be allowed to persist. labour has been focused on defence with keir starmer reaffirming his commitment to the uk nuclear deterrent. he said protecting the nation would be the bedrock of a future labour government. the lib dems deputy daisy group has outlined the snp leaderjohn swinney has called for a respectful contest ahead of the scottish leader's first television debate of the campaign that gets under way tonight. here is our political correspondent. should only biologically female be able to use women's services? just people who are biologically female, also those who have change their legal sex on a birth certificate? conservatives say that women's services should be able to refuse any one of is biologically male without facing legal challenges. it is quite clear that the intentions in the law are being misinterpreted just because of changes, social changes, and what we are trying to do is reemphasise that sex, in the law, means biological sex. it always has done but there has been a lot of misinterpretation and we are adding that clarification so the law is clearer. the lib dems are known for their own stance, but they and labour have accused this policy of being a distraction from other issues. this is a cynical distraction from the litany of conservative failures, to try and once again stoke up a phony culture war. the lib dems have been clear on this issue, if there are any examples of a public service needs to have further guidance were happy to issue it, but let's not pick apart legislation that reflects the hard—fought and hard—won protections given to women, who trans women and all sorts of people with protected characteristics. the equality act which they were put in in 2010 and the tories opposed already protects single sex pieces for biological women. it already defines what a woman is stop what is certainly needed is clearer guidance and for service providers about how to safeguard those women only spaces. the conservatives also said they would remove the powers of the devolved scottish, welsh and northern irish governments over gender policy. it comes after the uk government intervened last year to stop scotland making it easier for people to change their legal gender. what has been suggested by the conservatives today is just another example of undermining the powers of the scottish parliament. obviously i do not want to see that because i believe we should have a parliament with a full range of powers to tackle all of the issues affecting the people of scotland, but people in scotland should be aware that only snp mps will stand up to protect the powers of the scottish parliament which are being eroded by the conservatives. the conservatives argue that this pledges of their activity and principle, but tory strategists hope it will put other parties on the spot, about where they stand. the prime minister has been asked about the policy. here is what he said. we have an ounce we will change the act so providers of single six spaces and services will be able to protect women and girls and ensure their safety and security. if it protect women and girls and ensure their safety and security.— their safety and security. if it is so important — their safety and security. if it is so important and _ their safety and security. if it is so important and about - their safety and security. if it is so important and about the - their safety and security. if it is i so important and about the safety their safety and security. if it is - so important and about the safety of women and girls why have you not done it in the 14 years we have been in power? it done it in the 14 years we have been in ower? , , ., , ., ,, in power? it builds on the progress we have made _ in power? it builds on the progress we have made in _ in power? it builds on the progress we have made in this _ in power? it builds on the progress we have made in this evolving - in power? it builds on the progress| we have made in this evolving area. the article in the times sets out the strides we have made particularly recently publishing new guidance for teachers and schools about these issues. sensitively ensuring parents are the heart of conversations. that is common—sense and right, widely welcomed by children's campaigners. we are dealing with the snp�*s aims to make gender recognition on our self identification basis which is not right which is what we have been dealing with. it builds on our track record of ensuring the safety and security of women and girls and children in schools. is it security of women and girls and children in schools.— children in schools. is it really about treating _ children in schools. is it really about treating the _ children in schools. is it really about treating the issue - children in schools. is it really - about treating the issue sensitively is? we it is about stoking culture war, isn't it? is? we it is about stoking culture war. isn't it?— war, isn't it? no, it builds on our track record _ war, isn't it? no, it builds on our track record of _ war, isn't it? no, it builds on our track record of treating _ war, isn't it? no, it builds on our track record of treating these - war, isn't it? no, it builds on our. track record of treating these issue sensitively and with compassion. ensuring laws are right and guidance is right to protect the safety and security of women and girls in the well—being of children. that is paramount in our minds and why i prioritise publishing guidance for school. i had a lot from teachers wanting guidance from the government about how to deal with issues. we provide clarity in that space ensuring parents are put at the heart of those conversations cannot be excluded from them. and now saying we will change the equalities act so providers of single six spaces, refuges forwomen act so providers of single six spaces, refuges for women who suffer domestic abuses or single six sport can ensure the safety and security of women and girls.— of women and girls. nigel farage sa s he of women and girls. nigel farage says he has _ of women and girls. nigel farage says he has a _ of women and girls. nigel farage says he has a big _ of women and girls. nigel farage says he has a big announcement| of women and girls. nigel farage . says he has a big announcement this afternoon, how much do you feel he will change his mind and stand? fin will change his mind and stand? on jul will change his mind and stand? q�*i july the 5th, one will change his mind and stand? on july the 5th, one of two people will be prime minister, keir starmer or me. a vote for anyone who is not a conservative candidate is a vote to put keir starmer in number ten. if you care about tackling migration, the boats and legal, someone who wants a more product pragmatic approach to net zero that saves people money and you want someone who wants lower taxes only the conservatives are going to offer those things and that is the choice this election. lower taxes for the conservatives, stopping the boats, legal migration coming down and a sensible way to save people money, that's what we offer. keir starmer does not believe in any of those things and that is the choice people should consider. at the end of the day only two people will be prime minister onjuly five. keir starmer minister on july five. keir starmer or me. minister onjuly five. keir starmer or me. the issues uk and about, tackling migration, cutting taxes, a sensible approach to net zero, i will deliver that not keir starmer. he will cancel fights, release everyone from detention centres, put up everyone from detention centres, put up taxes by £2000. actual mp stills across country, that is the choice need to consider, who they rather see, keir starmer or me. cutting taxes, cutting migrations or energy bills the conservatives will deliver that. �* , . ~ bills the conservatives will deliver that. �*, ., ~ ., ., that. let's talk to our correspondent - that. let's talk to our i correspondent travelling that. let's talk to our - correspondent travelling on the conservative campaign bus. he was asked about that policy announcement today, not without his critics. the conservatives _ today, not without his critics. tue: conservatives have today, not without his critics. t'te: conservatives have been today, not without his critics. tt2 conservatives have been criticised in the past four claims they are trying to stop division with this issue and that has been echoed by the lib dems this morning. daisy cooper saying that this was waging a phony culture war. there have been a couple of slightly dissenting conservative voices today as well, the tory reform group which is a pressure group for the more moderate end of the conservative party have talked about the conservatives having to think carefully about this being a wedge issue. you just saw in rishi sunak�*s clips he has denied it's a culture war issue, he says it's a culture war issue, he says it's about protecting the risk to women and girls. fix, it's about protecting the risk to women and girls.— it's about protecting the risk to women and girls. a lot of people watchin: women and girls. a lot of people watching coverage _ women and girls. a lot of people watching coverage and _ women and girls. a lot of people watching coverage and reports . women and girls. a lot of people i watching coverage and reports from the campaign over the last couple of weeks will be forgiven thinking at the moment it feels like a collection of announcements. we any closer to getting to the point where it becomes a cohesive policy plan from each of the parties rather than announcements on all sorts of things? announcements on all sorts of thins? ., , ., _, ata at a stage when you get manifestos and that's when you get all of the party policies they are putting forward. that will be the coherent plan. forwhat forward. that will be the coherent plan. for what they are putting forward. at the moment you are right we had a few policies here and there, policy announcements from the conservatives, fewer from labour at this point. where you get that big overarching plan, the vision for what they are putting forward will come when we get manifestos. i don't think we have a date for when those will come but we expect those in the not—too—distant future and that will be the policy platform and the issues going into this election. good to talk to you. thank you. let's talk to conservative peer baroness nicky morgan. talk to me about what the conservatives are proposing. what is the change they want to see to the equality act? tt want to see to the equality act? it is very simple. there is clarifying in the _ is very simple. there is clarifying in the act — is very simple. there is clarifying in the act when the word sex is used to talking _ in the act when the word sex is used to talking about biological sex that is something that has come, a recommendation from the quality of human— recommendation from the quality of human rights commission, the independent body charged with looking — independent body charged with looking at clause. in these debates around _ looking at clause. in these debates around sex — looking at clause. in these debates around sex and gender have become more _ around sex and gender have become more polarised. and i think it reflects — more polarised. and i think it reflects the fact these are difficult and contentious and frankly— difficult and contentious and frankly people feel often uncomfortable and uncertain about the language to use and what to say. this is— the language to use and what to say. this is a _ the language to use and what to say. this is a welcome clarification. | this is a welcome clarification. wonder this is a welcome clarification. i wonder what the specific problem, top with a lack of clarity. as you see it in the current act. because the act passed — see it in the current act. because the act passed 14 _ see it in the current act. because the act passed 14 years _ see it in the current act. because the act passed 14 years ago, - see it in the current act. because l the act passed 14 years ago, things have changed hugely. 0ne the act passed 14 years ago, things have changed hugely. one of the big debate _ have changed hugely. one of the big debate has been around those service providers— debate has been around those service providers who want to offer women only services. rape crisis counselling centres or those supporting domestic abuse victims are women only words. issues relating — are women only words. issues relating to— are women only words. issues relating to women's sports. people have found — relating to women's sports. people have found it harder and harder to know _ have found it harder and harder to know how — have found it harder and harder to know how to frame that, how to be certain _ know how to frame that, how to be certain they — know how to frame that, how to be certain they will not fall for level of the _ certain they will not fall for level of the law — certain they will not fall for level of the law and that is why the have recommended the change in the government has said that is something they would make that change _ something they would make that change to the equality act after re—election. change to the equality act after re-election-_ change to the equality act after re-election. ~ , ., , ., ., re-election. why have you waited until the second _ re-election. why have you waited until the second week— re-election. why have you waited until the second week of - re-election. why have you waited until the second week of an - re-election. why have you waited i until the second week of an election campaign to decide that the current provision is not sufficient? aha, provision is not sufficient? a couple of things. this has been a debate _ couple of things. this has been a debate that has been going on and nrany_ debate that has been going on and many of— debate that has been going on and many of us — debate that has been going on and many of us who are asked about these things— many of us who are asked about these things often _ many of us who are asked about these things often have been asked about this quite _ things often have been asked about this quite some time. also people involved _ this quite some time. also people involved in— this quite some time. also people involved in organisations like in sport— involved in organisations like in sport where it has got harder. the second _ sport where it has got harder. the second thing is the secretary of state _ second thing is the secretary of state has — second thing is the secretary of state has said there has been a focus _ state has said there has been a focus on — state has said there has been a focus on dealing with the scottish gender— focus on dealing with the scottish gender recognition around that and without— gender recognition around that and without the scottish parliament was able to _ without the scottish parliament was able to legislate and the other thing — able to legislate and the other thing was come and election campaign, talking to your correspondent about manifestos, this is an opportunity for parties to work— is an opportunity for parties to work out — is an opportunity for parties to work out what they want to say in that manifesto about all sorts of issues — that manifesto about all sorts of issues. this isjust one of those. is this _ issues. this isjust one of those. is this really _ issues. this isjust one of those. is this really an issue that concerns voters ahead of this general election? i concerns voters ahead of this general election?— concerns voters ahead of this general election? i don't think it one of the _ general election? i don't think it one of the top — general election? i don't think it one of the top three _ general election? i don't think it one of the top three but - general election? i don't think it one of the top three but it - general election? i don't think it one of the top three but it is - general election? i don't think it one of the top three but it is a i one of the top three but it is a sense — one of the top three but it is a sense somehow that actually why is it people _ sense somehow that actually why is it people in westminster cannot really— it people in westminster cannot really get themselves sorted out over the — really get themselves sorted out over the sort of issue? people don't want _ over the sort of issue? people don't want to— over the sort of issue? people don't want to he _ over the sort of issue? people don't want to be discriminatory by and large _ want to be discriminatory by and large. they don't want to find it difficult — large. they don't want to find it difficult what to see in our workplace. but actually there is a sense _ workplace. but actually there is a sense of— workplace. but actually there is a sense of these issues, the need for schools— sense of these issues, the need for schools to — sense of these issues, the need for schools to have greater clarity and guidance — schools to have greater clarity and guidance. people know young people are coming _ guidance. people know young people are coming up against these issues so it is— are coming up against these issues so it is a _ are coming up against these issues so it is a sense people are perhaps not saying — so it is a sense people are perhaps not saying it is this particular issue — not saying it is this particular issue lrut— not saying it is this particular issue but there is a sense that these — issue but there is a sense that these are _ issue but there is a sense that these are difficult issues and we look to— these are difficult issues and we look to politicians. i am sorry it would — look to politicians. i am sorry it would appear your position, this is not something that is needed. i don't _ not something that is needed. i don't know what their view on this is but _ don't know what their view on this is but i _ don't know what their view on this is but i think they will find there are female candidates, labour candidates and party members who do welcome _ candidates and party members who do welcome this proposed clarity in the law. ., , ., welcome this proposed clarity in the law. ., ,., ., ,~' , law. the reason i ask whether it is affected people. _ law. the reason i ask whether it is affected people, a _ law. the reason i ask whether it is affected people, a very _ law. the reason i ask whether it is affected people, a very small - law. the reason i ask whether it is . affected people, a very small number of people are affected by the issues we are talking about here. going into an election i think it is fair to say if you look at the polling about one of the key issues, the cost of living, housing, the environment, infrastructure, jobs, defence, this does not figure in that list. why is it such priority announcing this in week two of the election campaign when the conservatives had 14 years to make changes to this equality act introduced in 201014 years to do it, why do it today? introduced in 2010 14 years to do it, why do it today?— introduced in 2010 14 years to do it, why do it today? they have been chances it, why do it today? they have been changes made- _ it, why do it today? they have been changes made. we _ it, why do it today? they have been changes made. we did _ it, why do it today? they have been changes made. we did make - it, why do it today? they have been i changes made. we did make changes it, why do it today? they have been - changes made. we did make changes to the equalities lot to keep them up—to—date in a different area of things— up—to—date in a different area of things like — up—to—date in a different area of things like gender pay reporting for example _ things like gender pay reporting for example. these particular issues related _ example. these particular issues related to — example. these particular issues related to sects and gender become something that has come more mainstream. and definitely more of a topic of— mainstream. and definitely more of a topic of conversation over i think perhaps— topic of conversation over i think perhapsjust the last topic of conversation over i think perhaps just the last couple of years — perhaps just the last couple of years so — perhaps just the last couple of years so i_ perhaps just the last couple of years so i think people are looking for action— years so i think people are looking for action for clarity from those two vote — for action for clarity from those two vote for them. i think what would — two vote for them. i think what would happen is ministers will have their say— would happen is ministers will have their say at— would happen is ministers will have their say at various points during their say at various points during the election campaign and this is an issue _ the election campaign and this is an issue kemi — the election campaign and this is an issue kemi badenoch adding working on and _ issue kemi badenoch adding working on and what to make sure the party position— on and what to make sure the party position on— on and what to make sure the party position on this proposal taking on the recommendation is known about. you see _ the recommendation is known about. you see you — the recommendation is known about. you see you are not sure where the other party stand. the lib dems say there is no need to unpick the act, you are waging a phony culture were. the scottish greens see it as a desperate culture war to win voters, labour say to distraction away from core issues that really matter to people. they have a point, don't they? t people. they have a point, don't the ? ~ , people. they have a point, don't the ? ~' , ., people. they have a point, don't the ? ~ , . , people. they have a point, don't the? ~' , they? i think they are very easy instant reactions _ they? i think they are very easy instant reactions but _ they? i think they are very easy instant reactions but actually i i they? i think they are very easy i instant reactions but actually i am surprised — instant reactions but actually i am surprised people from the other parties — surprised people from the other parties are not a little more thoughtful about these because the labour— thoughtful about these because the labour party had their own internal debates— labour party had their own internal debates and battles. mps who finally are outspoken and fearless behind on this. are outspoken and fearless behind on this the _ are outspoken and fearless behind on this. the shadow health secretary said their— this. the shadow health secretary said their previous position and this was— said their previous position and this was wrong. this is one of those issues _ this was wrong. this is one of those issues with— this was wrong. this is one of those issues with a — this was wrong. this is one of those issues with a little bit more nuance on this— issues with a little bit more nuance on this issue, that it is something westminster needs to get ahead of to implement and free independent body charged _ implement and free independent body charged with looking at the report probably— charged with looking at the report probably signal a little bit more about— probably signal a little bit more about what people want to see which is these _ about what people want to see which is these tricky issues, people working — is these tricky issues, people working together sensitively to actually — working together sensitively to actually work out how we make sure we protect— actually work out how we make sure we protect women and girls, women only spaces— we protect women and girls, women only spaces but also make sure the law is— only spaces but also make sure the law is kept— only spaces but also make sure the law is kept up—to—date. two law is kept up-to-date. two words that stand out _ law is kept up-to-date. two words that stand out for _ law is kept up-to-date. two words that stand out for me. _ law is kept up-to-date. two words that stand out for me. thoughtfull that stand out for me. thoughtful and nuance. one is a very complicated issue. conservative central office tweeted we know what a woman is, keir starmer doesn't. is that thoughtful? is that nuance? is that thoughtful? is that nuance? is that helpful? i that thoughtful? is that nuance? is that helpful?— that helpful? i am not sure twitter is never ever _ that helpful? i am not sure twitter is never ever going _ that helpful? i am not sure twitter is never ever going to _ that helpful? i am not sure twitter is never ever going to be _ that helpful? i am not sure twitter is never ever going to be a - that helpful? i am not sure twitterl is never ever going to be a platform for nuance — is never ever going to be a platform for nuance and... is never ever going to be a platform for nuance and. . ._ for nuance and... lightweight something — for nuance and... lightweight something like _ for nuance and... lightweight something like that _ for nuance and... lightweight something like that then? - for nuance and... lightweight - something like that then? today's elections obviously _ something like that then? today's elections obviously lots _ something like that then? today's elections obviously lots of - something like that then? today's elections obviously lots of support and social— elections obviously lots of support and social media platforms and everything else. just as we have had this discussion, there is a lot more underlying — this discussion, there is a lot more underlying but as i say, instead of the instant — underlying but as i say, instead of the instant reactions from the opposition parties are little more engagement on this issue and perhaps we could _ engagement on this issue and perhaps we could actually get away from it. social— we could actually get away from it. social media posts and actually all agree _ social media posts and actually all agree this — social media posts and actually all agree this is something of a useful classification in the law that will be helpful to those operating those front-line _ be helpful to those operating those front—line services. you be helpful to those operating those front-line services.— front-line services. you don't think the tweet was _ front-line services. you don't think the tweet was very _ front-line services. you don't think the tweet was very helpful? - front-line services. you don't think the tweet was very helpful? i - front-line services. you don't think the tweet was very helpful? i have | the tweet was very helpful? i have been a great _ the tweet was very helpful? i have been a great campaigner- the tweet was very helpful? i have been a great campaigner on - the tweet was very helpful? i have been a great campaigner on the i been a great campaigner on the online _ been a great campaigner on the online safety act particularly around _ online safety act particularly around violence against women and girls _ around violence against women and girls i_ around violence against women and girls ithink— around violence against women and girls. i think it does not protect women — girls. i think it does not protect women and girls well so actually i think— women and girls well so actually i think the — women and girls well so actually i think the best thing is to engage with this — think the best thing is to engage with this debate. obviously we are going _ with this debate. obviously we are going to _ with this debate. obviously we are going to have debates with two party leaders _ going to have debates with two party leaders tomorrow night move away from reactions to social media. we will. good from reactions to social media. will. good to from reactions to social media. 2 will. good to have you with us. in a speech in greater manchester is sir keir starmer outlined his plans for national security and defence spending. this is what he said. essen spending. this is what he said. even as we work — spending. this is what he said. even as we work tirelessly _ spending. this is what he said. even as we work tirelessly for _ spending. this is what he said. ex2n as we work tirelessly for peace we have to be fit to fight. let me be unequivocal. this labour party is totally committed to the security of our nation. our armed forces and importantly, our nuclear deterrent. it is essential that is why labour has announced a triple lock commitment to our nuclear deterrent. we will name britain's continuous at sea deterrent 24 hours a day, 306 to five days a year. deliver all of the needed upgrades and we will build four nuclear submarines like the ones i saw in barrow in furness. that will not just ones i saw in barrow in furness. that will notjust keep us safe but will also support good jobs and growth across the uk. the will also support good 'obs and growth across the uk. the liberal democrats _ growth across the uk. the liberal democrats called _ growth across the uk. the liberal democrats called for _ growth across the uk. the liberal democrats called for new - growth across the uk. the liberal. democrats called for new protections for rovers and coastlines to end what they call environmental vandalism. leaders announced marine protected areas and a new blue flag status in its manifesto. deputy leader has been campaigning in henley on thames.— leader has been campaigning in henley on thames. leader has been campaigning in henle on thames. ., , , ., henley on thames. there has been an environmental — henley on thames. there has been an environmental catastrophe. _ henley on thames. there has been an environmental catastrophe. the - environmental catastrophe. the liberat— environmental catastrophe. the liberal democrats have been at the forefront _ liberal democrats have been at the forefront of calling for an end to use raw — forefront of calling for an end to use raw sewage dumping three years with incredibly bold proposals to attack _ with incredibly bold proposals to attack the sewage companies so they pay for— attack the sewage companies so they pay for the _ attack the sewage companies so they pay for the clean—up. we have called for an— pay for the clean—up. we have called for an end _ pay for the clean—up. we have called for an end for sewage dumping and today— for an end for sewage dumping and today we _ for an end for sewage dumping and today we are calling for blue flag status _ today we are calling for blue flag status. we have it for many beaches around _ status. we have it for many beaches around the _ status. we have it for many beaches around the country which is a guarantee _ around the country which is a guarantee to people it is a safe place _ guarantee to people it is a safe place to— guarantee to people it is a safe place to swim. we think they should be the _ place to swim. we think they should be the same for rivers as well. it be the same for rivers as well. [fl is a be the same for rivers as well. is a bit be the same for rivers as well. it is a bit middle—class, wild swimming in the thames but an indication of the quality of the water. i in the thames but an indication of the quality of the water.— the quality of the water. i think ou'd be the quality of the water. i think you'd be surprised, _ the quality of the water. i think you'd be surprised, people - the quality of the water. i think you'd be surprised, people up. the quality of the water. i think i you'd be surprised, people up and down _ you'd be surprised, people up and down the — you'd be surprised, people up and down the use our lakes and rivers for fishing. — down the use our lakes and rivers forfishing, swimming, walking the do-, forfishing, swimming, walking the dog. and _ forfishing, swimming, walking the dog, and for enjoyment and they work at the _ dog, and for enjoyment and they work at the weekend. i don't think it matters, — at the weekend. i don't think it matters, people are outraged, people cherish— matters, people are outraged, people cherish our— matters, people are outraged, people cherish our local environment, it is good _ cherish our local environment, it is good for— cherish our local environment, it is good for mental and physical health to get— good for mental and physical health to get out— good for mental and physical health to get out and about. people want to cnn to— to get out and about. people want to cnn to this _ to get out and about. people want to cnn to this raw sewage dumping. the bbc has cnn to this raw sewage dumping. tt2 bbc has announced it will host two prime—time debates during the general election campaign. the first, seven parties have been invited to take questions from a live studio audience that will take place at 7:30pm on the seventh on bbc one. if you have questions get in touch. you can e—mail... much more coverage on week two of the elections and we will talk about the elections and we will talk about the campaign issues later. work has begun on the rob burrow centre for motoneuron disease. our correspondentjohn maguire has this report. three, two, one... cheering it is the moment rob burrow was determined would go ahead today without delay. a spade went into the ground for the first time to create the motor neurone disease centre in leeds that will hear his name. along with rob's family was his former team—mate kevin sinfield. between them they have raised almost £15 million. some of that money will help to build the centre. it will be rob's legacy. i wish he could have seen the outpouring of love. i think we all lose special people, but it is very rare that you lose someone who is so special to so many different people. as you can see, it is pretty raw, still. he will leave a massive hole. rob's family say that this new facility meant the world to him and despite this being such a difficult day, it is a very proud moment. it isjust amazing to be here today for rob. we are flying the flag and beating the drum and we will keep doing it, raising money. and we will get a cure. notjust the care centre but a breakthrough fori people with mnd. so that it is not the hell. on earth that it has been, but we will make sure there is - a remedy for sufferers, robert wants us to. rob played a part in designing the centre, designed as a one—stop shop for patients and theirfamily. after signing from leeds rhinos as a teenager he went on to become one of their greatest doc not long after his retirement he was diagnosed with mnd, a condition he faced with incredible positivity. i am not giving in until my last breath. i have too many reasons to live. the love he had for his family and the love that they had for him shone through, as he made his private battle a public one, to raise awareness of the disease. rob overcame so many challenges on and off the field. you will always be remembered as a giant of rugby league, and in the face of this cruel disease. —— he will be remembered. isa is a special bbc documentary about rob burrow at 830. the documentary is called there is only one rob burrow. hm revenue and customs says it is working urgently to resolve an issue that has left around half a million people without child benefit payments. a batch processing issue meant 30% of the scheduled payments did not go through. a lot of parents have taken to social media to complain about the payment being missing with some saying it has left them unable to make food. customers are not to contact them seeing more information will be provided via social media as soon as they have an update. islamabad was not high court has overturned at treating sentence for the leaking of state sequence but remains behind bars after being convicted of separate charges. what speak to our correspondent in islamabad. good to have you with us. what is this verdict, explaining for us if you will because this is given to the high court and i guess the question is does it mean imran khan will be with release after this? that is the question. if we talk about the wording, ina wording, in a case in which both of them were accused of allegedly leaking diplomatic cable. the sentence was handed out injanuary this year during which both were handed out ten year prison sentences. the bigger question, will imran khan be released? the answer is it is not possible at this point because what we see is another conviction in an all lawful marriage case in which imran khan has been sentenced seven years. that case recently has been transferred to anotherjudge so we don't see in the nearfuture anotherjudge so we don't see in the near future that anotherjudge so we don't see in the nearfuture that imran anotherjudge so we don't see in the near future that imran khan anotherjudge so we don't see in the nearfuture that imran khan is coming out of prison. talk near future that imran khan is coming out of prison. talk about the si . nificance coming out of prison. talk about the significance of— coming out of prison. talk about the significance of his _ coming out of prison. talk about the significance of his acquittal- significance of his acquittal because he has had a lot of support outside of the present and caught them during the trial. very vocal. it is a significant moment nonetheless. th it is a significant moment nonetheless.— it is a significant moment nonetheless. ., , ., , nonetheless. in january and february three convictions _ nonetheless. in january and february three convictions were _ nonetheless. in january and february three convictions were handed - nonetheless. in january and february three convictions were handed out i three convictions were handed out consecutively after days. this acquittal comes after months and this is a big relief for notjust the former premier but the party because imran khan has been building this narrative these cases are politically motivated so it gives credence to that particular narrative as well but in the overview or bigger picture imran khan still remains in prison and there are certain convictions and dozens of cases against him he does face trial and remains in prison currently. face trial and remains in prison currentl . . ~ face trial and remains in prison currently-— face trial and remains in prison currentl. ., ,, �*, currently. thank you. let's return to the uk elections. _ currently. thank you. let's return to the uk elections. we - currently. thank you. let's return to the uk elections. we are - to the uk elections. we are launching a new project to understand what matters most to you. it is called we have had over 4000 comments after it was launched this morning. let's talk about how the project will work. good to see you both. a lot to discuss. what has this project? your voice, your vote, about hearing from voters directly. that's right. we have heard so much from the politicians, the people who want our vote. are they talking about the subjects that matter most to you the voter? that is what we're trying to on. your voice, your vote is about getting to the heart of the subjects that matter most to you. to put your voice and issues in front. from now untiljuly the 4th. and we need your help. that means three things. what other things going on in your life and area politicians are not talking about? we know the big ones at that pop up in the surveys: nhs, economy, immigration, but beyond those, what matters most to you which you think at the moment simply are not being talked about enough? number two: are not being talked about enough? numbertwo: it are not being talked about enough? number two: it is the terms, the issues that perhaps he greater explanation. the thing is perhaps we talk about all the time and assume people know, but do we really make it clear enough for our audiences? we need to perhaps focus on those terms and those are subjects requiring greater explanation to our audiences, tell us what you want to understand better, and perhaps understand better, and perhaps understand why everything from gross domestic product to energy are as important as they are and why they are being talked about as much as they are. that is the second part. the final part is the locations you think we should be coming and doing ourjournalism in. perhaps your area has been overlooked, underappreciated over the course of this campaign and over the last few years. where do you want is to come? where shall we be? i will repeat those: the subject you want us to focus on, the issues you want us to explain better, and finally, where you want is to be. the idea behind all of that is that, hopefully, we can set the agenda through you, rather than just a thriller politicians. rather than 'ust a thriller politicians.