Transcripts For BBCNEWS Signed 20240914

The accusations made by Russias Security Service are Completely Baseless. It comes as the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is in Washington Dc to hold talks with us president Joe Biden about the war in ukraine. President zelensky wants ukrainian forces to use western weapons against targets inside russia. President putin says any such strikes would mean nato countries were at war with russia. Our diplomatic correspondent, caroline hawley, reports. The prime minister and Foreign Secretary arriving in washington for key Meetings Today are expected to focus on the war in ukraine. Keir starmer s second visit to the White Housein starmer s second visit to the White House in as many months, important decisions are to be discussed. No official word on any change of policy on the use of Western Missiles in russia. This morning to news on State Run Television six british diplomats have had accreditation removed. I nonthreatening russias security. The uk says the accusations are Completely Baseless but the diplomats, who it has asked us not to identify, Left Moscow last month. Tit for tat move, the timing of the announcement is unlikely to be a coincidence. These are the long range missiles at the centre of international attention, Storm Shadow. The uk already supplies than to uk but at the moment they cannot be used to hit russian territory. The prospect that those restrictions could be lifted prompted a chilling warning from President Putin. Translation if this decision is made it will mean nothing other than direct participation of nato countries, the us, european countries, the us, european countries, in the war in ukraine. It is that direct participation and this of course significantly changes the very essence of the conflict. This will mean that nato countries, the us, european countries, are fighting with russia. n the us, european countries, are fighting with russia. The us, european countries, are fighting with russia. On his flight to the us, fighting with russia. On his flight to the us, Sir Fighting with russia. On his flight to the us, Sir Keir Fighting with russia. On his flight to the us, Sir Keir Starmer fighting with russia. On his flight to the us, Sir Keir Starmer said L Fighting with russia. On his flight| to the us, Sir Keir Starmer said it was russia that started the Conflict And Ukraine had the right to self defence. Western leaders must now await the risk, assess what President Putin might do if ukraine was to fire long range missiles at targets inside russia must now weigh up the risk. In a moment, well speak to our Ukraine Correspondent, James Waterhouse, who is in kyiv. But first, our political editor, chris mason, is in washington. Chris, how has Sir Keir Starmer responded . It is interesting, hearing the statement from the Foreign Office. They are trying in those words, you will notice we have not seen senior politicians, Keir Starmer, David Lammy in front of the cameras, to offer the response, talking about it being baseless, ludicrous, but without seeking to as they might see it play President Putin at his own game by throwing themselves in front of the cameras and being tempted to respond in that way. The timing is clearly crucial. Even though these Expulsions Date back a little while, a few weeks, then becoming known today, just ahead of the meetings, pretty striking. This morning here it is breakfast time in washington, prime minister and Foreign Secretary waking up at the british embassy preparing for the meeting with President Biden at the White House with the expectation we are inching towards authorisation for the use of Western Missiles inside russia. Still some persuasion to do and as we were hearing a big strategic call, given the Potentialfor Escalation as a result. Thanks, chris. Our Ukraine Correspondent James Waterhouse is in kyiv. James, how significant is the timing of President Putins response . Well, threats of escalation, a response from the kremlin, they are to be taken seriously, but inside ukraine, politically, they are not buying it. Several mps have described the warnings as Red Lines which have been crossed before. They have accused vladimir putin of trying to blackmail the west, as it continues to waver. That is how the ukrainians see it. The delay with the discussions you was seen in washington today, that is seen as wavering here because of the urgency caused by russias full scale invasion. One mp said, look, the west needs to use language of strength because that is all vladimir putin recognises. I think we are now seeing some quite high Stakes Calculation is going on. You have to west working outjust how much it can step up support for ukraine, as ever, without looking to cause a severe escalation in its eyes. You have ukraine desperately trying to improve its position on the battlefield which thus far, despite significant counteroffensive is in some areas, thus far, it is not happening. And of course you have russia, looking to further solidify its own gains, No Doubt ahead of the us president ial election where if Donald Trump was elected future support for ukraine would be far from assured. James, Thank Yom would be far from assured. James, thank you. Next. The funeral of the former England Manager Sven Goran Eriksson has taken place in sweden. He was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer last year and died last month. David beckham was among the 600 mourners who attended the service. Matt graveling reports. Dont be sorry, smile, the words of Sven Goran Eriksson months before his death, 600 mourners filled the church in his hometown of torsby. David beckham was one of those with a seat inside fryksande church. Many more stood outside. He a seat inside fryksande church. Many more stood outside. A seat inside fryksande church. Many more stood outside. He was mentally stron , more stood outside. He was mentally strong. Even more stood outside. He was mentally strong. Even in more stood outside. He was mentally strong, even in adversity. More stood outside. He was mentally strong, even in adversity. He more stood outside. He was mentally strong, even in adversity. He had more stood outside. He was mentally strong, even in adversity. He had a l strong, even in adversity. He had a will of iron and never gave up. After a lengthy battle with Pancreatic Cancer, Sven Goran Eriksson passed away on the 26th of august, aged 76. In a careerfull of domestic and european success, Sven Goran Eriksson will be remembered as englands first foreign football manager. A charismatic tactician, at the helm of the countrys so called golden generation. Neverafraid of the countrys so called golden generation. Never afraid of a big decision, he called up the 17 year old Theo Walcott. I decision, he called up the 17yearold Theo Walcott. I cannot thank him enough 17yearold Theo Walcott. I cannot thank him enough for 17yearold Theo Walcott. I cannot thank him enough for giving 17yearold Theo Walcott. I cannot thank him enough for giving me i 17yearold Theo Walcott. I cannot| thank him enough for giving me the opportunity to represent england, to make me into the person i am, because without that i dont know where i would be. He had time for people of The Field particularly which was key, Man Management skills, speaking to people. Alongside his family, the service was attended by fellow England Manager roy hodgson. And Sven Goran Eriksson somes former partner who placed a flower on his coffin. For a man whose life brought so much joy to others, his final act would never be a solemn affair. A Brass Band playing youll never walk alone, a nod to his affection for liverpool football club. Football club. Thank you for everything. Football club. Thank you for everything, coaches, football club. Thank you for i everything, coaches, players, football club. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds. You have been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. The decision to grant Planning Permission for what would have been the uks first Coal Mine in 30 years at whitehaven In Cumbria has been quashed at the high court. Climate campaigners took legal action over the Governments Decision to give it Planning Permission, which the judge described today as legally flawed. Our reporter Rowan Bridge is here. Rowan, how significant is this . I think it is very significant. It has been a long and somewhat tortuous road to get where we are today and the company behind the plans west Cumbria Mining first applied for Planning Permission in 2017 and ever since the plans been highly controversial because of concerns about Greenhouse Gas emissions that a potential mine could cause. The plans were considered several times by the then Cumbria County Council before it was ultimately called in by the Community Secretary Michael gove for a planning inquiry. He ultimately decided to give the Go Ahead for the nine in 2022 but then that decision ended up back in the courts because it was challenged by friends of the art and a cumbria campaigning group. That is the decision we have the judgment on today, the judge said the decision was legally flawed, something welcomed by campaigners. I am absolutely over the moon, a huge win, not am absolutely over the moon, a huge win, not small, giant victory for friends win, not small, giant victory for friends of win, not small, giant victory for Friends Of The Earth campaigning against Friends Of The Earth campaigning against the Coal Mine. We have been working against the Coal Mine. We have been working with local campaigners from cumbria working with local campaigners from cumbria for years on this fight, not Ust Cumbria for years on this fight, not just Us Cumbria for years on this fight, not Justus Bui Cumbria for years on this fight, not just us but Community Campaigners come just us but Community Campaigners come at just us but Community Campaigners come at the wrong piece of work for the area, come at the wrong piece of work for the area, A Come at the wrong piece of work for the area, a huge victory today. This decision now the area, a huge victory today. T i 3 decision now goes back the area, a huge victory today. T1 1 decision now goes back to the Community Secretary who now has angela rayner, worth noting labour before the last election said they were opposed to the mining plans. They have set because there is a potential for further legal action at the moment the department is not saying anything further. West Cumbria Mining considering their position, possible they may decide to bring their own legal challenge to bring their own legal challenge to this decision. The saga still has some way to run. Two men have been charged with burglary after a Banksy Artwork was stolen from a london gallery. A signed limited Edition Print of girl with balloon, which is worth more than 250,000, was taken from the Grove Gallery on sunday night. Nickjohnson reports. Banging a gallery in Central London on sunday night. Nearly 2 million worth of Banksy Artwork on display, but it only takes about 30 seconds before someone makes off with one of the artists most iconic prints. This is the banksy exhibition in full swing. The girl with Balloon Taking Pride of place. The original was partially shredded after going under the hammer for more than 1 million in 2018. Just over two weeks after girl with balloon arrived at the Grove Gallery here in Central London, it had been taken. Someone came and smashed the glass here, came into the gallery and removed the picture from its space here on the wall. All the other banksys in the gallery have since been removed and moved to storage for safekeeping. Butjust days after the theft, girl with balloon had been recovered by the police and is now back safely here in the gallery. Wrapped in an evidence bag, the print, which was once voted the nations favourite artwork, was returned by the Police Yesterday much to the delight of the Gallery Owner who discovered the theft. This is it, so here we have 72 out of 150, which is a limited edition, signed print by the artist himself. Really iconic piece. Very much in demand and, of course, now, with the robbery and the Police Evidence that we have here, weve noticed some scuffs on the framework which is not great, but certainly adds to the story and dimensions of the artwork, thats for sure. And how did you feel when the police said, hey, weve got it back, and then how did you feel when it returned to the gallery . So, that was remarkable. I mean, i could not believe my eyes. This was unbelievable. The metropolitan police have charged two men with burglary. 47 year old Larry Fraserfrom Essex and 53 year old James Love from East London have both been bailed to appear at Kingston Crown court next month. Banksy is renowned for anonymity and elusiveness, but has the artist been in touch with the gallery following the theft . My lips are sealed. Nickjohnson, Bbc News, at the Grove Gallery, in Central London. Our Entertainment Correspondent Lizo mzimba is outside the Grove Gallery in Central London. Lizo, how valuable is this kind of artwork . As we have heard, it was not the original piece of Banksy Artwork, an official print, one of a limited run official print, one of a limited run of 150 stamped and signed to authenticate them. The original is worth many millions of pounds. While official prints like this might only be worth a fraction of that, they are still worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Probably towards the lower end of the scale, below half A Million rather than above. This whole reported episode underlines the unique Position Banksy holds in art. Over the summer, the media and the public were fascinated as a series of animal themed pieces of Art By Banksy appeared around london, the interest was so big some of them had to be moved for safe keeping. Of course over the years, the combination of the Themes Banksy looks at in his art, along with of course the mystery about his identity, it means he has talked about all over the country and all over the world. Plans for a new high Speed Rail Link between the West Midlands and Greater Manchester have been unveiled, with claims it could cost less than the cancelled hs2 line. The 50 Mile Route between Manchester And Birmingham has been developed by the mayors of the two City Regions who say the line could help grow the economy by 70 billion a year. An indoor Ski Centre in staffordshire has been charged with breaching Health And Safety legislation following the death of a 12 year old boy. Louis watkiss died at the snowdome in tamworth in september 2021. He had been with friends at a tobogganing party when he was killed in a collision. A teenager who appeared in freddie flintoff s field of Dreams Bbc Series has died following a crash in lancashire. 