0:00:06 > 0:00:11Tonight at 10.00pm: a rise in cases of domestic violence prompts calls
0:00:11 > 0:00:15for more to be done to protect the children caught up in it.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20Her ex-partner threatened to beat her and her 12-year-old child up.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24The Children's Commissioner calls on the Prime Minister to introduce
0:00:24 > 0:00:26introduce greater protection to deal with the growing problem.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30You'd be in the middle of having this fight,
0:00:30 > 0:00:33and you'd be looking at your kids and you'd have eye contact
0:00:33 > 0:00:36with your kids, and you'd see the fear and look at them crying
0:00:36 > 0:00:39and stuff and you wouldn't know what to do because you can't get
0:00:39 > 0:00:40out of the situation.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42The BBC has been following Northumbria Police as officers
0:00:42 > 0:00:44try to deal with more and more cases.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45We have a special report.
0:00:45 > 0:00:46Also tonight:
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Palestinians clash with Israeli forces in protest at
0:00:48 > 0:00:49President Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem
0:00:49 > 0:00:54as Israel's capital.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Stretched to the limit before winter has really set in -
0:00:57 > 0:00:59warnings about the huge pressure on the NHS.
0:01:00 > 0:01:01Hip hip.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02Hooray.
0:01:02 > 0:01:03Hip hip.
0:01:03 > 0:01:11Hooray.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13The Queen officially commissions into service the Royal Navy's
0:01:13 > 0:01:15largest and most expensive warship - HMS Queen Elizabeth.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18And celebrations in the West Midlands, as the title of UK City
0:01:18 > 0:01:23of Culture 2021 is sent to Coventry.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Coming up on Sportsday on BBC News, the best player in the world,
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Cristiano Ronaldo, is named the winner of the Ballon D'or
0:01:29 > 0:01:36for the fifth time.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Good evening.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56The number of cases of domestic violence reported to police
0:01:56 > 0:01:59in England and Wales is on the rise.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Now the Children's Commissioner for England has called
0:02:01 > 0:02:08on the Prime Minister to put in place greater protection
0:02:08 > 0:02:10for children who are exposed to the problem, at home.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13The latest figures show an increase in the number of cases police
0:02:13 > 0:02:15in England and Wales are involved in almost 650,000
0:02:15 > 0:02:17in the year to March.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22It's estimated that one in seven children and young people under
0:02:22 > 0:02:24the age of 18 will have lived with domestic abuse
0:02:24 > 0:02:25at home at some point.
0:02:25 > 0:02:31And it's when children are involved that there's added
0:02:31 > 0:02:33pressure on the police to respond quickly.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Jeremy Cooke has this special report.
0:02:35 > 0:02:36It starts with Claire's story, which I should
0:02:36 > 0:02:38warn you is upsetting.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41Jack was the eldest, he was 12.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45He was a musician.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49He was just a lovely, quiet, gentle boy.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Paul was cheeky, full of confidence.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54A good sportsman, he was a runner.
0:02:54 > 0:03:00Personal best was always in his mind.
0:03:00 > 0:03:07Claire, proud mother.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Domestic abuse survivor.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12She left the man who had controlled and bullied her and her
0:03:12 > 0:03:13children for years.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17But the abuse continued.
0:03:17 > 0:03:24It escalated, with the two boys caught up in a world of fear.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27They were frightened of their dad and they were frightened for me
0:03:27 > 0:03:29and they were very protective of me and worried.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Despite everything, the boy's father had a right to see them.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Claire sensed the growing danger but was powerless to stop.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40What happened next?
0:03:40 > 0:03:42There was a policeman stood at the door.
0:03:42 > 0:03:43I said, "What's he done?
0:03:43 > 0:03:44He's done it, hasn't he?
0:03:44 > 0:03:47He's done something to them."
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Domestic abuse is a reality in every part of the country.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52POLICE RADIO: There's a domestic.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Someone has been stabbed with a screwdriver.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00Northumbria Police are dealing with calls for help 24/7.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02POLICE RADIO: Are there any children at the address?