— rather than 'ust a thriller politicians. rather than 'ust a thriller oliticians. ., , , , politicians. really helpful, stay with us. i want _ politicians. really helpful, stay with us. i want to _ politicians. really helpful, stay with us. i want to talk- politicians. really helpful, stay with us. i want to talk to - politicians. really helpful, stay with us. i want to talk to kevin | politicians. really helpful, stay - with us. i want to talk to kevin who is also with us. kevin, we were hearing about what this is all about. explain what it is also not about. explain what it is also not about. it about. explain what it is also not about. , ., ., , ., ., about. it is not a pole. it is not a focus group- _ about. it is not a pole. it is not a focus group- it — about. it is not a pole. it is not a focus group. it is _ about. it is not a pole. it is not a focus group. it is not _ about. it is not a pole. it is not a focus group. it is not a _ about. it is not a pole. it is not a focus group. it is not a scientific| focus group. it is not a scientific study— focus group. it is not a scientific study of— focus group. it is not a scientific study of any kind. it is an open invitation— study of any kind. it is an open invitation to the voters, who are, after _ invitation to the voters, who are, after all. — invitation to the voters, who are, after all, the most important people in this— after all, the most important people in this election, to say what they are interested in, what themes are important — are interested in, what themes are important to them. perhaps things like we _ important to them. perhaps things like we just heard about that politicians may not be talking about — politicians may not be talking about. we want to head those subjects — about. we want to head those subjects and issues, and we want to hear where — subjects and issues, and we want to hear where those issues are big for people _ hear where those issues are big for people. then, we can look into those — people. then, we can look into those. now, then, i know that we talk about— those. now, then, i know that we talk about the twists and turns of financial— talk about the twists and turns of financial matters of the cost of living — financial matters of the cost of living we _ financial matters of the cost of living. we had the discussion of what _ living. we had the discussion of what is — living. we had the discussion of what is happening in the midlands, in nottingham, leicester, derby, but we are— in nottingham, leicester, derby, but we are open— in nottingham, leicester, derby, but we are open to all subjects. we have a team _ we are open to all subjects. we have a team looking at all of these. hopefully, it will help tell some of your stories. hopefully, it will help tell some of your stories-— hopefully, it will help tell some of your stories. that is what i wanted to ask: how _ your stories. that is what i wanted to ask: how will _ your stories. that is what i wanted to ask: how will this _ your stories. that is what i wanted to ask: how will this change - your stories. that is what i wanted to ask: how will this change what i your stories. that is what i wanted i to ask: how will this change what we do? how does it inform how the bbc reports on a selection? it do? how does it inform how the bbc reports on a selection?— reports on a selection? it will influence _ reports on a selection? it will influence our— reports on a selection? it will influence our coverage. - reports on a selection? it will influence our coverage. it - reports on a selection? it willj influence our coverage. it will reports on a selection? it will. influence our coverage. it will be on about— influence our coverage. it will be on about what people are telling us. there _ on about what people are telling us. there is— on about what people are telling us. there is obviously a host of ways in which _ there is obviously a host of ways in which we _ there is obviously a host of ways in which we can— there is obviously a host of ways in which we can tell that across the channel. — which we can tell that across the channel, of course, and also online. we will_ channel, of course, and also online. we will have — channel, of course, and also online. we will have live pages on the website — we will have live pages on the website and the app, links to those important _ website and the app, links to those important explainer is showing what we are _ important explainer is showing what we are talking about, and hopefully those _ we are talking about, and hopefully those will _ we are talking about, and hopefully those will give some kind of translation as to what the politicians are talking about, as welt _ politicians are talking about, as welt as — politicians are talking about, as well. as you say, we have already had thousands of people get in touch — had thousands of people get in touch. hopefully, they will keep coming — touch. hopefully, they will keep cominr. ., ., ., ., touch. hopefully, they will keep cominr. ., ., ., , , coming. you are going to be pretty bus . coming. you are going to be pretty busy- thank— coming. you are going to be pretty busy- thank you — coming. you are going to be pretty busy. thank you very _ coming. you are going to be pretty busy. thank you very much - coming. you are going to be pretty busy. thank you very much to - coming. you are going to be pretty busy. thank you very much to you | busy. thank you very much to you both. nafta hjohal and kevin peachey. your voice and your vote. just a suggestion as to where in the country we should report from or about an issue that is important to you or local to you. you can do that on your phone, your tablet, your laptop. you will be able to see a link there as we said. it is called your voice and your vote. the time isjust your voice and your vote. the time is just after 230. your voice and your vote. the time isjust after 230. here your voice and your vote. the time is just after 230. here are the headlines. rishi sunak is a second evidence would rewrite the law on gender and six if elected, claiming it is necessary to protect women and girls. sir keir starmer calls labour the party of national security and insists he is committed to britain's nuclear deterrent. hm revenue and customs says it is urgently working to resolve an issue that has left around half a million people without their child benefit payment. the royal college of nursing says that there is a national emergency in the nhs and once patients are dying in hospital corridors. the bbc has learned a waste company linked to a controversial £200,000 donation to the first minister of wales was under criminal investigation at the time of the donation. vaughan gething was given the cash during a successful leadership campaign after being given the money by millionaire businesswoman. another of that donor's comedy has been under criminal investigation by the environmental regulator. vaughan gething won the top jog in march and has refused calls to reviews the donation. we have this report. all smiles for the cameras. vaughan gething is one of the most senior labour politicians in the uk and a key player in the party was a general election campaign. questions over £200,000 donation from his own leadership campaign earlier this year won't go away. the successful bid to become party leader in wales was bankrolled by a waste management company controlled by david neal, a wealthy businessman with two criminal convictions for environmental offences. another of mr neil's companies runs at this site in west wales. it is mr neil's companies runs at this site in west wales.— site in west wales. it is an inescapable _ site in west wales. it is an inescapable stench - site in west wales. it is an inescapable stench that i site in west wales. it is an i inescapable stench that which site in west wales. it is an _ inescapable stench that which makes you retch. it is inescapable stench that which makes ou retch. , ., ., , ., . you retch. it is horrendous, rancid, it is almost— you retch. it is horrendous, rancid, it is almost like _ you retch. it is horrendous, rancid, it is almost like you _ you retch. it is horrendous, rancid, it is almost like you can _ you retch. it is horrendous, rancid, it is almost like you can taste - you retch. it is horrendous, rancid, it is almost like you can taste it. i it is almost like you can taste it. other— it is almost like you can taste it. other people nearby so that the sale to be maximalfrom the other people nearby so that the sale to be maximal from the site other people nearby so that the sale to be maximalfrom the site is ruining their quality of life. t ruining their quality of life. i don't want to make up the smell of rotting eggs which is worse in my son's nappies. it is not being managed as it should be. david neal sa s his managed as it should be. david neal says his company — managed as it should be. david neal says his company is _ managed as it should be. david neal says his company is working - managed as it should be. david neal says his company is working with - managed as it should be. david nealj says his company is working with the regulator to stop the smell. the stench from here stretches all the way down the m4 to the office of wales's top politician. up until now, the question is far vaughan gething has focused on what one of his donors did the past. we can now reveal that one of that millionaire donor's companies is currently under criminal investigation, and was when vaughan gething accepted the sum of money. the conservative opposition in the sennedd... ihe money. the conservative opposition in the sennedd. . ._ in the sennedd. .. he was willing to sacrifice the _ in the sennedd. .. he was willing to sacrifice the office _ in the sennedd. .. he was willing to sacrifice the office of _ in the sennedd. .. he was willing to sacrifice the office of first - sacrifice the office of first minister for the £200,000 there were also reveals for _ minister for the £200,000 there were also reveals for the _ minister for the £200,000 there were also reveals for the solar _ minister for the £200,000 there were also reveals for the solar farm - minister for the £200,000 there were also reveals for the solar farm in - also reveals for the solar farm in this protected area of countryside of the day before a firm he controls it a second donation to mr vaughan gething. others questioned the new first minister's questions. you gething. others questioned the new first minister's questions.— first minister's questions. you get offered £200,000. _ first minister's questions. you get offered £200,000. the _ first minister's questions. you get offered £200,000. the level - first minister's questions. you get offered £200,000. the level of i first minister's questions. you get i offered £200,000. the level of due diligence you would expect to take place in that context would be significant. place in that context would be significant-— place in that context would be sirnificant. . ., , ., , place in that context would be sirnificant. ., ., , ., significant. vaughan gething has not broken the ministerial _ significant. vaughan gething has not broken the ministerial code - significant. vaughan gething has not broken the ministerial code in - broken the ministerial code in taking the donation, and he retains the full backing of the uk's uk leader... �* ., ., ~' the full backing of the uk's uk leader... �* ., ., ., ., leader... i'm looking forward to a new partnership _ leader... i'm looking forward to a new partnership when _ leader... i'm looking forward to a new partnership when we - leader... i'm looking forward to a new partnership when we can - leader... i'm looking forward to al new partnership when we can both deliver for wales. new partnership when we can both deliverfor wales. thank new partnership when we can both deliver for wales. thank you, vaughan gething. brute deliver for wales. thank you, vaughan gething. deliver for wales. thank you, vauahan gethina. ~ ,_, ., vaughan gething. we discovered one senior labour— vaughan gething. we discovered one senior labour figure _ vaughan gething. we discovered one senior labour figure offered - vaughan gething. we discovered one senior labour figure offered vaughan j senior labour figure offered vaughan gething money to repay the controversial donation in full, and he turned down the offer, we repeatedly tried to ask a first minister about the evidence. did you know about it before you accepted the money? it was said the matter was an issue of public record. the vote of no confidence in the senedd is a welcome distraction for the first minister at a particularly busy time. now, live from the senedd, the welsh parliament. we have heard that he has refused calls to return and said that a nation and says he's not broken any rules. what happens next? this says he's not broken any rules. what happens next?— happens next? this comes in the context of— happens next? this comes in the context of a _ happens next? this comes in the context of a wider _ happens next? this comes in the context of a wider general - happens next? this comes in the i context of a wider general election. vaughan gething is at the forefront of labour�*s election campaign. a cigarette paper between him and keir starmer. sama was in wales last week. he and vaughan gething are fighting this together. the leader of the lady—mack party in the uk has completely backed vaughan gething. this is a story that won't go away. not only has vaughan gething taken this from a man with criminal convictions for environmental offences but, as we have discovered, there are now more investigations into another company owned by the same businessman. both he and vaughan gething insists that they have done nothing illegal. vaughan gething has been cleared of abusing the ministerial code. there are plenty of things in the san senedd behind me with a vote of no confidence behind me who have been labour members and have been asking him to return the money once the senior labourfigure him to return the money once the senior labour figure offers to lend him £200,000 survey the money. labour only has a wafer thin majority, a working majority, in the senedd. i don't think it is going to happen because of the context of the general election. there is a lot of pressure on labour members to support the beleaguered first minister, because keir starmer clearly doesn't want a bigger row in wales money as a wider general election campaign to fight. goad wales money as a wider general election campaign to fight. good to talk to. election campaign to fight. good to talk to- that _ election campaign to fight. good to talk to. that was _ election campaign to fight. good to talk to. that was live _ election campaign to fight. good to talk to. that was live from - election campaign to fight. good to talk to. that was live from cardiff. | talk to. that was live from cardiff. you can watch wales investigates: rk big stink. or it is on bbc iplayer. china has accused britain's mi6 of recruiting a couple who worked for the chinese government to spy for the chinese government to spy for the uk. the state security ministry in beijing claims mi6 operative recruited the couple when they were visiting the uk and then send them back to china to collect information lets talk to frank gardner about this. what is going on here? it is only fascinating _ this. what is going on here? it 3 only fascinating because we are hearing about it. this goes on the whole time on both sides. britain does at the time china, china does it to britain, many countries spy on each other. this is old school british intelligence gathering, recruiting somebody, persuading them to do something. if they have access to do something. if they have access to sensitive documents, for example, britain has a vested interest, as does the west, in trying to find out more about china's secrets and military technology. china does the same thing. recently, both sides in britain and china have started coming out in the open and accusing each other. in the past there has been a conviction that china has been a conviction that china has been responsible for a cyber attack but haven't named the country. that has recently been something that they have started doing. two people were charged with spying for china recently under the national security act which came in last year. so, the idea of nurturing somebody and wining and dining room, taking them out, saying: this will be good for you, there is a lot of money on this for you, and you could become seriously rich through this, there are lots of different motivations where people spy on their own country or their own organisation. they may be disgruntled, they may need the money, they may have a dying relative, they may need... there are all sorts of things. in this particular case, if the allegations are true and nobody in london is giving any of comments —— official comment —— they are saying that they will not comment. if they are true. i would say it is a pretty plausible story. it are true. i would say it is a pretty plausible story-— plausible story. it is fascinating. it feels straight _ plausible story. it is fascinating. it feels straight out _ plausible story. it is fascinating. it feels straight out of _ plausible story. it is fascinating. it feels straight out of a - plausible story. it is fascinating. it feels straight out of a movie i plausible story. it is fascinating. | it feels straight out of a movie or a book. he touched on what they might be looking to get information on. what is it both sides want to learn? . . , on. what is it both sides want to learn? ., ., , ., a, learn? china has a maka unufe a- etite learn? china has a maka unufe appetite for — learn? china has a maka unufe appetite for all— learn? china has a maka unufe appetite for all things - learn? china has a maka unufe appetite for all things tech. - learn? china has a maka unufe| appetite for all things tech. not only to do with al, but they are interested in anyone from the opposition. hong kong activists and democracy activists, tibetans, they want to try and infiltrate those groups and threaten them in some cases, chargers, bring them back to trial, in some cases. in terms of acquiring data, china has a great big openjaw for acquiring data, china has a great big open jaw for gathering acquiring data, china has a great big openjaw for gathering up acquiring data, china has a great big open jaw for gathering up as much data, because data is power, and china has been head of the game on this. they want to become the global leaders in al, and a lot of tech industries. they got ahead of the game on things like solar panels, electric vehicles, things like that. what does britain want? britain hasn't quite got the same commercial appetite. britain hasn't quite got the same commercialappetite. it britain hasn't quite got the same commercial appetite. it isn't trying to be the global leader economically. but, they want to know more about what the thinking is in the politburo. they really going to make a on taiwan? are they really building upforan make a on taiwan? are they really building up for an invasion of taiwan? they are trying to get inside the mindset of the chinese leaders, in particular, the military part of the chinese leadership. keep us osted if part of the chinese leadership. keep us posted if there _ part of the chinese leadership. keep us posted if there are _ part of the chinese leadership. keep us posted if there are any further updates. great to have you withers, frank gardner. so, we will return to all things election now. let us go through today's election news. the conservative so that if they are elected they will rewrite the equality act biology determines six rather than gender. labour has focused on defence, keir starmer proposing a revamp of the nuclear deterrent. the liberal democrats so that they will give rivers and other waterways are protected status in a move to protect a sewage being dumped. but as talk to a political correspondent with politics joe and a politics editor for their financial time. a politics editor for their financialtime. good a politics editor for their financial time. good to see you both. thank you forjoining us. so much we can talk about. what stood out for you today? what has won the day and ounce of announcements? t day and ounce of announcements? i think labour have a clearer message. their announcement was obviously about their plan to maintain existing nuclear sites which we have and construct new nuclear sites. they have taken a very hard line on defence, one which wouldn't typically be attribute it to labour and definitely not the last labour leadership which contained a shadow cabinet were 11 members voted against reconstructing the nuclear deterrent that keir starmer has now committed to rebuilding. over on the conservative side, i would say that they have had quite a difficult day. kemi badenoch was out today talking about wanting to rewrite the equality act and change the definition of legal sector biological six, but she hasn't quite been able to explain how that would work in practice, or how that would work, or how it would be police. tough day. i think the message they wanted to get through hasn't had any cut three. ride on the equalities act, it is interesting. lots of questions about announcing today: why now? given the equality act, introduced in 2010 by a labour government, the conservatives have had 14 years that we can do men don't change this, why are they choosing to answer this now? well. choosing to answer this now? well, it seems nakedly _ choosing to answer this now? well, it seems nakedly an _ choosing to answer this now? well, it seems nakedly an attempt - choosing to answer this now? well, it seems nakedly an attempt to create — it seems nakedly an attempt to create a — it seems nakedly an attempt to create a dividing line with labour. they— create a dividing line with labour. they think— create a dividing line with labour. they think it is an area where keir starmer— they think it is an area where keir starmer tends to squirm when answering questions about what defines— answering questions about what defines a — answering questions about what defines a woman and so forth. it does _ defines a woman and so forth. it does feel— defines a woman and so forth. it does feel political, and it is actually— does feel political, and it is actually one of the problem is the conservative party are running into with some — conservative party are running into with some eye—catching proposals is why they _ with some eye—catching proposals is why they haven't used almost a decade — why they haven't used almost a decade and a half and power to bring them _ decade and a half and power to bring them forward and have left them to them forward and have left them to the manifesto heading into the manifesto. i think that is a very difficult — manifesto. i think that is a very difficult question for them to answer~ _ difficult question for them to answer~ i_ difficult question for them to answer. i think that it has been a successful— answer. i think that it has been a successful day for labour. under jeremy— successful day for labour. under jeremy corbyn, his commitment to nato was _ jeremy corbyn, his commitment to nato was in — jeremy corbyn, his commitment to nato was in question, his commitment to trident— nato was in question, his commitment to trident was clearly more negative, his sentiment on the nuclear— negative, his sentiment on the nuclear deterrent. following that period. _ nuclear deterrent. following that period, labour's ability to attract many— period, labour's ability to attract many veterans of the party, to stand as candidates, including alistair cairns— as candidates, including alistair cairns who has a military cross, one of the _ cairns who has a military cross, one of the highest medal is available for his— of the highest medal is available for his service in afghanistan, really— for his service in afghanistan, really shows how the party has rebuilt — really shows how the party has rebuilt its _ really shows how the party has rebuilt its credibility with defence. recent polling shows labour is now _ defence. recent polling shows labour is now more _ defence. recent polling shows labour is now more trusted by the public on defence _ is now more trusted by the public on defence of— is now more trusted by the public on defence of the realm than the conservatives. | defence of the realm than the conservatives.— defence of the realm than the conservatives. ., , ., ~ ., conservatives. i was talking to me nicky morgan _ conservatives. i was talking to me nicky morgan early _ conservatives. i was talking to me nicky morgan early in _ conservatives. i was talking to me nicky morgan early in the - conservatives. i was talking to me nicky morgan early in the hour - conservatives. i was talking to me i nicky morgan early in the hour about if this equality issue is something thatis if this equality issue is something that is really animating voters? it affects a relatively small number of people, and when we think about things that is like defence or the cost of living crisis, our infrastructure, or the economy as a whole, or schools, infrastructure, or the economy as a whole, orschools, railways, doesn't figure highly in voter concerns, does it? it figure highly in voter concerns, does it? ., , �* , ., figure highly in voter concerns, does it? ., , �* , does it? it doesn't seem to be high in their own — does it? it doesn't seem to be high in their own candidate's _ does it? it doesn't seem to be high in their own candidate's concerns. i in their own candidate's concerns. elliot cockburn, they have quotes treated the conservative pledge today, saying: here we go again, expressing some disappointment the conservatives have come out with this announcement today. many voters, actually, would see this what it is: trying to take a chunk out of, may be, getting into the white heat, or the more animated part of the electorate which seems to care about... gosh, i don't know how to say it politely. i think it is getting into the culture war. earlier in the election than they planned to. it doesn't seem to have any basis, that is a problem. it was first billed as a real first for women's rights, putting women's rights first. the truth of the matter is that the policy is half baked and doesn't seem to have a need to do it. and so, if you are another side of the debate, if you are somebody who is transgender and are somebody who is transgender and are looking for more rights for yourself, or you are somebody who is concerned about women only spaces, it doesn't actually set either of those categories. it seems to me that this policy is going to fall quite flat with voters. i take the conservative say that it is helpful for those to be able to clarify the law. the ehrc, european human rights court, of course. i keep getting told off for being impatient in all of this, because i want a clear—cut guide to what each party stands for. at the moment, it feels bigger different announcement every day, we all talk about it, and nobody has much clarity on what each party stands for. i know that will come in the manifesto, but a different announcement every day, we all talk about it, and nobody has much clarity on what each party stands for. i know that will come in the manifesto, but are we beginning to see any of these policies coming together in any cohesive offer from any of the parties? for together in any cohesive offer from any of the parties?— any of the parties? for labour, we haven't really _ any of the parties? for labour, we haven't really heard _ any of the parties? for labour, we haven't really heard anything - any of the parties? for labour, we haven't really heard anything new| haven't really heard anything new from _ haven't really heard anything new from the — haven't really heard anything new from the party of the campaign trail _ from the party of the campaign trail. nobody was particularly surprised by keir starmer's statement today, which eventually reaffirmed the status quo: for dreadnought class submarines, they will be _ dreadnought class submarines, they will be built in order to replace the vanguard submarines carrying the nuclear— the vanguard submarines carrying the nuclear deterrent. he will commit to any necessary upgrades needed to keep the _ any necessary upgrades needed to keep the trident going, and he will commit _ keep the trident going, and he will commit to— keep the trident going, and he will commit to it being a continuous at sea deterrent which is 24 hours a day. _ sea deterrent which is 24 hours a day, 350 — sea deterrent which is 24 hours a day, 350 odd days per year. that, to my mind, _ day, 350 odd days per year. that, to my mind, fits— day, 350 odd days per year. that, to my mind, fits with what we have seen from labour— my mind, fits with what we have seen from labour on the campaign trail so far, from labour on the campaign trail so far. which— from labour on the campaign trail so far. which is— from labour on the campaign trail so far, which is then really trying to hammer— far, which is then really trying to hammer home the six steps keir starmer— hammer home the six steps keir starmer has laid out, some eye—catching policies like creating gb energy, a new publicly owned company— gb energy, a new publicly owned company that will create clean energy — company that will create clean energy. so, there hasn't been that much _ energy. so, there hasn't been that much new— energy. so, there hasn't been that much new from labour, and i think that we _ much new from labour, and i think that we may— much new from labour, and i think that we may see the manifesto restate — that we may see the manifesto restate what we already know. i think— restate what we already know. i think that — restate what we already know. i think that you are right on the conservative side, they are bringing forward _ conservative side, they are bringing forward new policies each week as the underdogs and are running so far behind _ the underdogs and are running so far behind labour in the polls that you can see _ behind labour in the polls that you can see why, in a way, they might as well cut— can see why, in a way, they might as well cut loose — can see why, in a way, they might as well cut loose and try and come up with as _ well cut loose and try and come up with as many headline grabbing new initiatives _ with as many headline grabbing new initiatives as possible. so, i think that from — initiatives as possible. so, i think that from their manifesto, there might— that from their manifesto, there might be — that from their manifesto, there might be some surprises. i'm interested what they will contain. finat— interested what they will contain. final thought from you which we will talk about later on bbc news, nigel faraj announced on x twitter about an emergency general election announcement this afternoon —— mac nigel faraj. t announcement this afternoon -- mac niel fara'. ~ . announcement this afternoon -- mac nigel faraj-— nigel faraj. i think that he will be announcing _ nigel faraj. i think that he will be announcing a _ nigel faraj. i think that he will be announcing a candidacy. - nigel faraj. i think that he will be announcing a candidacy. i - nigel faraj. i think that he will be announcing a candidacy. i think. nigel faraj. i think that he will be i announcing a candidacy. i think that there will be some confusing things running around. one thing i read is that they will not be standing any candidates down and will not be conceding that the conservatives in any constituency. my likely guess is that he will be putting his name forward in the election but will be doing it in a seat not already filled by a reform candidate or, in typical nigel farage fashion, he might have a policy announcement and might have a policy announcement and might have a policy announcement and might have got the uk press excited for not very much.— for not very much. really good to talk to both of _ for not very much. really good to talk to both of you. _ for not very much. really good to talk to both of you. thank - for not very much. really good to talk to both of you. thank you. it | talk to both of you. thank you. it is a debate that will go on and on. many issues we will try to pull together. we will get a sense for what each of the parties stands for. great to talk to you. we will talk again. now, elsewhere. mexico's first female president has found that she will not let the people of the country down. claudia sheinbaum, a former climate scientist and mayor of mexico city was speaking tojulia orjubilant supporters after their or jubilant supporters after their victory, orjubilant supporters after their victory, promising to improve the lives of women and reduce violence, women face of the highest murder rates in the world. we this report. a genuine moment of history in mexico. in a nation where women only got in the 1950s, claudia sheinbaum becomes the first woman to break centuries of male domination over the mexican presidency, shattering the mexican presidency, shattering the glass ceiling for generations of women to come. translation: ., , translation: for the first time in 200 ears, translation: for the first time in 200 years, women _ translation: for the first time in 200 years, women have _ translation: for the first time in 200 years, women have reached i translation: for the first time in | 200 years, women have reached the presidency. 