18 year old Umar Mahmood was driving an Audi A3 Sport when it hit trees in Preston On Tuesday evening. A 16 year old boy travelling in the back of the vehicle was also killed and another boy remains in a stable condition in hospital. The number of prisoners injails across england and wales has fallen, days after an early Release Scheme began as part of the governments plans to ease overcrowding. Latest figures out today show there are 86,333 people currently in prison. Thats compared to last weeks record high of 88,521. Thats a fall of 2,188. To talk us through the numbers is our Uk Correspondent daniel sandford. Daniel, this is the start of addressing overcrowding in prisons, but it puts a strain on other services . It has knock on impact. The Police Superintendent Conference this week worried about the effect it would have on them and the Probation Officers have been quite clear that they are worried about the workload, particularly as a result of this week and a second Mass Release that is coming in october but also their workload more generally. The Figures Today are very interesting. We thought 1750 people were released on tuesday as part of the 40 of sentence mass Release Scheme. Clearly the figure has gone down by more than that and that is because we can also see in the Numbers Today 676 people have been released on a tag this week. If you add those together, that would about 2300, so even with those Release Schemes, the Prison Population would have gone up by 200, if so many people hadnt been released early this week. Daniel, thank you. The time is1 17. Our top Story Russia has revoked the accreditation of six british diplomats, accusing them of spying. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer is due to hold talks with President Biden in Washington Dc about the war in ukraine. And well take a look at the captivating images from this coming up on sportsday in the next 20 minutes on Bbc News, hundreds of mourners from across the Football World have gathered in the swedish town of torsby for the funeral of the former England Manager Sven Goran Eriksson. Junk food adverts are to be banned on television before 9 00 in the evening, and completely banned online. The aim is to reduce Childhood Obesity and will come into force in october next year. Jayne mccubbin, has more. Childhood obesity is a nationwide problem. More than 1 in 5 children in england are overweight by the time they start primary school. This rises to more than one third by the time they leave. The health minister, andrew gwynne, says this sets children up for a lifetime of health problems, while adding further pressure on an already squeezed nhs. So, the government says it wants to tackle the Problem Head on, with a watershed Junk Food Ad Ban on tv and a complete ban on online. Succulent Tower Burger smothered in spicy. The policy was originally proposed by the conservatives, but stalled twice during the cost of living crisis to give the industry more time to prepare. Now, the Labour Government has committed to a Start Date of October 1st next year. But campaigners believe the ban could and should go further. Its great to see that we have a government now who is not cowed by the industry, who recognises that there is a role for government in helping us to lead healthier lives. I hugely welcome this. Its long overdue, but its great to see it, and itsjust the beginning of many levers that the government needs to pull to have a serious impact on the issue of obesity. Research shows that if you show children Junk Food advertising, they consume more calories. That leads to increased weight, which can put them at risk of things like type two diabetes, heart disease, high Blood Pressure at a later age. So we want to try and nip it in the bud. Thats going to have a great effect on their future productivity, on stopping people from going into the nhs needing treatment and on the economy as a whole. But it really does need to go further. This is just the first step in trying to create a healthy Food Environment for our children to grow up in. Billboard bans on London Underground have already been in place for the last six years, while york is one of many councils which has recently voted to ban ads in public spaces, with many more local authorities considering the move. There are calls for greater powers to be handed to local authorities so they can stop the Junk Food industry from simply switching their advertising spend to other platforms. Jayne mccubbin, Bbc News. A scheme to compensate people who were abused in a defunct religious sect known as Thejesus Army, has identified 539 alleged perpetrators of sexual, physical and emotional abuse and said that around 1 in Li Children suffered harm. Thejesus Fellowship Church was a large evangelical movement with communes across england. Heres our investigations reporter, jon ironmonger. J e. Sus what does that spell . Jesus to the casual observer, Thejesus Army may have seemed a harmless, albeit peculiar, religious sect. In reality, it was one of the uks most abusive Cults Home to thousands of members who gave up everything to live and toil in its strict communities. Oh, god, i have so many, many sins. The leader, noel stanton, whos been widely accused as a paedophile, died in 2009 before he could be prosecuted. But around a dozen of his followers have been convicted of sex offences, including these two men, for indecent assaults on boys. Now, five years after the group disbanded in disgrace, a Compensation Scheme has identified hundreds of other potential abusers. I was stalked by a paedophile who was laterjailed, throughout all of my teens in the church. I remember when i left, noticing that i didnt have a knot in my stomach any more. Philippa, who started the survivors group, is among 600 former members to receive a few thousand pounds in damages for harm suffered Injesus Army communities. Its been a lot of heartache for people who havent got the justice they really deserved. Theyve been dismissed and minimised again, and i would never have set this up if id have known how we were going to be treated as victims. Jesus Thejesus Fellowship community trust, which is winding up the affairs of the group, said the now completed Redress Scheme had identified 539 alleged perpetrators of abuse and accepted responsibility for around half that number. Most of them were church leaders. Their details have been passed to northamptonshire police, who have already carried out two investigations into Thejesus Army, and said no further offences have been identified yet. However, any number could present a safeguarding risk, particularly if theyve taken up positions in other churches. Whilst its important that Safeguarding Checks are being carried out, thats not foolproof either because it doesnt necessarily mean that they Cant Move into some other organisation where they could still perpetrate abuse. We dont have mandatory reporting in this country and thats scary and sobering. The Redress Scheme found that around 1 in 6 children had been sexually abused by Thejesus Fellowship church. The trust apologised. It said a total of 7. 