in seven— commissioner found that only one in seven victims of rape had confidence that the _ seven victims of rape had confidence that the justice system would deliver— that the justice system would deliver for them. that the justice system would deliverforthem. so that the justice system would deliver for them. so yes, that the justice system would deliverforthem. so yes, the that the justice system would deliver for them. so yes, the case brought— deliver for them. so yes, the case brought against the cps today wasn't successful, but it doesn't change the fundamental issue here about rate prosecutions being so low. labour — rate prosecutions being so low. labour today launched our survivor support _ labour today launched our survivor support fund for victims of rape, and under— support fund for victims of rape, and under those proposals, victims of rape _ and under those proposals, victims of rape and — and under those proposals, victims of rape and serious sexual violence wouid _ of rape and serious sexual violence would he _ of rape and serious sexual violence would he a — of rape and serious sexual violence would be a legal advocate with them from that _ would be a legal advocate with them from that moment they report the crime _ from that moment they report the crime right— from that moment they report the crime right to trial, guiding them through— crime right to trial, guiding them through the process and supporting them, _ through the process and supporting them, as— through the process and supporting them, as well as treating victims of rape as— them, as well as treating victims of rape as intimidated witnesses, meaning — rape as intimidated witnesses, meaning they'll be able to give their— meaning they'll be able to give their evidence early on and being cross— their evidence early on and being cross examined early on rather than having _ cross examined early on rather than having to _ cross examined early on rather than having to wait for years now, people are facing _ having to wait for years now, people are facing to get a trial, and also are facing to get a trial, and also a minister— are facing to get a trial, and also a minister in parliament for rape and serious _ a minister in parliament for rape and serious sexual violence, giving victims _ and serious sexual violence, giving victims a _ and serious sexual violence, giving victims a real voice and making sure that change — victims a real voice and making sure that change happens. we think this will drive _ that change happens. we think this will drive up prosecutions. there's a real— will drive up prosecutions. there's a real issue — will drive up prosecutions. there's a real issue here, and again, the bill a real issue here, and again, the hilt going — a real issue here, and again, the bill going through parliament does nothing _ bill going through parliament does nothing to address these things, so we are _ nothing to address these things, so we are still— nothing to address these things, so we are still waiting for the government's review on rape. gk, we are still waiting for the government's review on rape. 0k, we have to leave _ government's review on rape. 0k, we have to leave it — government's review on rape. 0k, we have to leave it there, _ government's review on rape. 0k, we have to leave it there, thank - government's review on rape. 0k, we have to leave it there, thank you i have to leave it there, thank you very much forjoining us.- have to leave it there, thank you very much forjoining us. those figures are amazing. their extraordinary. _ those figures are amazing. their extraordinary. i— those figures are amazing. their extraordinary. i listen _ those figures are amazing. their extraordinary. i listen to - those figures are amazing. their extraordinary. i listen to an i extraordinary. i listen to an interview today... tats extraordinary. i listen to an interview today. .. extraordinary. i listen to an interviewtoda a , . ., , ., interview today. .. as percentages go down, not interview today. .. as percentages go down. not op. _ interview today. .. as percentages go down. riot up. you — interview today. .. as percentages go down, not up, you think _ interview today. .. as percentages go down, not up, you think they'd i interview today. .. as percentages go down, not up, you think they'd go i down, not up, you think they'd go up. a, down, not up, you think they'd go u n _ r . ., , down, not up, you think they'd go up. a record number of rapes and a record low— up. a record number of rapes and a record low of _ up. a record number of rapes and a record low of prosecutions. - up. a record number of rapes and a record low of prosecutions. it i up. a record number of rapes and a | record low of prosecutions. it comes down to women being believed, and when you're putting in such a mammoth piece of legislation on the table that you don't address a glaring fact like that, such a chronic lack of prosecutions of rape when so many are being reported. that's why so many women going to these vigils are so angry, they feel they aren't believed or say. and when they get attacked, no one gets prosecuted for it. for those watching on bbc world news, we'll be right back. the most hotly—contested event of the horse racing calendar, the cheltenham festival, begins tomorrow. but it will be very different this year, with empty stands and a sport rocked by controversy over its treatment of horses. 