hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. china hopes selling solar panels and electric cars to europe will solve it economic challenges. we have a report from the country's manufacturing hub. in new york this afternoon, the un secretary—general

antonio guterres painted a dark picture of the evolving situation in the middle east. he warned spiralling tensions over the war in gaza and iran's attack on israel at the weekend could evolve into a "full—scale regional conflict". one miscalculation, one miscommunication, one mistake, could lead to the unthinkable a full—scale regional conflict that would be devastating for all involved. for guterres, de—escalation of the situation would begin by ending the fighting in gaza, where nearly 3a,000 people have been killed, according to the hamas—run health ministry. but that may be some way off. qatar said today it is reassessing its role as mediator between israel and hamas. its role said the prime minister was being misued by some politicians for their own goals. against that backdrop the g7 foreign ministers met today on the italian island of capri. here's the us secretary of state antony blinken.

letters talking about the situation in the middle east. christopher steele is with me in the studio. do you see a link between the two? is vladimir putin stoking the fire? i think putin is stoking all sorts of fires around the world at the moment. it is clearly in the interest of russia, as he sees it, to deflect attention and resources and effort and politics away from what is going on in ukraine. i think that applies equally to gaza as it does to the balkans, for example, andindeed does to the balkans, for example, and indeed to the korean peninsula, which i hope we will come back to. katrina, the word is that the response from israel to what happened at the weekend will not come before the end of passover at the end of the month. the president on iran today said that the tiniest move will spark a fierce and painful response. is the secretary general right, we are in a precipice? try carolyn, sorry? ithink

right, we are in a precipice? try carolyn, sorry? i think i preferred you as katrina, i meant carolina. as we were talking about, it is being observed by russia and north korea. and all of the us adversaries. the? and all of the us adversaries. they are very much _ and all of the us adversaries. they are very much learning _ and all of the us adversaries. they are very much learning from them. i think_ are very much learning from them. i think it _ are very much learning from them. i think it is _ are very much learning from them. i think it is an— are very much learning from them. i think it is an interesting thought that the — think it is an interesting thought that the strike package iran delivered against israel this weekend is very reminiscent of the strike _ weekend is very reminiscent of the strike passages russia has been delivering against ukraine. the middle — delivering against ukraine. the middle east and ukraine, it is important to see all of these things is connected, not happening in a vacuum — is connected, not happening in a vacuum. ,., , vacuum. there were some interesting re ort in vacuum. there were some interesting report in the — vacuum. there were some interesting report in the new _ vacuum. there were some interesting report in the new york _ vacuum. there were some interesting report in the new york times - vacuum. there were some interesting report in the new york times today i report in the new york times today about the strike on the iranian embassy in damascus being planned for a month. and that the israeli war cabinet had signed off the attack a week before it took place. if that is the case, why are they

right not to take the americans? should they have told the biden administration? that should they have told the biden administration?— should they have told the biden administration? that probably gets above my pay _ administration? that probably gets above my pay grade. _ administration? that probably gets above my pay grade. why - administration? that probably gets above my pay grade. why had - administration? that probably gets above my pay grade. why had i - administration? that probably getsi above my pay grade. why had i can tell you is it clearly, within the congress, there is almost uniformly on a republican side, certainly, and most democrats, they still support israel's efforts here. on the democratic side there is more questioning. on the majority of democrats. obviously, there are some democrats. obviously, there are some democrats who want israel to sign a ceasefire immediately, even if a is not willing to do so. but congress still backs israel, and regardless of what happened in the masses, that has not changed and most likely is not going to in the coming days. keepin not going to in the coming days. keep in mind that the funding package we are discussing which we talked about with ukraine in the early part of this, early in the hour, also has meaning for israel, trying to bring raptor close as