7 Million had been paid in damages. However, given the dozens of properties and lucrative businesses that have been liquidated as part of the groups closure, there is likely to be a lot of money left over. Jon ironmonger, Bbc News. Senior managers at the countess of chester hospital, when neo natal Nurse Lucy Letby murdered seven babies and tried to kill seven more, have told the Public Inquiry they are truly sorry about the time it took them to contact police. Our north of England Correspondent Judith Moritz is in liverpool. Judith, what have we learnt . This week here at the inquiry there has been heavy criticism of the Senior Managers at the time it took them to investigate Lucy Letby and concerns about her and to call in the police. Lawyers forfamilies concerns about her and to call in the police. Lawyers for families of the police. Lawyers for families of the babies accuse them of a cover up, saying it was in part motivated, felt, by a desire to protect reputations. Today, making a speech on behalf of four Senior Managers, denied it categorically. She said at no point had those managers sought to protect the reputation of the trust or suppress the concerns of those attempting to blow the whistle. In fact, she said the inquiry might want to look at why those who had concerns didnt call the police directly. She offered three specific apologies to the babies families. She said the Senior Managers are truly sorry for the length of time it took to call the length of time it took to call the police. She said that they are deeply sorry for the inadequate contact they had with the babies families, which she said had caused Hurt And Anxiety and she said the Senior Managers also wished to apologise for substandard Bereavement Services at the hospital at the time. She described overall it having been an ill conceived approach. That is The End of the opening statements but all of those involved here and for the next two weeks, the inquiry here will be held privately so that the parents of the babies themselves can come and give evidence.. ~ ,. vodafone and three have rejected claims by the uks Competition Watchdog that their proposed merger would lead to higher prices for phone users. The competion and Markets Authority says a proposed deal could lead to 27 Million customers paying more. The mobile networks say the merger would lead to greater investment. Our Technology Reporter Graham Fraserjoins us now. Graham, what could this mean for consumers . The cma have three main concerns over this proposed merger. As you said, the first is about pricing. They believe that this proposed merger will result in tens of millions of customers having to pay more for their mobile phone contracts. The second is about services. The Competition Market Authority agree with vodafone and three when they say this will mean an improvement in things like 5g Infrastructure but the cma are saying what the Mobile Phones are stating is too much, it is overstating what they will be able to achieve. The third is about smaller companies, like sky mobile, and those companies will not be able to offer customers the same sort of deals post merger, that is what the cma believe. So what had vodafone been saying . They say they disagree with the cmas findings and say this proposed merger is progrowth, Pro Customer and pro competition and have highlighted the 11 billion of investment that they want to put into this project. So what will happen next year . The cma will decide on this proposed merger by the 7th of december. The 7th of december. Thank you, graham. You may want to put your lunch to one side for our next Story Residents of a village in South Wales say theyve been inundated by a mysterious swarm of flies. People living in bettws, near bridgend, say they cant open their windows or leave any food unattended because of the insects. Our wales correspondent, hywel griffith, has been to find out more. The common housefly. All too common, it seems, in the homes of bettws, South Wales, where residents say theyve been inundated by thousands of the insects in recent weeks. At the local pub, regulars come armed with swats and sprays to keep the flies at bay, but it feels like a losing battle. Here, you can have that. Im not having it. You can start swatting for me. Melanies had to stop Serving Meals she just Cant Stomach seeing the insects. If i see a fly on a piece of food, thats it, its done. Its gone. And its just been a constant. The door opens here, one punter will come in but 20 flies will follow. Its very difficult, very difficult to keep on top of it. The village has had problems in the past, but never on this scale. There are tales of children having to eat under mosquito nets. One family said they counted 205 flies in just 45 minutes. Captured on camera, home made traps have helped, but what residents really want is for the problem to end. This year has been exceptional, and i wouldnt call it activity, i would actually call it a fly infestation. And as you would see, Social Media is awash with horrible images of the volume of flies currently being found in peoples homes. Environmental health officers have been investigating. So far, theyve not determined the source of the swarm, but here, they cant wait for their village to become a no fly zone. Hywel griffith, Bbc News, bettws. Taking impressive photographs of animals in the wild requires skill, patience and great timing but doing it underwater makes the task even harder. The Ocean Photographer of the Year Competition captures the wonders of the deep sea, and highlights some of the challenges ahead, as Meghan Owen reports. 15,000 photos whittled down to one. This was the winning entry of a nearly extinct bryde whale, feeding on a heart shaped bait ball. A private performance given a larger stage at piccadilly circus. Cheering and applause. The man who shot it said the whale came out of the blue. We were even thinking about getting out of the water because there was no action going on. But a huge Bryde Wail came Out Of Nowhere and ate the whole thing, so it was an once in a lifetime moment. Its a role that involves getting up close and personal. At the exact moment of the pictures, i free dived to maybe four metres deep and maybe i was four metres or three metres from the whale. That is the exact moment of the encounter. So is super close and my heart was beating so fast, to be with a huge animal that close. The runner up, this image of a northern gannet, one of the largest seabirds in british waters, diving to catch its prey. And scooping up third place, an aerial shot of a Fishing Boat in hon yen, vietnam. A long tail of smoke perfectly aligning with the shape of the green nets below the surface. But these Works Of Art often have a deeper meaning, recognised through the impact award. With a single image, it can convey so much information but also, in particular, emotion, in a way that no presentation of facts can and its that storytelling that makes us want to do what the science tells us we need to do. A show of our Oceans Beauty and a reminder to conserve it through the lens of photography. Meghan owen, Bbc News. A reminder of our top headline this Afternoon Russia has revoked the accreditation of six british diplomats, accusing them of spying. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer is due to hold talks with President Biden in Washington Dc about the war in ukraine. Well meet the barefoot Water Skiers prepping to represent Great Britain in a sport that is not for the faint hearted. Well have a full forecast in the next half hour, but its time now for a quick look at the weather. Heres darren. Thank you very much, lewis. Last night was unusually cold for this early in autumn. There was a pinch of frost for many parts of the country, temperatures as low as 3. But with the clearer skies last night, many of us got a good view of the northern lights. Tonight it will be more difficult to see because the activity is not going to be quite so intense and there will be more cloud coming in from the atlantic as well. That cloud, over the weekend, could bring a bit of rain but with winds from the atlantic, it is going to be quite a bit milder. More details, of course, later on. Thank you, darren. As weve been hearing, there are indications that the uk and the us could allow their long range missiles to be used by ukraine against targets inside russia. President putin says any such strikes would mean nato countries were at war with russia. The missiles being referred to are called Storm Shadow. They have a maximum range of around 155 miles. Ukraine already has supplies of these missiles but is restricted to firing them at targets inside its own borders. So, what difference could these missiles make . It does give ukraine the capability to strike further into russia with more accuracy, against command posts, logistic points, hubs where troops are gathering, Transport Location such as bridges and of course airfields. Airfields within russia have been used by the russian Air Force with basically immunity at this point to launch a devastating Glide Bomb attacks against ukrainian front line. That is challenging the ukraine and Storm Shadow would be effective in helping deal with. The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has arrived in Washington Dc for talks with us president Joe Biden about the war in ukraine. Theyll discuss president zelensky s request to use the long range missiles on russian targets. And russia has revoked the accreditation of six british diplomats, accusing them of spying. The Foreign Office says the accusations are Completely Baseless. Were joined now by our Eastern Europe correspondent, sarah rainsford, who is in warsaw. Sarah, whats your understanding of the situation . I think we are at whats being painted essentially as a kind of pivotal moment in this western response to the war in ukraine and whether or not those weapons could be supplied. I think it is interesting to look at how vladimir putin has responded, somewhat predictably, coming out with a warning. What he is saying is the west supplying and allowing ukraine to use longer range missiles inside russia would be a Game Changer for him as far as he is concerned. He said it would be nothing other than a direct participation of nato countries in that war in Ukraine And Russia would take a corresponding decision. It is worth bearing in mind that for a long time, russia has painted this war in ukraine as a war with the whole of what it describes as the collective west, so meaning nato, so is it a Game Changer or is this putin trying to scare the west into inaction . I think that is the calculation the uk, the us and its allies are now making. Ithink uk, the us and its allies are now making. I think the diplomatic assumption is another signal from russia that there could be more of that to come, certainly relations are already in a very, very dire place. But it is interesting and to look at the robust response coming from Keir Starmer on the way to washington and here, much closer to ukraine and poland. The prime minister hear Donald Tusk saying we shouldnt pay too much attention to these threats from vladimir putin, ukraine needs supporting and it has a legitimate right to self defence. That is the position here in poland, right in that the border with ukraine. ~ right in that the border with ukraine... still to come on todays programme. Why a Football League in a remote Chinese Village has become a national sensation. Now its time to join our colleagues with the news where you are. Hello and welcome to sportsday. Theres a solid start for europe at the solheim cup. They are playing the opening foursomes in virginia. The Davis Cup is also back underway at the Manchester Arena with Great Britain facing argentina. And the funeral of sven goran erikkson, the former england maanger, has taken place in his Home Town of torsby. The 19th Solheim Cup is underway in virginia. Europe are the holders after last years thrilling draw against the usa in spain. And after wins in 2019 and 2017, this is the longest that europe have been in possession of the trophy. All four matches in the foursomes are out on the course and this is when each team takes alternate shots with the same ball. Maja stark and Emily Opedersen Have started really well for europe. Going three up after 4 holes against the american pair of ewing and kupcho. Here is the latest from those four Foursome Matches out on the course. Stark and pedersen are four up through 5 but europes linn Grant And Carlota ciganda are two down after 4 holes. Rory mcilroy is one shot off the lead in the second round of the irish open at royal county down. After an opening three under Par Round of 68, mciroy moved to five under thanks to an eagle on the par five 1st the tenth hole of his round. But a bogey on the 5th saw him trail englands Laurie Canter in The Clubhouse. So, canter leads in The Clubhouse alongside overnight leader todd clements, a shot clear of a crowd of three including Mciloy And Daniel brown who has made a strong start to round two. Scotlands Calum Hill shot the joint lowest round of the day thus far. His 67 taking him to three under. The funeral of sven goran erikkson, the former England Manager, has been held in torsby, the swedish town where he grew up. Erikssen who was 76 , won numerous club honours, League And Cup titles with gorthenburg, benfica and lazio. He revelaed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Hundreds from across the Football World attended the service including David Beckham, who was Englands Captain during erikssons time in charge between 2001 and 2006. Really very similar to Arsene Wengen really very similar to Arsene Wenger. I worked with Arsene Wenger for 13 veers wenger. I worked with Arsene