0:04:02 > 0:04:05And they often involve children.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Her ex-partner threatened to beat her and the
0:04:07 > 0:04:0912-year-old child up.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11So, we're going to get somebody up there straightaway.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Children can, and do, suffer direct abuse.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15But they also witness violence.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17It has a terrible impact on children.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20We know those children are often going to find it
0:04:20 > 0:04:22difficult to build relationships, may have difficulty holding
0:04:22 > 0:04:23down work.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26I've had black eyes.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28I've had elbows and knees and my head would be
0:04:28 > 0:04:29bashed off something.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Jane finally fled after she and her kids endured
0:04:32 > 0:04:34almost five years of domestic abuse.
0:04:34 > 0:04:41We've changed her name to protect her and to protect the children.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44I see the massive effect it has had on them.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47We'd be in the middle of having this fight and you'd be looking
0:04:47 > 0:04:50at your kids, you'd have eye contact with your kids, and you could just
0:04:50 > 0:04:54see the fear with them crying and stuff and you wouldn't know what to
0:04:54 > 0:04:56do because you can't get out of the situation.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58POLICE RADIO: Taken hold of the female's arm
0:04:58 > 0:04:59and hit her on the back.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01After the 999 calls, the response.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Northumbria Police on the case.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Every year across the country, the number of recorded domestic abuse
0:05:07 > 0:05:10incidents is rising.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13We're on our way to a domestic violence case.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Every incident like this is treated very seriously
0:05:15 > 0:05:17but when there are children
0:05:17 > 0:05:23involved, it all takes on an even greater sense of urgency.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27And there are also routine checks.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Tonight, the police are visiting Melissa, along with a specialist
0:05:30 > 0:05:32from Wearside Women In Need.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37We'll give you a call...
0:05:37 > 0:05:39There are no kids here.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43Melissa felt she had no choice but to give up her
0:05:43 > 0:05:46newborn baby for adoption because she was trapped in an abusive,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48controlling relationship.
0:05:48 > 0:05:55Domestic abuse, breaking the bond between mother and child.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58It has cost you your baby and it has cost your baby his mum.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00I'll never see my baby again.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03I'm in so much pain.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08It's ruined my life, basically.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12Is there anything you need for your flat I can help you with?
0:06:12 > 0:06:13No.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Melissa is trying to turn things around.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18She's got a job and wants to look to the future,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22with the ongoing support of Wearside Women In Need.
0:06:22 > 0:06:30For kids caught up in domestic abuse, there's always damage.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32But for Claire, as she was rushed to Sheffield Children's
0:06:32 > 0:06:38Hospital, it became a matter of life and death.
0:06:38 > 0:06:44I walked up to the bed and they stopped the CPR and I held
0:06:44 > 0:06:51him in my arms, held him so tight, and my tears were in his hair, and
0:06:51 > 0:06:57then his eyes closed.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59Paul was gone and Claire became aware of another bed, doctors
0:06:59 > 0:07:05fighting to save Jack.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Their abusive, violent father, had also died in a
0:07:07 > 0:07:10fire he had deliberately set after trapping the boys in the attic.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14The boys couldn't get out but Jack tried and he had managed to get Paul
0:07:14 > 0:07:16to the edge of the attic but he'd fallen through
0:07:16 > 0:07:23into the flames below.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26When the fireman picked him up, he said, "My dad did this and he
0:07:26 > 0:07:27did it on purpose."
0:07:27 > 0:07:28A family destroyed.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32But still more agony to come.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37I went with Jack to Manchester Burns Unit
0:07:37 > 0:07:40and he went straight into theatre.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Jack fell asleep in my arms after a five-day battle
0:07:43 > 0:07:49in Manchester Children's Hospital.
0:07:49 > 0:07:55Early intervention can help children and save lives.