quickly as possible. fine trying to bring raptor close as quickly as possible.— trying to bring raptor close as quickly as possible. one of the scary thing _ quickly as possible. one of the scary thing that _ quickly as possible. one of the scary thing that was _ quickly as possible. one of the scary thing that was discussed | scary thing that was discussed today. was that the rhetoric from tehran that they might reassess their nuclear ambitions. they are overtly saying that if there is another attack, then what is ostensibly a civilian programme, as they say it is, would perhaps become a military one. in a country that gave up its nuclear weapons, do you see the risk right now offer nuclear arms way is if the conflicts are allowed to descend further? from where we are at the moment? before i answer your— where we are at the moment? before i answer your question, _ where we are at the moment? before i answer your question, during - where we are at the moment? before i answer your question, during the - answer your question, during the break— answer your question, during the break i _ answer your question, during the break i read some news over here in ukraine _ break i read some news over here in ukraine that — break i read some news over here in ukraine that six fighterjets have been _ ukraine that six fighterjets have been launched in russia, and they might— been launched in russia, and they might reach ukraine —— make the nrissiies, — might reach ukraine —— make the nrissiies, in— might reach ukraine —— make the missiles, in 3—4 hours. that is a touch— missiles, in 3—4 hours. that is a touch of— missiles, in 3—4 hours. that is a touch of reality from over here in ukraine — touch of reality from over here in ukraine. that is what we are reading in the _ ukraine. that is what we are reading in the news — ukraine. that is what we are reading in the news. to me, that means in three _ in the news. to me, that means in three to- — in the news. to me, that means in three to- four— in the news. to me, that means in three to— four hours, i will wake up my son _ three to— four hours, i will wake up my son and — three to— four hours, i will wake up my son and drag him to the wardrobe

or, depending on the level of danger, _ or, depending on the level of danger, maybe to the metro station. this is— danger, maybe to the metro station. this isjust _ danger, maybe to the metro station. this isjust for the audience to realise — this isjust for the audience to realise how much this has become the daily norm _ realise how much this has become the daily norm over here in ukraine. diesei— daily norm over here in ukraine. diesei go— daily norm over here in ukraine. diesel go to the shelters even though it is repetitive and every day? though it is repetitive and every da ? ., ., , though it is repetitive and every da? ., ., ., day? not always. over the last month i onl went day? not always. over the last month i only went to — day? not always. over the last month i only went to the _ day? not always. over the last month i only went to the shelter _ day? not always. over the last month i only went to the shelter once - day? not always. over the last month i only went to the shelter once when i i only went to the shelter once when there _ i only went to the shelter once when there was— i only went to the shelter once when there was a — i only went to the shelter once when there was a really big explosion and a huge _ there was a really big explosion and a huge air— there was a really big explosion and a huge air raid alert with increased levels _ a huge air raid alert with increased levels of— a huge air raid alert with increased levels of danger being announced. it is a special— levels of danger being announced. it is a special announcement. typically, no. we will see what happens — typically, no. we will see what happens and what the military will tell us— happens and what the military will tell us to — happens and what the military will tell us to do. happens and what the military will tell us to do— tell us to do. obviously, our sympathies _ tell us to do. obviously, our sympathies for _ tell us to do. obviously, our sympathies for that. - tell us to do. obviously, our sympathies for that. it - tell us to do. obviously, our sympathies for that. it is - tell us to do. obviously, our sympathies for that. it is a l tell us to do. obviously, our- sympathies for that. it is a good illustration of what ukrainians are living with. answer the nuclear thing for me, would you? you are a country with a history of a nuclear arsenal which gave it up a peace with russia. how concerned are you

about the arms race that might unfold? ~ ., ., , unfold? we have a complicated internal debate _ unfold? we have a complicated internal debate about - unfold? we have a complicated internal debate about nuclear l internal debate about nuclear weapons, because we did give them up in exchange _ weapons, because we did give them up in exchange for the assurances from our partners, including the united states. _ our partners, including the united states, the uk, and the russian federation, that we will be protected in case of an attack. what we have _ protected in case of an attack. what we have faced is a situation where one of— we have faced is a situation where one of the — we have faced is a situation where one of the guarantors of our security— one of the guarantors of our security has attacked us, and other guarantors— security has attacked us, and other guarantors have not stepped up to protect _ guarantors have not stepped up to protect us— guarantors have not stepped up to protect us to an extent we expected. it protect us to an extent we expected. it does _ protect us to an extent we expected. it does not _ protect us to an extent we expected. it does not mean ukrainians are willing _ it does not mean ukrainians are willing to — it does not mean ukrainians are willing to get the nuclear weapon. we are _ willing to get the nuclear weapon. we are not— willing to get the nuclear weapon. we are not looking forward to that, we don't _ we are not looking forward to that, we don't see it as a way to react to this situation, there is no big internat— this situation, there is no big internal pressure that we should get into the _ internal pressure that we should get into the nuclear rearmament back. this is— into the nuclear rearmament back. this is not— into the nuclear rearmament back. this is not a — into the nuclear rearmament back. this is not a big part of the internal— this is not a big part of the internal debate over here. but i'll be concerned about how the country