Wenger for 13 years and Sven Goran Eriksson for 13 years and Sven Goran Eriksson for a for13 years and Sven Goran Eriksson for a short for 13 years and Sven Goran Eriksson for a short time but it felt like a lifetime for a short time but it felt like a lifetime because he had for a short time but it felt like a lifetime because he had so for a short time but it felt like a lifetime because he had so much for a short time but it felt like a lifetime because he had so much time for people lifetime because he had so much time for people off The Field which was key. For people off The Field which was kev his for people off The Field which was key. His Man Management skills in the way key. His Man Management skills in the way he key. His Man Management skills in the way he would speak to people but as well the way he would speak to people but as well he the way he would speak to people but as well he had this aura around him way he as well he had this aura around him way he had as well he had this aura around him way he had the respect of so many people way he had the respect of so many pe0pte~ he way he had the respect of so many people. He will definitely be missed people. He will definitely be missed. I am people. He will definitely be missed. Lam pleased people. He will definitely be missed. I am pleased about the fact he got missed. I am pleased about the fact he got to missed. I am pleased about the fact he got to see so many tributes. You wouldnt he got to see so many tributes. You wouldnt experience for people like to say wouldnt experience for people like to say usually but he managed to see a little to say usually but he managed to see a little bit to say usually but he managed to see a little bit and hear bit of a peorde a little bit and hear bit of a people thought about him. It shows what a people thought about him. It shows what a great man he was. So many speak what a great man he was. So many speak what a great man he was. So many speak people spoke highly of him. I speak people spoke highly of him. I cant speak people spoke highly of him. Icant thank speak people spoke highly of him. I cant thank you enough for giving me the I Cant thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to represent england the Premier League Returns Tomorrow after the international break. Arsenal travel to tottenham on sunday for their 175th League Meeting in the north London Derby. The gunners are without the suspended Declan Rice and the injured Martin Odergard for the match. Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has yet to beat arsenal in his two previous encounters. Theyve opened the season with a draw, a win and a defeat. A win on sunday would see them move level on points with the mikel artetas side. This spurs side have good quality, they have this spurs side have good quality, they have players this spurs side have good quality, they have players who this spurs side have good quality, they have players who can this spurs side have good quality, they have players who can hurt. 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I like his approach and i feel like i i like his approach and i feel like he understands i like his approach and i feel like he understands the i like his approach and i feel like he understands the north i like his approach and i feel likel he understands the north London Derby he understands the north London Derby history he understands the north London Derby history and he understands the north London Derby history and what he understands the north London Derby history and what the he understands the north London Derby history and what the fans i Derby History and what the Fans Demand Derby History and what the Fans Demand from Derby History and what the Fans Demand from his Derby History and what the Fans Demand from his side Derby History and what the Fans Demand from his side but Derby History and what the Fans Demand from his Side But Theyl Derby History and what the fans i demand from his side but they are going demand from his side but they are going to demand from his side but they are going to be demand from his side but they are going to be open demand from his side but they are going to be open and demand from his side but they are going to be open and they demand from his side but they are going to be open and they could. Demand from his side but they arei going to be open and they could be punished the latest episode of the Football News Show with Theo Walcott and Michael Brown looks ahead to what is actually the 196th meeting between the two in all competitions. Thats available on the iplayer later today. Liverpool Play Nottingham Forest at anfield tomorrow, looking to build on their perfect start under new Head Coach Arne slot. The trio of trent alexander arnold, Captain Virgilvan Dijk and Mohamed Salah all came through the international break unscathed but have yet to sign Contract Extensions with The Club. All three, who have started each of liverpools three games so far this season, could leave The Club for free at The End of the season. Its again the boring answer, as long its again the boring answer, as long as its again the boring answer, as long as there is no news we dont talk about long as there is no news we dont talk about contract situations. Is it distracting . No because i am fully it distracting . No because i am fully focused on the individuals in the team fully focused on the individuals in the team and they are part of the team the team and they are part of the team and the team and they are part of the team and i the team and they are part of the team and i am trying to work with them team and i am trying to work with them to team and i am trying to work with them to get the best out of them. It is not them to get the best out of them. It is not a them to get the best out of them. It is not a distraction for me at all. Great britain can take another step towrds novembers Davis Cup final. They beat finland on wednesday without Jack Draper who was rested following his run to the Us Open semi finals. But the british Number One is back to Face Argentina in their latest tie in the group at the Manchester Arena, he plays Francisco Cerundolo later. He comes into the team for Billy Harris who won his Singles Rubber against the finns. These are live pictures from the Manchester Arena of the first Singles Rubber. Dan evans playing thomas etcheverry. Evans will again play in the doubles later alongside neal Skupski Max Verstappen was quickest in first practice ahead of sundays azerbaijan grand prix. The session was stopped twice after crashes for Charles Leclerc and franco colapinto. Lando norris, who is 62 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen with eight races left, finished 11th fastest on the baku street circuit. Norris was given a boost this week when mclaren said they will have Team Orders to favour norris over his Teamate Oscar Piastri as they try and catch verstappen in the championship. Its a good thing for me, it gives me better its a good thing for me, it gives me better chances its a good thing for me, it gives me better chances and its a good thing for me, it gives me better chances and i its a good thing for me, it gives me better chances and i think. 