0ur sports editor dan roan reports. final preparations ahead of what will be a unique cheltenham — one robbed of its famous roar. last year's festival was heavily criticised for going ahead despite fears over the pandemic. we followed the advice of the government at the time. and that advice was for events such as this to continue, and, you know, we're all in a very different situation now. this time, the controversy is of a different kind — top trainer gordon elliott and amateurjockey robjames both banned after pictures emerged of each posing with dead horses, plunging the sport into crisis. the woman who runs racing told me it can't afford to be complacent. the images shown in recent weeks, and seeing those break through into mainstream media was damaging. we really need to ensure that the racing fans of the future, those people who may potentially own horses in the future, really get the correct image of horse racing. 12 months ago, all the concern was for the spectators who came here. but recent events mean that the focus has now shifted to the welfare of horses, as racing fights to regain public trust. these thoroughbreds are being cared for in their retirement at the stables in the cotswolds, among thousands supported by the charity retraining of racehorses. but those dedicated to horse welfare want more support. we can always do things better, and we need help to do that better. i think the racing industry needs to probably get behind us and really start telling the story much better than we do now. a national database for resources like these is being developed — one of a number of welfare reforms delayed by the pandemic. —— for resources. but, with the spotlight on the sport like never before, there is now added urgency. dan roan, bbc news, cheltenham. the european union has today taken legal action against the british government for breaking the terms of the uk—eu withdrawal agreement. it's the second time in six months the bloc has tried to take the uk to court for breaching international law — this time, the source of contention is the uk's unilateral decision to extend the grace period for checks on supermarket goods that are crossing the irish sea. under the withdrawal agreement, goods heading from great britain to northern ireland will have to be checked for eu compliance. but both sides agreed to temporarily waive those checks until 3 march to give retailers time to prepare — the grace period. unilaterally, the uk has now extended the waiver until october, and the eu is objecting. anand menon is director of the uk in a changing europe. he joins us from oxford. good to see you. from everything i've read and heard over the last couple weeks, it was pretty clear that the two sides were talking about extending the waiver. and then,in about extending the waiver. and then, in came lord frost who got the brexit brief, he now sits in the cabinet office, and he unit test unilaterally pressed the button. do we know what he did that?- we know what he did that? there's elements of— we know what he did that? there's elements of truth _ we know what he did that? there's elements of truth in _ we know what he did that? there's elements of truth in that. - we know what he did that? there's elements of truth in that. he i we know what he did that? there's elements of truth in that. he did . elements of truth in that. he did that because what both sides are doing _ that because what both sides are doing is— that because what both sides are doing is trying to force the other side to— doing is trying to force the other side to concede. so with the british are saying — side to concede. so with the british are saying is this won't work the way it— are saying is this won't work the way it is, — are saying is this won't work the way it is, we will take a unilateral decision— way it is, we will take a unilateral decision to — way it is, we will take a unilateral decision to keep these goods flowing so we _ decision to keep these goods flowing so we will— decision to keep these goods flowing so we will delay checks on food, parcels — so we will delay checks on food, parcels and pets in a northern ireland — parcels and pets in a northern ireland. but you need to come back to the _ ireland. but you need to come back to the negotiating table with some concessions. and the eu, by taking the uk _ concessions. and the eu, by taking the uk to— concessions. and the eu, by taking the uk to court, is doing the same thing _ the uk to court, is doing the same thing. there's a very elaborate game of chicken _ thing. there's a very elaborate game of chicken going on with both sides test really— of chicken going on with both sides test really hoping the other will htink— test really hoping the other will blink first. we test really hoping the other will blink first. . ., ., ., , , blink first. we would normally be t int to blink first. we would normally be trying to further _ blink first. we would normally be trying to further understand i blink first. we would normally be trying to further understand uk's| trying to further understand uk's motivations