is doing _ be concerned about how the country is doing that? yes, of course. there is doing that? yes, of course. there is a likelihood, _ is doing that? yes, of course. there is a likelihood, if— is doing that? yes, of course. there is a likelihood, if ukraine _ is doing that? yes, of course. there is a likelihood, if ukraine was - is doing that? yes, of course. there is a likelihood, if ukraine was to - is a likelihood, if ukraine was to be defeated, that poland and germany would think that way. bud be defeated, that poland and germany would think that way.— would think that way. and possibly taiwan. in that _ would think that way. and possibly taiwan. in that situation. - would think that way. and possibly taiwan. in that situation. because| taiwan. in that situation. because thatis taiwan. in that situation. because that is the next dominator for —— dominatorfor if russia that is the next dominator for —— dominator for if russia falls in ukraine. �* �* , dominator for if russia falls in ukraine. ~ ~ , , _ dominator for if russia falls in ukraine. “ , , , . . dominator for if russia falls in ukraine. ~~ , , _ ., ., , ukraine. the iaa is busy again. they talked about — ukraine. the iaa is busy again. they talked about the _ ukraine. the iaa is busy again. they talked about the civilian _ ukraine. the iaa is busy again. they talked about the civilian plant - talked about the civilian plant attack in zaporizhzhia which we saw in the last week. the fact that the iranians talked about upping their nuclear ambitions today, is that dangerous rhetoric? does it focus within the israeli security council, on what they might target after passover? it on what they might target after passover? ., , , ., , , passover? it does, but realistically i think passover? it does, but realistically ithink ou passover? it does, but realistically i think you have _ passover? it does, but realistically i think you have to _ passover? it does, but realistically i think you have to look _ passover? it does, but realistically i think you have to look at - i think you have to look at chinaview. i think this is one area where they are quite strongly against nuclear proliferation, particularly countries like iran. i

think threats of the use of nuclear weapons, as well, and indeed of sabotaging the nuclear power station in ukraine, the big one, zaporizhzhia, are clearly differences. i think that russia is not going to use tactical nuclear weapons. i think china is acting as a restraint on the nuclear ambitions of these powers. a restraint on the nuclear ambitions of these powers— a restraint on the nuclear ambitions of these powers. after the break we will talk more _ of these powers. after the break we will talk more about _ of these powers. after the break we will talk more about the _ of these powers. after the break we will talk more about the role - of these powers. after the break we will talk more about the role of- will talk more about the role of china and what influence they may have a very presentable ceasefire talk in both conflicts. we will take a short break. you're watching the bbc. around the world and across uk, this is bbc news.

welcome back. china's economy is facing the biggest economic challenge in two decades. the so called factory of the world is struggling to recover from years of covid lockdowns and a global economic downturn. president xijinping's plan is to make and sell more electric cars, solar panels and wind turbines to the uk and europe.

but that has many western firms worried that low cost chinese goods will force them out of business. our china correspondent, laura bicker, has been to the country's manufacturing hub to take the pulse of the chinese economy. this man is a lifelong factory worker who's helped forge china's rise. this is your home?. everything he owns is behind this door. but as china's economy falters, the last firm he worked for closed without warning, leaving him without his redundancy pay, which will take years to earn back. translation: it's hard to find newjobs. - we are old and we don't have many skills. it most companies only hire younger people. he spent 16 years of his life in what is now a concrete shell.

even in the wreckage, he can remember the furniture assembly line. this factory was his family's future, a paycheque sent to his village home for children he couldn't afford to travel to see. i feel reluctant to part with this place. i feel heartbroken. i've spent so many years here and now this place has become like this. all the workers feel astonished and are disappointed and we grieve. prolonged covid lockdowns and bitter trade wars have chipped away at the pillars of china's economy. so the country has changed course. new technology and a new robotic workforce is taking over. and the made in china brand is at the heart of the world's drive towards renewables. you're about to get a clear view of china's capacity to build. china dominates the world

solar panel market. 80% of the world's solar panels are made here. in fact, they've installed more in one year than the us have in a decade. but that has both brussels and washington worried. many in the west say china is making too much of the world's green tech. they accuse beijing of giving firms state hand—outs. that means china's goods are so cheap, it's driving western brands out of business. and what do you think of the capacity in china to produce this kind of green energy? right now, i think 80% to 90% of the energy storage equipment are designed and manufactured in china, so we are leading the market in the whole world. china is helping the world capture the sun, but at a cost.