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Formula 1 is another step on the way to bigger Formula 1 is another step on the way to bigger things. My goal in my life is to win to bigger things. My goal in my life is to win a to bigger things. My goal in my life is to win a World Championship. Formula is to win a World Championship. Formula l is to win a World Championship. Formula 1 is a step towards that and i do Formula 1 is a step towards that and i do hope Formula 1 is a step towards that and i do hope that one day i will be fighting i do hope that one day i will be fighting for the World Championship but i fighting for the World Championship but Lam Fighting for the World Championship but i am really happy to get my chance but i am really happy to get my chance in but i am really happy to get my chance in f1. The two Day Diamond League final gets underway today with the worlds best athletes gathering in brussels with the winners of each Diamond League final taking home a trophy and 24,000 in prize money. Olympic A00m Silver Medallist Matthew Hudson Smith leads the british charge and will be joined at the Start Line by Compatriot Charlie Dobson while Dina Asher Smith and Daryll Neeta take on Olympic Championjulien Alfred and Silver Medalist Shacarri richardson over 100m. There is live coverage of Tonights Action including Hudson Smith in the a00m from brussel s King Baudouin Stadium on the bbc from 7pm and then Saturdays Action is on Bbc Three also from 7pm featuring neita in the 200m and olympic Bronze Medallist Georgia bell in the 1500m. Its one year to go until the World Athletics championships in tokyo. Lord sebastian coe, world Atheltics President , said the commitment to award the japanese capital the championships was taken at the Tokyo Olympics which was held without spectators. There is about it. Go to our footbal pages on the Bbc Sport Website for those latest News Conferences ahead of the return of the Premier League. From me and the rest of the team, goodbye for now. Has told the bbc that his mission is to continue doing good in the world. Hell spend sunday privately with family in california. Our senior royal correspondent, daniela relph, reports. Its been a turbulent decade for the duke of sussex. Hes become a husband and a father, Split Acrimoniously from the Royal Family and moved to california. But he appears to be approaching his 40th with a sense of positivity. We asked Prince Harry how he felt about his birthday. In a statement to the bbc he told us he also spoke about the importance of his family with meghan, duchess of sussex, and their children, archie and lilibet. Back in may, we filmed harry as he led the games at a Kids Party while visiting london. Every child in this room has lost a parent who served in the military. In recent weeks, there has been speculation that harrys next decade could include a return to the uk on a more permanent basis. But those who know him well have told me he has no interest in giving up the life hes built in america. As he heads into his 40s, though, there will be some strong reasons pulling him back to the uk. The invictus games, for injured servicemen and women, will be held in birmingham in 2027. Created by harry when he was 30, it remains a personal passion ten years on. Hes described it to me, you know, as his first child. I mean, it is a very important thing. I think it speaks very deeply to the soldier in him. If you look back at 2014, you know, there was a strong representation of the Royal Family and it was great to see. And, of course, everybody hopes that well see that again. But his fallout with the Royal Family has been painful for all concerned, particularly the broken bond with his brother. There is no reconciliation on the cards. The diana award, set up in his Mothers Name to empower young people, is in a unique position. Despite the family tensions, both william and harry continue to engage with the organisation, but in different ways. Next month, harry will be in New York to highlight their work. Were deeply honoured to have both of them, but on the other hand, theyve always both said, you know, its their mothers charity. Theyre deeply committed to her, deeply committed to the work, and its something that theyjust continue to support. In colombia last month, to promote the work of their archwell foundation, there will be more of these types of trips ahead. They are the harry and meghan version of a royal tour. A 40th birthday can be a time to reflect and ponder whats next. For Prince Harry, there is much to think about. Daniela relph, Bbc News. In the remote mountains of south western china, a small regional Football League is drawing in millions of tourists. In rongjiang, in the guizhou province, a bit of friendly competition between the villages is helping the local economy. Our china correspondent, stephen mcdonell, has been to watch a match. These are the farmers, shopkeepers, and students whove become the stars of the Guizhou Village super league. A weekly Grassroots Spectacle which has drawn national attention largely through Social Media. Its free to attend, but a bit of a hike to get here. The mountains of guizhou have been isolated for centuries. And, until recently, all they had was farming. Now, poor communities are getting a boost from the millions of big city tourists whove come through in just over a year to watch the football. Translation it has improved our economic prospects, i like for vendors where families have small businesses it has increased their income. Shen yang is a hospital maintenance worker. After pulling an all night shift, hes still in high spirits preparing to run on for Dongmen Village in this years final. His friend on the other team is the son of itinerant labourers. Lu jinfu just finished high school, but hes been kicking a ball since he was 11. Translation when i started playing footy, i didnt expect us to have i such an amazing football atmosphere. That fans dress up in traditional ethnic costumes has added to the allure of the matches played over many months. Translation when we watch the game, its so exciting. I we are really nervous you feel your heart pumping. And when we win, we are so happy. We sing and dance. And their teams certainly give it all. Chanting. The secret of the success here is the combination of football and local culture, all presented in a pretty raucous fashion. No wonder its so popular, and its all done in a pretty good spirit. Chanting. In the most important game of the year, Lu Jinfu scores twice, and his younger, Faster Dangxiang Village Win the final. Translation my teammates and i have played together i since primary school. We are like brothers. But the second team also gets a prize. Translation we won two pigs. Thats not bad. And you wouldnt know from the party of the losers that they re not champions. To their neighbours, the players from Dongmen Village are still their heroes. And theres always next year. Stephen mcdonell, Bbc News guizhou province. Two barefoot Water Skiers from North Yorkshire