0:07:55 > 0:08:02Here, a Northumbria Police team scans the overnight reports of
0:08:02 > 0:08:12domestic abuse for cases involving children.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Its Operation Encompass and is now rolling out across much
0:08:17 > 0:08:18of the country.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20It means the school is called early morning so that they
0:08:20 > 0:08:21can support that child.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24The first thing we will do is we would make sure we greet
0:08:24 > 0:08:26that child with a smile.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28If they've not got school uniform on, we can offer
0:08:28 > 0:08:29them school uniform.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30We check they have had breakfast.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32We just check they are all right.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33The national statistics are bleak.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35One in seven children experiences domestic violence
0:08:35 > 0:08:37and there are calls for a more consistent, multi-agency
0:08:37 > 0:08:39response, nationwide, driven from the top.
0:08:39 > 0:08:45I would like the Prime Minister to make this a
0:08:45 > 0:08:47priority for the whole of government and actually send out strong
0:08:47 > 0:08:49messages and a framework for government and public
0:08:49 > 0:08:51services throughout the land that children need the help
0:08:51 > 0:08:53now - they can't wait for that support.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Claire now campaigns with Women's Aid.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00Their Child First project has recorded 20
0:09:00 > 0:09:03cases since 2005, where children have been killed by fathers who are
0:09:03 > 0:09:05known perpetrators of domestic abuse but still had access to
0:09:05 > 0:09:08their children.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Domestic abuse and coercive control is a silent killer.
0:09:10 > 0:09:16It needs to be recognised and stopped.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Claire demands that family courts put child safety
0:09:20 > 0:09:24at the heart of every decision, a demand she makes in
0:09:24 > 0:09:33the name of her Paul, and her Jack.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43I promise no other parent would have to do what I did and hold
0:09:43 > 0:09:45their child in their arms as they died, knowing
0:09:45 > 0:09:48it is at the hands of somebody who should love them
0:09:48 > 0:09:49and protect them the most.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50Jeremy is here with me.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51Claire's story is tragic.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55One of the big problems, though, with domestic abuse is often it is a
0:09:55 > 0:09:56hidden problem
0:09:56 > 0:09:58with domestic abuse is often it is a hidden problem. What more can be
0:09:58 > 0:10:01done to protect children in particular?We are learning more
0:10:01 > 0:10:05that this is a nationwide problem and children can be affected in many
0:10:05 > 0:10:08ways, sometimes witnessing domestic violence can leave a profound and
0:10:08 > 0:10:12lasting impact. Sometimes things get completely out of control as we saw
0:10:12 > 0:10:15with Claire and her Paul and her Jack, tragic circumstances. So there
0:10:15 > 0:10:19is a problem there. What can be done? Well we saw Operation
0:10:19 > 0:10:26Encompass there in my report. That's when the police are immediately
0:10:26 > 0:10:29informed by school when a child is caught up in a domestic abuse
0:10:29 > 0:10:32incident so help can be put in place. That's rolled out in more
0:10:32 > 0:10:37than half of the police forces across the UK. And that's exactly
0:10:37 > 0:10:40what the Children's Commissioner wants to see a more joined up
0:10:40 > 0:10:43approach. Yes involving police and schools but also social workers and
0:10:43 > 0:10:47the NHS as well. The Government says it is on this, it was certainly
0:10:47 > 0:10:50mentioned in the Queen's Speech. But Claire wants to see much more being
0:10:50 > 0:10:56done. For her a crucial issue is that child welfare should be put at
0:10:56 > 0:11:03the very centre of the Family Court system.Thank you Jeremy.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07If you or someone you know is affected by the issues in Jeremy's
0:11:07 > 0:11:11report you can call the BBC actionline:
0:11:22 > 0:11:24The leader of Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group,
0:11:24 > 0:11:28has called for a new popular uprising, or Intifada,
0:11:28 > 0:11:29following President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem
0:11:29 > 0:11:32as the capital of Israel.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Traditional allies of the US, including Saudi Arabia and France,
0:11:35 > 0:11:38condemned President Trump's decision but Israel said it was
0:11:38 > 0:11:39a welcome step forward.
0:11:39 > 0:11:48Our Middle East Editor, Jeremy Bowen, reports from Jerusalem.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51This report contains some flash photography.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Over the years, Palestinians have burned many American flags.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55The question is whether something fresh
0:11:55 > 0:11:56is happening.