this feat cannot save its workforce and the west wants its dependence on china to end. so now, once again, trade tensions threaten to cast a shadow over east/west relations. laura bicker, bbc news, dongguan. you may think that is off tangent to what we have been discussing. it is closely aligned to what is going on right now. china needs a rest. not only are some of that production going to europe and civilian companies, it is also providing 90% of russia's microelectronic impulse, 70% of the tuning imports, and a writer in the telegraph said this week that if in the midst of world war ii the united states was a uk pass arsenal of democracy, then today, iran, north korea and china are russia's arsenal of autocracy. what can the g7 countries do about that? i'm joined now by karolina hird russia analyst at the washington based

institute for the study of war, the former communications director for the republican national convention doug heye. ukrainian politician, inna sovsun and the former head of the russia desk at the british mi6 intelligence service, chris steele. the way that china is interacting with russia on the backdrop of the war in ukraine is very different to how iran and north korea are. russia and north korea have built this triple military entente, there has been a capitalisation of military supplies, and they are getting various things out of that as well. it really looks like china is playing... this entente. they have had some interesting diplomatic signalling, it seems china has a band. they have not granted russia's the deep partnership they are seeking. they have their own interests viz a viz markets in europe and the west, as well as in eastern asia and the global

geopolitical ambitions. it is a much more nuanced and complicated relationship. we know that they are still supplying russia with dual use components and prolonging the war in ukraine. jae components and prolonging the war in ukraine. , ., 1, components and prolonging the war in ukraine. , ., a, ., ., , ukraine. joe barden had words esterda yesterday about china, specifically the state subsidies directed towards steel and aluminium. for too long, the chinese government has poured state money and a chinese steel companies, pushing them to make so much of steel, as much as possible, subsidised by the chinese government. because chinese steel companies produce a lot more silver and china needs, it ends up dumping extra steel steel than china needs, it ends up dumping extra steel on the global market at unfairly low prices, and the prices are unfairly low because china was mixing prices don't need to worry about making a profit because the chinese government subsidises them. they are not competing, they are cheating, they are cheating. so, he is promising tariffs which

would win him plaudits in the rust belt states and among democrats, but ijust belt states and among democrats, but i just wonder, belt states and among democrats, but ijust wonder, if belt states and among democrats, but i just wonder, if china belt states and among democrats, but ijust wonder, if china is having second thoughts about supporter russia's warren ukraine, is it the right time to push china further away? right time to push china further awa ? . , , right time to push china further awa ? ., , , ., away? that is the rub of where we are in our— away? that is the rub of where we are in our politics. _ away? that is the rub of where we are in our politics. on _ away? that is the rub of where we are in our politics. on this. - away? that is the rub of where we are in our politics. on this. joe - are in our politics. on this. joe barden — are in our politics. on this. joe barden is _ are in our politics. on this. joe barden is struggling in polls and on issue _ barden is struggling in polls and on issue after— barden is struggling in polls and on issue after issue. he has to find a place _ issue after issue. he has to find a place he — issue after issue. he has to find a place he can— issue after issue. he has to find a place he can the vines footing. we saw him _ place he can the vines footing. we saw him on — place he can the vines footing. we saw him on the campaign trail right now, _ saw him on the campaign trail right now, donald trump is not. this is a position where, he can get some solid _ position where, he can get some solid state — position where, he can get some solid state and supporting. the reality— solid state and supporting. the reality is — solid state and supporting. the reality is that any republican and any democrat will be rewarded by anti-china, — any democrat will be rewarded by anti—china, but they can't be anti-china _ anti—china, but they can't be anti—china enough. as he said at the beginning _ anti—china enough. as he said at the beginning of— anti—china enough. as he said at the beginning of the second, one of these _ beginning of the second, one of theseissues beginning of the second, one of these issues are playing together. one of— these issues are playing together. one of the — these issues are playing together. one of the things potentially going to be included into the aid package for ukraine and israel and so forth