200 years, women have reached the residen . , ., presidency. there were 'ubilant supportersfi presidency. there were 'ubilant supporters in h presidency. there were 'ubilant supporters in the h presidency. there were jubilant supporters in the plaza. - presidency. there were jubilant supporters in the plaza. it - presidency. there were jubilant supporters in the plaza. it is i presidency. there were jubilant supporters in the plaza. it is a l supporters in the plaza. it is a historic, definitely. _ supporters in the plaza. it is a historic, definitely. it - supporters in the plaza. it is a historic, definitely. it is - supporters in the plaza. it is a historic, definitely. it is for i supporters in the plaza. it is a | historic, definitely. it is for the women — historic, definitely. it is for the women who are no longer with us and for those _ women who are no longer with us and for those who are still fighting, not only— for those who are still fighting, not only in the political arena, but in any— not only in the political arena, but in any way— not only in the political arena, but in any way where we have conviction. to see _ in any way where we have conviction. to see somebody who comes from the fi-ht to see somebody who comes from the fight at _ to see somebody who comes from the fight at the _ to see somebody who comes from the fight at the bottom _ to see somebody who comes from the fight at the bottom to _ to see somebody who comes from the fight at the bottom to the _ fight at the bottom to the presidency. _ fight at the bottom to the presidency, it— fight at the bottom to the presidency, it is- fight at the bottom to the presidency, it is so- fight at the bottom to the - presidency, it is so emotional. for me, it is presidency, it is so emotional. me, it is marvellous. presidency, it is so emotional. for me, it is marvellous. in _ presidency, it is so emotional. for me, it is marvellous. in a - presidency, it is so emotional. for me, it is marvellous. in a nation i presidency, it is so emotional. for| me, it is marvellous. in a nation of such entrenched _ me, it is marvellous. in a nation of such entrenched machismo, - me, it is marvellous. in a nation of| such entrenched machismo, claudia sheinbaum has achieved no small feat. other women have tried and failed, but her offer of continuity with the governing party's social policies have pulled millions from poverty and have proved hugely popular with the electorate. her critics, in particular, her opponent in the vote, xochitl galvez, are left deeply frustrated, especially by the huge margin of victory. they say that her mentor, president obrador, is a populist and an authoritarian. they say that shane bown will be his puppet, which she denies. this has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons too, it has been the most violent in living memory. dozens of candidates have been murdered. one of those was alfredo cabrera, who was shot in the back of the head by gunmen at his closing rally. his murder was a sign of the huge security task facing claudia sheinbaum stop 11 women and girls are killed every day in mexico, and critics fear that she is not up to the task of solving this. i think that this will continue to increase, people will have power, but the military and the radical, because they have been together for decades. cheering for now, her supporters celebrate making history. once the party and, most voters want the president—elect to prioritise cartel crime over other issues. claudia sheinbaum inherits a nation mired in violence. the challenge is now to succeed where so many men before herfailed. just a line of breaking news: you will probably entirely disagree with what i'm about to tell you right now. we have had figures from the met office telling us that the uk had its warmest may and the warmest spring on records dating back to 1884. so, they don't talk about the rain, or they talk about is the temperature, but they said that uk had the warmest may and spring on records which go back all the way back to 1884. the met office says it has been pretty barmy. i don't necessarily agree, but they are the experts. it feels like it is just rain quite a lot. time to look at the proper forecast. rain quite a lot. time to look at the properforecast. louise has all that you need to know. good afternoon. our first week ofjune could be pretty disappointing. in fact, we've probably had the best of the weather this week because on sunday we have blue sky and sunshine and it was warm quite widely across the country. but fast forward a couple of days, all change noticeably colder, particularly in the far northwest and even 18 degrees in the london area is below par for this time of year. on top of that, it'll be quite cloudy at times. it will turn cooler, breezier, and they'll certainly be some heavier showers, particularly in scotland and northern ireland. the reason being the position of the jet stream, it was to the north and over the next few days it's going to be sinking its way across the country. the jet stream responsible for driving in areas of low pressure and their fronts. and so as these fronts push south and east and north westerly, wind will feed in some colder air. so make the most of the sunshine if you've got it. this was scotland so far today. beautiful blue sky in sunshine, pretty much across the board in scotland. it'll stay like that through throughout the afternoon. thicker cloud. further south, it's been thick enough for a spot or two of drizzle, some brightness into the afternoon in the southeast. here we'll see highs of 21 degrees and with that sunshine in aberdeenshire will see 20 as well. but as we go through the night, the cloud continues to sit with us. the breeze will pick up and drive in a few scattered showers to the north and west of scotland, maybe into northwest england as well. temperatures holding up to greeters on tuesday, but it's tuesday that we'll start to see the real change to the story. those fronts will gradually sink their way steadily south and east. there'll be a lot of cloud, a little bit of early morning brightness across east anglia and south—east england, and quite a narrow line of intense showers develop as that front sinks south — behind it, bright and breezy with some showers in scotland and a cooler feel here, 10 to 15 degrees. we mightjust see 21 if we keep some morning sunshine in the southeast. but onto wednesday, largely dry day for england and wales. blustery showers, some with heavy with hail and thunder, even a little bit of wintry ness to the tops of the mountains as well. a cooler feel to the day in scotland, 11 to 14 degrees, 18 once again to the south. and that theme will continue as we close out the remainder of the week, largely dry and sunny in the south and east. more showers further north and west. need your help. that means three things. live from london, this is bbc news. speculation about what nigel farage is going to announce. rishi sunak says the conservatives would rewrite the law on gender and sex if re—elected, claiming it's necessary to protect women and girls. there's a lack of clarity in the law and that's risking the safety of women and girls. sir keir starmer calls labour the "party of national security" — and says he's committed to the uk's nuclear deterrent. even as we work tirelessly for peace, we have to be fit to fight. even as we work tirelessly for piece we have _ even as we work tirelessly for piece we have to — even as we work tirelessly for piece we have to be fitted to fight. china accuses mi6 of recruiting chinese state employees as spies for the uk. speculation is growing that nigel farage could be about to make a u—turn. it would be his eighth attempt to win a seat at westminster. the prime minister was askedif westminster. the prime minister was asked if he was concerned about the possibility of nigel farage standing in the election. at the end of the day, there's only two people that are going to be prime minister onjuly 5, keir starmer or me. so on the issues that you care about, if that's tackling migration, cutting taxes, a sensible approach to net zero, i'm going to deliver that for you. a more proportionate, pragmatic approach to net zero, that saves people money. and if you want if you're someone who wants lower taxes, it's only the conservatives that are going to offer all those things. and that's the choice at this election. lower taxes with the conservatives, a plan to stop the boats, legal migration coming down and a sensible way to get to net zero that saves people money. that's what we offer. keir starmer doesn't believe in any of those things and that's a choice that people should consider. but is a big boost for reform if he does stand. at the end of the day, there's only two people that are going to be prime minister onjuly 5, keir starmer or me. so on the issues that you care about, if that's tackling migration, cutting taxes, a sensible approach to net zero, i'm going to deliver that for you. not keir starmer. he's going to cancel the flights. he's going to release everyone from the detention centres. he's going to put up everyone's taxes by £2,000 and he believes in getting to net zero in a way that will increase bills for ordinary working families across our country. that's the choice that people need to consider. who would they rather see in number 10 onjuly 5 working on these issues? is it keir starmer or is it me? and whether it's cutting taxes, cutting migration or cutting our energy bills, it's the conservatives in me that are going to deliver that. the conservatives say if they're re—elected, they'll rewrite the equality act, so that a person's sex rishi sunak said "confusion over definitions of sex and gender," could not be allowed to persist. labour has been focusing its campaigning on defence, with leader sir keir starmer reaffirming his commitment to the uk's nuclear deterrent. he said protecting the nation would be the "bedrock" of a future labour government. the liberal democrat deputy leader daisy cooper has been outlining plans to give rivers and coastlines protected status, to prevent sewage dumping. and snp leaderjohn swinney has called for a respectful contest ahead of the scottish leaders' first television debate of the campaign, which is tonight. with more on the conservatives promising to tackle what they call the confusion over the legal definition of a person's sex, here's our political correspondent, lone wells. should only people who are biologically female be able to use women's services? just people who are biologically female, or also those who have changed their legal sex on their birth certificate? the conservatives say women services should be able to refuse anyone who is biologically male without facing legal challenges. it's quite clear that the intentions in the law are being misinterpreted just because of changes, you know, social changes. and what we are trying to do is re—emphasize that sex in the law means biological sex. it always has done, but there's been a lot of misinterpretation and we are adding that clarification so that the law is clearer. the liberal democrats are known for their own stunts, but they and labour have accused this policy of being a distraction from other issues. this is a cynical distraction from the litany of conservative failures to try and once again stoke up a phoney culture war. liberal democrats have been very clear on this issue. if there are any examples of where a public service needs to have further guidance, we're happy to issue that guidance. but let's not pick apart legislation that reflects the hard—fought and hard—won protections given to women, to transwomen, and to all sorts of people from protected characteristics. the equality act, which labour brought in in 2010 and the tories opposed, already protects single—sex spaces for biological women. it all already defines what a woman is. what's certainly needed is clearer guidance and for service providers about how to safeguard those women only spaces. the conservatives also said they would remove the powers of the devolved scottish, welsh and northern irish governments over gender policy. it comes after the uk government intervened last year to stop scotland making it easier for people to change their legal gender. what's been suggested by the conservatives today is just another example of undermining the powers of the scottish parliament. now obviously i don't want to see that, because i believe we should have a parliament with the full range of powers to tackle all of the issues that affect the people of scotland. i think people in scotland need to be aware that it's only snp mps that will stand up to protect the powers of the scottish parliament, which are being eroded by the conservatives. the conservatives argue this pledge is about privacy and principle, but tory strategists also hope it will put other parties on the spot about where they stand. let's speak to doctor flora renz, senior law lecturer at the university of kent who has done a lot of work in this area. she's in canterbury. talk about the equality law and how it is set up, tell me how it is right now. it is set up, tell me how it is right now-— it is set up, tell me how it is riaht now. ., ., , right now. right now the lot is reasonably — right now. right now the lot is reasonably clear _ right now. right now the lot is reasonably clear on _ right now. right now the lot is reasonably clear on the - right now. right now the lot is reasonably clear on the topic. | right now. right now the lot is. reasonably clear on the topic. it says you can have single six spaces for women only spaces or men only spacesin for women only spaces or men only spaces in some instances and you can exclude trans people from them. specific exemption written into the equality act says anyone who has the protected characteristic of gender reassignment or any trans person can be excluded as long as this is proportionate and for legitimate reasons. you cannot do because your prejudice but because the service could not run otherwise. the classic example is domestic abuse services so the official guidance to the equality act says that an example you could probably exclude trans women from the service but otherwise the default assumption is we could include people. the default assumption is we could include people-— include people. what is that the conservative _ include people. what is that the conservative say _ include people. what is that the conservative say they _ include people. what is that the conservative say they would - include people. what is that the j conservative say they would like include people. what is that the i conservative say they would like to change? conservative say they would like to chan . e? conservative say they would like to chance? ., , ., , ., change? the conservatives would define sex to _ change? the conservatives would define sex to be _ change? the conservatives would define sex to be purely _ change? the conservatives would define sex to be purely biological| define sex to be purely biological and somehow that would make it easier to exclude trans people but that doesn't make sense because the exclusion right now does not hinge upon the characteristic of sex but whether someone is trans— or not. this is irrelevant to how the law works right now. it is mostly a political talking point rather than something that makes sense as a genuine piece of law reform and that is before we get into how on earth you would administer this in practice. you would administer this in ractice. �* you would administer this in ractice. . ., , ., , ., , practice. are conservative seats important _ practice. are conservative seats important to — practice. are conservative seats important to be _ practice. are conservative seats important to be clear _ practice. are conservative seats important to be clear on - practice. are conservative seats important to be clear on they i practice. are conservative seats| important to be clear on they say the european court of human rights is asking for clarity and has been, they say, the debate around it has changed in ten years since this law was adopted. what do you make of the timing given it is not really figuring very highly in many people's list of priorities if you look at the polls in terms of what people want politicians to be discussing it is not very high off. it affects a relatively small number of people. what you make of the decision to talk about it now in an election campaign? t decision to talk about it now in an election campaign?— decision to talk about it now in an election campaign? i would suggest is urel a election campaign? i would suggest is purely a distraction _ election campaign? i would suggest is purely a distraction from - election campaign? i would suggest is purely a distraction from the - is purely a distraction from the government was like terrible record when it comes to protecting or safeguarding women. this is purely meant to score political points at the expense of a stigmatised minority because what would this mean in practice? an employment tribunal would ask you to do dna testing to confirm you are definitely a woman before you can bring up the discrimination on the domestic violin service will ask the picture of genitals, that does not make any sense at all. it is clearly designed as a distraction from what the government is doing badly in the polls and this may appeal to some people on the right in particular. the existence of trans people quite frankly. the existence of trans people quite frankl . . , the existence of trans people quite frankl . ., , ., ., the existence of trans people quite frankl . ., , ., ., ,, the existence of trans people quite frankl. ., , ., ., ,, ., the existence of trans people quite frankl . ., , ., ., ,, ., frankly. really good to talk to you. thank ou frankly. really good to talk to you. thank you for— frankly. really good to talk to you. thank you for exploring _ frankly. really good to talk to you. thank you for exploring that, - frankly. really good to talk to you. thank you for exploring that, it - frankly. really good to talk to you. thank you for exploring that, it is i thank you for exploring that, it is good to have clarity on what's proposed. thank you. gratefulfor your time. a bit of sports news breaking within the last few minutes. news coming from chelsea telling us they have appointed the leicester manager as their new boss. he will begin at five year contract with an option on the contract of an extra year. of course he will replace mauricio pochettino who left in may. remember he had just one season at stamford bridge. the line coming to us from chelsea, too, their new boss on five year contract with an option for a next year. worth saying also chelsea's six managerial appointment in five years and the fourth since the american investor in the private equity firm bought the club in may 2022. you can see it on the screen. we will talk to our teams at bbc sport about this later. let's turn to labour now and in a speech in greater manchester, sir keir starmer outlined his plans for national security and defence spending. let's take a listen. and so even as we work tirelessly for peace, we have to be fit to fight. so let me be unequivocal. this labour party is totally committed to the security of our nation, to our armed forces, and importantly to our nuclear deterrent. it is essential. that is why labour has announced a new triple lock commitment to our nuclear deterrent. we will maintain britain's continuous at—sea deterrent 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, deliver all the needed upgrades and we will build four new nuclear submarines like the ones i saw in barrow. that won'tjust keep us safe, but will also support good jobs and growth across the uk. let's speak to former british army colonel and the former commanding officer of the uk'sjoint chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear regiment, hamish de bretton gordon. thank you for being with us. what do you make of what you heard today? first of all i am delighted he has put defence as a key issue in this election. if we get defence wrong a lot of the other things could become horrifically irrelevant. i am delighted he has confirmed our nuclear deterrent trident is now committed for the foreseeable future. at a time of the greatest threat since the second world war, our nuclear deterrent is probably... tactical nuclear weapons in ukraine. but also on the back of that i think we must remember that a number of his shadow cabinet who presumably will be in his real cabinet are opposed or against trident five years ago or so. to make such a 180 degrees change over such an ethical area is a bit of a worry and his predecessorjeremy corbyn would have had us out of nato and no nuclear deterrent which would mean it would be much closer to the channel ports than he is currently but i think in the face of what he said, most of it i entirely agree with. his focus on the strategic defence review is absolutely required as we have could be capability design for a war that has not exist now and we need to look at what's happening in ukraine. and also of course on the 80th anniversary of d—day, look at what happened there. the russians are making progress in ukraine because they have massive manpower and massive tanks. hitler lost the war after d—day because he focused on technology, high—technology tanks like tigers and was overwhelmed by the mass of the european mass produced tanks the shermans. that i applaud and the focus on cyber threats. absolutely should be done but it needs to be paid for and it is going to cost more than 2.5% of gdp i expect. is going to cost more than 2.596 of gdp i expect-— is going to cost more than 2.596 of gdp i expect. that is what i expect. thank ou gdp i expect. that is what i expect. thank you for— gdp i expect. that is what i expect. thank you for bearing _ gdp i expect. that is what i expect. thank you for bearing with - gdp i expect. that is what i expect. thank you for bearing with us - gdp i expect. that is what i expect. thank you for bearing with us with i gdp i expect. that is what i expect. | thank you for bearing with us with a thank you for hearing with us with a dramatic music while you are talking to us. i want to talk about whether threat comes from around the world, the changing nature of warfare, the uk set up for the new threat and you touched on some of them. the biological and cyber warfare. we should not take out of more traditional forms of defence and thatis traditional forms of defence and that is what we are now hearing. absolutely. the number one threat is putin without a shadow of a doubt. no one is looking at this in great detail or understands that putin will stop at ukraine if he prevails there. that is a conventional threat. our nuclear deterrent is preventing him from using his tactical nuclear weapons but that sort of threat requires mass. we have an army of 72,000, the smallest since the napoleonic war. barely 100 tanks to put in the field. that's not a conventional deterrent and i hope keir starmer is looking to review that and create some sort of mass on the hybrid threats as well. a lot of these are well—known. the cyber attacks, also the use of biological and chemical, things which the russians are looking at. saw some of the jihad eight terror threats focusing on. at the we have an army that is at its size because of the peace dividend at the end of the cold war. that has been dragged down the last 20 years or so. but now the threat has never been higher from russia and elsewhere. and we need to have a military capability that acts as a deterrent so people like putin don't march on and also provide safety to these aisles from terrorist threats and others and at the moment, we are wanting in that area and we need to look at it but we need to fund it. it will cost more than we are spending on defence at the moment. more than we are spending on defence at the moment-— at the moment. what about the time [a r at the moment. what about the time la: in all of at the moment. what about the time lag in all of this? _ at the moment. what about the time lag in all of this? parties _ at the moment. what about the time lag in all of this? parties will- lag in all of this? parties will commit to spending on defence. it takes a long time to build this stuff, doesn't it? tt takes a long time to build this stuff, doesn't it?— takes a long time to build this stuff, doesn't it? it does. it takes ears stuff, doesn't it? it does. it takes years sometimes _ stuff, doesn't it? it does. it takes years sometimes to _ stuff, doesn't it? it does. it takes years sometimes to get _ stuff, doesn't it? it does. it takes years sometimes to get it - stuff, doesn't it? it does. it takes years sometimes to get it into i stuff, doesn't it? it does. it takes i years sometimes to get it into place in the same with manpower, recruiting soldiers. there are no shortages of men and women in this country who want to join the military but it's incredibly difficult and laborious process to do. we need to act now and a defence review and the first year of the next parliament might be too late. what is happening in ukraine is the main event at the moment. must focus on that almost to the exclusion of all other threats because if putin does keep moving on and gets into nato, then we will be involved and he has to be stopped. it is just like going back to the d—day 80th anniversary celebrations. unfortunately, once again we have a tyrant who wants to dominate europe and we must make sure, putin is not going to stop by hardwoods coming out of westminster and whitehall. we actually need hard capability to support our nato allies and ensure ukraine prevails and the russians go back whence they came.— ukraine prevails and the russians go back whence they came. always good to net our back whence they came. always good to get your insight, _ back whence they came. always good to get your insight, thank _ back whence they came. always good to get your insight, thank you - back whence they came. always good to get your insight, thank you for - to get your insight, thank you for being with us. the liberal democrats have called for new protections for rivers and coastlines to end what they call "environmental vandalism". the party has announced an expansion of marine protected areas and a new blue flag status for rivers, which will be included in its general election manifesto. the lib dem deputy leader daisy cooper has been campaining in henley—on—thames in oxfordshire. the fact is there's been this absolute environmental catastrophe of raw sewage being pumped into our rivers and our streams for far too long now. liberal democrats have been at the forefront of trying to call for an end to raw sewage dumping. for the last three years, we've put out lots of incredibly bold proposals to tax the sewage companies so they can pay for the clear up. we've called for an end for sewage dumping, and today we're calling for blue flag status. we have blue flag status for many of our beaches around the country, which is a guarantee to people that it's a safe place to swim. we think there should be the same for our rivers as well. it's a bit middle class — wild swimming in the thames — but it's an indication, i suppose, of the quality of the water? i think you'd be surprised. there are people right up and down the country who use our lakes and our rivers forfishing, for swimming, for walking the dog, just for pure enjoyment and a walk, maybe at the weekend. it doesn't matter where you are in the country. i think every single person is outraged about this. about this scandal with raw sewage. the fact of the matter is that people cherish our local environment. it's good for your mental health. it's good for your physical health to get out and about. i think people across the country want to see an end to this raw sewage dumping. look at these pictures. she managed to photo bomb rishi sunak during his campaign. that is daisy cooper behind him on the boat. the prime minister was being filmed talking to members of a rowing club, daisy cooper not missing the chance with a group of lib dems campaigners to sail behind him on the river thames waving a lot of bright orange liberal democrat placards. a war of placards and war of words. the liberal democrats making clear that was another small boat that rishi sunak could not deal with. that was the view from the liberal democrats. rishi sunak in the conservative spot fought back and said a classic liberal democrat stunt. always selling voters down the river. proof there is a bit of humour on this campaign trail because everyone has weeks of this still to go. that was on the river thames by henley earlier today. the bbc has announced it will host two prime—time tv debates during the general election campaign. in the first debate, seven parties have been invited to take questions from a live studio audience. that's on friday at 7.30pm on bbc one if you have a question to put to the politicians please get in touch. haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk, whatsapp +44 7756165803 or get in touch via the bbc news website. haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk, whatsapp +44 7756165803 or get in touch via the bbc news website. hm revenue and customs has apologised, and says it's 'working urgently to resolve an issue which has left around half a million people without their child benefit payment. about 30% of today's scheduled payments didn't go through. many parents have taken to social media to complain about the missing payment, with some saying it's left them unable to buy food. hmrc is asking customers not to contact them, saying more information will be provided as soon as it's available. with more on this let's speak to our business correspondent, theo leggett. it gives you a sense of how much—needed this money as if some people are reporting they cannot much—needed this money as if some people are reporting they cannot buy food after one missed payment. for some it will — food after one missed payment. fr?" some it will be a mere inconvenience and for others it is a much more significant than that. looking at social media seesjose they cannot afford their food crop, social media seesjose they cannot afford theirfood crop, they social media seesjose they cannot afford their food crop, they had direct debits rejected, they could not give children money to take the bus to school. all of that kind of thing. child benefit payments are high bili report relied upon. what seems to have gone wrong is that under normal circumstances the payments are made every four weeks, usually monday or tuesday. some might get paid by banks earlier than that but generally monday or tuesday. batches of payments through in a single day. today, out of something like ten batches, three did not go through as they should have done because of a technical issue. as a result people have been left without money. hmrc is trying to resolve the problem, it is not clear people will get money today or have to wait until wednesday. hmrc says it is sorry some customers payments did not arrive on schedule. we are working urgently to resolve the issue. in the meantime if people meet compensation from example if they are fined by banks for missing a payment they will have at the moment after peta complaint into the hmrc website. they are not going to look to compensate people unless they make a formal request through they make a formal request through the website. they have been advised not to contact hmrc at the moment on the phone. for not to contact hmrc at the moment on the hone. ., ., ., ,, i. pakistan's islamabad high court has overturned a treason conviction against former prime minister imran khan. mr khan had been given a ten—year prison sentence for the leaking of state secrets. but he remains behind bars, after being convicted of separate charges. earlier, i spoke to bbc urdu's correspondent in islamabad, saad sohail, who explained a little more about what might happen next. the high courtjust gave out the verdict, acquitted both the former prime minister imran khan and the former foreign minister shah mahmood qureshi, in a cypher case in which both of them were accused of allegedly leaking a diplomatic cable. the decision was, or the sentence was handed out injanuary this year in which both of them were handed out ten years in prison. the bigger question, like you asked, will imran khan be released after this? the answer is it's not possible at this point in time, because what we see is that there's another conviction in an unlawful marriage case in which imran khan has been sentenced for seven years and that case has recently been transferred to anotherjudge. so we don't see in the near future that imran khan coming out of prison. yes. and talk to me, if you will, about the significance of his acquittal, though, in this case, because he's had a lot of supporters. they've been outside the prison. they were outside the courtroom during the trial. they were very vocal. and it's a significant moment nonetheless, isn't it? absolutely. so, this year, injanuary and in february, three convictions were handed out consecutively afterjust merely after days. so this acquittal comes after months. and this is a big relief for not just the former premier, but for their party, pti, because imran khan has been building this narrative that all these cases are politically motivated. so this gives credence to that particular narrative as well. but in the overview or the bigger picture, imran khan still remains in prison and there are certain convictions and the dozens of cases against him. he does face trial and remains in prison currently. this is bbc news, these are the headlines. speculations about whether nigel farage will stand for reform the uk in the election. he is due rishi sunak says the conservatives would rewrite the law on gender and sex if re—elected — claiming it's necessary to protect women and girls. sir keir starmer calls labour the "party of national security" — and says he's committed to the uk's nuclear deterrent. hm revenue and customs says it's 'working urgently�* to resolve an issue which has left around half a million people without their child benefit payment. royal college of nursing has called for talks on nurses' pay to begin immediately after the election — as the union warns that patients are dying in hospital corridors. a waste company linked to the first minister of wales. he was given the cash during his successful campaign but since november and aaron blair of the companies has been under investigation by the environmental regulator. vaughan gething insists he has not broken any rules and has refused calls to return the donation. all smiles for the cameras. welsh first minister vaughan gething is one of the most senior labour politicians in the uk and a key player in the party's general election campaign. but questions over a £200,000 donation to his own leadership campaign earlier this year won't go away. his successful bid to become party leader in wales was bankrolled by a waste management company controlled by david neal, a wealthy businessman who has two criminal convictions for environmental offences. another of mr neal's companies runs this troubled landfill site in west wales. it's an inescapable stench that makes you retch. it's horrendous, it's rancid. it's almost like you can taste it. other people living nearby say the smell from the site is ruining their quality of life. don't want to wake up to my house smelling of rotten eggs, _ which is worse than my son's nappy. my biggest concern is that it's not being managed as it should be. i david neal says his company is working with the regulator to stop the smell, but the stench from here stretches all the way down the m4 to the office of wales's top politician. up until now, the questions for vaughan gething have focused on what one of his donors did in the past. but we can now reveal that one of that millionaire donor's companies is currently under criminal investigation and was when vaughan gething accepted the sum of money. the conservative opposition in the welsh parliament, the senedd, has tabled a vote of no—confidence in mr gething's leadership. to him, the prize of becoming first minister was too great and he was prepared to sacrifice the integrity of the office of first ministerfor the £200,000 that he took. with news that one of david neal's companies also revealed plans for a solar farm in this protected area of countryside the day before a firm he controls made a second donation to mr gething, others have questioned the new first minister's judgement. you get offered £200,000. the level of due diligence that you would expect to take place in that context would be significant. vaughan gething has not broken the ministerial code in taking the donation and he retains the full backing of labour's uk leader with only weeks to go before the general election. i'm really looking forward to a new partnership - where we can both deliver together for wales. - thank you, vaughan. but we've also discovered that one senior labour figure offered to lend mr gething money to repay the controversial donation in full. he turned down the offer. we've repeatedly tried to ask the first minister about the new evidence. did you know about the criminal investigation before you accepted the money? thank you. but his team said the issues had previously been addressed and were a matter of public record. this week's senedd vote of no—confidence is an unwelcome distraction for the first minister at a particularly busy time. farage we got this update earlier. this comes in the context of a wider general election. vaughan gething is at the forefront of labour's election campaign in wales. it is difficult to put a cigarette paper between him and keir starmer. cassano was in wales at the end of last week and was making clear that he had vaughan gething are fighting this together. thus far, the leader of the labour party in the united kingdom has completely backed vaughan gething. this is a story that won't go away. not only has vaughan gething taken this money away from a company run by a man with environmental offence convictions, but, as we discovered, there are now more investigations into another company owned by the same businessman. but he had vaughan gething and vaughan gething insist that they have done nothing illegal. vaughan gething has been cleared of abusing the ministerial code, but, there are plenty of people in the senedd behind me. one labourfigure has offered to lend him £200,000 to repay the money. labour only has a global majority in the senedd. it is not inconceivable they could lose that vote. there is a lot of pressure on labour members to support the beleaguered first minister because keir starmer clearly doesn't want a row in wales when he has a wider general election fight gall when he has a wider general election firh. , ., .., when he has a wider general election firh. , ., .,. when he has a wider general election firh- , ., .,. ., when he has a wider general election fight you can watch a bbc wales in the castigation _ fight you can watch a bbc wales in the castigation which _ fight you can watch a bbc wales in the castigation which is _ fight you can watch a bbc wales in the castigation which is currently i the castigation which is currently —— investigation, which is on the iplayer right now. if you are in wales, it is on tonight at 8pm. the state of delaware... it is the first prosecution of a child of a sitting president and setting history. hunter biden denies all accusations. let us talk to our state correspondent who has been in court. remind us what is at stake here. what is at stake is a very felony count that hunter biden faces. they are all relating to what the prosecution says was his purchase of a 38 calibre revolver from a gun store here in wilmington, delaware, in 2018. now, the purchase of the gun is not in dispute, or his ownership of it, over the next 11 days. what is is the declarations that he made on a federal form around gun control laws. he kicked a series of boxes to say things like: he fair in london, he didn't have criminal convictions. he was asked if he was a use of illegal drugs and techno. the prosecution says that is a lie. they say that he knowingly was addicted to illegal drugs at the time. now, hunter biden has very publicly spoken of his previous battles with drug and alcohol addiction. what the defence is going to claim here is that, at that moment in time, he didn't see himself as a drug addict, he was responding to that form honestly. they will also try to use an argument that his prosecution and is unconstitutional because of the recent relaxation of gun—control laws. they think that also because the prosecution goes against constitutional gun ownership. what we have had over the last few hours is the start of the trial. jury selection has taken place. i was sat just a few seats behind jill biden, who is in court, just a metre or so behind president biden pass son, hunter, who is sitting with his defence team, as those proceedings are going on. he glanced around at the press and the first lady. we have then had the prices of six or sevenjurors being have then had the prices of six or seven jurors being screened so far. they were asked a series of questions, including about their views, in some cases, gout gun ownership, if they have family members with addiction problems. one potentialjuror members with addiction problems. one potential juror was excused members with addiction problems. one potentialjuror was excused because he said that he had very strong views on second amendment rights, the right to bear arms, that meant he couldn't be impartial in this case. ,., ., , he couldn't be impartial in this case. ., , , _,, case. he potentially faces 25 years in rison case. he potentially faces 25 years in prison if — case. he potentially faces 25 years in prison if he _ case. he potentially faces 25 years in prison if he is _ case. he potentially faces 25 years in prison if he is convicted - case. he potentially faces 25 years in prison if he is convicted on - in prison if he is convicted on those three counts. i wonder about the timing of this, given everything that we saw with former president trump last week. not the most helpful of timings for this case to be caught as president biden prepares to face an election campaign. prepares to face an election campaign-— prepares to face an election campaign. prepares to face an election camairn. ~ . , . . ., campaign. we are seeing an election ear in campaign. we are seeing an election year in which — campaign. we are seeing an election year in which court _ campaign. we are seeing an election year in which court cases _ campaign. we are seeing an election year in which court cases are - year in which court cases are becoming a key part, in a sense, of the political campaign, because of the political campaign, because of the way that they are being used by the way that they are being used by the opponents of those on trial, or theirfamily members in this the opponents of those on trial, or their family members in this case. now, this is a federal court, but, already, we have seen republicans trying to accuse the department of justice of, in their words, giving preferential treatment to hunter biden over the way that not only this case has progressed, but also others. he faces allegations of tax evasion later this year in california. that is something the administration, president biden, has adamantly rejected. conversely we saw under biden pass defence team accuse the district attorney here of, in their words, accuse the district attorney here of, in theirwords, being accuse the district attorney here of, in their words, being selective and vindictive in pursuing the prosecution of hunter biden, they say, because he is the son of the president. that attorney was originally appointed by president trump. again, that was rejected by the authorities. so, this is clearly part of the campaign trail already, just as we have seen in the case of the trial of former president trump. keep us posted. china has accused the uk government of recruiting a couple to spy for the uk. beijing claim mi6 operatives recruited the couple when they were visiting the uk and then send them back to china to collect information. here is our security correspondent, frank gardner. , , ' security correspondent, frank gardner. , , , ., , security correspondent, frank gardner. ,, , ., ., gardner. this stuff goes on on both sides. britain _ gardner. this stuff goes on on both sides. britain does _ gardner. this stuff goes on on both sides. britain does it _ gardner. this stuff goes on on both sides. britain does it to _ gardner. this stuff goes on on both sides. britain does it to china, - sides. britain does it to china, china does at in britain, lots of countries spy on each other, and this is old school human intelligence gathering, recruiting some of countries spy on each other, and this is old school human intelligence gathering, recruiting somebody and position of being able to access sensitive documents... britain has a vested interest, as does the west, in trying to find out more about the secrets of china, whether they are to do with the military, technology. janet is the same thing. both sides, recently, both britain and china, have started accusing the other. in the past, britain might be convinced china is responsible for a mass of attempted cyber attack, responsible for a mass of attempted cyberattack, but responsible for a mass of attempted cyber attack, but they haven't named the country. recently, they have. about a month ago, britain charged two people with spying for china under a thing called the national security act which came in last year. so, the idea of nurturing somebody and wining and dining them, taking them out, saying: this will be good for you, there is lots of money in this fee. saying: you could become seriously rich through this. there are lots of motivations for people to spy on their own country or organisation. they may be disgruntled. they may need the money. amy need money for a dying relative. lots of things. in this case, if the allegations are true, and nobody in london is giving any official, comment, they will not confirm or deny, if they are true, i would say that a pretty plausible story. tt would say that a pretty plausible sto . , ., , . ., would say that a pretty plausible sto. , ., ,, story. it is fascinating because it feels like all _ story. it is fascinating because it feels like all of _ story. it is fascinating because it feels like all of those _ story. it is fascinating because it feels like all of those things - story. it is fascinating because it. feels like all of those things come straight out of a movie or a book. you touched on what they might be looking to get information on. what is it both sides want to learn? china has an absolutely massive appetite to everything tech. not only military secrets, but anything to do economics, ai, they are interested, of course, in the opposition movement. hong kong activists, tibetans, those operating in different countries. they want to identify the and threaten them, and in some cases, charge them, even try and bring them back. in terms of acquiring data. china has a great big openjaw for acquiring data. china has a great big open jaw for gathering acquiring data. china has a great big openjaw for gathering up data, because data is power, and china has been head of the game on this. they want to become the global leaders in aland a lot of tech industries. they got ahead of the game on things like zonal panels, electric vehicles, things like that. what does britain want? they haven't quite got the same appetite commercially, they are not trying to be the global leader economically, but they want to know more about what the thinking is in the politburo: are they really going to make a move on taiwan? are they really building up for an invasion of taiwan? they are trying to get inside the mindset of the chinese leaders, in particular, the military part of the chinese leadership. frank gardner talking to me just a little earlier. mexico pass first female president vowed she won't let down the country's people. claudia sheinbaum a former climate scientist and mayor of mexico city was speaking to supporters after her landslide victory. she has promised to reduce violence and to improve the lives of women. they face some of the highest murder rates in the world. we have this report. a genuine moment of history in mexico. in a nation where women only got the vote in the 1950s, claudia sheinbaum becomes the first woman to break centuries of male domination over the mexican presidency, shattering the mexican presidency, shattering the glass ceiling for generations of women to come. for the first time in 200 years, women have reached the presidency, she told herjubilant supporters in the capital pass main plaza. translation: , translation: it is historic coming obliruel . translation: it is historic coming obliquely- it _ translation: it is historic coming obliquely- it is _ translation: it is historic coming obliquely. it is for _ translation: it is historic coming obliquely. it is for the _ translation: it is historic coming obliquely. it is for the women - translation: it is historic coming obliquely. it is for the women who | obliquely. it is for the women who are no longer with us and those who are no longer with us and those who are still fighting, not only in the political arena, are still fighting, not only in the politicalarena, but are still fighting, not only in the political arena, but in any way where we have conviction as well. to see somebody who comes from a fight at the _ see somebody who comes from a fight at the bottom to the presidency so emotional — at the bottom to the presidency so emotional. for me, it is marvellous. in a nation— emotional. for me, it is marvellous. in a nation of— emotional. for me, it is marvellous. in a nation of such entrenched machismo, what claudia sheinbaum is achieved here is no small feat. other women have tried and failed, but her offer of continuity with the governing party pass social policies which have pulled millions from poverty have proved hugely popular with the electorate. her critics, in particular, her opponent in the vote, xochitl galvez, had left deeply frustrated, especially by the huge margin of victory. they say that her mentor, president obrador, is a populist and authoritarian, and that shane baum will be his puppet. the selection has been historic for the wrong reasons as well. it has been the most violent campaign in living memory: dozens of candidates were doesn't and murdered. one of them was the candidate alfredo cabrera. he was shot in the back of the head by gunmen at his closing rally. his murder was a sign of the huge security task facing shane baum. 11 women and girls are killed every day in mexico, and critics fear that she is not up to tackling the problem. if claudia sheinbaum wins, i think that the militarisation will continue to increase. , . ., ., ., increase. they will continue to have ower increase. they will continue to have power above _ increase. they will continue to have power above the _ increase. they will continue to have power above the military _ increase. they will continue to have power above the military and - increase. they will continue to have power above the military and the... they have been together for decades. cheering her supporters are now celebrating victory. when the party ends, most voters want drug cartel crime tackling to be prioritised over all other issues. claudia sheinbaum inherits a nation mired in violence. now her challenge is to succeed where so many before her failed. now, let us return to all things general election. the party leaders are preparing to go head—to—head in theirfirst are preparing to go head—to—head in their first televised debate. are preparing to go head—to—head in theirfirst televised debate. she verify as analysed the arguments being made on all sides. keir starmer laid out his defence plan today and our analyst looks at labour's claims about the government's track records. labour claims of the _ government's track records. labour claims of the army _ government's track records. labour claims of the army have _ government's track records. labour claims of the army have got - government's track records. labour claims of the army have got the - claims of the army have got the armies of the smaller size since napoleon and mistreatment targets every year. is that fair? well, as you can see, from the most recent ministry of defence eight on the uk armed forces personnel, the number of regular army forces was around 75,000 in the first three months of this year, down from 79,000 at the of 2019just before this year, down from 79,000 at the of 2019 just before the last election. the number has fallen by around 4000 over this parliament. military historians estimate this is indeed the smallest size of the regular army since the napoleonic wars in the early 19th century. the army has reserved for force of around 30,000, so it is slightly larger than a napoleonic times if you factor in that. as for the claim about recruitment targets, mod data shows that the number of non—officers are included in the army and in every year since 2010 versus the targets for that year, you can see the targets in black and the numbers recruited in blue, and then,in the numbers recruited in blue, and then, in red, the gap between the two. you can see that this does suggest a deficit in every year except 2021. however, we need to add some relevant context for these labour criticisms. they have not themselves obliged to increase number of soldiers and today talked about keeping the trident nuclear deterrent, is running costs are estimated to be around £3 billion a year, reducing the potential to do that if they want power. the conservative response to labour's claims to be the party of national defence has been to point out the deputy leader, angela rayner, and the shadow foreign secretary, david lammy, voted against renewing trident in 2016 and a parliamentary vote. this is correct, although keir starmer voted in favour of renewal, and labourformerly starmer voted in favour of renewal, and labour formerly supported trident in the 2019 election manifesto. perhaps a bigger challenge for labour, if they want power, would be grappling with the same tough strategic and financial choices of the current government between maintaining the number of military personnel and investing in technology to counter new security threats such as cyber attacks and those arising from artificial intelligence. to govern is to choose, and a future labour government, just like the conservatives, would be forced to choose priorities when it comes to defence. ., ., , ., choose priorities when it comes to defence. ., ., ., “ defence. that was from our bbc verify help- _ defence. that was from our bbc verify help. more _ defence. that was from our bbc verify help. more than - defence. that was from our bbc verify help. more than 100 - defence. that was from our bbc i verify help. more than 100 artists including steve coogan, paloma faith, and michael rosen, have signed an open letter calling on keir starmer to halt arms sales to israel. if labour wins the general election on the 4th ofjuly, the letter says halting sales would demonstrate the uk's commitment to human rights and international law. keir starmer signalled he would review the contract with israel but has made no firm commitment to ending armour sales. let us not one of the actors who signed that, will attenborough. gaddafi with us. why sign up to this letter? t can attenborough. gaddafi with us. why sign up to this letter?— sign up to this letter? i can only talk from my — sign up to this letter? i can only talk from my personal _ sign up to this letter? i can only i talk from my personal perspective and my personal reasons for signing it. i amjewish, i am a member of the labour party, but the notion of a jewish homeland the labour party, but the notion of ajewish homeland means the labour party, but the notion of a jewish homeland means a the labour party, but the notion of ajewish homeland means a great the labour party, but the notion of a jewish homeland means a great deal to me. i am here in the united kingdom because my forebears fled here from anti—jewish violence in eastern europe, my grandad and great uncles grew up with great # grew up with two jewish uncles grew up with great # grew up with twojewish refugee girls. i think there are few things being done more in the world to delegitimise the hope and dream of a jewish than what netanyahu and yoav gallant are doing. the notion of a jewish homeland can only exist and flourish if it doesn't come at the expense and oppression of other people. we see daily images of the tragedy and horror. it is unconscionable to think that we wouldn't speak up in this moment to call for that to end, even somebody who very much cares about the existence of a jewish nation. this letter is about _ existence of a jewish nation. this letter is about asking keir starmer to halt arms sales to israel. would a betterfocus to halt arms sales to israel. would a better focus not to halt arms sales to israel. would a betterfocus not simply to halt arms sales to israel. would a better focus not simply be a letter to the israeli government to stop those actions in gaza? one would assume that if the gay stops selling arms, they would be sourced elsewhere. —— if the uk stops selling arms. elsewhere. -- if the uk stops selling arms.— elsewhere. -- if the uk stops selling arms. elsewhere. -- if the uk stops sellin: arms. ,, ., . ., selling arms. strategic point of talkin: to selling arms. strategic point of talking to the _ selling arms. strategic point of talking to the labour _ selling arms. strategic point of talking to the labour leadership i selling arms. strategic point of talking to the labour leadership is| talking to the labour leadership is that keir starmer is a former human rights lawyer. i voted for him to be leader on that basis. labour is a progressive party, and a lot of its leaders came out when russia invaded ukraine, and talked about the values of democracy and human rights. i think that they risk opening themselves up to huge accusations of hypocrisy if they don't consistently act in this moment in calling out not only ourfoes, act in this moment in calling out not only our foes, but also our strategic allies when they abuse human rights. so, the games writing this letter is that this is a point of leveraging that we have —— the case for writing this letter. fin case for writing this letter. on that point _ case for writing this letter. on that point of h, what power do you as artists and actors have in shaping a dialogue? some people would say, why should we listen to 100 actors and artists? t would say, why should we listen to 100 actors and artists?— 100 actors and artists? i think that all the time. _ 100 actors and artists? i think that all the time. i _ 100 actors and artists? i think that all the time, i listen _ 100 actors and artists? i think that all the time, i listen to _ 100 actors and artists? i think that all the time, i listen to a _ 100 actors and artists? i think that all the time, i listen to a bunch - 100 actors and artists? i think that all the time, i listen to a bunch of| all the time, i listen to a bunch of actors? but look, for better and worse, actors and artists have access to a pulp it. we have audiences. i don't particularly, but many are much less to do. for better or worse, we have a role in shaping the cultural values we uphold as a society. we see that with loads of issues like black lives matter or 937 issues like black lives matter or gay rights. when art moves, it changes our use of what is ok and not ok. i totally understand if people want to say: that is a bunch of out of touch artists. that is fair enough. but, ialso of out of touch artists. that is fair enough. but, i also think we are doing what we can to affect the dialogue in this moment. tt is are doing what we can to affect the dialogue in this moment. it is good to talk to you- _ dialogue in this moment. it is good to talk to you. thank _ dialogue in this moment. it is good to talk to you. thank you _ dialogue in this moment. it is good to talk to you. thank you for - to talk to you. thank you for joining us on bbc news this afternoon, will attenborough. thanks, man. we afternoon, will attenborough. thanks. man-— afternoon, will attenborough. thanks, man. we return to the breakin: thanks, man. we return to the breaking story _ thanks, man. we return to the breaking story brought - thanks, man. we return to the breaking story brought you - thanks, man. we return to the breaking story brought you a i thanks, man. we return to the i breaking story brought you a ago, news leicester city's former manager lorenzo maresca has been appointed the new head coach, replacing moritz you eno at stamford bridge. the bbc sport centre are on hand for us. they will be hoping that he sticks around. the announcement expected at 3pm. the announcement arrived at 3m this afternoon. lorenzo carrasco leaving to join chelsea. if you read the statements that come out after any managerial announcement, to have the parties involved in the negotiations and delighted with the outcome. one of them sounds pretty miffed. maurice kay speaking to the club website said that to join one of the biggest clubs in the world is a dream forany of the biggest clubs in the world is a dream for any coach, it is why i am so excited by this opportunity. he looks forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team which continues in the traditions of success and makes the fans cloud. proud. chelsea said that lorenzo had impressed them and live in the discussion sailing up to his appointment and that his ethics align with the club and that they look forward to working with him. in contrast, leicester city say that given the promising foundations established in his single season in charge, the car business minded enzo has decided at this stage he no longer wants to be part of our vision. so, a bitter pill for leicester to follow given that he had led leicester to the championship title last season. we got them back into the premier league. they clearly had i hoped he would help them kick on as they rejoin them back into the premier league. they clearly had i hoped he would help them kick on as they rejoin the premier league. as you say, he he left after one season in charge, chelsea rattling through the managers. also runners—up in the carabao cup. it wasn't maresca who rose up to the top of the third candidates list. it is going to be a really interesting test for them now to see how maresca reacts to working with such a big club, with such a big budget, which such high expectations. he only began his senior career managing in 2021 at the italian club, parma, and only lasted hundred and 80 days there. they won only four of his matches in charge. in english football, he is only 152 matches, none of those in the premier league. he will meet the players who are not on international duty. getting them prepared for the pre—season tour of the us. as you say, chelsea fans reacting on social media hoping for success and stability in the last five years. definitely, a bit of stability. lovely to see you. thank you. now, believe it or not, the uk had its warmest may and spring on record, despite dull and wet conditions for many parts of the country. the met office figures show that made 2024 recorded an average of 13.1 celsius for the uk and beat their previous 2008 record by1 degrees. it is the warmest may on records, dating back to 1884. let us find out how. ben is here, a weather presenter for the bbc, many people would say, no chance was so warmest. but it was. many have said exactly the same thing. believe me. it has been the warmest spring on record, the warmest spring on record, the warmest may on record. also the second wettest spring on record. how is all of that happen? a few different things: one thing about me in particular is that we have had some high temperatures in the north of the uk. temperatures in scotland have been well above the previous records. obviously, we cake an average of the uk and push that whole average upwards. there are other big thing that we have seen this spring has been a feature across the spring, and that is really warm nights. we haven't had many cold nights. spring is a transitional season, the transition from winter towards summer. it is not some yet. we still get some cold nights in spring. we haven't seen many of those. one thing you have asked me, one thing many have asked me, is how is it been so warm in spite of all of the cloud and rain? actually, warm nights apparently because of all of that cloud and rain. cloudy weather at night keeps the temperature is up. the cloud acts like a blanket. partly because of all of that cloud, if it is a one night, it pushes up the average overall. t5 night, it pushes up the average overall. , ., ., ., overall. is it fair to say that climate change _ overall. is it fair to say that climate change means - overall. is it fair to say that climate change means we i overall. is it fair to say that i climate change means we will overall. is it fair to say that - climate change means we will see more rain and unusual temperatures? the two go hand—in—hand. thea;r more rain and unusualtemperatures? the two go hand-in-hand._ more rain and unusualtemperatures? the two go hand-in-hand. they do. we will continue — the two go hand-in-hand. they do. we will continue in _ the two go hand-in-hand. they do. we will continue in a _ the two go hand-in-hand. they do. we will continue in a warming _ the two go hand-in-hand. they do. we will continue in a warming climate - will continue in a warming climate to see weather extremes are very cold weather and warm weather, but what we are seeing is fewer cold weather extremes and more and more warm weather extremes. just ticking through the statistics, eight of the ten warmest spring is on record have happened since 2000. the top ten, eight in the century. only one of the ten coldest springs as happened to this entry. more warm weather extremes are being seen in cold weather extremes, and as you say, rain is something we expect more of because of climate change. the warmer the air, the warm moisture it is able to hold. it is a bit like having a sponge full of warm moisture, the moisture in the sponge, the more you can ring out in the form of heavy rain. it will be warmer and wetter.— the form of heavy rain. it will be warmer and wetter. good for the gardens is _ warmer and wetter. good for the gardens is all— warmer and wetter. good for the gardens is all i _ warmer and wetter. good for the gardens is all i will— warmer and wetter. good for the gardens is all i will say _ warmer and wetter. good for the gardens is all i will say at - warmer and wetter. good for the gardens is all i will say at this i gardens is all i will say at this point. lovely to see you. thank you. just to remind you what we are waiting for: we are expecting announcements from nigel farage. they are during the next few minutes. our correspondence fake to him as he arrived at the venue in central london. bre him as he arrived at the venue in central london.— him as he arrived at the venue in central london. you central london. are you sending? you will find out — central london. are you sending? you will find out in _ central london. are you sending? you will find out in a _ central london. are you sending? you will find out in a moment. _ central london. are you sending? you will find out in a moment. change - will find out in a moment. change our will find out in a moment. change your mind? _ will find out in a moment. change your mind? who _ will find out in a moment. change your mind? who said _ will find out in a moment. change your mind? who said i _ will find out in a moment. change your mind? who said i had? - will find out in a moment. change your mind? who said i had? ten i will find out in a moment. change - your mind? who said i had? ten days aro ou your mind? who said i had? ten days ago you said — your mind? who said i had? ten days ago you said you _ your mind? who said i had? ten days ago you said you weren't _ your mind? who said i had? ten days ago you said you weren't going - your mind? who said i had? ten days ago you said you weren't going to - ago you said you weren't going to stand. why the change? flan ago you said you weren't going to stand. why the change?— ago you said you weren't going to stand. why the change? can you think of an bod stand. why the change? can you think of anybody that _ stand. why the change? can you think of anybody that has _ stand. why the change? can you think of anybody that has stood _ stand. why the change? can you think of anybody that has stood up - stand. why the change? can you think of anybody that has stood up and - of anybody that has stood up and fought _ of anybody that has stood up and fought against the establishment despite _ fought against the establishment despite the abuse? | fought against the establishment despite the abuse?— fought against the establishment despite the abuse? i don't know how much of that — despite the abuse? i don't know how much of that he _ despite the abuse? i don't know how much of that he could _ despite the abuse? i don't know how much of that he could hear, - despite the abuse? i don't know how much of that he could hear, lucy - despite the abuse? i don't know how| much of that he could hear, lucy was asking if he is standing, he says we will find out in a moment. this is where we will find out. she put it to him, he said ten days ago that he said he wouldn't stand. he says: do you have change your mind? we will find out. not long to wait. nigel farage and sheila eric for pm. he is in the building, obviously, as we have just shown you. we will hear from him shortly. we heard from the prime minister earlier, he was questioned about it. rishi sunak was asked about the emergency announcement, nigel farage's words. an emergency election announcement. rishi sunak said how much he would fear nigel farage standing —— and rishi sunak was asked if he would fear nigel fry standing. rishi sunak replied that only him or keir starmer will be prime minister after the election candidate against a conservative candidate is a vote for keir starmer in number ten. that is what rishi sunak said earlier. mr faraj said that he simply didn't have enough time to campaign previously in a constituency. he has now had a few more days to think about it, and we think that maybe there will be an announcement forthcoming. he has got a bit more time and other nominations actually close and when all other parties have to have finalist of which candidates are standing for which party and in which constituency. there has been some speculation, that he may choose to stand for clacton in essex. so, we will keep very close on what happens when he takes to that select turn. not the one that you are seeing there. it is another venue. we are keeping a close eye on it for you. if he does stand and changes his mind, it would be his eighth attempt to become an mp. we will keep a close eye on what is happening. the scene that you are looking at their as the room gets busier, i am looking into cf mr faraj is amongst the line—up. —— mr nigel farage. it would be his eighth attempt to become an mp. reform sources speaking to the bbc a little earlier were saying that a possible announcement comes from mr nigel farage who loves his theatre. this would certainly be quite a dramatic moment. it is worth saying that we cover events like this. it is important because of the ability of reform to split the conservative vote. that is also why we asked rishi sunak earlier about his thoughts on whether he would fear nigel farage standing. so, he simply said that about anyone who isn't a conservative candidate would be a vote to put keir starmer into number ten. that is bringing our political correspondent. just moving to the lectern, just give us your thoughts, i might enter up give us your thoughts, i might enter up to you when mr farage comes out that this would be quite a demented u—turn days after saying he would not stand. u-turn days after saying he would not stand. . �* , not stand. that's right, it certainly _ not stand. that's right, it certainly would. - not stand. that's right, it certainly would. a - not stand. that's right, it certainly would. a lot - not stand. that's right, it certainly would. a lot of. certainly would. a lot of conservative strategists in particular brive decile of relief when mr farage said he would not be standing as a candidate in the election because he is seen, whether people like him although it him, as an effective political campaigner. one of the most prominent campaigners during the brexit referendum so there was speculation about whether he wanted to become an mp. if he does it will change the tone of the campaign. he is somebody who has been very effective as a campaigner previously. one caveat to be aware of is how much this would really shift the dial nationally. he already has been playing a really significant campaign giving speeches and on the reform campaign bus. certainly he has been playing quite a big role nationally. if he did choose to stand he would have to divert quite a lot of his focus and attention to one particular constituency. perhaps you should be out on the about nationally less if he had a constituency to hammer support in. that is one factor but certainly if he does decide to change his mind that would be something that comes as a bit of a blow to a lot of the conservative campaigners in this campaign. privately not that they would say this publicly, because ideological opposite ends of the spectrum but the usually welcome to those to a lot in the labour party including some i have spoken to because the concern among the conservatives as that s reform uk do well in this election this has the potential to split the conservative right leaning vote in certain seats, particularly where some of the issues reform uk are hammering in this campaign are a big concern of local voters, immigration for example in some of the seats, i think that is certainly the seats, i think that is certainly the way other parties would respond what he did decide to change his mind. ., , , _ ., ., mind. not his first time by a long stretch. mind. not his first time by a long stretch- his _ mind. not his first time by a long stretch. his eighth _ mind. not his first time by a long stretch. his eighth attempt - mind. not his first time by a long stretch. his eighth attempt to i stretch. his eighth attempt to become an mp. not with the most success? . �* , become an mp. not with the most success? ., �* , ., ., , success? that's right and that is im ortant success? that's right and that is important context _ success? that's right and that is important context here. - success? that's right and that is important context here. just - success? that's right and that is - important context here. just because somebody decides to stand or not, they still cause have to make it in within parliament, when a seat. current polling does not suggest reform uk are on course to win many seats. it certainly does suggest they are potentially polling high enough they could cause trouble to see conservatives. and which could be quite close. if he wants to have influence within parliament he would have to have a mountain to climb. he has been influential on conservative politics from the outside. there has been some talk even within conservative campaign circles in the last few weeks that some of the conservative policies are speculated to be specifically designed to try and win back support from some former conservative voters who might be entertaining the idea of voting for reform this time around. the question is whether he has two balance influence on politics from the outside, does he want to shape conservative politics, or does he want to shape something from the inside and have a shot again being an mp but that depends on whether the electorate, he has been unsuccessful. we are waiting to find out if he's willing to have another go. out if he's willing to have another to. out if he's willing to have another r o, , ., out if he's willing to have another t 0. , ., ., , out if he's willing to have another go. he said there was not enough time to campaign _ go. he said there was not enough time to campaign but _ go. he said there was not enough time to campaign but also - go. he said there was not enough time to campaign but also talked| time to campaign but also talked about going to the us to help donald trump and his election campaign. we don't yet know that it would be quite a u—turn. done in a way that you can never accused politicians of boring politics like now. it would be quite a dramatic moment. nigel farage loves his theatre.