are preparing to head to the World Championships in florida. The sport is not for the faint hearted. Our reporter Beth Parsons has been to a Training Session on the river ouse. Its Training Day for robbie and olly ahead of their trip across the ocean to take part in the world barefoot championships. So, basically, its Water Skiing without skis, so just skiing on your bare feet and nothing else. Its a Far Cry from the warm, balmy weather of florida where the competition takes place, but this stretch of the Ouse Near Cawood works well enough for a bit of practice. Pain you made me a, you made me a believer, Believer Believer. One of the first things people say to you does it hurt your feet . The only time it would hurt your feet is like sometimes beginners, rather than sort of gliding on top of the water, you tend to want to plough against it. But once youre relaxed and sort of ski less defensively, its actually a really nice feeling just sort of, you know, being free and gliding. Robbie from wakefield, has won gold, Silver And Bronze medals in barefoot competitions before, and he actually inspired 15 year old olly to give the sport a go. I saw Robbie Skiing up and down the Strip Bit here, justjumped out the side of the boat and started skiing. It looked really cool and i was like, i have to do that. And then once i actually started it, ijust couldnt stop. Since then, ollyjoined Team Gb and came first in the nationals, perfectly paving the way for the two of them to take it global with the World Championships next month. So the Tricks Event is when were doing as many tricks as possible in 15 seconds behind the boat. The Slalom Event is how many times you cross the wake on your bare feet in 15 seconds behind the boat. And with slalom, we tend to go, like to go a little bit quicker because it does help. So we go about 45 miles an hourfor slalom. The actual competition will take place on a lake made for water sports. They dont have that luxury here in North Yorkshire, and there are certain challenges with training here on the river ouse. Because its a tidal river, i we need to look at the tides, really, because obviously theres some times theres some debrisl i in the way and on a low tide it| means that theres less debris. Its a lot safer i for us to do it then. The pair will be getting in as many practice runs as possible before the World Championships next month. Beth parsons, Bbc Look north, cawood. Pain you made me a, you made me a believer, Believer Believer pain you break me down and build me up, believer, Believer Pain oh, let the bullets fly, oh, let them rain my life, my love, my drive, it came from. Pain you made me a, you made me a believer, Believer Believer. Top marks for the dismount, good luck to them in florida. It has not been florida weather here. Darren has the details. It was unusually cold and frosty for this early in the autumn this morning but after that, we have been enjoying the Sunshine Today and the Light Winds as well. The weather is changing because that plunge of cold air from the arctic is being replaced by milder winds coming in from the atlantic and that will lift the temperatures as well. It will bring with it some Cloud And Rain and the first signs of that just poking into Northern Ireland, cloudy skies here, a little light Rain Or Drizzle in the North West Header that some light showers in the North And West of scotland. Otherwise, dry, Light Winds, plenty of sunshine around. A little warmer than it was yesterday, 14 or 15 in the north, 17 or perhaps a team in the South East of england. This Rain Coming into Northern England will push its way into scotland over night and there will be a lot of cloud. The winds will be a lot of cloud. The winds will be a lot of cloud. The winds will be picking up here as well. Some of The Cloud Will Push into the North West of england and wales but we will have clearer skies elsewhere. It wont be as cold as last night, could go as four or five in South East england but by morning, temperatures in scotland and Northern Ireland could start in double figures so Far Cry from this morning. There will be more cloud, we could see some sunshine breaking through The Cloud In Scotland and Northern Ireland ahead of this Rain Band which rides in the afternoon. England and wales seen some cloud but also some sunshine and temperatures will be higher across the country on saturday. 17 or 18 in scotland and Northern Ireland, much better here, and 19 or perhaps 20 across Eastern Parts of england. We have high pressure keeping it dry but the Weather Front is bringing the rain in the North West which will tumble down into england and wales into sunday. This is where we have the cloud and patchy rain early in the day. That should move away from Northern England but we could see some wetter weather coming back into wales, perhaps bringing some rain into the midlands and south west. Further north, the showers in Scotland Move away, more sunshine coming through, the winds will be later. Still 17 or 18 in scotland and Northern Ireland, perhaps 20 in the South East of england. Next week, we are seeing high pressure more dominant and that means we are pushing away these Weather Fronts and areas of low pressure to the North West of the uk. What is happening is we are moving into a of dry weather and there will be plenty of sunshine around. Some Mist And Fog in the middle innings but it is looking dry and warm during the night and it will also be warmer during the day as well in the sunshine. Around the middle of the week across southern parts of england, temperatures could even get into the mid 20s. Back to you. Great, thank you, darren. Thats all from todays Bbc News at one. Enjoy the rest of the day. Goodbye. Live from london, this is Bbc News russias claims that six british diplomats were spying are Completely Baseless says the Uk Government. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer arrives in washington for talks with us president Joe Biden. Ukraine is on the agenda. The governor of nigerias Borno State tells the bbc roughly Two Million people have been affected by floods there. Sven Goran Eriksson is remembered as a loving father David Beckham is among the mourners at the funeral of the former England Manager. Hello, im rajini vaidyanathan. Welcome to Bbc News now, three hours of fast moving news, interviews and reaction. The Uk Government says russian accusations against six british diplomats in moscow are Completely Baseless. The group was expelled by the kremlin, which accused them of spying and sabotage. The russian government said london had engaged in Multiple Unfriendly Acts and that actions of the British Embassy In Moscow aimed to cause harm to russias people. But the government here says it believes the suspension came after it brought in measures against the russian embassy earlier in the year. These developments come on the day that britains prime minister, Keir Starmer, is due to meet President Biden at the White House. On thursday, President Putin warned western governments not to let ukraine Target Russia with western arms. Sarah rainsford is our Eastern Europe correspondent