the united — for ukraine and israel and so forth the united states government forcing sale the united states government forcing saie of— the united states government forcing sale of tiktok. that obviously ties into that — sale of tiktok. that obviously ties into that as— sale of tiktok. that obviously ties into that as well. and any member of congress. _ into that as well. and any member of congress, republican or democrat, nose campaigning against china is a safe place _ nose campaigning against china is a safe place for them to be. the german chancellor _ safe place for them to be. i'ie: german chancellor urged safe place for them to be. the: german chancellor urged xi safe place for them to be. ti9: german chancellor urged xi jinping to get involved in the war in ukraine. do you see him as an honest broker in this? could he play a role in bringing the war to an end? probably. he is the only person who can. probably. he is the only person who can the _ probably. he is the only person who can. the question— probably. he is the only person who can. the question is, _ probably. he is the only person who can. the question is, does- probably. he is the only person who can. the question is, does he - probably. he is the only person who can. the question is, does he wantl can. the question is, does he want to? that _ can. the question is, does he want to? that is — can. the question is, does he want to? that is a — can. the question is, does he want to? that is a big _ can. the question is, does he want to? that is a big question. - can. the question is, does he want to? that is a big question. i- can. the question is, does he want to? that is a big question. i agreei to? that is a big question. i agree with what— to? that is a big question. i agree with what karolina _ to? that is a big question. i agree with what karolina said. _ to? that is a big question. i agree with what karolina said. china - to? that is a big question. i agree with what karolina said. china is. to? that is a big question. i agree with what karolina said. china is aj with what karolina said. china is a rote-playing — with what karolina said. china is a rote-playing in _ role—playing in the margins and is trying _ role—playing in the margins and is trying to— role—playing in the margins and is trying to come _ role—playing in the margins and is trying to come on— role—playing in the margins and is trying to come on the _ role—playing in the margins and is trying to come on the one - role—playing in the margins and is trying to come on the one hand, i trying to come on the one hand, saying _ trying to come on the one hand, saying that _ trying to come on the one hand, saying that they— trying to come on the one hand, saying that they respect - trying to come on the one hand, saying that they respect the - trying to come on the one hand, - saying that they respect the borders of each _ saying that they respect the borders of each individual— saying that they respect the borders of each individual country, - saying that they respect the borders of each individual country, which - of each individual country, which seems _ of each individual country, which seems like — of each individual country, which seems like a _ of each individual country, which seems like a good _ of each individual country, which seems like a good signal. - of each individual country, which seems like a good signal. and i