— farage loves his theatre. that's ri . ht. farage loves his theatre. that's rirht. if farage loves his theatre. that's right- if one _ farage loves his theatre. that's right. if one thing _ farage loves his theatre. that's right. if one thing is _ farage loves his theatre. that's right. if one thing is for - farage loves his theatre. that'sj right. if one thing is for certain, nigel farage has a reputation being able to make a big noise about announcements, get media hype certainly but also as i mentioned, whether people love him and his politics or dislike him and his politics, most people agree he is an effective campaign are able to get people listening to him. he has been very visible, even if he has been not officially the leader of the party. certainly nigel farage has been a big presence despite the statement you mentioned previously saying he wanted to or had given a lot of thought to standing as an mp in the election but decided to focus attention on the us... t am in the election but decided to focus attention on the us. . ._ attention on the us... i am 'ust aroin to attention on the us... i am 'ust going to interrupt i attention on the us... i am 'ust going to interrupt you i attention on the us... i am 'ust going to interrupt you and h attention on the us... i amjust going to interrupt you and we i attention on the us... i am just i going to interrupt you and we will going to interrupt you and we will go straight to central london. nigel farage making his way to the podium. great stuff, very, very good. richard, _ great stuff, very, very good. richard, thank you very much indeed. we have _ richard, thank you very much indeed. we have put— richard, thank you very much indeed. we have put out the operations notice — we have put out the operations notice for — we have put out the operations notice for today under the title emergency, election announcement and we did _ emergency, election announcement and we did that _ emergency, election announcement and we did that because we think this election— we did that because we think this election needs a bit of ginger ring up. election needs a bit of ginger ring up thus — election needs a bit of ginger ring up. thus far it is that a list most boring _ up. thus far it is that a list most boring election campaign we have ever seen— boring election campaign we have ever seen and it is funny because the more — ever seen and it is funny because the more the two big party leaders try to _ the more the two big party leaders try to be _ the more the two big party leaders try to be different, the more they actually— try to be different, the more they actually sound the same. reached such ridiculous levels that we saw yesterday — such ridiculous levels that we saw yesterday on the conservatives social — yesterday on the conservatives social media a post about the cross—channel illegal. with starmer has got _ cross—channel illegal. with starmer has got no — cross—channel illegal. with starmer has got no plan, the tories have reduced — has got no plan, the tories have reduced cross—channel migrants by 36%~ _ reduced cross—channel migrants by 36%~ we _ reduced cross—channel migrants by 36%. we have even come to lying, because _ 36%. we have even come to lying, because it — 36%. we have even come to lying, because it is — 36%. we have even come to lying, because it is now up nearly 30% this year~ _ because it is now up nearly 30% this year~ sir— because it is now up nearly 30% this year~ sir keir— because it is now up nearly 30% this year. sir keir starmer overnight of course _ year. sir keir starmer overnight of course on — year. sir keir starmer overnight of course on this big issue of immigration says they are going to cut the _ immigration says they are going to cut the numbers. he is the man who campaigned — cut the numbers. he is the man who campaigned notjust for a second referendum, but a believer in open borders— referendum, but a believer in open borders and — referendum, but a believer in open borders and a man who was a lawyer for very— borders and a man who was a lawyer for very hard — borders and a man who was a lawyer for very hard for those who arrived on the _ for very hard for those who arrived on the back— for very hard for those who arrived on the back of lorries to get benefits— on the back of lorries to get benefits once they got here. frankly. _ benefits once they got here. frankly, we are in a situation i think— frankly, we are in a situation i think when— frankly, we are in a situation i think when nobody believes a word they say. _ think when nobody believes a word they say, no one is listening. people — they say, no one is listening. people are zoned out. right at the minute _ people are zoned out. right at the minute, none of the above is top of the polls— minute, none of the above is top of the polls by— minute, none of the above is top of the polls by a country mile. the problem — the polls by a country mile. the problem with this as we know whoever winsr _ problem with this as we know whoever wins, taxes _ problem with this as we know whoever wins, taxes will remain high. the highest _ wins, taxes will remain high. the highest tax — wins, taxes will remain high. the highest tax burden since 1948. everyone — highest tax burden since 1948. everyone is promising not to put taxes _ everyone is promising not to put taxes up. — everyone is promising not to put taxes up, but nobody talks about reducing — taxes up, but nobody talks about reducing the tax burden. we also know— reducing the tax burden. we also know our— reducing the tax burden. we also know our people are getting poorer. yes, know our people are getting poorer. yes. we _ know our people are getting poorer. yes. we had — know our people are getting poorer. yes, we had growth in the economy, the last— yes, we had growth in the economy, the last set— yes, we had growth in the economy, the last set of figures were slightly— the last set of figures were slightly better than before. gdp they call— slightly better than before. gdp they call it, we must all how slightly better than before. gdp they call it, we must all bow down to the _ they call it, we must all bow down to the god — they call it, we must all bow down to the god of gdp. in fact the more immigration we have, the better the gdp numbers are, because there are more _ gdp numbers are, because there are more people in the country. what about— more people in the country. what about gdp— more people in the country. what about gdp per person? per capita? it went down— about gdp per person? per capita? it went down by almost .7% over the last year~ — went down by almost .7% over the last year. we know taxes will stay high, _ last year. we know taxes will stay high, we — last year. we know taxes will stay high, we know mass immigration will continue. _ high, we know mass immigration will continue, regardless of which party wins power, we know that people get poorer, _ wins power, we know that people get poorer, but _ wins power, we know that people get poorer, but we also know that crime or fear— poorer, but we also know that crime or fear of— poorer, but we also know that crime or fear of crime will get worse. london. — or fear of crime will get worse. london, even the wealthier parts of london. _ london, even the wealthier parts of london, have been transformed over the course _ london, have been transformed over the course of the last few years. crime _ the course of the last few years. crime is — the course of the last few years. crime is so — the course of the last few years. crime is so bad the course of the last few years. crime is so had now that people crime is so bad now that people generally— crime is so had now that people generally don't even bother to report— generally don't even bother to report it _ generally don't even bother to report it. but it is ok, you can go shoplifting — report it. but it is ok, you can go shoplifting and cap to 200 quids worth— shoplifting and cap to 200 quids worth of— shoplifting and cap to 200 quids worth of kit before anybody is even going _ worth of kit before anybody is even going to _ worth of kit before anybody is even going to prosecute you. these are symptoms — going to prosecute you. these are symptoms of a country that actually is in decline. we are an economic decline. — is in decline. we are an economic decline. in— is in decline. we are an economic decline, in relative terms. sure we are doing better than our former partners — are doing better than our former partners in — are doing better than our former partners in the european union. massively— partners in the european union. massively behind america and many other— massively behind america and many other parts— massively behind america and many other parts of the world. we are in social— other parts of the world. we are in social decline. we are in a form of moral— social decline. we are in a form of moral decline. we have forgotten who we are _ moral decline. we have forgotten who we are as _ moral decline. we have forgotten who we are as a _ moral decline. we have forgotten who we are as a country. we got a very impassioned — we are as a country. we got a very impassioned speech by keir starmer this morning about d—day. he talked about— this morning about d—day. he talked about his _ this morning about d—day. he talked about his brother serving on hms antelope — about his brother serving on hms antelope in the falklands. and he spoke _ antelope in the falklands. and he spoke actually with a great degree of passion. but here is a little statistic— of passion. but here is a little statistic that sums up what has been wrong _ statistic that sums up what has been wrong with— statistic that sums up what has been wrong with our ruling classes. on thursday— wrong with our ruling classes. on thursday of— wrong with our ruling classes. on thursday of this week, there will be massive _ thursday of this week, there will be massive international commemorations of the _ massive international commemorations of the day _ massive international commemorations of the day. something which the british— of the day. something which the british played an extraordinary part~ _ british played an extraordinary part. something which we can be just immensely— part. something which we can be just immensely proud of in terms of what we were _ immensely proud of in terms of what we were able to organise, able to do, we were able to organise, able to do. and _ we were able to organise, able to do. and the — we were able to organise, able to do, and the courage people showed. can you _ do, and the courage people showed. can you believe a poll out last week showed _ can you believe a poll out last week showed that 52% of 18—34 —year—olds don't _ showed that 52% of 18—34 —year—olds don't even _ showed that 52% of 18—34 —year—olds don't even know what d—day is. that is what _ don't even know what d—day is. that is what you _ don't even know what d—day is. that is what you get when you are led by a korea _ is what you get when you are led by a korea political class that don't really _ a korea political class that don't really care — a korea political class that don't really care about and are embarrassed to say anything that could _ embarrassed to say anything that could be — embarrassed to say anything that could be seen to be very vaguely patriotic — could be seen to be very vaguely patriotic. we're told michael gove will improve the education system. if will improve the education system. if half— will improve the education system. if half of— will improve the education system. if half of people in this young people — if half of people in this young people in this country don't know about— people in this country don't know about an — people in this country don't know about an event within living memory and which _ about an event within living memory and which should be one of the proudest — and which should be one of the proudest things this nation has ever managed _ proudest things this nation has ever managed to achieve, something i think— managed to achieve, something i think is— managed to achieve, something i think is fundamentally wrong at every— think is fundamentally wrong at every level. the centre of gravity on every — every level. the centre of gravity on every national debate has moved hugely— on every national debate has moved hugely to _ on every national debate has moved hugely to the left since 2010, when david _ hugely to the left since 2010, when david cameron and george osborne took power. we represent a very different _ took power. we represent a very different kind of politics, we believe _ different kind of politics, we believe the westminster political class _ believe the westminster political class are — believe the westminster political class are more detached from ordinary— class are more detached from ordinary folk than they were even before _ ordinary folk than they were even before that referendum stunned everybody back all those years ago now in _ everybody back all those years ago now in 2016. something has gone very. _ now in 2016. something has gone very. very— now in 2016. something has gone very, very wrong. what we also know is the _ very, very wrong. what we also know is the election is over. it is done. labour— is the election is over. it is done. labour have _ is the election is over. it is done. labour have won the election, there is not _ labour have won the election, there is not a _ labour have won the election, there is not a contest. there is a big mrp pulled _ is not a contest. there is a big mrp pulled coming out on sky news at 5pm. _ pulled coming out on sky news at 5pm. it— pulled coming out on sky news at 5pm, it will confirm all the things we have — 5pm, it will confirm all the things we have seen before. whether the conservatives get 80 or 150 seats is now almost — conservatives get 80 or 150 seats is now almost irrelevant, starmer has won this _ now almost irrelevant, starmer has won this election. that is my fear, nothing _ won this election. that is my fear, nothing will — won this election. that is my fear, nothing will change. maybe things will get _ nothing will change. maybe things will get ever so slightly worse. i stood _ will get ever so slightly worse. i stood here a week ago and said hands up, i stood here a week ago and said hands up. i have _ stood here a week ago and said hands up, i have been nonplussed by rishi sunak— up, i have been nonplussed by rishi sunak calling a short—term election, it does— sunak calling a short—term election, it does not— sunak calling a short—term election, it does not give you the time to find a _ it does not give you the time to find a constituency or give me the time _ find a constituency or give me the time to— find a constituency or give me the time to build up data. i thought the rational— time to build up data. i thought the rational thing to do was knock stand. — rational thing to do was knock stand, but do my bit as i put it, supporting _ stand, but do my bit as i put it, supporting the country around the party _ supporting the country around the party for— supporting the country around the party. forthe supporting the country around the party. for the past week that's what i party. for the past week that's what i have _ party. for the past week that's what i have been— party. for the past week that's what i have been doing. travelling around the country — i have been doing. travelling around the country. i had the honour of appearing — the country. i had the honour of appearing in peers morgan on question— appearing in peers morgan on question time amongst other things, i question time amongst other things, i have _ question time amongst other things, i have been— question time amongst other things, i have been to dover to talk about the migrant crisis i alone predicted 4.5 the migrant crisis i alone predicted “ years— the migrant crisis i alone predicted 4.5 years ago. more importantly, i have _ 4.5 years ago. more importantly, i have been— 4.5 years ago. more importantly, i have been on the streets meeting an awful— have been on the streets meeting an awful lot _ have been on the streets meeting an awful lot of— have been on the streets meeting an awful lot of people. interestingly, and you _ awful lot of people. interestingly, and you won't have got this yet and the posters— and you won't have got this yet and the posters won't yet have picked this up. _ the posters won't yet have picked this up, but i promise you the 30 years— this up, but i promise you the 30 years of— this up, but i promise you the 30 years of experience in this game, something — years of experience in this game, something is happening out there. there _ something is happening out there. there is— something is happening out there. there is a — something is happening out there. there is a rejection of the political— there is a rejection of the political class going on in this country— political class going on in this country in _ political class going on in this country in a way that has not been seen _ country in a way that has not been seen in _ country in a way that has not been seen in modern times. the other thing _ seen in modern times. the other thing that— seen in modern times. the other thing that really shook me last week was the _ thing that really shook me last week was the number of people coming up to me _ was the number of people coming up to me saying nigel why aren't you standing? — to me saying nigel why aren't you standing? and i gave my logical rational— standing? and i gave my logical rational reason for it. but i could not help— rational reason for it. but i could not help after each exchange, i simply — not help after each exchange, i simply could not help feeling somehow they felt i was letting them down _ somehow they felt i was letting them down that _ somehow they felt i was letting them down. that i was not standing out for these — down. that i was not standing out for these people. down. that i was not standing out forthese people. people in down. that i was not standing out for these people. people in their millions— for these people. people in their millions who stood with me in some cases— millions who stood with me in some cases for— millions who stood with me in some cases for many years. election battles — cases for many years. election battles. referendums. and i guess i have been— battles. referendums. and i guess i have been a — battles. referendums. and i guess i have been a champion for many of those _ have been a champion for many of those people. itook have been a champion for many of those people. i took the day off yesterday and had a normal day. what the dogs _ yesterday and had a normal day. what the dogs. did some fishing. popped into the _ the dogs. did some fishing. popped into the pub. a normal sort of day. it into the pub. a normal sort of day. it gave _ into the pub. a normal sort of day. it gave me — into the pub. a normal sort of day. it gave me time to think and reflect and i— it gave me time to think and reflect and i began to feel a terrible sense of guilt _ and i began to feel a terrible sense of guilt. even if it's very difficult _ of guilt. even if it's very difficult for me to find a parliamentary constituency, and it is hard. _ parliamentary constituency, and it is hard, most of the times i stood where _ is hard, most of the times i stood where for— is hard, most of the times i stood where for ukipper when we were a fringe _ where for ukipper when we were a fringe party using elections as an effective — fringe party using elections as an effective pressure group to make our way through and it's true that one time _ way through and it's true that one time i_ way through and it's true that one time i did — way through and it's true that one time i did stand and fight, the conservative party cheated against me in _ conservative party cheated against me in such — conservative party cheated against me in such a way that one of the party— me in such a way that one of the party agents got a nine—month prison sentence. _ party agents got a nine—month prison sentence, suspended but the result stood _ sentence, suspended but the result stood. those things have been weighing — stood. those things have been weighing on my mind. difficult though— weighing on my mind. difficult though it — weighing on my mind. difficult though it is, i cannot let down those — though it is, i cannot let down those millions of people. i simply cannot— those millions of people. i simply cannot do— those millions of people. i simply cannot do it. it would be wrong. i have _ cannot do it. it would be wrong. i have decided i have changed my mind. it is have decided i have changed my mind. it is allowed. _ have decided i have changed my mind. it is allowed, you know. it is not always _ it is allowed, you know. it is not always a — it is allowed, you know. it is not always a sign of weakness, it could potentially — always a sign of weakness, it could potentially be a sign of strength, so i potentially be a sign of strength, so i am _ potentially be a sign of strength, so i am going to stand in this election _ so i am going to stand in this election '— so i am going to stand in this election. i will be launching my candidacy— election. i will be launching my candidacy at midday tomorrow. in the essex _ candidacy at midday tomorrow. in the essex seaside town of clacton. midday— essex seaside town of clacton. midday tomorrow, clacton. at the end of the _ midday tomorrow, clacton. at the end of the peer— midday tomorrow, clacton. at the end of the peer but perhaps more important than that, i have made a far bigger— important than that, i have made a far bigger decision than that, which is, i far bigger decision than that, which is. i had _ far bigger decision than that, which is, i had have talked to richard and he is _ is, i had have talked to richard and he is happy— is, i had have talked to richard and he is happy about it, of course you will write _ he is happy about it, of course you will write your pieces about how badly— will write your pieces about how badly we — will write your pieces about how badly we are all getting on because that's— badly we are all getting on because that'sjournalism for badly we are all getting on because that's journalism for you, badly we are all getting on because that'sjournalism for you, actually, i that'sjournalism for you, actually, i regret— that'sjournalism for you, actually, i regret to — that'sjournalism for you, actually, i regret to say we are getting on quite — i regret to say we are getting on quite well — i regret to say we are getting on quite well. but richard is more than happy— quite well. but richard is more than happy for— quite well. but richard is more than happy for me to put my head and shoulders— happy for me to put my head and shoulders firmly over the parapet and take — shoulders firmly over the parapet and take the flak so i am coming back— and take the flak so i am coming backas— and take the flak so i am coming back as leader of reform uk. but not 'ust back as leader of reform uk. but not just for— back as leader of reform uk. but not just for this _ back as leader of reform uk. but not just for this election campaign. i am coming — just for this election campaign. i am coming back for the next five years _ am coming back for the next five years and — am coming back for the next five years. and there is one very simple reason _ years. and there is one very simple reason for— years. and there is one very simple reason for that, we all know already the conservative party will be in opposition, but it will not be the opposition. they are incapable of it. opposition. they are incapable of it they— opposition. they are incapable of it. they have spent most of the last five years _ it. they have spent most of the last five years fighting each other, rather— five years fighting each other, rather than standing up and fighting for the _ rather than standing up and fighting for the interests of this country. they— for the interests of this country. they are — for the interests of this country. they are split down the middle on policy— they are split down the middle on policy and — they are split down the middle on policy and frankly right now don't stand _ policy and frankly right now don't stand for— policy and frankly right now don't stand for a — policy and frankly right now don't stand for a dan thing. in this election. _ stand for a dan thing. in this election, ouraim is to stand for a dan thing. in this election, our aim is to get many, many— election, our aim is to get many, many millions of votes. i am talking far more _ many millions of votes. i am talking far more votes than you kept got in 2015 when — far more votes than you kept got in 2015 when we got 4 million. many more _ 2015 when we got 4 million. many more votes — 2015 when we got 4 million. many more votes than that. how many seats? _ more votes than that. how many seats? in — more votes than that. how many seats? in parliament can we win under— seats? in parliament can we win under the — seats? in parliament can we win under the system? that's another matter~ _ under the system? that's another matter. that depends on what momentum we can get from here. when people _ momentum we can get from here. when people start _ momentum we can get from here. when people start to realise in the red wall with — people start to realise in the red wall with reform second to labour, when _ wall with reform second to labour, when they— wall with reform second to labour, when they start to realise actually in those _ when they start to realise actually in those seats, it is a conservative vote _ in those seats, it is a conservative vote that — in those seats, it is a conservative vote that is — in those seats, it is a conservative vote that is a _ in those seats, it is a conservative vote that is a vote for labour. a conservative vote is a wasted vote, then i_ conservative vote is a wasted vote, then i think— conservative vote is a wasted vote, then i think we mightjust surprise everybody — then i think we mightjust surprise everybody. i know you all think our votes _ everybody. i know you all think our votes will _ everybody. i know you all think our votes will simply come from conservatives and they will get crushed — conservatives and they will get crushed. believe me this conservative party under rishi sunak and nobody— conservative party under rishi sunak and nobody voted for not even the conservative and was voted for, those _ conservative and was voted for, those people who already bought before. _ those people who already bought before, very few of them would go back to _ before, very few of them would go back to conservatives even if we stood _ back to conservatives even if we stood down. we are appealing to conservative voters. we are appealing to labour voters. and those _ appealing to labour voters. and those commentators and journalists who are _ those commentators and journalists who are longer in the tooth might remember— who are longer in the tooth might remember in 2015 against predictions, we took more votes from the labour— predictions, we took more votes from the labour party than we took from the labour party than we took from the conservative party. keir starmer. _ the conservative party. keir starmer, yes he will win, but we are absolutely— starmer, yes he will win, but we are absolutely going to make sure his percentages a lot smaller than it is now _ percentages a lot smaller than it is now. perhaps above all, what we are appealing _ now. perhaps above all, what we are appealing to our those who intend not to _ appealing to our those who intend not to vote. because they don't believe — not to vote. because they don't believe there is anybody within the westminster establishment that actually— westminster establishment that actually stands up for them. very often _ actually stands up for them. very often they— actually stands up for them. very often they are people running small businesses acting as full traders, run a _ businesses acting as full traders, run a planning company, taxi company whatever— run a planning company, taxi company whatever it _ run a planning company, taxi company whatever it is. they know and they are right _ whatever it is. they know and they are right that nobody in westminster is on their— are right that nobody in westminster is on their side. nobody in westminster even understands what they do _ westminster even understands what they do. what we are going to put forward _ they do. what we are going to put forward our— they do. what we are going to put forward our men and women who will stand _ forward our men and women who will stand for— forward our men and women who will stand for us. — forward our men and women who will stand for us, represent us, you have .ot stand for us, represent us, you have got real— stand for us, represent us, you have got real life — stand for us, represent us, you have got real life experience. plus this is not _ got real life experience. plus this is notjust— got real life experience. plus this is notjust an got real life experience. plus this is not just an extension of got real life experience. plus this is notjust an extension of being in the oxford — is notjust an extension of being in the oxford union. it's notjust some bil the oxford union. it's notjust some big game _ the oxford union. it's notjust some big game it — the oxford union. it's notjust some big game. it is actually about our country— big game. it is actually about our country and its people and we are worried _ country and its people and we are worried and we are fearful of many of the _ worried and we are fearful of many of the impact we have seen. we find what happened after those local electionsjust a few what happened after those local elections just a few weeks ago of candidates winningly, burnley, bradford — candidates winningly, burnley, bradford and elsewhere, standing, shouting _ bradford and elsewhere, standing, shouting at akbar, standing we are coming _ shouting at akbar, standing we are coming to— shouting at akbar, standing we are coming to get you. the birth of sectarian — coming to get you. the birth of sectarian politics in our country, caused — sectarian politics in our country, caused by~~ _ caused by... studio: we will be that emergency announcement. as described by mr farage this morning. confirming we will indeed run as a candidate in the forthcoming general election. you can see on screen, he says he will run as a candidate in essex. that is a pretty safe conservative seat right now. certainly was in the last election. the current candidates, the current mp also standing again in this election. things could get interesting in that constituency. but you heard that there from nigel farage, he has changed his mind, it's not a sign of weakness, but having previously ruled himself out running as a candidate in the election, he has now changed his mind. he will launch that campaign in clacton essex tomorrow at midday he says. he also made it clear he thinks the election is over. he says keir starmer has won this election. he described it as one of the most boring election campaigns. he said that we resulting the same and that tax is one of the biggest issues, highest tax burden since 1948. he says no one is talking about reducing tax and yet all of the leaders sound the same. quite the u—turn nigel farage previously ruling himself out of standing in this election, he will now do so and will also take over the party. that hassle thus far been led by richard tice. of course he was formerly the leader when the party was the brexit party. let's bring in our correspondent is standing by in westminster. the news is out. he will indeed stand as a candidate. this changes things somewhat in that constituency. that's right. some people might ask why clacton in particular. he probably thinks this is a seat that of all the seats at the moment he might have a strong chance of at least getting a significant number of votes and there is a couple of reasons for that. clacton was a seat which heavily voted to leave in the brexit referendum. nigel farage was a prominent campaigner during that election. two years below that, clacton's mp defected to what was then the ukip party. nigel farage was heading up the brexit party and they chose not to field a candidate in that seat because partly at a time in 2019 the conservatives were running on a platform to get brexit done and that meant the brexit party did not stand candidates in some seats where they thought the conservatives were going to win and did not want to split the right—wing vote. this time it's different. nigel farage made clear in that speech he feels like the election is already a foregone conclusion. he doesn't seem to worried about spitting the right—wing vote this time around. in fact he actively wants people to look to reform instead as an alternative. i think that's one of the reasons he has not only decided to field himself this time as a candidate, admitting he has changed his mind about that in the last couple of weeks, but also saying he will now be leader of the party. i think we can expect him to be a lot more prominent on the campaign trail although one caveat i would add to this is that he has already been very significant in his campaign, outand already been very significant in his campaign, out and about giving speeches on the reform uk bus. it's not like he has not been campaigning at all. i suppose a bit of a question of whether this will make more of a difference to this campaign that it would have done already given he was already playing quite a big role? there is also the consideration he will now have to campaign heavily in a local constituency seat because he is not just running for his party to win votes and seats overall but also running to be local mp. just votes and seats overall but also running to be local mp. just want to want to listen _ running to be local mp. just want to want to listen to _ running to be local mp. just want to want to listen to some _ running to be local mp. just want to want to listen to some of— running to be local mp. just want to want to listen to some of the - want to listen to some of the questions and answers from nigel farage, he is answering questions from journalists. farage, he is answering questions fromjournalists. let's farage, he is answering questions from journalists. let's have a listen. ~ ., ., ., from journalists. let's have a listen. ., ., ., ., �* listen. without the data, you don't know our listen. without the data, you don't know your support _ listen. without the data, you don't know your support in _ listen. without the data, you don't know your support in clacton, - listen. without the data, you don't know your support in clacton, the l know your support in clacton, the second _ know your support in clacton, the second question is, what is your ultimate — second question is, what is your ultimate goal? a five year plan to replace _ ultimate goal? a five year plan to replace the tory party as a main opposition— replace the tory party as a main opposition party of this country if labour— opposition party of this country if labour win? opposition party of this country if labourwin? .�*t, opposition party of this country if labour win?— labour win? .1, i need to point earlieri labour win? .1, i need to point earlier i only — labour win? .1, i need to point earlier i only stood _ labour win? .1, i need to point earlier i only stood once - labour win? .1, i need to point earlier i only stood once in - labour win? .1, i need to point i earlier i only stood once in ennis, the other— earlier i only stood once in ennis, the other teams— earlier i only stood once in ennis, the other teams were _ earlier i only stood once in ennis, the other teams were as a - earlier i only stood once in ennis, i the other teams were as a pressure group _ the other teams were as a pressure group to— the other teams were as a pressure group to raise — the other teams were as a pressure group to raise the _ the other teams were as a pressure group to raise the profile _ the other teams were as a pressure group to raise the profile of- the other teams were as a pressure group to raise the profile of why - the other teams were as a pressure group to raise the profile of why we believe _ group to raise the profile of why we believe leaving _ group to raise the profile of why we believe leaving the _ group to raise the profile of why we believe leaving the eu _ group to raise the profile of why we believe leaving the eu made - group to raise the profile of why we believe leaving the eu made sense| believe leaving the eu made sense when _ believe leaving the eu made sense when nobody — believe leaving the eu made sense when nobody else _ believe leaving the eu made sense when nobody else in _ believe leaving the eu made sense when nobody else in parliament. believe leaving the eu made sense. when nobody else in parliament was saying _ when nobody else in parliament was saying it _ when nobody else in parliament was saying it i_ when nobody else in parliament was saying it i did — when nobody else in parliament was saying it. i did stand _ when nobody else in parliament was saying it. i did stand and _ when nobody else in parliament was saying it. i did stand and lose, - when nobody else in parliament was saying it. i did stand and lose, i- saying it. i did stand and lose, i don't _ saying it. i did stand and lose, i don't mind _ saying it. i did stand and lose, i don't mind losing, _ saying it. i did stand and lose, i don't mind losing, when - saying it. i did stand and lose, i don't mind losing, when they. saying it. i did stand and lose, i- don't mind losing, when they cheat, so much _ don't mind losing, when they cheat, so much so — don't mind losing, when they cheat, so much so one _ don't mind losing, when they cheat, so much so one of— don't mind losing, when they cheat, so much so one of the _ don't mind losing, when they cheat, so much so one of the party- don't mind losing, when they cheat, so much so one of the party gets . don't mind losing, when they cheat, so much so one of the party gets a i so much so one of the party gets a nine-month — so much so one of the party gets a nine—month prison— so much so one of the party gets a nine—month prison sentence - so much so one of the party gets a nine—month prison sentence you i so much so one of the party gets a i nine—month prison sentence you can perhaps— nine—month prison sentence you can perhaps understand _ nine—month prison sentence you can perhaps understand why— nine—month prison sentence you can perhaps understand why i— nine—month prison sentence you can perhaps understand why i am - nine—month prison sentence you can perhaps understand why i am not. nine—month prison sentence you can. perhaps understand why i am not that friendly _ perhaps understand why i am not that friendly with _ perhaps understand why i am not that friendly with the _ perhaps understand why i am not that friendly with the tory— perhaps understand why i am not that friendly with the tory party— perhaps understand why i am not that friendly with the tory party this - friendly with the tory party this are you — friendly with the tory party this are you going _ friendly with the tory party this are you going to _ friendly with the tory party this are you going to do _ friendly with the tory party this are you going to do a _ friendly with the tory party this are you going to do a deal- friendly with the tory party this are you going to do a deal with| friendly with the tory party this . are you going to do a deal with the tory party? — are you going to do a deal with the tory party? not— are you going to do a deal with the tory party? not on— are you going to do a deal with the tory party? not on your— are you going to do a deal with the tory party? not on your nellie - tory party? not on your nellie is the answer— tory party? not on your nellie is the answer to _ tory party? not on your nellie is the answer to that. _ tory party? not on your nellie is the answer to that. it _ tory party? not on your nellie is the answer to that. it is- tory party? not on your nellie is the answer to that. it is very - the answer to that. it is very difficult _ the answer to that. it is very difficult. in— the answer to that. it is very difficult. in the _ the answer to that. it is very difficult. in the space - the answer to that. it is very difficult. in the space of- the answer to that. it is very difficult. in the space of a i the answer to that. it is very. difficult. in the space of a few weeks — difficult. in the space of a few weeks from _ difficult. in the space of a few weeks from scratch _ difficult. in the space of a few weeks from scratch for - difficult. in the space of a few weeks from scratch for me . difficult. in the space of a few weeks from scratch for me of| difficult. in the space of a few i weeks from scratch for me of all people _ weeks from scratch for me of all people given _ weeks from scratch for me of all people given what _ weeks from scratch for me of all people given what they- weeks from scratch for me of all people given what they are - weeks from scratch for me of alli people given what they are going weeks from scratch for me of all. people given what they are going to throw— people given what they are going to throw at— people given what they are going to throw at me. — people given what they are going to throw at me, but _ people given what they are going to throw at me, but i _ people given what they are going to throw at me, but i repeat— people given what they are going to throw at me, but i repeat the - people given what they are going to throw at me, but i repeat the pointl throw at me, but i repeat the point i throw at me, but i repeat the point i made _ throw at me, but i repeat the point i made i_ throw at me, but i repeat the point i made. i cannot _ throw at me, but i repeat the point i made. i cannot turn _ throw at me, but i repeat the point i made. i cannot turn my— throw at me, but i repeat the point i made. i cannot turn my back- throw at me, but i repeat the point i made. i cannot turn my back on i throw at me, but i repeat the point. i made. i cannot turn my back on the people's— i made. i cannot turn my back on the people's army — i made. i cannot turn my back on the people's army '— i made. i cannot turn my back on the people's army. i cannot, _ i made. i cannot turn my back on the people's army. i cannot, on- i made. i cannot turn my back on the people's army. i cannot, on those i people's army. i cannot, on those millions— people's army. i cannot, on those millions of— people's army. i cannot, on those millions of people _ people's army. i cannot, on those millions of people who _ people's army. i cannot, on those millions of people who follow- people's army. i cannot, on thosej millions of people who follow me, believed _ millions of people who follow me, believed in— millions of people who follow me, believed in you, _ millions of people who follow me, believed in you, despite _ millions of people who follow me, believed in you, despite the - believed in you, despite the horrendous _ believed in you, despite the horrendous things— believed in you, despite the horrendous things being - believed in you, despite the i horrendous things being said believed in you, despite the - horrendous things being said about the intent — horrendous things being said about the intent to— horrendous things being said about the intent to 12, _ horrendous things being said about the intent