0:11:56 > 0:12:02Whether this old conflict has entered a new stage.
0:12:02 > 0:12:08Volleys of tear gas were directed at Palestinian demonstrators
0:12:08 > 0:12:10by Israeli security forces in towns around Jerusalem.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Many Palestinians have serious doubts whether these street
0:12:12 > 0:12:19clashes change anything.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Jerusalem, though, is as special for Palestinians
0:12:21 > 0:12:26as it is for Israelis.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29And Trump's decision to ignore Palestinian claims to the city has
0:12:29 > 0:12:33caused real anger.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is
0:12:35 > 0:12:41jubilant.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44He posted this video, saying, these are great days in
0:12:44 > 0:12:51Zionism's history.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53But these are not great days for Israel's foreign
0:12:53 > 0:12:54relations.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Many countries feel they have a stake in Jerusalem.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Turkey's President Erdogan on a visit to
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Greece said the US and Israel were trampling over international law,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05rejecting a UN resolution.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, on
0:13:10 > 0:13:12the right, travel to Jordan for emergency talks with King Abdullah,
0:13:12 > 0:13:17whose warnings of danger ahead were ignored by President Trump.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Afterwards, President Abbas said America no longer had a political
0:13:20 > 0:13:25role in the Middle East.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27In Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas,
0:13:27 > 0:13:37called for drastic action.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44"It's time", he said, "for a third Palestinian
0:13:44 > 0:13:45uprising.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Another intifada."
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Uprisings carried a heavy price and didn't get them independence.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50An intifada is a dangerous option which
0:13:50 > 0:13:51many Palestinians don't want to repeat.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53But their anger is real.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55This was a demonstration tonight in a Palestinian refugee camp in
0:13:55 > 0:13:56Jordan.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57And they have international support.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00The Americans are preparing a new peace plan.
0:14:00 > 0:14:06It will need something very special to succeed.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09It's important to realise there is no peace process, and there hasn't
0:14:09 > 0:14:10been for a few years.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13But back when they used to have serious peace
0:14:13 > 0:14:16talks, the negotiators steered well clear of the issue of the future of
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Jerusalem.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22That's because all sides realise that it can unleash some
0:14:22 > 0:14:27really powerful and potentially destructive forces.
0:14:27 > 0:14:32They treated it as a politically radioactive issue.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35It was tense tonight at Damascus Gate in the old city.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Sometimes in Jerusalem nationalism and religious
0:14:37 > 0:14:40difference are overwhelming.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Perhaps it's too much to hope for a peace
0:14:42 > 0:14:44deal.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48Jeremy Bowen, BBC News, Jerusalem.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Theresa May has been speaking to the President
0:14:51 > 0:14:55of the European Commission and the Irish Prime Minister this
0:14:55 > 0:14:57evening, amid signs of possible progress in efforts to restart
0:14:57 > 0:14:59the Brexit negotiations.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03The talks stalled on Monday, after Northern Ireland's Democratic
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Unionist Party objected to the draft plans because of their concern over
0:15:06 > 0:15:09the status of the border with the Irish Republic.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12Our political editor Laura Kuenssberg is in Westminster.
0:15:12 > 0:15:18From what you understand, are they getting closer to a deal?