here, but let me ask about the eu side —— why do they care so much about the uk extending the grace period? because these changes will come in in october, why are they so adamant that they have to be involved in the decision? i to be involved in the decision? i think there's a substantive element to this _ think there's a substantive element to this and — think there's a substantive element to this and a procedural element. this is— to this and a procedural element. this is sensitive element is grace periods _ this is sensitive element is grace periods were agreed by the eu's perspective because it would give the two _ perspective because it would give the two sides time to find a long—term solution and allow them to apply the _ long—term solution and allow them to apply the protocol. the procedural issue _ apply the protocol. the procedural issue is— apply the protocol. the procedural issue is quite simple — it you can't unilaterally— issue is quite simple — it you can't unilaterally extend the grace period — unilaterally extend the grace period. so with the eu are doing is doing _ period. so with the eu are doing is doing two— period. so with the eu are doing is doing two things, they are starting judicial— doing two things, they are starting judicial proceedings against the uk, and that— judicial proceedings against the uk, and that commissioner in charge of this process — and that commissioner in charge of this process has also written to david _ this process has also written to david frost saying that we also believe — david frost saying that we also believe you are in breach of your good _ believe you are in breach of your good faith— believe you are in breach of your good faith agreements under the withdrawal agreement, and we expect you to _ withdrawal agreement, and we expect you to come back to the joint committee and negotiate in good faith rather than reacting unilaterally. is faith rather than reacting unilaterally.— faith rather than reacting unilaterall. ., , unilaterally. is and what 'ust happened i unilaterally. is and what 'ust happened an indication i unilaterally. is and whatjust happened an indication of. unilaterally. is and whatjust| happened an indication of the unilaterally. is and whatjust i happened an indication of the fact that there is very little good—faith from either side? and are we heading into a period where we will have constant suits and appeals, and counter suits?— constant suits and appeals, and counter suits? there is certainly recious counter suits? there is certainly precious little _ counter suits? there is certainly precious little trust _ counter suits? there is certainly precious little trust between i counter suits? there is certainlyj precious little trust between the two sites — precious little trust between the two sites now. as to whether this is constant _ two sites now. as to whether this is constant or— two sites now. as to whether this is constant or not, one thing worth remembering is that the nuclear option— remembering is that the nuclear option for— remembering is that the nuclear option for the eu is to refuse to ratify— option for the eu is to refuse to ratify the — option for the eu is to refuse to ratify the trade and cooperation agreement. remarkable as it is five years— agreement. remarkable as it is five years after— agreement. remarkable as it is five years after the referendum, there is still a _ years after the referendum, there is still a lingering threat of a no deal— still a lingering threat of a no deal brexiteers in the event that that's— deal brexiteers in the event that that's not— deal brexiteers in the event that that's not ratified. the eu was hoping — that's not ratified. the eu was hoping hy— that's not ratified. the eu was hoping by threatening... you mean that ou hoping by threatening... you mean that you could _ hoping by threatening... you mean that you could just _ hoping by threatening... you mean that you could just come _ hoping by threatening... you mean that you could just come back- hoping by threatening... you mean that you could just come back and l that you could just come back and say, well, if you aren't going to negotiate with us, we'lljust disavow the whole agreement? thea;r disavow the whole agreement? they can do two things. _ disavow the whole agreement? they can do two things. the eu can go through— can do two things. the eu can go through the provisions of the withdrawal agreement for dispute resolution and, if there is no solution, _ resolution and, if there is no solution, eventually the eu can suspend — solution, eventually the eu can suspend its obligations under the trade _ suspend its obligations under the trade and — suspend its obligations under the trade and cooperation agreement. 