to 12, 13, _ horrendous things being said about the intent to 12, 13, 14, _ horrendous things being said about the intent to 12, 13, 14, 1516, - horrendous things being said about the intent to 12, 13, 14, 1516, they. the intent to 12, 13, 14, 1516, they are still— the intent to 12, 13, 14, 1516, they are still there. _ the intent to 12, 13, 14, 1516, they are still there. they— the intent to 12, 13, 14, 1516, they are still there. they are _ the intent to 12, 13, 14, 1516, they are still there. they are still- are still there. they are still there — are still there. they are still there and _ are still there. they are still there and once _ are still there. they are still there and once a _ are still there. they are still there and once a month- are still there. they are still there and once a month to i are still there. they are still- there and once a month to believing that you _ there and once a month to believing that you can— there and once a month to believing that you can add _ there and once a month to believing that you can add to _ there and once a month to believing that you can add to that _ there and once a month to believing that you can add to that a _ there and once a month to believing that you can add to that a younger. that you can add to that a younger cohort _ that you can add to that a younger cohort i_ that you can add to that a younger cohort isaid— that you can add to that a younger cohort. i said earlier, _ that you can add to that a younger cohort. i said earlier, richard - that you can add to that a younger cohort. i said earlier, richard said| cohort. i said earlier, richard said the same. — cohort. i said earlier, richard said the same, something _ cohort. i said earlier, richard said the same, something is— cohort. i said earlier, richard said the same, something is going - cohort. i said earlier, richard said the same, something is going on. isn't the same, something is going on. isn't it _ the same, something is going on. isn't it amazing _ the same, something is going on. isn't it amazing we _ the same, something is going on. isn't it amazing we haven't - the same, something is going on. isn't it amazing we haven't spentl isn't it amazing we haven't spent and been — isn't it amazing we haven't spent and been on _ isn't it amazing we haven't spent and been on facebook_ isn't it amazing we haven't spent and been on facebook pushes i isn't it amazing we haven't spentl and been on facebook pushes our advertising. — and been on facebook pushes our advertising, and _ and been on facebook pushes our advertising, and yet _ and been on facebook pushes our advertising, and yet of— and been on facebook pushes our advertising, and yet of the - and been on facebook pushes our advertising, and yet of the top - and been on facebook pushes our advertising, and yet of the top 50| advertising, and yet of the top 50 most _ advertising, and yet of the top 50 most liked — advertising, and yet of the top 50 most liked posts _ advertising, and yet of the top 50 most liked posts on _ advertising, and yet of the top 50 most liked posts on facebook- advertising, and yet of the top 50 most liked posts on facebook in i advertising, and yet of the top 50 i most liked posts on facebook in the first week— most liked posts on facebook in the first week of — most liked posts on facebook in the first week of the _ most liked posts on facebook in the first week of the campaign, - most liked posts on facebook in the first week of the campaign, 32 - most liked posts on facebook in the first week of the campaign, 32 are i first week of the campaign, 32 are reform _ first week of the campaign, 32 are reform even— first week of the campaign, 32 are reform. even the _ first week of the campaign, 32 are reform. even the today - first week of the campaign, 32 are . reform. even the today programme, what a _ reform. even the today programme, what a shame — reform. even the today programme, what a shame nick— reform. even the today programme, what a shame nick robinson- reform. even the today programme, what a shame nick robinson is- reform. even the today programme, what a shame nick robinson is not. what a shame nick robinson is not here. _ what a shame nick robinson is not here. it _ what a shame nick robinson is not here. it really— what a shame nick robinson is not here, it really is, _ what a shame nick robinson is not here, it really is, but _ what a shame nick robinson is not here, it really is, but even - what a shame nick robinson is not here, it really is, but even the - here, it really is, but even the today— here, it really is, but even the today programme _ here, it really is, but even the today programme doing - here, it really is, but even the today programme doing a - here, it really is, but even the i today programme doing a feature here, it really is, but even the - today programme doing a feature on tiktok— today programme doing a feature on tiktok this— today programme doing a feature on tiktok this morning _ today programme doing a feature on tiktok this morning saying _ today programme doing a feature on tiktok this morning saying just - today programme doing a feature on tiktok this morning saying just how. tiktok this morning saying just how many— tiktok this morning saying just how many young — tiktok this morning saying just how many young people _ tiktok this morning saying just how many young people say— tiktok this morning saying just how many young people say vote - tiktok this morning saying just how. many young people say vote reform. we are _ many young people say vote reform. we are not— many young people say vote reform. we are not putting _ many young people say vote reform. we are not putting money— many young people say vote reform. we are not putting money on - many young people say vote reform. we are not putting money on it, - many young people say vote reform. we are not putting money on it, thisi we are not putting money on it, this is happening — we are not putting money on it, this is happening organically, _ we are not putting money on it, this is happening organically, something| is happening organically, something remarkable — is happening organically, something remarkable is— is happening organically, something remarkable is going _ is happening organically, something remarkable is going on. _ is happening organically, something remarkable is going on. the - is happening organically, something remarkable is going on. the one - remarkable is going on. the one production— remarkable is going on. the one production '— remarkable is going on. the one production i will— remarkable is going on. the one production i will make _ remarkable is going on. the one production i will make is - remarkable is going on. the one production i will make is we - remarkable is going on. the one production i will make is we will| production i will make is we will .et production i will make is we will get many. — production i will make is we will get many. many— production i will make is we will get many, many more - production i will make is we will get many, many more votes - production i will make is we will. get many, many more votes than production i will make is we will- get many, many more votes than the 4 million _ get many, many more votes than the 4 million ukip _ get many, many more votes than the 4 million ukip got — get many, many more votes than the 4 million ukip got in— get many, many more votes than the 4 million ukip got in 2015. _ get many, many more votes than the 4 million ukip got in 2015. many- get many, many more votes than the 4 million ukip got in 2015. many more i million ukip got in 2015. many more votes. _ million ukip got in 2015. many more votes. we _ million ukip got in 2015. many more votes. we will— million ukip got in 2015. many more votes, we will win _ million ukip got in 2015. many more votes, we will win seats, _ million ukip got in 2015. many more votes, we will win seats, don't - million ukip got in 2015. many more votes, we will win seats, don't how| votes, we will win seats, don't how many _ votes, we will win seats, don't how many the — votes, we will win seats, don't how many. the crucial— votes, we will win seats, don't how many. the crucial part _ votes, we will win seats, don't how many. the crucial part of _ votes, we will win seats, don't how many. the crucial part of this - many. the crucial part of this campaign _ many. the crucial part of this campaign will— many. the crucial part of this campaign will be _ many. the crucial part of this campaign will be getting - many. the crucial part of this. campaign will be getting those people — campaign will be getting those people who _ campaign will be getting those people who are _ campaign will be getting those people who are saying - campaign will be getting those people who are saying now- campaign will be getting those. people who are saying now they campaign will be getting those - people who are saying now they will vote labour— people who are saying now they will vote labour but _ people who are saying now they will vote labour but i— people who are saying now they will vote labour but i suspect _ people who are saying now they will vote labour but i suspect in - people who are saying now they will vote labour but i suspect in many. vote labour but i suspect in many cases— vote labour but i suspect in many cases that — vote labour but i suspect in many cases that is _ vote labour but i suspect in many cases that is through _ vote labour but i suspect in many cases that is through disgust - vote labour but i suspect in many cases that is through disgust to i cases that is through disgust to vote _ cases that is through disgust to vote for— cases that is through disgust to vote for something _ cases that is through disgust to vote for something they- cases that is through disgust to vote for something they really. vote for something they really believe — vote for something they really believe in _ vote for something they really believe in. the _ vote for something they really believe in. the plan, - vote for something they really believe in. the plan, this - vote for something they really- believe in. the plan, this election, we are _ believe in. the plan, this election, we are a _ believe in. the plan, this election, we are a very— believe in. the plan, this election, we are a very new— believe in. the plan, this election, we are a very new party. _ believe in. the plan, this election, we are a very new party. we - believe in. the plan, this election, we are a very new party. we are i believe in. the plan, this election,i we are a very new party. we are not making — we are a very new party. we are not making any— we are a very new party. we are not making any bones — we are a very new party. we are not making any bones about _ we are a very new party. we are not making any bones about it, - we are a very new party. we are not making any bones about it, it- we are a very new party. we are not making any bones about it, it is- we are a very new party. we are not making any bones about it, it is dan difficult _ making any bones about it, it is dan difficult but — making any bones about it, it is dan difficult butjust_ making any bones about it, it is dan difficult butjust because _ making any bones about it, it is dan difficult butjust because something| difficult butjust because something is difficult. — difficult butjust because something is difficult, doesn't _ difficult butjust because something is difficult, doesn't stop _ difficult butjust because something is difficult, doesn't stop you - difficult butjust because something is difficult, doesn't stop you doing i is difficult, doesn't stop you doing it. is difficult, doesn't stop you doing it the _ is difficult, doesn't stop you doing it the real— is difficult, doesn't stop you doing it. the real plan— is difficult, doesn't stop you doing it. the real plan would _ is difficult, doesn't stop you doing it. the real plan would be - is difficult, doesn't stop you doing it. the real plan would be the - it. the real plan would be the opposition— it. the real plan would be the opposition party— it. the real plan would be the opposition party in _ it. the real plan would be the opposition party in the - it. the real plan would be the opposition party in the next i opposition party in the next election— opposition party in the next election and _ opposition party in the next election and the _ opposition party in the next election and the biggest - opposition party in the next i election and the biggest party opposition party in the next - election and the biggest party of the 2029 — election and the biggest party of the 2029 general— election and the biggest party of the 2029 general election. - election and the biggest party of the 2029 general election. thatl election and the biggest party of. the 2029 general election. that is the 2029 general election. that is the ambition _ the 2029 general election. that is the ambition. simple _ the 2029 general election. that is the ambition. simple as. - the 2029 general election. that is the ambition. simple as. nigel. the ambition. simple as. nigel farare, the ambition. simple as. nigel farage, haven't _ the ambition. simple as. nigel farage, haven't you _ the ambition. simple as. nigel farage, haven't you made - the ambition. simple as. nigel farage, haven't you made keirj farage, haven't you made keir starmer— farage, haven't you made keir starmer the happiest guy in british politics— starmer the happiest guy in british politics because you just ensured a whole _ politics because you just ensured a whole lot _ politics because you just ensured a whole lot of conservative seats that might _ whole lot of conservative seats that might have been conservative will not stay _ might have been conservative will not stay conservative next time around? — not stay conservative next time around? .,. , not stay conservative next time around? .. , not stay conservative next time around? , , ., around? exactly the same question i was askinr around? exactly the same question i was asking 2015. _ around? exactly the same question i was asking 2015. exactly _ around? exactly the same question i was asking 2015. exactly the - around? exactly the same question i was asking 2015. exactly the same i was asking 2015. exactly the same question. — was asking 2015. exactly the same question. you _ was asking 2015. exactly the same question, you will— was asking 2015. exactly the same question, you will damage - was asking 2015. exactly the same question, you will damage the - was asking 2015. exactly the samei question, you will damage the tory hopes— question, you will damage the tory hopes and — question, you will damage the tory hopes and we~~ _ hopes and we... inaudible - inaudible you were all wrong, all of you were wrong in 2015. now is the answer. those people currently saying they will vote reform infill those people currently saying they will vote reforn_ will vote reform will not vote conservative. _ will vote reform will not vote conservative. they _ will vote reform will not vote conservative. they have - will vote reform will not vote | conservative. they have gone. will vote reform will not vote - conservative. they have gone. the redwall— conservative. they have gone. the redwall has — conservative. they have gone. the redwall has felt _ conservative. they have gone. the redwall has felt completely- redwall has felt completely betrayed _ redwall has felt completely betrayed. the _ redwall has felt completely betrayed. the promises - redwall has felt completely. betrayed. the promises boris redwall has felt completely— betrayed. the promises borisjohnson made _ betrayed. the promises borisjohnson made and _ betrayed. the promises borisjohnson made and frankly— betrayed. the promises borisjohnson made and frankly i— betrayed. the promises borisjohnson made and frankly i am _ betrayed. the promises borisjohnson made and frankly i am not— betrayed. the promises borisjohnson made and frankly i am not sure - betrayed. the promises borisjohnson made and frankly i am not sure he - made and frankly i am not sure he even _ made and frankly i am not sure he even believed _ made and frankly i am not sure he even believed in— made and frankly i am not sure he even believed in himself, - made and frankly i am not sure he even believed in himself, they- made and frankly i am not sure he i even believed in himself, they have gone _ even believed in himself, they have gone what— even believed in himself, they have gone what we _ even believed in himself, they have gone. what we will— even believed in himself, they have gone. what we will do _ even believed in himself, they have gone. what we will do from - even believed in himself, they have gone. what we will do from here i even believed in himself, they havel gone. what we will do from here will be quite _ gone. what we will do from here will be quite interesting, _ gone. what we will do from here will be quite interesting, i— gone. what we will do from here will be quite interesting, i think- gone. what we will do from here will be quite interesting, i think we - be quite interesting, i think we will draw— be quite interesting, i think we will draw fairly— be quite interesting, i think we will draw fairly evenly - be quite interesting, i think we will draw fairly evenly here - be quite interesting, i think wel will draw fairly evenly here from now on — will draw fairly evenly here from now on from _ will draw fairly evenly here from now on from conservative - will draw fairly evenly here from now on from conservative and i will draw fairly evenly here from - now on from conservative and labour party— now on from conservative and labour party but _ now on from conservative and labour party but i_ now on from conservative and labour party but i said — now on from conservative and labour party but i said asked _ now on from conservative and labour party but i said asked me _ now on from conservative and labour party but i said asked me the - now on from conservative and labour party but i said asked me the same i party but i said asked me the same question— party but i said asked me the same question and — party but i said asked me the same question and you _ party but i said asked me the same question and you will _ party but i said asked me the same question and you will see _ party but i said asked me the same question and you will see we're - question and you will see we're going _ question and you will see we're going to — question and you will see we're going to drawing _ question and you will see we're going to drawing from - question and you will see we're going to drawing from labouri question and you will see we're - going to drawing from labour equally as much— going to drawing from labour equally as much as _ going to drawing from labour equally as much as the — going to drawing from labour equally as much as the conservatives. - going to drawing from labour equally as much as the conservatives. i- going to drawing from labour equally as much as the conservatives. i have| as much as the conservatives. i have not as much as the conservatives. i have got to— as much as the conservatives. i have got to reiterate. _ as much as the conservatives. i have got to reiterate, the _ as much as the conservatives. i have got to reiterate, the conservative - got to reiterate, the conservative party— got to reiterate, the conservative party have — got to reiterate, the conservative party have lost _ got to reiterate, the conservative party have lost this _ got to reiterate, the conservative party have lost this election - party have lost this election without _ party have lost this election without my _ party have lost this election without my intervention. it| party have lost this election. without my intervention. it is party have lost this election - without my intervention. it is done. the trust _ without my intervention. it is done. the trust is — without my intervention. it is done. the trust is broken, _ without my intervention. it is done. the trust is broken, trust _ without my intervention. it is done. the trust is broken, trust is - without my intervention. it is done. the trust is broken, trust is gone. i the trust is broken, trust is gone. maybe _ the trust is broken, trust is gone. maybe that's _ the trust is broken, trust is gone. maybe that's why _ the trust is broken, trust is gone. maybe that's why there _ the trust is broken, trust is gone. maybe that's why there is - the trust is broken, trust is gone. maybe that's why there is so - the trust is broken, trust is gone. maybe that's why there is so little coverage — maybe that's why there is so little coverage of— maybe that's why there is so little coverage of what's _ maybe that's why there is so little coverage of what's going - maybe that's why there is so little coverage of what's going on. - maybe that's why there is so little coverage of what's going on. on. maybe that's why there is so little i coverage of what's going on. on the election. _ coverage of what's going on. on the election, because _ coverage of what's going on. on the election, because people _ coverage of what's going on. on the election, because people know- coverage of what's going on. on the election, because people know thel election, because people know the results _ election, because people know the results i_ election, because people know the results i have _ election, because people know the results. i have thrown _ election, because people know the results. i have thrown myself- election, because people know the results. i have thrown myself intoi results. i have thrown myself into this today. — results. i have thrown myself into this today. not _ results. i have thrown myself into this today, not just _ results. i have thrown myself into this today, not just to _ results. i have thrown myself into this today, not just to entertain i this today, not just to entertain everybody. _ this today, not just to entertain everybody. but _ this today, not just to entertain everybody, but because - this today, not just to entertain everybody, but because i- this today, not just to entertain - everybody, but because i genuinely think something _ everybody, but because i genuinely think something remarkable - everybody, but because i genuinely think something remarkable can i think something remarkable can happen. — think something remarkable can happen. at— think something remarkable can happen. at least— think something remarkable can happen, at least that _ think something remarkable can happen, at least that is - think something remarkable can happen, at least that is what - think something remarkable can happen, at least that is what i i think something remarkable can i happen, at least that is what i will try for~ _ happen, at least that is what i will t for. ., ., ., _ try for. margaret thatcher famously said she was _ try for. margaret thatcher famously said she was not _ try for. margaret thatcher famously said she was not for _ try for. margaret thatcher famously said she was not for turning, - try for. margaret thatcher famously said she was not for turning, you i said she was not for turning, you are obviously for turning. why the massive _ are obviously for turning. why the massive u—turn? are obviously for turning. why the massive u-turn?_ massive u-turn? have you never chanced massive u-turn? have you never changed your — massive u-turn? have you never changed your mind _ massive u-turn? have you never changed your mind about - massive u-turn? have you never. changed your mind about anything? massive u-turn? have you never- changed your mind about anything? i tell you _ changed your mind about anything? i tell you what. — changed your mind about anything? i tell you what. if _ changed your mind about anything? i tell you what, if you _ changed your mind about anything? i tell you what, if you have _ changed your mind about anything? i tell you what, if you have never- tell you what, if you have never changed — tell you what, if you have never changed your _ tell you what, if you have never changed your mind _ tell you what, if you have never changed your mind you - tell you what, if you have never changed your mind you are - tell you what, if you have never changed your mind you are a i changed your mind you are a remarkable _ changed your mind you are a remarkable human - changed your mind you are a remarkable human being. ii changed your mind you are a - remarkable human being. i would love to follow _ remarkable human being. i would love to follow it _ remarkable human being. i would love to follow it. this _ remarkable human being. i would love to follow it. this is _ remarkable human being. i would love to follow it. this is the _ remarkable human being. i would love to follow it. this is the whole - to follow it. this is the whole thing — to follow it. this is the whole thing about— to follow it. this is the whole thing about hearts _ to follow it. this is the whole thing about hearts and - to follow it. this is the whole i thing about hearts and heads. i rationally— thing about hearts and heads. i rationally thought— thing about hearts and heads. i rationally thought it _ thing about hearts and heads. i rationally thought it was - thing about hearts and heads. i rationally thought it was too i rationally thought it was too difficult _ rationally thought it was too difficult '— rationally thought it was too difficult. i have _ rationally thought it was too difficult. i have changed - rationally thought it was too difficult. i have changed my| rationally thought it was too - difficult. i have changed my mind because — difficult. i have changed my mind because i— difficult. i have changed my mind because i cannot _ difficult. i have changed my mind because i cannot let— difficult. i have changed my mind because i cannot let down - difficult. i have changed my mind. because i cannot let down millions of people — because i cannot let down millions of people who _ because i cannot let down millions of people who would _ because i cannot let down millions of people who would feel- because i cannot let down millions of people who would feel let - because i cannot let down millions of people who would feel let downj because i cannot let down millions i of people who would feel let down by me unless _ of people who would feel let down by me unless i _ of people who would feel let down by me unless i was _ of people who would feel let down by me unless i was at _ of people who would feel let down by me unless i was at the _ of people who would feel let down by me unless i was at the front, - of people who would feel let down by me unless i was at the front, unlessl me unless i was at the front, unless over the _ me unless i was at the front, unless over the next— me unless i was at the front, unless over the next five _ me unless i was at the front, unless over the next five and _ me unless i was at the front, unless over the next five and half— me unless i was at the front, unless over the next five and half years. i over the next five and half years. that's _ over the next five and half years. that's why — over the next five and half years. that's why have _ over the next five and half years. that's why have changed - over the next five and half years. that's why have changed my- over the next five and half years. i that's why have changed my mind. i cannot— that's why have changed my mind. i cannot let _ that's why have changed my mind. i cannot let those _ that's why have changed my mind. i cannot let those people _ that's why have changed my mind. i cannot let those people down, - that's why have changed my mind. i cannot let those people down, i- that's why have changed my mind. i cannot let those people down, i will| cannot let those people down, i will not let _ cannot let those people down, i will not let those — cannot let those people down, i will not let those people _ cannot let those people down, i will not let those people down. - cannot let those people down, i will not let those people down. the - not let those people down. the amount — not let those people down. the amount of— not let those people down. the amount of guilt _ not let those people down. the amount of guilt i _ not let those people down. the amount of guilt i felt _ not let those people down. the amount of guilt i felt yesterdayj amount of guilt i felt yesterday simply— amount of guilt i felt yesterday simply thinking _ amount of guilt i felt yesterday simply thinking about - amount of guilt i felt yesterday simply thinking about it - amount of guilt i felt yesterday simply thinking about it was i amount of guilt i felt yesterdayl simply thinking about it was too much _ simply thinking about it was too much i— simply thinking about it was too much ialso— simply thinking about it was too much. i also know— simply thinking about it was too much. i also knowjust- simply thinking about it was too much. i also knowjust as - much. i also knowjust as through europe _ much. i also knowjust as through europe there _ much. i also knowjust as through europe there was _ much. i also knowjust as through europe there was a _ much. i also knowjust as through europe there was a new— much. i also knowjust as through - europe there was a new phenomenon on, europe there was a new phenomenon on. racing _ europe there was a new phenomenon on. racing through _ europe there was a new phenomenon on, racing through politics— europe there was a new phenomenon on, racing through politics ahead - europe there was a new phenomenon on, racing through politics ahead of. on, racing through politics ahead of these _ on, racing through politics ahead of these european _ on, racing through politics ahead of these european elections _ on, racing through politics ahead of these european elections this - these european elections this weekend. _ these european elections this weekend. '— these european elections this weekend, i promise- these european elections this weekend, i promise you - these european elections this - weekend, i promise you something is happening _ weekend, i promise you something is happening out — weekend, i promise you something is happening out there. _ weekend, i promise you something is happening out there. i— weekend, i promise you something is happening out there. i have - weekend, i promise you something is happening out there. i have been- weekend, i promise you something is happening out there. i have been in. happening out there. i have been in this game _ happening out there. i have been in this game 30 — happening out there. i have been in this game 30 years, _ happening out there. i have been in this game 30 years, fought- happening out there. i have been in this game 30 years, fought lots - this game 30 years, fought lots of elections. — this game 30 years, fought lots of elections. i— this game 30 years, fought lots of elections, i have _ this game 30 years, fought lots of elections, i have generally- this game 30 years, fought lots of elections, i have generally got - this game 30 years, fought lots of elections, i have generally got a i elections, i have generally got a pretty— elections, i have generally got a pretty good _ elections, i have generally got a pretty good sense _ elections, i have generally got a pretty good sense of _ elections, i have generally got a pretty good sense of timing. - pretty good sense of timing. something _ pretty good sense of timing. something is— pretty good sense of timing. something is happening - pretty good sense of timing. something is happening out| pretty good sense of timing. - something is happening out there. so i something is happening out there. so i changed _ something is happening out there. so i changed my— something is happening out there. so i changed my mind— something is happening out there. so i changed my mind and _ something is happening out there. so i changed my mind and i'm _ something is happening out there. so i changed my mind and i'm not - i changed my mind and i'm not ashamed — i changed my mind and i'm not ashamed of— i changed my mind and i'm not ashamed of it— i changed my mind and i'm not ashamed of it one _ i changed my mind and i'm not ashamed of it one little - i changed my mind and i'm not ashamed of it one little bit. - ashamed of it one little bit. another— ashamed of it one little bit. another one _ ashamed of it one little bit. another one in _ ashamed of it one little bit. another one in the - ashamed of it one little bit. another one in the front - ashamed of it one little bit. i another one in the front row ashamed of it one little bit. - another one in the front row here. the system — another one in the front row here. the system is _ another one in the front row here. the system is designed _ another one in the front row here. the system is designed in - another one in the front row here. the system is designed in a - another one in the front row here. the system is designed in a way. another one in the front row here. i the system is designed in a way that means— the system is designed in a way that means it _ the system is designed in a way that means it will be difficult for you to win _ means it will be difficult for you to win a — means it will be difficult for you to win a number of seats. what would be a success. — to win a number of seats. what would be a success, how many mps do you need _ be a success, how many mps do you need to— be a success, how many mps do you need to win — be a success, how many mps do you need to win it for you to say that the election has gone well. it is ridiculous _ the election has gone well. it is ridiculous that _ the election has gone well. it is ridiculous that we _ the election has gone well. it is ridiculous that we have no proportionality— ridiculous that we have no proportionality in- ridiculous that we have no proportionality in our- ridiculous that we have no i proportionality in our system whatsoever~ _ proportionality in our system whatsoever. we _ proportionality in our system whatsoever. we looked - proportionality in our system whatsoever. we looked at i proportionality in our system. whatsoever. we looked at this proportionality in our system - whatsoever. we looked at this back in the _ whatsoever. we looked at this back in the 1990s — whatsoever. we looked at this back in the 19905. av— whatsoever. we looked at this back in the 19905. av plus _ whatsoever. we looked at this back in the 1990s. av plus was - whatsoever. we looked at this back in the 1990s. av plus was a - in the 1990s. av plus was a proposal _ in the 1990s. av plus was a proposal we _ in the 1990s. av plus was a proposal. we could - in the 1990s. av plus was a proposal. we could vote - in the 1990s. av plus was a proposal. we could vote for in the 1990s. av plus was a i proposal. we could vote for an in the 1990s. av plus was a - proposal. we could vote for an mp, we could _ proposal. we could vote for an mp, we could have — proposal. we could vote for an mp, we could have a _ proposal. we could vote for an mp, we could have a second _ proposal. we could vote for an mp, we could have a second vote - proposal. we could vote for an mp, we could have a second vote to - proposal. we could vote for an mp, we could have a second vote to get| we could have a second vote to get representation _ we could have a second vote to get representation in— we could have a second vote to get representation in parliament - we could have a second vote to get representation in parliament for. we could have a second vote to get| representation in parliament for big fees _ representation in parliament for big fees all_ representation in parliament for big fees all i _ representation in parliament for big fees alli can— representation in parliament for big fees. all i can say— representation in parliament for big fees. all i can say is— representation in parliament for big fees. all i can say is this, _ representation in parliament for big fees. all i can say is this, if- representation in parliament for big fees. all i can say is this, if we - fees. all i can say is this, if we .et fees. all i can say is this, if we get a _ fees. all i can say is this, if we get a massive _ fees. all i can say is this, if we get a massive vote _ fees. all i can say is this, if we get a massive vote and - fees. all i can say is this, if we get a massive vote and a - fees. all i can say is this, if we - get a massive vote and a relatively small— get a massive vote and a relatively small number— get a massive vote and a relatively small number of— get a massive vote and a relatively small number of seats, _ get a massive vote and a relatively small number of seats, then - get a massive vote and a relatively small number of seats, then the i get a massive vote and a relatively. small number of seats, then the call for reform _ small number of seats, then the call for reform will— small number of seats, then the call for reform will be _ small number of seats, then the call for reform will be there. _ small number of seats, then the call for reform will be there. and - small number of seats, then the call for reform will be there. and i - small number of seats, then the call for reform will be there. and i wanti for reform will be there. and i want to reform _ for reform will be there. and i want to reform the — for reform will be there. and i want to reform the electoral— for reform will be there. and i want to reform the electoral system. - for reform will be there. and i want to reform the electoral system. i. to reform the electoral system. i want _ to reform the electoral system. i want to _ to reform the electoral system. i want to reform _ to reform the electoral system. i want to reform the _ to reform the electoral system. i want to reform the sheer- to reform the electoral system. i. want to reform the sheer corruption of the _ want to reform the sheer corruption of the house — want to reform the sheer corruption of the house of— want to reform the sheer corruption of the house of lords _ want to reform the sheer corruption of the house of lords where - want to reform the sheer corruption of the house of lords where if - want to reform the sheer corruption of the house of lords where if you i of the house of lords where if you .ive of the house of lords where if you give enough — of the house of lords where if you give enough money— of the house of lords where if you give enough money you _ of the house of lords where if you give enough money you get- of the house of lords where if you give enough money you get a - of the house of lords where if youl give enough money you get a seat. of the house of lords where if you - give enough money you get a seat. we are a radical— give enough money you get a seat. we are a radical party _ give enough money you get a seat. we are a radical party. we _ give enough money you get a seat. we are a radical party. we don't _ give enough money you get a seat. we are a radical party. we don't think- are