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Well, it seems that way, Sophie. After the in-person collapse of the
0:15:21 > 0:15:25whole thing on Monday when Theresa May had gone to Brussels and had to
0:15:25 > 0:15:29then come back without a deal, things have been kept pretty close
0:15:29 > 0:15:33in a tight circle here in Westminster. We know there have been
0:15:33 > 0:15:38lots of phone calls tonight, lots of talks. But both sides have been
0:15:38 > 0:15:42pretty tight-lipped. And when we saw the Westminster leader of the DUP,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45the Northern Irish party, Nigel Dodds, emerged from talks at
0:15:45 > 0:15:49Whitehall this afternoon, he very, very much avoided answering any
0:15:49 > 0:15:54questions or giving anything away. However, tonight, there certainly
0:15:54 > 0:15:59have been signs that we're moving towards some potential conclusion.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02We know Theresa May has spoken to the Irish leader and also to the
0:16:02 > 0:16:05president of the European Commission. There have been some
0:16:05 > 0:16:09quite positive noises coming out of Europe. I've told by other sources
0:16:09 > 0:16:14there are serious proposals now on the table, that in London, Brussels
0:16:14 > 0:16:19and Westminster most people are pretty content with. The question
0:16:19 > 0:16:24is, however, what will the DUP make of this? Are they ready to say, yes.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29I understand there are plans in place for them if it all works, for
0:16:29 > 0:16:32the Prime Minister to fly to Brussels very, very early tomorrow
0:16:32 > 0:16:37morning to be able to sign on the dotted line, to dot the eyes,
0:16:37 > 0:16:47crossed the Tees and get this agreement going. -- .de Nazanin.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53They are very much using this moment to get the maximum leveraged they
0:16:53 > 0:17:00can. There certainly is progress. Even if there isn't a deal tomorrow
0:17:00 > 0:17:05things are closer than they were 48 hours or so ago.Laura Kuenssberg,
0:17:05 > 0:17:06thank you.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09The investigation into a tram crash in South London last year has found
0:17:09 > 0:17:11that the driver probably fell asleep before the accident.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14The tram went around a tight bend in Croydon three times faster
0:17:14 > 0:17:15than the speed limit.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Seven people died and more than 60 were injured.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Investigators have made a number of recommendations,
0:17:19 > 0:17:21including introducing automatic braking systems and putting
0:17:21 > 0:17:22in tougher windows and doors.
0:17:22 > 0:17:30Our transport correspondent, Richard Westcott, reports.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Going three times the speed limit around a 90 degree bend,
0:17:33 > 0:17:34costing seven people their lives.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Today the final report into the Croydon tram crash found
0:17:36 > 0:17:38that the driver probably dozed off at the controls.
0:17:38 > 0:17:48Well, you can see just how tight this bend is.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53The tram was meant to be going around it at 13 miles an hour -
0:17:53 > 0:17:55one three, a snail's pace, like we are now.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58It actually went around the bend at nearer 45 miles an hour,
0:17:58 > 0:18:02and one of the survivors was standing exactly
0:18:02 > 0:18:05where I am standing now, just checking his phone.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08The injury I sustained on the tram that day just changed my life.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13It is more than a year ago, but for Taiye the memories are fresh.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16I just put my phone away, and I held onto the pole
0:18:16 > 0:18:20in front of me and I said, God, please save my life.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24And I closed my eyes.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27There were some people still screaming and
0:18:27 > 0:18:31shouting under the tram because they were trapped.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35"Please don't step on me - I am still alive."
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Investigators found other worrying facts.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Another tram nearly derailed on the same corner just
0:18:41 > 0:18:42nine days before, but it wasn't investigated properly.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45In fact nine drivers admitted they had used emergency or heavy
0:18:45 > 0:18:47braking on the same bend but were worried about
0:18:47 > 0:18:48reporting near-misses.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53It also talks of inadequate speed signs.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Half of the passengers were thrown out of the tram
0:18:55 > 0:18:58through smashed windows and doors - it was the main cause
0:18:58 > 0:18:59of injuries and deaths.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04Investigators say tougher glass could save lives in future.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Since the accident, new speed signs have gone up
0:19:06 > 0:19:09and there is a new system that vibrates the seat if the driver
0:19:09 > 0:19:11closes their eyes for more than a second or so.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Marilyn Logan lost her husband Philip in the accident.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20She is furious at the failure to act on previous speeding problems.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Very, very angry because these procedures should be
0:19:22 > 0:19:25there to protect the public, and that is not
0:19:25 > 0:19:28protecting the public.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30The company controlling the trams says it's putting things right.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33There's a number of lessons learned that we immediately put
0:19:33 > 0:19:37in place after the events, and that is better monitoring
0:19:37 > 0:19:40of our drivers, greater education of our drivers in terms
0:19:40 > 0:19:42of well-being, and working with Transport for London to make
0:19:42 > 0:19:52sure that the network is safer.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56The Croydon driver is still being investigated
0:19:56 > 0:19:59by police.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02Richard Westcott, BBC News, Croydon.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Accident and emergency departments across the UK are already stretched
0:20:05 > 0:20:07to their very limits and it's only the start of winter.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10That's the warning from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine,
0:20:10 > 0:20:16which says there's more pressure than ever on hospitals.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18BBC research has found that the number of patients waiting
0:20:18 > 0:20:20more than four hours - the official target -
0:20:20 > 0:20:27has more than doubled in the last four years across the UK.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Our Health Editor, Hugh Pym, has this report.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Many hospitals are struggling to cope with the A&E
0:20:33 > 0:20:35workload but this one, Luton and Dunstable has consistently
0:20:35 > 0:20:37hit its four-hour waiting time target for five years.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41So, what's the secret?