of each individual country, which . seems like a good signal. and then china _ seems like a good signal. and then china seems— seems like a good signal. and then china seems to _ seems like a good signal. and then china seems to say _ seems like a good signal. and then china seems to say that _ seems like a good signal. and then china seems to say that they - china seems to say that they recognise _ china seems to say that they recognise the _ china seems to say that they recognise the borders. - china seems to say that they recognise the borders. at. china seems to say that theyl recognise the borders. at the china seems to say that they - recognise the borders. at the same time. _ recognise the borders. at the same time. we _ recognise the borders. at the same time. we see — recognise the borders. at the same time, we see that _ recognise the borders. at the same time, we see that in _ recognise the borders. at the same time, we see that in march, - recognise the borders. at the same time, we see that in march, china i time, we see that in march, china bought— time, we see that in march, china bought record _ time, we see that in march, china bought record volumes _ time, we see that in march, china bought record volumes of- time, we see that in march, china bought record volumes of russian oil. bought record volumes of russian oii~ so. _ bought record volumes of russian oii~ so. they— bought record volumes of russian oii~ so. theyare— bought record volumes of russian oil. so, they are still— bought record volumes of russian oil. so, they are still giving - bought record volumes of russianl oil. so, they are still giving money to basically— oil. so, they are still giving money to basically fund _ oil. so, they are still giving money to basically fund this _ oil. so, they are still giving money to basically fund this war- oil. so, they are still giving money to basically fund this war effort - to basically fund this war effort against — to basically fund this war effort against ukraine. _ to basically fund this war effort against ukraine. so, _ to basically fund this war effort against ukraine. so, we - to basically fund this war effort against ukraine. so, we are . to basically fund this war effortl against ukraine. so, we are not seeing— against ukraine. so, we are not seeing them— against ukraine. so, we are not seeing them play— against ukraine. so, we are not seeing them play an— against ukraine. so, we are not seeing them play an active - against ukraine. so, we are not seeing them play an active role | against ukraine. so, we are not. seeing them play an active role as of right— seeing them play an active role as of right now _ seeing them play an active role as of right now. but _ seeing them play an active role as of right now. but do _ seeing them play an active role as of right now. but do we _ seeing them play an active role as of right now. but do we see - seeing them play an active role as of right now. but do we see the l of right now. but do we see the potential— of right now. but do we see the potential they _ of right now. but do we see the potential they might— of right now. but do we see the potential they might do - of right now. but do we see the potential they might do it - of right now. but do we see the potential they might do it in - of right now. but do we see the | potential they might do it in the future? — potential they might do it in the future? yes. _ potential they might do it in the future? yes, probably, - potential they might do it in the future? yes, probably, yes. - potential they might do it in the future? yes, probably, yes. i. potential they might do it in the . future? yes, probably, yes. i some interesting — future? yes, probably, yes. i some interesting points— future? yes, probably, yes. i some interesting points in— future? yes, probably, yes. i some interesting points in that. - future? yes, probably, yes. i some interesting points in that. chris, . interesting points in that. chris, what _ interesting points in that. chris, what are — interesting points in that. chris, what are your _ interesting points in that. chris, what are your sources _ interesting points in that. chris, what are your sources telling. interesting points in that. chris, | what are your sources telling you about _ what are your sources telling you about how — what are your sources telling you about how china _ what are your sources telling you about how china sees _ what are your sources telling you about how china sees this, - what are your sources telling you about how china sees this, an . what are your sources telling you i about how china sees this, an they putting _ about how china sees this, an they putting away? _ about how china sees this, an they putting away? i— about how china sees this, an they putting away?— pulling away? i think china very discontented _ pulling away? i think china very discontented about _ pulling away? i think china very discontented about this - pulling away? i think china very discontented about this war - pulling away? i think china very| discontented about this war and vladimir putin pass behaviour. they are nervous about where this ends up. china has a significant vested interest in international trading systems and so on. i think that with things like secondary sanctions, they are very nervous. china's economy is not doing well at the moment. growth is down below 5% for the first time. that makes leadership nervous. i think the idea

vladimir putin is going around the world stoking up conflict in different regions is not in their interest. they will not support it. this alliance between china and russia is not one of equals, and it is not one where china is prepared to back everything russia does. we're out of time. a really interesting discussion tonight. i am grateful to of you. chris, karolina, ian, and doug stop we will be tomorrow. good night. hello from the bbc sport centre. this is your update. let's get straight to another busy night of european action. very british teams in action including liverpool. liverpool are desperately seeking to claw back the goals, they were tailing atalanta. most selling at an early goal. liverpool have struggled to make another breakthrough. just moments left now

in their second leg tie. their european season could be over. in east london, west ham are on the brink of elimination against bayer leverkusen. there was a goal there. as it stands. buy leather case and are going through. one team has got through, however, aston villa. their one goal leg advantage was wiped out midway through the second half as the french side lille lead 2-0 half as the french side lille lead 2—0 and 3— to one aggregate. cash drew them level. that was in added time. villa won it 4—3 on penalties.

the goalkeeper was the hero as a fellow qualified for their major european semifinal since 1982 —— aston villa. domestically, a change of the fa cup from next season. all replays will be scrapped. it means all matches that end in a draw after 90 minutes will go to extra time and penalties if required. in addition, all rounds of the tournament will be played on weekends. the changes come as part of a new six year agreement between the football association and the premier league. the non—league clu bs, clubs, the likes of newport county, who played spurs clubs, the likes of newport county, who played spurs in clubs, the likes of newport county, who played spurs in a clubs, the likes of newport county, who played spurs in a replay clubs, the likes of newport county, who played spurs in a replay in 2018, this well deny them what has been a very lucrative side of the fa cup. when they have been able to host the replays or go to the big premier league clubs for a replay, they have benefited hugely from both match day revenue and tv revenue. we are told that there will be an increase in facilities fees, those of the tv fees when games are moved

away from the derry bm to kick off, but nonetheless, depending on who you ask, for many, some of the magic of the fa cup will be lost because of the fa cup will be lost because of this overall in the competition. it has been an excellent safety british tennis players. radical new beat she linda noskova to reach the quarter finals where she'll now face the world number one iga swiatek, after she beat elise mertens. there is also a battle tomorrow for norey. there is a restructuring of the domestic game from 2025. it was in the creation of a three tiered