a radical party. we don't think the current— are a radical party. we don't think the current political— are a radical party. we don't think the current political structure - the current political structure works — the current political structure works for _ the current political structure works for our— the current political structure works for our country- the current political structure works for our country any - the current political structure i works for our country any more. success, — works for our country any more. success, success _ works for our country any more. success, success in _ works for our country any more. success, success in the - works for our country any more. success, success in the one - works for our country any more. i success, success in the one hand works for our country any more. - success, success in the one hand for me, success, success in the one hand for me. fighting — success, success in the one hand for me. fighting what _ success, success in the one hand for me, fighting what i _ success, success in the one hand for me, fighting what i believe - success, success in the one hand for me, fighting what i believe in - me, fighting what i believe in rather— me, fighting what i believe in rather than _ me, fighting what i believe in rather than running _ me, fighting what i believe in rather than running away - me, fighting what i believe ini rather than running away from me, fighting what i believe in - rather than running away from it. we are going _ rather than running away from it. we are going to— rather than running away from it. we are going to get— rather than running away from it. we are going to get a _ rather than running away from it. we are going to get a huge _ rather than running away from it. we are going to get a huge number- rather than running away from it. we are going to get a huge number of. are going to get a huge number of votes _ are going to get a huge number of votes i_ are going to get a huge number of votes ithink— are going to get a huge number of votes. i think we _ are going to get a huge number of votes. i think we are _ are going to get a huge number of votes. i think we are going - are going to get a huge number of votes. i think we are going to- are going to get a huge number of votes. i think we are going to get| votes. i think we are going to get more _ votes. i think we are going to get more votes — votes. i think we are going to get more votes than _ votes. i think we are going to get more votes than the _ votes. i think we are going to get| more votes than the conservative party. _ more votes than the conservative party. i— more votes than the conservative party. igenuinely— more votes than the conservative party, i genuinely think _ more votes than the conservative party, i genuinely think we are i party, i genuinely think we are going — party, i genuinely think we are going to, — party, i genuinely think we are going to, and _ party, i genuinely think we are going to, and you— party, i genuinely think we are going to, and you can - party, i genuinely think we are going to, and you can hold - party, i genuinely think we are going to, and you can hold mei party, i genuinely think we are i going to, and you can hold me to that in— going to, and you can hold me to that in a — going to, and you can hold me to that in a few_ going to, and you can hold me to that in a few weeks' _ going to, and you can hold me to that in a few weeks' time, - going to, and you can hold me to that in a few weeks' time, but. going to, and you can hold me to that in a few weeks' time, but i. that in a few weeks' time, but i genuinely— that in a few weeks' time, but i genuinely believe _ that in a few weeks' time, but i genuinely believe we _ that in a few weeks' time, but i genuinely believe we can - that in a few weeks' time, but i genuinely believe we can get. that in a few weeks' time, but i. genuinely believe we can get more votes _ genuinely believe we can get more votes in _ genuinely believe we can get more votes in the — genuinely believe we can get more votes in the next _ genuinely believe we can get more votes in the next few— genuinely believe we can get more votes in the next few weeks - genuinely believe we can get more votes in the next few weeks in - genuinely believe we can get more votes in the next few weeks in the| votes in the next few weeks in the conservative — votes in the next few weeks in the conservative party. _ votes in the next few weeks in the conservative party. they- votes in the next few weeks in the conservative party. they are - votes in the next few weeks in the conservative party. they are on i votes in the next few weeks in the. conservative party. they are on the verge _ conservative party. they are on the verge of _ conservative party. they are on the verge of total— conservative party. they are on the verge of total collapse _ conservative party. they are on the verge of total collapse and - conservative party. they are on the verge of total collapse and it - verge of total collapse and it couldn't _ verge of total collapse and it couldn't happen, _ verge of total collapse and it couldn't happen, frankly, - verge of total collapse and it couldn't happen, frankly, to| verge of total collapse and it - couldn't happen, frankly, to nicer people _ people. i laughter i say that because in 2019, i talked to mrs— i say that because in 2019, i talked to mrs may, — i say that because in 2019, i talked to mrs may, we _ i say that because in 2019, i talked to mrs may, we formed _ i say that because in 2019, i talked to mrs may, we formed the - i say that because in 2019, i talked to mrs may, we formed the brexitl to mrs may, we formed the brexit party— to mrs may, we formed the brexit party can— to mrs may, we formed the brexit party can we — to mrs may, we formed the brexit party can we set— to mrs may, we formed the brexit party can we set aside _ to mrs may, we formed the brexit party can we set aside for- to mrs may, we formed the brexit party can we set aside for boris, l to mrs may, we formed the brexit party can we set aside for boris, i| party can we set aside for boris, i didnt— party can we set aside for boris, i didn't get— party can we set aside for boris, i didn't get a — party can we set aside for boris, i didn't get a thank— party can we set aside for boris, i didn't get a thank you. _ party can we set aside for boris, i didn't get a thank you. i- party can we set aside for boris, i didn't get a thank you. i don't- didn't get a thank you. i don't think— didn't get a thank you. i don't think they— didn't get a thank you. i don't think they are _ didn't get a thank you. i don't think they are terribly- didn't get a thank you. i don't think they are terribly nice . didn't get a thank you. i don't- think they are terribly nice people. i think they are terribly nice people. i genuinetv— think they are terribly nice people. igenuinetv mean _ think they are terribly nice people. i genuinely mean that. _ think they are terribly nice people. i genuinely mean that. we - think they are terribly nice people. i genuinely mean that. we will- think they are terribly nice people. i genuinely mean that. we will wini i genuinely mean that. we will win seats— i genuinely mean that. we will win seats in— i genuinely mean that. we will win seats in parliament. _ i genuinely mean that. we will win seats in parliament. how- i genuinely mean that. we will win seats in parliament. how many, ii seats in parliament. how many, i don't _ seats in parliament. how many, i don't know — seats in parliament. how many, i don't know it _ seats in parliament. how many, i don't know. it depends— seats in parliament. how many, i don't know. it depends how- seats in parliament. how many, i| don't know. it depends how much momentum — don't know. it depends how much momentum we _ don't know. it depends how much momentum we can— don't know. it depends how much momentum we can build - don't know. it depends how much momentum we can build over- don't know. it depends how much momentum we can build over thei don't know. it depends how much - momentum we can build over the next few weeks _ momentum we can build over the next few weeks thank— momentum we can build over the next few weeks. thank you _ momentum we can build over the next few weeks. thank you very _ momentum we can build over the next few weeks. thank you very much - few weeks. thank you very much indeed~ — few weeks. thank you very much indeed~ 0ne _ few weeks. thank you very much indeed. one more _ few weeks. thank you very much indeed. one more in— few weeks. thank you very much indeed. one more in the - few weeks. thank you very much indeed. one more in the end. i. few weeks. thank you very much . indeed. one more in the end. iwill .et indeed. one more in the end. iwill get att— indeed. one more in the end. iwill get all of— indeed. one more in the end. iwill get all of you. _ indeed. one more in the end. iwill get all of you. i_ indeed. one more in the end. iwill get all of you, i promise. _ indeed. one more in the end. iwill get all of you, i promise. i- get all of you, i promise. i promise _ get all of you, i promise. i promise-— get all of you, i promise. i romise. , ., . . ,, promise. the fact you are making this announcement _ promise. the fact you are making this announcement here - promise. the fact you are making this announcement here and - promise. the fact you are making this announcement here and notl promise. the fact you are making | this announcement here and not in clacton, _ this announcement here and not in clacton, does that sound is proof that they— clacton, does that sound is proof that they care more about the london media _ that they care more about the london media than— that they care more about the london media than york feature constituents?— media than york feature constituents? . , ., ., constituents? are you coming to clacton at _ constituents? are you coming to clacton at 12 _ constituents? are you coming to clacton at 12 o'clock _ constituents? are you coming to clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? | clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? answer — clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? answer the _ clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? answer the question. _ clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? answer the question. are - clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? answer the question. are you l clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? - answer the question. are you coming to ctacton— answer the question. are you coming to clacton at — answer the question. are you coming to clacton at 12 — answer the question. are you coming to clacton at 12 o'clock— answer the question. are you coming to clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? . to clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? is a to clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? is a bus _ to clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? is a bus going? _ to clacton at 12 o'clock tomorrow? is a bus going?— is a bus going? why do we do it in london, is a bus going? why do we do it in london. that _ is a bus going? why do we do it in london, that is _ is a bus going? why do we do it in london, that is because _ is a bus going? why do we do it in london, that is because that - is a bus going? why do we do it in london, that is because that is - london, that is because that is where — london, that is because that is where we _ london, that is because that is where we att— london, that is because that is where we all are. _ london, that is because that is where we all are. you - london, that is because that is where we all are. you hate - london, that is because that is- where we all are. you hate leaving your little — where we all are. you hate leaving your little bubble, _ where we all are. you hate leaving your little bubble, don't _ where we all are. you hate leaving your little bubble, don't you? - where we all are. you hate leaving your little bubble, don't you? no,| where we all are. you hate leaving| your little bubble, don't you? no, i don't_ your little bubble, don't you? no, i don't mean— your little bubble, don't you? no, i don't mean that. _ your little bubble, don't you? no, i don't mean that. welcome - your little bubble, don't you? no, i don't mean that. welcome to - your little bubble, don't you? no, ii don't mean that. welcome to come clacton _ don't mean that. welcome to come clacton tomorrow. _ don't mean that. welcome to come clacton tomorrow. there _ don't mean that. welcome to come clacton tomorrow. there is - don't mean that. welcome to come clacton tomorrow. there is a - don't mean that. welcome to come clacton tomorrow. there is a very. clacton tomorrow. there is a very good _ clacton tomorrow. there is a very good wetherspoons _ clacton tomorrow. there is a very good wetherspoons air. - clacton tomorrow. there is a very good wetherspoons air.— clacton tomorrow. there is a very good wetherspoons air. when did you decide to make _ good wetherspoons air. when did you decide to make this _ good wetherspoons air. when did you decide to make this decision? - good wetherspoons air. when did you decide to make this decision? two - decide to make this decision? two o'clock yesterday afternoon. decide to make this decision? two | o'clock yesterday afternoon. whose decision was _ o'clock yesterday afternoon. whose decision was it? _ o'clock yesterday afternoon. whose decision was it? yours _ o'clock yesterday afternoon. whose decision was it? yours or _ o'clock yesterday afternoon. whose | decision was it? yours or richard's? ultimately— decision was it? yours or richard's? ultimately it — decision was it? yours or richard's? ultimately it was my decision to say i am ultimately it was my decision to say i am going — ultimately it was my decision to say i am going to — ultimately it was my decision to say iam going to put— ultimately it was my decision to say i am going to put myself— ultimately it was my decision to say i am going to put myself forward. . ultimately it was my decision to say i am going to put myself forward. ii i am going to put myself forward. i said to _ i am going to put myself forward. i said to richard: _ i am going to put myself forward. i said to richard: are _ i am going to put myself forward. i said to richard: are you _ i am going to put myself forward. i said to richard: are you happy- i am going to put myself forward. ii said to richard: are you happy with this? _ said to richard: are you happy with this? he _ said to richard: are you happy with this? he has— said to richard: are you happy with this? he has more _ said to richard: are you happy with this? he has more than _ said to richard: are you happy with this? he has more than happy- said to richard: are you happy with this? he has more than happy withi this? he has more than happy with this _ this? he has more than happy with this i_ this? he has more than happy with this ithink— this? he has more than happy with this i think is— this? he has more than happy with this. i think is delighted _ this? he has more than happy with this. i think is delighted with- this? he has more than happy with this. i think is delighted with that i this. i think is delighted with that actuattv — this. i think is delighted with that actuattv we _ this. i think is delighted with that actually. we talked _ this. i think is delighted with that actually. we talked on _ this. i think is delighted with that actually. we talked on and - this. i think is delighted with that actually. we talked on and off - this. i think is delighted with that i actually. we talked on and off about this for— actually. we talked on and off about this for months. _ actually. we talked on and off about this for months. i _ actually. we talked on and off about this for months. i have _ actually. we talked on and off about this for months. i have been- actually. we talked on and off about this for months. i have been very. this for months. i have been very reluctant— this for months. i have been very reluctant to — this for months. i have been very reluctant to do _ this for months. i have been very reluctant to do this. _ this for months. i have been very reluctant to do this. to _ this for months. i have been very reluctant to do this. to be - this for months. i have been very. reluctant to do this. to be honest, i reluctant to do this. to be honest, i have _ reluctant to do this. to be honest, i have been— reluctant to do this. to be honest, i have been reluctant _ reluctant to do this. to be honest, i have been reluctant because - reluctant to do this. to be honest, i have been reluctant because i- reluctant to do this. to be honest, l i have been reluctant because i have rather— i have been reluctant because i have rather enioved — i have been reluctant because i have rather enjoyed life _ i have been reluctant because i have rather enjoyed life at _ i have been reluctant because i have rather enjoyed life at gb _ i have been reluctant because i have rather enjoyed life at gb news. - i have been reluctant because i have rather enjoyed life at gb news. it. rather enjoyed life at gb news. it has good — rather enjoyed life at gb news. it has good been _ rather enjoyed life at gb news. it has good been a _ rather enjoyed life at gb news. it has good been a great _ rather enjoyed life at gb news. it has good been a greatjob. - rather enjoyed life at gb news. it has good been a greatjob. besti rather enjoyed life at gb news. it. has good been a greatjob. bestjob i has good been a greatjob. bestjob i have _ has good been a greatjob. bestjob i have ever— has good been a greatjob. bestjob i have ever had. _ has good been a greatjob. bestjob i have ever had. i— has good been a greatjob. bestjob i have ever had. i enjoyed - has good been a greatjob. bestjob i have ever had. i enjoyed your- has good been a greatjob. bestjobj i have ever had. i enjoyed your mob when _ i have ever had. i enjoyed your mob when i _ i have ever had. i enjoyed your mob when i was — i have ever had. i enjoyed your mob when i was there, _ i have ever had. i enjoyed your mob when i was there, but— i have ever had. i enjoyed your mob when i was there, but i— i have ever had. i enjoyed your mob when i was there, but i also- i have ever had. i enjoyed your mob when i was there, but i also got- when i was there, but i also got sacked — when i was there, but i also got sacked i'm _ when i was there, but i also got sacked. i'm used _ when i was there, but i also got sacked. i'm used to _ when i was there, but i also got sacked. i'm used to that. - when i was there, but i also got sacked. i'm used to that. it - when i was there, but i also got- sacked. i'm used to that. it happens guite _ sacked. i'm used to that. it happens quite regutartv _ sacked. i'm used to that. it happens quite regutartv i_ sacked. i'm used to that. it happens quite regularly. i have _ sacked. i'm used to that. it happens quite regularly. i have loved - sacked. i'm used to that. it happens quite regularly. i have loved being . quite regularly. i have loved being at gb _ quite regularly. i have loved being at gb news — quite regularly. i have loved being at gb news and _ quite regularly. i have loved being at gb news and doing _ quite regularly. i have loved being at gb news and doing a _ quite regularly. i have loved being at gb news and doing a show- quite regularly. i have loved being at gb news and doing a show fourj at gb news and doing a show four nights— at gb news and doing a show four nights a _ at gb news and doing a show four nights a week _ at gb news and doing a show four nights a week and _ at gb news and doing a show four nights a week and doing _ at gb news and doing a show four nights a week and doing extra - at gb news and doing a show fourl nights a week and doing extra staff and travelling — nights a week and doing extra staff and travelling around _ nights a week and doing extra staff and travelling around the _ nights a week and doing extra staff and travelling around the country, i and travelling around the country, and travelling around the country, and att— and travelling around the country, and all of— and travelling around the country, and all of those _ and travelling around the country, and all of those things. _ and travelling around the country, and all of those things. so - and travelling around the country, and all of those things. so giving i and all of those things. so giving that up— and all of those things. so giving that up is— and all of those things. so giving that up is not— and all of those things. so giving that up is not an _ and all of those things. so giving that up is not an easy— and all of those things. so giving that up is not an easy thing - and all of those things. so giving that up is not an easy thing to i and all of those things. so giving l that up is not an easy thing to do. to come _ that up is not an easy thing to do. to come here _ that up is not an easy thing to do. to come here today, _ that up is not an easy thing to do. to come here today, to _ that up is not an easy thing to do. to come here today, to stand, - that up is not an easy thing to do. to come here today, to stand, to| to come here today, to stand, to swap _ to come here today, to stand, to swapiobs. — to come here today, to stand, to swapjobs, was that to come here today, to stand, to swap jobs, was that your idea, to come here today, to stand, to swapjobs, was that your idea, or his idea? — swapjobs, was that your idea, or his idea? did you decide to do it together? — his idea? did you decide to do it together? do his idea? did you decide to do it touether? ,, his idea? did you decide to do it touether? , ., ,, . , his idea? did you decide to do it touether? i. ,, ., , together? do you think he has been bullied and strong-armed _ together? do you think he has been bullied and strong-armed or- bullied and strong—armed or something? _ bullied and strong—armed or something? what— bullied and strong—armed or something? what are - bullied and strong—armed or something? what are you i bullied and strong—armed or— something? what are you suggesting? a very— something? what are you suggesting? a very silty— something? what are you suggesting? a very silly question. _ something? what are you suggesting? a very silly question. never— something? what are you suggesting? a very silly question. never mind - a very silly question. never mind swan _ a very silly question. never mind swa -. , a very silly question. never mind swa . _ , ., ., a very silly question. never mind swa. , . ., . swap. times radio. can i ask if there was _ swap. times radio. can i ask if there was a — swap. times radio. can i ask if there was a particular - swap. times radio. can i ask if. there was a particular moment? swap. times radio. can i ask if- there was a particular moment? was there _ there was a particular moment? was there one _ there was a particular moment? was there one interaction that really made _ there one interaction that really made this for you? did you discuss it with _ made this for you? did you discuss it with donald trump? did he seek that advice? laughter i believe there is a clacton candidate, what will happen to him? there _ candidate, what will happen to him? there is— candidate, what will happen to him? there is a _ candidate, what will happen to him? there is a candidate in clacton, he knew— there is a candidate in clacton, he knew for— there is a candidate in clacton, he knew for many _ there is a candidate in clacton, he knew for many months _ there is a candidate in clacton, he knew for many months that - there is a candidate in clacton, he knew for many months that this i there is a candidate in clacton, he i knew for many months that this was there is a candidate in clacton, he - knew for many months that this was a possibility. _ knew for many months that this was a possibility. for— knew for many months that this was a possibility, for many— knew for many months that this was a possibility, for many months. - knew for many months that this was a possibility, for many months. not - knew for many months that this was a possibility, for many months. not a l possibility, for many months. not a probability. — possibility, for many months. not a probability. a — possibility, for many months. not a probability, a possibility. _ possibility, for many months. not a probability, a possibility. did - possibility, for many months. not a probability, a possibility. did i- probability, a possibility. did i discuss — probability, a possibility. did i discuss it _ probability, a possibility. did i discuss it... i— probability, a possibility. did i discuss it... ithink— probability, a possibility. did i discuss it... i think that - probability, a possibility. did ll discuss it... i think that donald has other— discuss it... i think that donald has other things _ discuss it... i think that donald has other things to _ discuss it... i think that donald has other things to be - discuss it... i think that donald has other things to be thinking| has other things to be thinking about— has other things to be thinking about at— has other things to be thinking about at this _ has other things to be thinking about at this moment - has other things to be thinking about at this moment in - has other things to be thinking about at this moment in time. | has other things to be thinking i about at this moment in time. he has other things to be thinking - about at this moment in time. he has been rather— about at this moment in time. he has been rather busy, _ about at this moment in time. he has been rather busy, including _ about at this moment in time. he has been rather busy, including joining i been rather busy, including joining tick-tock_ been rather busy, including joining tick-tock and — been rather busy, including joining tick—tock and suddenly _ been rather busy, including joining tick—tock and suddenly raising - been rather busy, including joining tick—tock and suddenly raising up i been rather busy, including joiningl tick—tock and suddenly raising up to ridiculous— tick—tock and suddenly raising up to ridiculous numbers. _ tick—tock and suddenly raising up to ridiculous numbers. i— tick—tock and suddenly raising up to ridiculous numbers. ithink- tick—tock and suddenly raising up to ridiculous numbers. i think it- tick—tock and suddenly raising up to ridiculous numbers. i think it was. ridiculous numbers. i think it was particularly — ridiculous numbers. i think it was particularly in _ ridiculous numbers. i think it was particularly in skegness, - ridiculous numbers. i think it was| particularly in skegness, actually. particularly— particularly in skegness, actually. particularly in— particularly in skegness, actually. particularly in skegness. - particularly in skegness, actually. particularly in skegness. the - particularly in skegness. the constituency... _ particularly in skegness. the constituency... in _ particularly in skegness. the constituency... in 2013, - particularly in skegness. the constituency... in 2013, uk. particularly in skegness. the i constituency... in 2013, uk 113 county— constituency... in 2013, uk 113 county councillors _ constituency... in 2013, uk 113 county councillors on - constituency... in 2013, uk 113 county councillors on the - constituency... in 2013, uk 113. county councillors on the district council — county councillors on the district council i— county councillors on the district council. i earlier— county councillors on the district council. i earlier mentioned - council. i earlier mentioned the secret— council. i earlier mentioned the secret to — council. i earlier mentioned the secret to descending _ council. i earlier mentioned the secret to descending and - council. i earlier mentioned the secret to descending and where council. i earlier mentioned the . secret to descending and where we .ot secret to descending and where we got 15,000 — secret to descending and where we got 15,000 votes _ secret to descending and where we got 15,000 votes from _ secret to descending and where we got 15,000 votes from a _ secret to descending and where we got 15,000 votes from a candidate| got 15,000 votes from a candidate who is— got 15,000 votes from a candidate who is going — got 15,000 votes from a candidate who is going to— got 15,000 votes from a candidate who is going to be _ got 15,000 votes from a candidate who is going to be young. - got15,000 votes from a candidate who is going to be young. it- got 15,000 votes from a candidate who is going to be young. it was. got 15,000 votes from a candidate . who is going to be young. it was one of those _ who is going to be young. it was one of those places— who is going to be young. it was one of those places i— who is going to be young. it was one of those places i can _ who is going to be young. it was one of those places i can a _ who is going to be young. it was one of those places i can a lot— who is going to be young. it was one of those places i can a lot over- who is going to be young. it was one of those places i can a lot over the l of those places i can a lot over the years _ of those places i can a lot over the years there — of those places i can a lot over the years. there was— of those places i can a lot over the years. there was one _ of those places i can a lot over the years. there was one particular. years. there was one particular interaction _ years. there was one particular interaction with— years. there was one particular interaction with a _ years. there was one particular interaction with a bloke - years. there was one particular interaction with a bloke in - years. there was one particular interaction with a bloke in the i interaction with a bloke in the street. — interaction with a bloke in the street. and _ interaction with a bloke in the street. and i— interaction with a bloke in the street, and ijust... _ interaction with a bloke in the street, and ijust... he - interaction with a bloke in the i street, and ijust... he shrugged his shoulders. _ street, and ijust... he shrugged his shoulders. ok, _ street, and ijust... he shrugged his shoulders. ok, mate. - street, and ijust... he shrugged his shoulders. ok, mate. i- street, and ijust... he shrugged his shoulders. ok, mate. iwon't give _ his shoulders. ok, mate. iwon't give you— his shoulders. ok, mate. iwon't give you a— his shoulders. ok, mate. iwon't give you a hard _ his shoulders. ok, mate. iwon't give you a hard time _ his shoulders. ok, mate. iwon't give you a hard time or- his shoulders. ok, mate. iwon't give you a hard time or slightly. give you a hard time or slightly off, but— give you a hard time or slightly off, but i— give you a hard time or slightly off, but trust _ give you a hard time or slightly off, but ijust felt... _ give you a hard time or slightly off, but ijust felt... and - give you a hard time or slightly off, but ijust felt... and then, | off, but ijust felt... and then, the next — off, but ijust felt... and then, the next day, _ off, but ijust felt... and then, the next day, the _ off, but ijust felt... and then, the next day, the next - off, but ijust felt... and then, i the next day, the next morning, i was with— the next day, the next morning, i was with lee _ the next day, the next morning, i was with lee anderson _ the next day, the next morning, i was with lee anderson and - the next day, the next morning, i. was with lee anderson and ashfield and giving _ was with lee anderson and ashfield and giving the — was with lee anderson and ashfield and giving the same _ was with lee anderson and ashfield and giving the same thing. - was with lee anderson and ashfield and giving the same thing. i- was with lee anderson and ashfield and giving the same thing. i got- and giving the same thing. i got home _ and giving the same thing. i got home on— and giving the same thing. i got home on saturday— and giving the same thing. i got home on saturday night, - and giving the same thing. i got home on saturday night, and ii and giving the same thing. i got. home on saturday night, and i had time _ home on saturday night, and i had time to— home on saturday night, and i had time to think — home on saturday night, and i had time to think about _ home on saturday night, and i had time to think about it, _ home on saturday night, and i had time to think about it, and - home on saturday night, and i had time to think about it, and then. home on saturday night, and i hadj time to think about it, and then on sunday— time to think about it, and then on sunday morning. _ time to think about it, and then on sunday morning. i— time to think about it, and then on sunday morning, i thought: - time to think about it, and then on sunday morning, i thought: i'm . time to think about it, and then on| sunday morning, ithought: i'm not feeling _ sunday morning, ithought: i'm not feeling good — sunday morning, ithought: i'm not feeling good about _ sunday morning, ithought: i'm not feeling good about this. _ sunday morning, ithought: i'm not feeling good about this. i'm - sunday morning, ithought: i'm not feeling good about this. i'm letting| feeling good about this. i'm letting people _ feeling good about this. i'm letting people down — feeling good about this. i'm letting people down. better— feeling good about this. i'm letting people down. better to _ feeling good about this. i'm letting people down. better to fight - people down. better to fight something _ people down. better to fight something that _ people down. better to fight something that is _ people down. better to fight something that is very- people down. better to fight i something that is very difficult. where — something that is very difficult. where the _ something that is very difficult. where the outcome _ something that is very difficult. where the outcome is - something that is very difficult. where the outcome is far- something that is very difficult. where the outcome is far fromi where the outcome is far from certain — where the outcome is far from certain. better— where the outcome is far from certain. better to _ where the outcome is far from certain. better to do _ where the outcome is far from certain. better to do that - where the outcome is far from certain. better to do that than| where the outcome is far from i certain. better to do that than let people _ certain. better to do that than let people down— certain. better to do that than let people down i_ certain. better to do that than let people down i wanted _ certain. better to do that than let people down i wanted the - certain. better to do that than let people down i wanted the uk- certain. better to do that than let people down i wanted the uk to i certain. better to do that than let. people down i wanted the uk to be certain. better to do that than let - people down i wanted the uk to be an independent _ people down i wanted the uk to be an independent country, _ people down i wanted the uk to be an independent country, to _ people down i wanted the uk to be an independent country, to be _ people down i wanted the uk to be an independent country, to be a - independent country, to be a self—governing _ independent country, to be a self—governing country. - independent country, to be a self—governing country. i- independent country, to be a| self—governing country. i was independent country, to be a - self—governing country. i was pretty alone _ self—governing country. i was pretty alone and _ self—governing country. i was pretty alone and that — self—governing country. i was pretty alone and that for _ self—governing country. i was pretty alone and that for many _ self—governing country. i was pretty alone and that for many years - self—governing country. i was pretty alone and that for many years and l self—governing country. i was pretty. alone and that for many years and we did achieve _ alone and that for many years and we did achieve it — alone and that for many years and we did achieve it. i'm _ alone and that for many years and we did achieve it. i'm glad _ alone and that for many years and we did achieve it. i'm glad that _ alone and that for many years and we did achieve it. i'm glad that i - did achieve it. i'm glad that i spent — did achieve it. i'm glad that i spent all— did achieve it. i'm glad that i spent all that— did achieve it. i'm glad that i spent all that time _ did achieve it. i'm glad that i spent all that time doing - did achieve it. i'm glad that i spent all that time doing it. i did achieve it. i'm glad that ij spent all that time doing it. i think— spent all that time doing it. i think the _ spent all that time doing it. i think the way— spent all that time doing it. i think the way we _ spent all that time doing it. i think the way we are - spent all that time doing it. i think the way we are being . spent all that time doing it. i- think the way we are being governed is disconnected _ think the way we are being governed is disconnected from _ think the way we are being governed is disconnected from ordinary - think the way we are being governed is disconnected from ordinary folk i i is disconnected from ordinary folk i think— is disconnected from ordinary folk i think we _ is disconnected from ordinary folk i think we are — is disconnected from ordinary folk i think we are failing _ is disconnected from ordinary folk i think we are failing i— is disconnected from ordinary folk i think we are failing i think- is disconnected from ordinary folk i think we are failing i think that - think we are failing i think that the choice _ think we are failing i think that the choice between _ think we are failing i think that the choice between these - think we are failing i think that the choice between these two| think we are failing i think that - the choice between these two men is very narrow. — the choice between these two men is very narrow. the _ the choice between these two men is very narrow, the narrowest _ the choice between these two men is very narrow, the narrowest in- the choice between these two men is very narrow, the narrowest in any- very narrow, the narrowest in any british— very narrow, the narrowest in any british general— very narrow, the narrowest in any british general election _ very narrow, the narrowest in any british general election in - very narrow, the narrowest in any| british general election in modern times _ british general election in modern times. did— british general election in modern times. , . , british general election in modern times. , . times. did donald trump a's conviction — times. did donald trump a's conviction help _ times. did donald trump a's conviction help change - times. did donald trump a's conviction help change your| times. did donald trump a's - conviction help change your mind? how will— conviction help change your mind? how will you use brexit to improve britain _ how will you use brexit to improve britain pass financial situation? the whole