0r trade and cooperation agreement. or the european parliament can simply refuse _ the european parliament can simply refuse to _ the european parliament can simply refuse to ratify the agreement, in which _ refuse to ratify the agreement, in which case — refuse to ratify the agreement, in which case it falls and we had back to no— which case it falls and we had back to no deal — which case it falls and we had back to no deal. that's unlikely but it lingers— to no deal. that's unlikely but it lingers in— to no deal. that's unlikely but it lingers in the background, and it's worth— lingers in the background, and it's worth saying that this is why it can't _ worth saying that this is why it can't go — worth saying that this is why it can't go on forever. that deal needs to he _ can't go on forever. that deal needs to be ratified and the protocol made to be ratified and the protocol made to work _ to be ratified and the protocol made to work. but to be ratified and the protocol made to work. �* , ., , w' to work. but they are stuck with each other _ to work. but they are stuck with each other whether _ to work. but they are stuck with each other whether they - to work. but they are stuck with each other whether they like i to work. but they are stuck with each other whether they like it | to work. but they are stuck with l each other whether they like it or not, because if there was no deal, they'd still have to come up with a solution for northern ireland. the fact is there only three options for northern ireland — either the whole of the uk is in the single market, probably not going to happen, the border between the republic and northern ireland, not going to happen, therefore it can be in the irish sea, which is where it is now. so you always come back to the same issue, don't you? so you always come back to the same issue. don't you?— issue, don't you? absolutely, this issue, don't you? absolutely, this is the issue _ issue, don't you? absolutely, this is the issue that _ issue, don't you? absolutely, this is the issue that has _ issue, don't you? absolutely, this is the issue that has haunted i issue, don't you? absolutely, this is the issue that has haunted the l is the issue that has haunted the brexit— is the issue that has haunted the brexit talks since 2017. we are condemned to talk because of geography, we will always trade a lot with _ geography, we will always trade a lot with each other. the problem is both sides — lot with each other. the problem is both sides have a fundamentally different— both sides have a fundamentally different understanding of what they signed _ different understanding of what they signed up to in the protocol. the british— signed up to in the protocol. the british government is saying it's all well— british government is saying it's all well and good that you say has to he _ all well and good that you say has to be checked, but the unionists and northern— to be checked, but the unionists and northern ireland need to be comfortable with these arrangements, and they— comfortable with these arrangements, and they don't. the eu says, actually— and they don't. the eu says, actually this is what you signed up to, you _ actually this is what you signed up to, you have to obey the letter of the law — to, you have to obey the letter of the law. �* , , ., to, you have to obey the letter of thelaw. v , ., , w the law. it's 'ust like us, isn't it? and the law. it'sjust like us, isn't it? and they _ the law. it'sjust like us, isn't it? and they have _ the law. it'sjust like us, isn't it? and they have all - the law. it'sjust like us, isn't it? and they have all that i the law. it'sjust like us, isn't| it? and they have all that land the law. it'sjust like us, isn't- it? and they have all that land to deal with- _ it? and they have all that land to deal with- i _ it? and they have all that land to deal with. i love _ it? and they have all that land to deal with. i love the _ it? and they have all that land to deal with. i love the idea - it? and they have all that land to deal with. i love the idea that i it? and they have all that land to deal with. i love the idea that we j deal with. i love the idea that we can be back renegotiating, all the graphs we had over the last few years, we canjust graphs we had over the last few years, we can just wind them back out again. for the last 12 months, international borders have been shut and global travel has been a bureaucratic nightmare. covid tests, paperwork, quarantines, such a headache. that is, of course, if you're a human. if you're a giant walrus on the other hand, the world is your oyster. this marine mammal the size of a bull was spotted off the coast of ireland, the first ever recorded sighting of a walrus there. marine biologists are unsure how the animal swam there from its arctic habitat — with some theorising it may have been carried much of the journey after falling asleep on a drifting iceberg. now, i've probably fallen asleep on a train before. woken up at the wrong station. 0r on a bus, and missed my stop. but falling asleep and ending up in a different country? that's a new one. i have done that, actually. 0n the night train from waterloo to wimbledon. and i ended up in southampton.