0:20:41 > 0:20:43It is about getting the whole health economy involved and that
0:20:43 > 0:20:46includes primary care...
0:20:46 > 0:20:49A senior consultant told me it was all about managing patients
0:20:49 > 0:20:51as they moved from A&E into the hospital
0:20:51 > 0:20:53and freeing up beds.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57We have a team of people who are dedicated to this
0:20:57 > 0:20:59process and serve only this Emergency Department,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02to get them through the hospital and the system and back out,
0:21:02 > 0:21:08so we can see new arrivals and new emergencies.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12It sounds simple but it's taken this hospital time and a lot of hard work
0:21:12 > 0:21:17and with the right leadership, to ensure that patients are brought
0:21:17 > 0:21:19into the hospital and through it and then back home again,
0:21:19 > 0:21:20as efficiently as possible.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23But across the UK, it's been a lot more challenging.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Over 3 million patients who visited UK A&Es waited over four hours
0:21:26 > 0:21:28in the last 12 months, according to BBC research.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31120% more than four years earlier.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34By comparison, the number of visits has only risen by just over 7%,
0:21:34 > 0:21:38to just under 27 million.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Hayley, from South Wales, endured a lengthy wait for treatment
0:21:41 > 0:21:42after fainting and banging her head.
0:21:42 > 0:21:50She felt unwell and was advised to go A&E.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52I phoned 111 first, just for some advice
0:21:52 > 0:21:55and they were like - no, you need to go to A&E.
0:21:55 > 0:21:56I headed down.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00Waited about an hour.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Then there was a tannoy to say a seven-hour waiting time.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05I got checked over and I was able to go home.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09About five-and-a-half hours, six hours in total.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Scotland has the best A&E performance in the UK.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14England is behind, followed by Wales and then Northern Ireland.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17The Department of Health covering England said more money had been
0:22:17 > 0:22:23allocated for social care and the NHS this year.
0:22:23 > 0:22:28Are you ready to leave?
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Back in Luton they work hard to get patients home when safe to do so,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34freeing up beds for new arrivals, with senior social care
0:22:34 > 0:22:35experts in the hospital assessing their needs.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38For Den they've made sure his home he has been prepared
0:22:38 > 0:22:41so he's ready to go.
0:22:41 > 0:22:49All the facilities that I need for the toilet,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51for my mobility and everything you can think of.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Chair raisers, you name it, they've provided it and I can't
0:22:54 > 0:22:56praise them enough for it.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Local health managers visit the hospital to discuss whether any
0:22:59 > 0:23:01patients who've been admitted could have been treated
0:23:01 > 0:23:02closer to home.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07They've prepared for winter.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11They know it could be even tougher than what they have
0:23:11 > 0:23:12seen before.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Hugh Pym BBC News Luton.
0:23:14 > 0:23:21The Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, says he will travel
0:23:21 > 0:23:23to Iran in the next few days to urge the release
0:23:23 > 0:23:24on humanitarian grounds of dual
0:23:24 > 0:23:26nationals who are being held there.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28They include the British Iranian mother, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30who has been imprisoned since last April on charges of trying
0:23:30 > 0:23:32to overthrow the regime, which she denies.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Her husband, who's been campaigning for her release,
0:23:34 > 0:23:35has welcomed the news.