domestic competition structure for the ecb which could lead to an 80% increase in professional women players in england and wales by 2029. durham, essex, hampshire, lancashire, nottinghamshire, somerset, surrey, and warwickshire, have all been awarded tier1 status whilst glamorgan and yorkshire join them in 2027. it whilst glamorgan and yorkshire 'oin them in 2027.— them in 2027. it was a tender trocess them in 2027. it was a tender process which _ them in 2027. it was a tender process which has _ them in 2027. it was a tender process which has taken - them in 2027. it was a tender| process which has taken place them in 2027. it was a tender - process which has taken place over the last four weeks. that is something that i think will be a tearfor something that i think will be a tear for those something that i think will be a tearfor those clubs. something that i think will be a tear for those clubs. they will have huge aspirations to come in in the future. the most important thing is that there is lots of money being invested in women's cricket. so many clubs, only so many can be up on the starting board and we have been chosen, we're really happy to be the chosen, we're really happy to be the chosen club. this is about making england strong, and hopefully getting them back winning world cups and an ashes series. you know, we have a really, really driving system

now where we are producing great young cricketers, and we are at the heart of that now, but i'm obviously very excited to be involved here the future looks very bright them again. an update on the football. liverpool are out of europe. they were beaten on aggregate against atalanta in the europa league quarterfinal tie. q soon, almost finished there. west ham currently drawing. 1—1. looks like west ham will be going out. see you soon. good evening. bit of a weather cliche, i know, but a north—south divide with the weather story today. we had some beautiful sunshine, and with lighter winds across central and southern england, it felt a little warmer as well. this was londonjust a few hours ago. different story further north. it was cloudy and wet at times, a rather drizzly, overcast picture, as you can see in argyll and bute. and that's because of this weather front.

it's toppling around the high pressure that's pushing in for the weekend, that's bringing some rain. now, the progress of the rain has been quite slow. it's been moving its way out of scotland, pushing into northern england and north wales. for the rest of the day, it will gradually sink its way steadily south. so, we will see some outbreaks of rain through the night tonight across central and southern england. clearer skies further north, a brisk wind and a few scattered showers. and with temperatures to the tops of the mountains, perhaps into low single figures, maybe a little bit of a wintry flavour here as well, but a milder start to the morning for england and wales. a dreary, drab morning here, slowly brightening up into the afternoon. sunny spells, a few scattered showers, but, again, the winds picking up. that'lljust take the edge off the feel of things, particularly in eastern scotland — we could see gusts in excess of a0 miles an hour. so here, only a high of 8 celsius in aberdeenshire, with a little more shelter further west, we could — with more sunshine

— see 14—15 celsius. here's the high that's going to arrive through the weekend. a lot of dry weather around at the weekend. this weather front will just introduce a little bit of patchy drizzle. and as we go into sunday in particular, more of a northeasterly flow, making it feel cool on exposed east coasts and certainly producing a lot more in the way of cloud. so we will be chasing cloud amounts around this weekend. but on the whole, saturday starts off sunny. there will be a brisk east wind, north east wind coming through, making it feel cool here. further west, with a little more sunshine, we could see highs of 1a celsius. so this west—east divide continues, particularly for the second half of the weekend. in the east, it will be a gray, drab affair and the temperatures struggling, i'm afraid, from time to time. with a little more shelter and more sunshine in the west, it's not out of the question, we may see 17 celsius in parts of northern ireland.

live from washington, this is bbc news. with russia's war in ukraine expanding into international espionage, kyiv�*s allies think about dialling up their support. afg hanistan's dialling up their support. afghanistan's children in crisis. we will speak to in group but the young

afghan refugees lacking food and housing. welcome to world news america. in the united nations security council vote, is getting under way at un headquarters in new york. we will bring you some pictures of the security council chamber voting on the proposal to grant palestine full un member status. the proposal to grant palestine full un memberstatus. it the proposal to grant palestine full un member status. it has had non—member status since 2012 but cannot vote in proceedings. we will come back to the story with updates as soon as we get there. we will move onto top story today. polish authorities have arrested a man on suspicion of preparing to help the russian military in an alleged assassination plot against ukrainian president, president zelensky. polish prosecutors say authorities launched an investigation after being tipped off by ukrainian intelligence. they claim they have

evidence that a polish national was ready to