— wimbledon. and i ended up in southamton. ., �* . , southampton. you didn't fall asleep on an iceberg- _ southampton. you didn't fall asleep on an iceberg. you _ southampton. you didn't fall asleep on an iceberg. you know _ southampton. you didn't fall asleep on an iceberg. you know the - southampton. you didn't fall asleep | on an iceberg. you know the kicker? it was on an iceberg. you know the kicker? it was raining. _ on an iceberg. you know the kicker? it was raining, the _ on an iceberg. you know the kicker? it was raining, the last _ on an iceberg. you know the kicker? it was raining, the last train, - on an iceberg. you know the kicker? it was raining, the last train, and i it was raining, the last train, and suddenly i fell asleep on one of those slammed over trains, i took my shoes off on the train and somebody kicked my shoes off the train as they got off. so i ended up in southampton and my socks at the end of the line with no way home. in the of the line with no way home. in the rain? in of the line with no way home. in the rain? in the — of the line with no way home. in the rain? in the rain. _ of the line with no way home. in the rain? in the rain. kinda _ of the line with no way home. in the rain? in the rain. kinda deserved i rain? in the rain. kinda deserved it. i have never— rain? in the rain. kinda deserved it. i have never fallen _ rain? in the rain. kinda deserved it. i have never fallen asleep i rain? in the rain. kinda deserved it. i have never fallen asleep on | rain? in the rain. kinda deserved i it. i have never fallen asleep on an iceberu. hello again. monday brought us a fine day of weather for many of us, with bright weather, a bit of sunshine poking through the cloud, for example here in shropshire. however, there were other places that had showers working through, for example across parts of the west yorkshire area down to the east midlands and london and south—east england. see that line of showers here on the satellite picture. meanwhile, further north—west, got our next weather system lurking, and that's going to be bringing some rain over the next 12 hours, pushing its way southwards, so as we head into tuesday morning, the rain will already be clearing its way south across scotland and northern ireland, so brightening up here quickly. rain for a time across england and wales. most areas will eventually see some brighter weather. however, east anglia and south—east england holding on to the cloud longest, and it looks like being quite damp even into the afternoon across parts of the far south—east. temperatures similar to what we had on monday — 10—14 celsius, something like that. now for the middle part of the week, high pressure remains to the west of the uk. do have a very weak weather front approaching northern scotland, and that's why the cloud is going to be much thicker here with the potential for a few patches of rain. no great amounts, mind you. further southwards, that's where the best of the sunshine will be on wednesday, particularly england and wales. southern counties of northern ireland not doing too badly as well. temperatures not really changing a great deal for wednesday. highs of around 10—14 celsius. it looks like southern wales will be one of the warmest spots in the country. now, for thursday, high pressure�*s still there. we do have some colder air, though, working across the north sea, and that will start to affect some of the easternmost areas of england, with thicker cloud, maybe a few patches of rain. again, nothing particularly heavy in that. further westwards, a lot of dry weather. there'll be some gaps in the cloud, some sunshine coming through for a few of you, particularly west wales, probably north—west england doing 0k and parts of south—west england as well. temperatures just coming down by an odd degree or so. now as we end the week, our area of high pressure stays to the west of the uk. we're going to start to get some of this colder air wafting in, particularly across east anglia and across parts of southern england. so what does that mean for friday? well, it means that it's these areas that have the colder air that have the best of the sunshine, but it will feel chilly, particularly when you factor in those fairly brisk north—easterly winds. temperatures across parts of kent just getting to around 7 celsius, but colder in the winds. most of the uk having a lot of cloud, but a lot of dry weather, temperatures more typically around 11—13 celsius. now, on into the weekend, that cold feed of air continues to affect east anglia and parts of southern england, so temperatures still continue to struggle somewhat. however, further north—westwards, across northern england, across good parts of wales, for northern ireland and for scotland, no great changes in the weather picture. indeed, there'll be no great changes in the weather picture for a while, and this is the reason. if we look at the jet stream, we've got this diffluent block pattern, so low pressure to the south, high pressure to the north, and with this kind of pressure pattern, thejet stream doesn't really tend to change position much, and across the uk, we're underneath that sinking air, with the air accumulating at the earth's surface — well, that's high pressure and that's not going to be going anywhere fast any time soon. so this is the forecast even into next week — no great changes, you'll notice. it's mainly dry, quite a bit of cloud around, temperatures still about 10—14 celsius. that's your latest weather. tonight at ten. because of fears about side—effects. spain, germany and france have done the same. translation: the decision which has been taken - but the astrazeneca vaccine is safe — according and let's remember, this virus kills people, it kills people my age, younger people and older people.