0:23:35 > 0:23:44He's been speaking to our correspondent, Caroline Hawley.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46This was Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe, with her daughter, Gabriella,
0:23:46 > 0:23:48just a week before her arrest.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50She has been behind bars now for 19 months, held first
0:23:50 > 0:23:51in solitary confinement
0:23:51 > 0:24:01and now in a communal cell, accused of spying.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03On Sunday she has been told she will be back in court
0:24:03 > 0:24:05to face additional charges of spreading propaganda.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Boris Johnson has called her case a mockery of justice but he has been
0:24:08 > 0:24:11accused of complicating her ordeal when he said last month
0:24:11 > 0:24:13that he was training journalists when she was in Iran
0:24:13 > 0:24:14with her daughter on holiday.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16He had to apologise.
0:24:16 > 0:24:17It was my mistake.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21I should have been clearer.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24I apologise for the distress and anguish that has been caused
0:24:24 > 0:24:28to Mrs Zaghari Ratcliffe and her family.
0:24:28 > 0:24:29This is Gabriella drawing mummy.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33She's always got very long hair.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36She will normally ask to see which colour...
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Tonight, her husband, Richard, showed me a picture that Gabriella
0:24:38 > 0:24:40drew in the last few days of her mother.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43He's campaigned for the Foreign Secretary to go to Iran
0:24:43 > 0:24:44to push for her release.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48I'm not sure he's going to bring her home on the plane but the fact
0:24:48 > 0:24:57of him going there can make such a big difference.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00How is Nazanin and what is she expecting from the visit?
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Emotionally, she feels like she is at the end of her tether.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06She talks about having lost control of her temper and getting
0:25:06 > 0:25:07really angry about tiny things.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Talks about having flashbacks and worries and clearly not looking
0:25:09 > 0:25:17forward at all to the court case on Sunday.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Family and friends hope to have the family reunited for Christmas.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Boris Johnson will appeal for her release on humanitarian grounds.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24But Iran and Britain have a fraught relationship and no-one knows
0:25:24 > 0:25:32when Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe will be home.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Caroline Hawley, BBC News.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38A British man, whose name was included on a leaked
0:25:38 > 0:25:40registration document for so-called Islamic State, has been convicted
0:25:40 > 0:25:43of terrorism offences.
0:25:43 > 0:25:4626-year-old Mohammed Abdallah from Manchester was found
0:25:46 > 0:25:48guilty of IS membership, possession of a gun and receiving
0:25:48 > 0:25:51money for terrorism.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54The Old Bailey trial heard how he travelled to Syria
0:25:54 > 0:26:02where the leaked document listed him as a "specialist sniper".
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Several new wildfires have broken out in Southern California and are
0:26:05 > 0:26:13threatening hundreds of properties.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16200,000 people have been moved to safety and more than 1000
0:26:16 > 0:26:17firefighters are tackling the blaze.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20The governor of California has declared a state of emergency.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22It's the the largest and most expensive warship ever built
0:26:22 > 0:26:24for the Royal Navy and today the Queen commissioned
0:26:24 > 0:26:26HMS Queen Elizabeth at a ceremony in Portsmouth.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31The ship, which won't take part in military operations until 2021 ,
0:26:31 > 0:26:33cost more than £3 billion and has become the
0:26:33 > 0:26:34flagship of the fleet.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39Our defence correspondent Jonathan Beale has more
0:26:39 > 0:26:42A day of pride for the Royal Navy and for the nation.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47The Queen has already named her.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Today she made her first visit on board to commission
0:26:49 > 0:26:53HMS Queen Elizabeth into service.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Almost lost in the cavernous hangar, still waiting for aircraft.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58As the daughter, wife and mother of naval officers,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01I recognise the unique demands our nation asks of you,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04and I will always value my special link with HMS Queen Elizabeth,
0:27:04 > 0:27:14her ship's company and their families.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16The raising of the White Ensign means she's now legally recognised
0:27:16 > 0:27:23as a Royal Navy warship.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Over the past few months, HMS Queen Elizabeth and her 700 crew
0:27:26 > 0:27:29have been testing her at sea.
0:27:29 > 0:27:39She's the first of two new carriers.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Russia has already described her as a large convenient target,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44but the Government insists she will be a potent
0:27:44 > 0:27:45weapon and symbol of British military power.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48This isn't just the largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy,
0:27:48 > 0:27:52it's also the most expensive, costing more than £3 billion.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55The F-35 jets that will eventually fly off her will cost billions more
0:27:55 > 0:27:59and this at a time when the defence budget is under severe pressure,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02with the prospect of further cuts.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06Today the only cuts being made were to the elaborate cake,
0:28:06 > 0:28:12made to mark the occasion, but the Navy is having to consider
0:28:12 > 0:28:15axing other ships in the fleet.
0:28:15 > 0:28:16They still believe it's worth it.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18We knew this ship was coming and her sister ship,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Prince of Wales, and the F-35s they will operate
0:28:21 > 0:28:23so we have been on a long, complicated, but committed journey
0:28:23 > 0:28:26to get to this point and the commissioning of the ship
0:28:26 > 0:28:30is a key milestone in that journey.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32Work on the ship began before the youngest crew
0:28:32 > 0:28:33member was even born.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35But, like the Queen, she'll be expected to offer
0:28:35 > 0:28:36decades of loyal service.
0:28:36 > 0:28:42Built for the next 50 years.
0:28:42 > 0:28:49Jonathan Beale, BBC News, Portsmouth.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Coventry has been named the next City of Culture for 2021 -
0:28:52 > 0:28:54beating Paisley, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland and Swansea to the title.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57The people leading Coventry's bid say winning will have a huge
0:28:57 > 0:29:00economic impact not just on the city but also on the West Midlands.
0:29:00 > 0:29:09Colleen Harris reports.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13This is a huge moment for Coventry tonight. The city's rich heritage
0:29:13 > 0:29:17will be under the spotlight for a year. It's the birthplace of Philip
0:29:17 > 0:29:22Larkin the poet. And of the two tone ska movement. This is its chance to
0:29:22 > 0:29:27show the world everything it has to offer in culture.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28And the winner is...
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Coventry.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34Its rise from ghost town to host town has been sealed.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37It was youth at the heart of its bid and that clinched
0:29:37 > 0:29:40it for Coventry, named tonight the UK City of Culture 2021.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43That's fantastic news for the city.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Such a huge opportunity to make such a massive difference.
0:29:45 > 0:29:46It's amazing.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48I'm so excited.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50All that work we put in has really paid off.
0:29:50 > 0:29:51It's amazing.
0:29:51 > 0:29:52I'm so happy.
0:29:52 > 0:29:53I'm a product of Coventry.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56I love the city and I'm so happy we did it.
0:29:56 > 0:30:03Once the celebrations die down then the hard work will start.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05Country will have until 2021 to prepare a host of
0:30:05 > 0:30:08events in the city that will help boost its economy and tourism
0:30:08 > 0:30:12and its long-term legacy.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14It is 40 million people within two hours' drive time.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17We're looking at visitors of two and a half million in 2021.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21We're going to do something incredibly special.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25We're going to give something special to the UK.
0:30:25 > 0:30:35The city was bombed in the Blitz and was once
0:30:37 > 0:30:40the heart of the British car industry - transformed over
0:30:40 > 0:30:41the decades by immigration.
0:30:41 > 0:30:42The judges said it was a city that
0:30:42 > 0:30:44constantly reinvented itself.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Now, a £3 million Heritage Lottery Fund will
0:30:46 > 0:30:47kick-start its year of art and performance.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50I think it is about more investment, I think it's about
0:30:50 > 0:30:52retaining people here after they've done their studies.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54I think it's about potential jobs and employment.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57Culture is about a celebration of our lives and this is just a
0:30:57 > 0:30:58fantastic journey now.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00As the people of Coventry have been saying
0:31:00 > 0:31:02tonight, you won't be sent to Coventry, you'll come here
0:31:02 > 0:31:05by choice.