thing is a complete... utterly _ the whole thing is a complete... utterly ludicrous. _ the whole thing is a complete... utterly ludicrous. one _ the whole thing is a complete... utterly ludicrous. one looks- the whole thing is a complete... utterly ludicrous. one looks at l the whole thing is a complete... . utterly ludicrous. one looks at what clinton _ utterly ludicrous. one looks at what clinton and — utterly ludicrous. one looks at what clinton and other— utterly ludicrous. one looks at what clinton and other presidents - utterly ludicrous. one looks at what clinton and other presidents have i clinton and other presidents have done _ clinton and other presidents have done the — clinton and other presidents have done the fact _ clinton and other presidents have done. the fact he _ clinton and other presidents have done. the fact he had _ clinton and other presidents have done. the fact he had even - clinton and other presidents have done. the fact he had even came| clinton and other presidents have . done. the fact he had even came to clinton and other presidents have - done. the fact he had even came to a trial is— done. the fact he had even came to a trial is a _ done. the fact he had even came to a trial is a travesty, _ done. the fact he had even came to a trial is a travesty, i— done. the fact he had even came to a trial is a travesty, i think. _ done. the fact he had even came to a trial is a travesty, i think. i— done. the fact he had even came to a trial is a travesty, i think. i have - trial is a travesty, i think. i have no doubt — trial is a travesty, i think. i have no doubt he _ trial is a travesty, i think. i have no doubt he will— trial is a travesty, i think. i have no doubt he will win— trial is a travesty, i think. i have no doubt he will win the - no doubt he will win the presidential— no doubt he will win the presidential election. i no doubt he will win the . presidential election. but, no doubt he will win the _ presidential election. but, america becomes— presidential election. but, america becomes ever _ presidential election. but, america becomes ever more _ presidential election. but, america becomes ever more divided, - presidential election. but, america becomes ever more divided, and l presidential election. but, america i becomes ever more divided, and the whole _ becomes ever more divided, and the whole thing — becomes ever more divided, and the whole thing becomes _ becomes ever more divided, and the whole thing becomes ever— becomes ever more divided, and the whole thing becomes ever more - whole thing becomes ever more worrying — whole thing becomes ever more worrying look, _ whole thing becomes ever more worrying look, '— whole thing becomes ever more worrying. look, i have - whole thing becomes ever more worrying. look, i have made - whole thing becomes ever more worrying. look, i have made up| whole thing becomes ever more i worrying. look, i have made up my mind, _ worrying. look, i have made up my mind, i_ worrying. look, i have made up my mind, i am — worrying. look, i have made up my mind, lam going— worrying. look, i have made up my mind, i am going to— worrying. look, i have made up my mind, i am going to do— worrying. look, i have made up my mind, i am going to do it _ worrying. look, i have made up my mind, i am going to do it i'm - worrying. look, i have made up my mind, i am going to do it i'm going| mind, i am going to do it i'm going to d0~ _ mind, i am going to do it i'm going to d0~ i'm— mind, i am going to do it i'm going to d0~ i'm going _ mind, i am going to do it i'm going to d0~ i'm going to— mind, i am going to do it i'm going to do. i'm going to do— mind, i am going to do it i'm going to do. i'm going to do what- mind, i am going to do it i'm going to do. i'm going to do what i'm - to do. i'm going to do what i'm going— to do. i'm going to do what i'm going to— to do. i'm going to do what i'm going to d0~ _ to do. i'm going to do what i'm going to d0~ i_ to do. i'm going to do what i'm going to do. i believe - to do. i'm going to do what i'm going to do. i believe i'm - to do. i'm going to do what i'm. going to do. i believe i'm writing doing _ going to do. i believe i'm writing doing it — going to do. i believe i'm writing doing it if— going to do. i believe i'm writing doing it if i _ going to do. i believe i'm writing doing it. if i when _ going to do. i believe i'm writing doing it. if i when i _ going to do. i believe i'm writing doing it. if i when i do _ going to do. i believe i'm writing doing it. if i when i do when - going to do. i believe i'm writing doing it. if i when i do when and| going to do. i believe i'm writing i doing it. if i when i do when and if ido doing it. if i when i do when and if ldo not_ doing it. if i when i do when and if ldo notl— doing it. if i when i do when and if ldo not i do— doing it. if i when i do when and if i do not i do not. _ doing it. if i when i do when and if i do not i do not. many— doing it. if i when i do when and if i do not i do not. many reform - i do not i do not. many reform candidates _ i do not i do not. many reform candidates are _ i do not i do not. many reform candidates are going - i do not i do not. many reform candidates are going to - i do not i do not. many reform candidates are going to win. . i do not i do not. many reform i candidates are going to win. we i do not i do not. many reform - candidates are going to win. we are self-governing _ candidates are going to win. we are self—governing. the _ candidates are going to win. we are self—governing. the economic- candidates are going to win. we are i self—governing. the economic service of the _ self—governing. the economic service of the tease _ self—governing. the economic service of the tease of— self—governing. the economic service of the lease of the _ self—governing. the economic service of the lease of the problems. - self—governing. the economic service of the lease of the problems. we - of the lease of the problems. we have _ of the lease of the problems. we have gone — of the lease of the problems. we have gone from _ of the lease of the problems. we have gone from seventh - of the lease of the problems. we have gone from seventh to - of the lease of the problems. we| have gone from seventh to fourth of the lease of the problems. we i have gone from seventh to fourth in terms _ have gone from seventh to fourth in terms of— have gone from seventh to fourth in terms of global— have gone from seventh to fourth in terms of global exporters. - have gone from seventh to fourth in terms of global exporters. we - have gone from seventh to fourth in terms of global exporters. we are l terms of global exporters. we are doing _ terms of global exporters. we are doing far— terms of global exporters. we are doing far better— terms of global exporters. we are doing far better economically. - terms of global exporters. we are doing far better economically. asl terms of global exporters. we are | doing far better economically. as i mentioned — doing far better economically. as i mentioned earlier, _ doing far better economically. as i mentioned earlier, then— doing far better economically. as i mentioned earlier, then i'm - doing far better economically. as i mentioned earlier, then i'm a - doing far better economically. as i i mentioned earlier, then i'm a former partners _ mentioned earlier, then i'm a former partners in _ mentioned earlier, then i'm a former partners in the — mentioned earlier, then i'm a former partners in the european _ mentioned earlier, then i'm a former partners in the european union. - partners in the european union. there _ partners in the european union. there are — partners in the european union. there are many— partners in the european union. there are many other— partners in the european union. there are many other things - partners in the european union. there are many other things on| partners in the european union. . there are many other things on the cost of— there are many other things on the cost of living — there are many other things on the cost of living we _ there are many other things on the cost of living we will— there are many other things on the cost of living we will talk— there are many other things on the cost of living we will talk about - there are many other things on the cost of living we will talk about in l cost of living we will talk about in the next — cost of living we will talk about in the next couple _ cost of living we will talk about in the next couple of _ cost of living we will talk about in the next couple of weeks, - cost of living we will talk about in the next couple of weeks, in - the next couple of weeks, in particular. _ the next couple of weeks, in particular, while _ the next couple of weeks, in particular, while we - the next couple of weeks, in particular, while we are - the next couple of weeks, in . particular, while we are paying the next couple of weeks, in - particular, while we are paying the most _ particular, while we are paying the most ridiculous— particular, while we are paying the most ridiculous energy _ particular, while we are paying the most ridiculous energy bills - particular, while we are paying the most ridiculous energy bills and i most ridiculous energy bills and have _ most ridiculous energy bills and have treen— most ridiculous energy bills and have been for— most ridiculous energy bills and have been for the _ most ridiculous energy bills and have been for the last - most ridiculous energy bills and have been for the last 20 - most ridiculous energy bills and| have been for the last 20 years. green _ have been for the last 20 years. green subsidies, _ have been for the last 20 years. green subsidies, not— have been for the last 20 years. green subsidies, not being - green subsidies, not being self—sufficient _ green subsidies, not being self—sufficient in _ green subsidies, not being self—sufficient in energy, l green subsidies, not beingi self—sufficient in energy, all green subsidies, not being - self—sufficient in energy, all of that witi— self—sufficient in energy, all of that will come. _ self—sufficient in energy, all of that will come. the _ self—sufficient in energy, all of that will come. the lady - self—sufficient in energy, all of| that will come. the lady there. self—sufficient in energy, all of- that will come. the lady there. the times. he that will come. the lady there. times. he spoke about that will come. the lady there. tip; times. he spoke about kicking that will come. the lady there.- times. he spoke about kicking things up times. he spoke about kicking things up into— times. he spoke about kicking things up into eighth gear. what are we going _ up into eighth gear. what are we going to — up into eighth gear. what are we going to see now compared to what has come _ going to see now compared to what has come already? do you hope your return _ has come already? do you hope your return witi— has come already? do you hope your return will bring more donations? he made _ return will bring more donations? he made a _ return will bring more donations? he made a point about a lot of his own money— made a point about a lot of his own money being bitten. the diminishing thin said money being bitten. the diminishing thing said last _ money being bitten. the diminishing thing said last week— money being bitten. the diminishing thing said last week did _ money being bitten. the diminishing thing said last week did start - money being bitten. the diminishing thing said last week did start a - thing said last week did start a turn _ thing said last week did start a turn we — thing said last week did start a turn. we started _ thing said last week did start a turn. we started getting - thing said last week did start a. turn. we started getting serious money— turn. we started getting serious money and _ turn. we started getting serious money and that _ turn. we started getting serious money and that the _ turn. we started getting serious money and that the party- turn. we started getting serious money and that the party last. turn. we started getting serious- money and that the party last week. it is money and that the party last week. it is a _ money and that the party last week. it is a bit _ money and that the party last week. it is a bit tast— money and that the party last week. it is a bit last minute. _ money and that the party last week. it is a bit last minute. eight - money and that the party last week. it is a bit last minute. eight k, - it is a bit last minute. eight k, which — it is a bit last minute. eight k, which richard _ it is a bit last minute. eight k, which richard talked _ it is a bit last minute. eight k, which richard talked about, i. it is a bit last minute. eight k, - which richard talked about, i think we are _ which richard talked about, i think we are going — which richard talked about, i think we are going to— which richard talked about, i think we are going to do— which richard talked about, i think we are going to do more _ which richard talked about, i think we are going to do more of- which richard talked about, i think we are going to do more of what. which richard talked about, i thinki we are going to do more of what we have doing~ — we are going to do more of what we have doing~ an— we are going to do more of what we have doing. an even— we are going to do more of what we have doing. an even higher- we are going to do more of what we have doing. an even higher level. we are going to do more of what we have doing. an even higher level of| have doing. an even higher level of energy~ _ have doing. an even higher level of energy~ i_ have doing. an even higher level of energy~ i had — have doing. an even higher level of energy~ i had a _ have doing. an even higher level of energy. i had a level— have doing. an even higher level of energy. i had a level of— have doing. an even higher level of energy. i had a level of optimism, i energy. i had a level of optimism, and the _ energy. i had a level of optimism, and the money— energy. i had a level of optimism, and the money will _ energy. i had a level of optimism, and the money will come - energy. i had a level of optimism, and the money will come we - energy. i had a level of optimism, and the money will come we are l energy. i had a level of optimism, l and the money will come we are not going _ and the money will come we are not going to _ and the money will come we are not going to have — and the money will come we are not going to have 30 _ and the money will come we are not going to have 30 million, _ and the money will come we are not going to have 30 million, but- going to have 30 million, but a facebook— going to have 30 million, but a facebook i _ going to have 30 million, but a facebook i gave _ going to have 30 million, but a facebook i gave earlier- going to have 30 million, but a| facebook i gave earlier proved, going to have 30 million, but a - facebook i gave earlier proved, we are doing _ facebook i gave earlier proved, we are doing very— facebook i gave earlier proved, we are doing very well— facebook i gave earlier proved, we are doing very well on _ facebook i gave earlier proved, we are doing very well on a _ facebook i gave earlier proved, we are doing very well on a limited - are doing very well on a limited budget — are doing very well on a limited budget it — are doing very well on a limited budget it is— are doing very well on a limited budget. it is amazing _ are doing very well on a limited budget. it is amazing what - are doing very well on a limited budget. it is amazing what a i are doing very well on a limited i budget. it is amazing what a well aimed _ budget. it is amazing what a well aimed stone _ budget. it is amazing what a well aimed stone from _ budget. it is amazing what a well aimed stone from a _ budget. it is amazing what a well aimed stone from a single - budget. it is amazing what a well aimed stone from a single day. l budget. it is amazing what a well. aimed stone from a single day. the lady there~ — aimed stone from a single day. the tadythere if— aimed stone from a single day. the tadythere iti— aimed stone from a single day. the lad there. lady there. if i went, iwent. ifi don't, i don't. _ lady there. if i went, iwent. ifi don't, i don't. the _ lady there. if i went, iwent. ifi don't, i don't. the words- lady there. if i went, iwent. ifi don't, i don't. the words of- lady there. if i went, iwent. if i. don't, i don't. the words of nigel farage as he announces he will after all stand in the general election. he will stand in clacton. he will also take over this and become the leader of reform uk. if you are wondering what happened to richard ties he will now become the chairman. richard tice will be the chairman. richard tice will be the chairman of reform uk, nigel farage will be the leader. he talked there about this, previously saying he didn't have the time to put together a campaign, but focusing on some of theissues a campaign, but focusing on some of the issues that he wants to talk about in this election. let us talk about in this election. let us talk about where he will stand: clacton. letters bringing our political correspondent. talk to us about the significance of clacton. i'm looking at the numbers, one by a significant margin by the conservatives in the last election. but clearly, reform uk think it is a constituency that nigel farage could win some votes in. . . nigel farage could win some votes in. . , nigel farage could win some votes in. that is right. some important context: in _ in. that is right. some important context: in 2019 _ in. that is right. some important context: in 2019 pass _ in. that is right. some important context: in 2019 pass general - context: in 2019 pass general election, the conservatives were running on a platform to, in their words, get brexit done, meaning the brexit party, what nigel farage was the leader of at the time, decided not to field candidates in some seats where they worried it could split the pro—brexit conservative vote, to an extent. that is why, in clacton, for example, they didn't field a candidate. i think it is certainly an area where nigel farage in particular things he has quite a good chance. there are a couple of reasons for this, really. good chance. there are a couple of reasons forthis, really. in good chance. there are a couple of reasons for this, really. in 2014, two years before the brexit referendum, the mp at the time, douglas carswell, defected the uk party which nigel farage was leading at the time. you kept went on to get at the time. you kept went on to get a significant number of council seats as well in the area. it was an area that have alleviated to leave in the brexit referendum. of course, nigel farage was one of the most prominent campaigners during the eu referendum for the leave vote. he is a figure that is clearly got some popularity in the area. clearly they see this as a party as an area where they could potentially do quite well. he has made it clear that he is going to be campaigning there tomorrow. reform uk did already have a candidate that they had put up in the area, but clearly they feel like nigel farage's prominence, household name recognition, will give them a better chance of winning that seat. forgive me for our sink because we may not know at this point, but what happens to the candidate who was going to stand? do they get unceremoniously pushed out of the way? laughter it seems from what he said, although we will check this, i was listening to his speech as well, it seemed to suggest the message was really, kinda, bad luck. the executive decision has taken, so to speak, to remove that candidate and better nigel farage and said. not only is he going to be a standard candidate in that seat but also the leader of the party. now, it is interesting, because the last couple of weeks, although he wasn't officially the leader of the party, that was richard tice, he has been acting very prominently during this campaign, he has been seen in the campaign, he has been seen in the campaign bus, he has been giving speeches, giving you an ace journalist, he has been a very prominent figure in the campaign. one challenge to him, i suppose, now, is that he will have to divert a lot of his campaign energy towards one particular seat in clacton rather than touring around the country and campaigning heavily in a different seat is up and down the uk. he will now have quite a specific focus because he will be really hoping that this time around he is able to win a seat in parliament. it isn't something he has been successful at doing in the past. i think that this decision is something already making conservative campaign is pretty nervous. there was already a fear that reform uk might split some of the right—wing conservative votes in certain seats. the fact that a figure as prominent as nigel farage has now decided to put his name in the ring as well will certainly make that they grow even more. just the ring as well will certainly make that they grow even more.- that they grow even more. just as ou are that they grow even more. just as you are talking — that they grow even more. just as you are talking there, _ that they grow even more. just as you are talking there, a _ that they grow even more. just as you are talking there, a response| you are talking there, a response from the conservative candidate who is standing in clacton: he will now find himself running against nigel farage. he said: i will be pleased to show nigel farage around clacton, but i'm not prepared to see the constituency of clacton sacrificed on the altar of his vanity. those are the words coming to us from the conservative candidate for clacton. we will look at the full list of candidates who are standing there in just a second, but talk to me about what the conservatives will now fear about that and split in the vote. rishi sunak was asked earlier about this and said: this is a choice between two people to be prime minister, comejuly the 5th it will either be me or keir starmer. he said a vote for anyone who has lived in their conservative candidate is about to put keir starmer in number ten. it will have the conservative party rattled, won't it? it ten. it will have the conservative party rattled, won't it?— party rattled, won't it? it well. it has been something _ party rattled, won't it? it well. it has been something that - party rattled, won't it? it well. it has been something that they i party rattled, won't it? it well. it | has been something that they have been worrying about, because he is such a household name, and he is such a household name, and he is such an effective campaigner. as he demonstrated in the eu referendum. as you mentioned, when rishi sunak was asked about this on the campaign trail so far, he has repeatedly made this argument that his view is that voting for reform uk would be a vote for keir starmer. what was interesting was hearing nigel farage take that criticism on head on, almost, saying that in his view this election is already a foregone conclusion. he believes labour have already won, this is now about the opposition looks like. he was very surrounding him and his party, reform uk, to be a significant presence in any sort of each opposition to the labour party. that was his fee. he even made a claim that he believes that reform uk has the capacity to win more votes overall than the conservative party. i am sure that that isn't something the conservative party would agree with, i'm sure will be something he will be pushing that on, but this shows how much nigel thrice sees himself is now in competition with the conservatives, not necessarily in combination with labour so much, given some of the rhetoric he was pushing in the speech that we had. i think that privately, although they wouldn't admit this publicly, given they are ideologically pretty opposed to a nigel farage, i think the news today that he is running of the news today that he is running of the leader of reform uk but also as a candidate in something that will privately please many of those in the labour party because, as we discussed, there is a fear that there has been a man conservative campaign is about reform uk splitting some of that conservative vote. nigel farage has previously referred to how he believes his party is the new conservative movement. i think one of the interesting questions that that was touched on in that 0&a after the speech then was kind of on what this means for his future as well, whether he wants to rebuild reform now as a sort of opposition, as in conservative movement in itself, or if it he can continue what he has been effectively doing over the last few years which is shaped conservative policy from the outside of it. �* . . conservative policy from the outside of it. . , . ., i. of it. and 'ust a word if you will about of it. and just a word if you will about what _ of it. and just a word if you will about what we _ of it. and just a word if you will about what we heard _ of it. and just a word if you will about what we heard from - of it. and just a word if you will| about what we heard from nigel farage early on in that announcement when he said that this election is over: he said keir starmer has won the election, making it very clear what he thinks the outcome of this election will be comejuly. that what he thinks the outcome of this election will be come july.- election will be come july. that is riuht. as election will be come july. that is right- as was _ election will be come july. that is right. as was being _ election will be come july. that is right. as was being discussed - election will be come july. that isj right. as was being discussed and then, what is interesting is that he clearly sees his role, now, as trying to be an influential force clearly sees his role, now, as trying to be an influentialforce in the opposition, given what he was saying there. he was clear that he feels the election is already a foregone conclusion, he was pretty critical of both the labour party and the conservative party in his speech. and, as you said, he made it very clear he feels keir starmer is going to win this election and that, in his view, this is about defining who the opposition is. he made that bold claim that he believes that reform uk could even get more votes than the conservatives. as i said, i don't think that is something the conservatives will agree on. they will likely bridge back on some of those claims when they grab the opportunity to respond in full to his speech just now, but certainly, i think the fact he is failing himself as the opposition now in this campaign is something that will make the conservative party quite nervous. . ~' make the conservative party quite nervous. . ~ , ., y make the conservative party quite nervous. . ~ , ., , . . nervous. thank you very much. that was the latest _ nervous. thank you very much. that was the latest on _ nervous. thank you very much. that was the latest on quite _ nervous. thank you very much. that was the latest on quite a _ nervous. thank you very much. that was the latest on quite a dramatic i was the latest on quite a dramatic day in westminster. now, as promised, let us show the other candidates are showing in clacton. here they are remember, there will be a full list of all of the candidates. it will be available from the week friday is the deadline for the body to put forward their candidates ahead of the election. now some of the other main stories we have been following today. officers have arrested two men wanted by the french authorities over the death of a young girl who is attempting to cross the channel in a small boat. a seven—year—old girl died after boarding a vessel in the northern french beach in april. the boat continued into uk waters and were brought to shore. sudanese nationals age 19 to 24 were detained and i wanted by the french authorities on suspicion of causing the death of hm revenue and customs have confirmed those people who didn't receive scheduled child benefit payments enable receive them on wednesday morning and said. around 500,000 people were left without her child benefit payment this morning, around 30% of today pass scheduled payments can create growth. parents of the social media to complain about the lack of money with some saying it left them unable to buy food. pakistan's islamabad high court has overturned a treason conviction against imran khan. imran khan was given a ten year sentence for the leaking of state secrets, and remains behind bars after being convicted of separate charges. i spoke earlier to bbc urdu pass correspondent in islam who explained a little more about what could happen. a little more about what could hauen. _, ., �*, a little more about what could hauen. �*, ., , happen. islamabad's high court 'ust ac uitted happen. islamabad's high court 'ust acquitted imran fl happen. islamabad's high court 'ust acquitted imran khan i happen. islamabad's high court 'ust acquitted imran khan and i happen. islamabad's high court 'ust acquitted imran khan and the h happen. islamabad's high courtjust| acquitted imran khan and the former foreign minister in a cypher case in which both of them were accused of allegedly leaking a diplomatic cable. the sentence was handed out in january cable. the sentence was handed out injanuary this cable. the sentence was handed out in january this year, cable. the sentence was handed out injanuary this year, and both of them are handed out ten years in prison. the bigger question, like you asked, will he be released after this? the answer is: it is not possible at this point in time. what we see is that there is another conviction in an unlawful marriage case in which imran khan has been sentenced for seven years. that case has recently been transferred to anotherjudge, so we don't see, in the nearfuture, imran khan coming out of prison. the near future, imran khan coming out of prison-— out of prison. talk to me about the significance — out of prison. talk to me about the significance of— out of prison. talk to me about the significance of his _ out of prison. talk to me about the significance of his acquittal- out of prison. talk to me about the significance of his acquittal in - significance of his acquittal in this. he has had a lot of supporters outside the prison and courtroom during the trial. there were very vocal. it is a significant moment nonetheless, isn't it? absolutely. so, this nonetheless, isn't it? absolutely. so. this year. _ nonetheless, isn't it? absolutely. so, this year, in _ nonetheless, isn't it? absolutely. so, this year, in january - nonetheless, isn't it? absolutely. so, this year, in january and - so, this year, injanuary and february, three convictions were handed out consecutively after days. so, this acquittal comes after months. and this is a big relief not just for the former premier, bachelor party pti, because imran khan has been building this narrative that all of these cases are politically motivated. this gives credence to that particular narrative as well stop but, in the bigger picture, imran khan still remains in prison, and the convictions and dozens of cases against him, he does face trial and remain in prison currently. that was the latest on _ remain in prison currently. that was the latest on imran _ remain in prison currently. that was the latest on imran khan. _ remain in prison currently. that was the latest on imran khan. china - remain in prison currently. that was the latest on imran khan. china has| the latest on imran khan. china has accused britain's intelligence service of recruiting a couple who worked for the chinese government to spy worked for the chinese government to spy for the uk. the ministry in beijing said that m16 artists recruited a couple when they were visiting the uk and sent them back to china to collect information. here's our security correspondent, frank gardner. this stuff goes on all the time on both sides. britain does it to china, china does a depression. many countries spy on each other. this is old school intelligence gathering. recruiting somebody persuading them to do something, if they are in a position of having access to sensitive documents, for example. britain has a vested interest, as does the west, in finding out more about china's secrets, whether they are military, technology... janet does the same thing. recently, both sides, britain and china, they have started coming out in the open and accusing the other. in the past, britain might be convinced china is responsible for a mass of attempted cyber attack, responsible for a mass of attempted cyberattack, but responsible for a mass of attempted cyber attack, but they haven't named the country. recently, they have. about a month ago, britain charged two people with spying for china. that is under a thing called the national security act which came in last year. so, the idea of nurturing somebody and, kind of, wining and dining them, taking them out, saying, this is going to be good for you and there is a lot of money on this for you. you could become seriously rich very best. there are lots of different motivations why people spy on their own country. or their own organisation. they may be disgruntled, they might need the money, they may have a dying relative, it could be any sort of thing. in this particular case, if the allegations are true, and nobody in london is giving any official comment, they are saying and see neither confirm nor deny. they will not confirm or deny. if true, i would say should plausible story. it would say should plausible story. it sounds straight out of a movie or book. you touched on what they might be trying to get information on. what do bedsides want to learn? china as a massive appetite for everything tech. notjust military secrets, anything to do with avionics, ai, they are interested, of course, in anybody from the opposition movement. hong kong activists, for example, democracy activists, for example, democracy activists, tibetans, operating in different countries. they all want to infiltrate those groups and identify them, and in some cases. and each item. even to try and bring them back for trial in some cases. in terms of acquiring data, china has got a great big openjaw in terms of acquiring data, china has got a great big open jaw for in terms of acquiring data, china has got a great big openjaw for up as much data. data is power, and chan has been head of the game on this. they also want to become the global leaders in al, and lots of tech industries. they have got ahead of the game in solar panels, electric vehicles, things like that. what does britain want? well, britain hasn't quite got the same commercial appetite. britain isn't trying to be the global economic leader, but they do want to know more about what the thinking is in the politburo. they really going to make a move on taiwan, for example? are they really building up for an invasion of taiwan? they are trying to get inside the mindset of the chinese leaders, in particular, the military part of the chinese leadership. military part of the chinese leadership-— military part of the chinese leadershi -. . ,, leadership. frank gardner, there. work has begun _ leadership. frank gardner, there. work has begun on _ leadership. frank gardner, there. work has begun on the _ leadership. frank gardner, there. work has begun on the rob - leadership. frank gardner, there. | work has begun on the rob burrow centre for motor neurone disease as tributes continue to be paid to the former rugby league player who died yesterday at the age of 41. fans have been laying flowers and cards at headingley stadium, where he played for leeds rhinos until his diagnosis with motor neurone disease five years ago. john maguire has this report. three, two, one... cheering it is the moment rob burrow was determined would go ahead today without delay. a spade went into the ground for the first time to create the motor neurone disease centre in leeds that will bear his name. along with rob's family was his former team—mate kevin sinfield. between them they have raised almost £15 million. some of that money will help to build the centre. it will be rob's legacy. i wish he could have seen the outpouring of love. i think we all lose special people, but it is very rare that you lose someone who is so special to so many different people. as you can see, it is pretty raw, still. he will leave a massive hole. rob's family say that this new facility meant the world to him and despite this being such a difficult day, it is a very proud moment. it isjust amazing to be here today for rob. we are flying the flag and beating the drum and we will keep doing it, raising money. and we will get a cure. notjust the care centre but a breakthrough fori people with mnd. so that it is not the hell. on earth that it has been, but we will make sure there is a good future| for sufferers, robert wants us to. rob played a part in designing the centre, designed as a one—stop shop for patients and theirfamily. after signing from leeds rhinos as a teenager he went on to become one of their greatest doc not long after his retirement he was diagnosed with mnd, a condition he faced with incredible positivity. i am not giving in until my last breath. i have too many reasons to live. the love he had for his family and the love that they had for him shone through, as he made his private battle a public one, to raise awareness of the disease. rob overcame so many challenges on and off the field. he will always be remembered as a giant of rugby league, and in the face of this cruel disease. john maguire reporting. time for the weather. contrasting conditions on monday. the best of the sunshine in scotland. a beautiful afternoon. this is st andrews in fife. further south, cloud, the odd spot of drizzle. that will sit there for much of the day. these weather fronts will gradually push in to the north west of scotland. behind it, colder air attacks in, centred close to the low pressure is where we are likely to see the strongest of the wind and the sharpest and most frequent showers. these fronts will slip steadily south as we go through the morning on tuesday. early morning sunshine in east anglia and south—east england gradually clouding over as we go into the afternoon. we should see warmth with the early sunshine. 21 degrees. shabby outbreaks of rain continuing. the black edge, the bright greens indicating heavy showers with hail and thunder. not a bad day in northern ireland, a rash of showers in the north—west. 10—14. those rents continue diverse south eastwards. the wind direction changing to a north—westerly colour and sliding across the country. temperatures just below par for this time of year. it will be a chilly start to wednesday morning. low single figures in some areas of rural scotland. generally looking at single figures and egregious first thing on wednesday. they should be some early morning sunshine across england and wales. we may cling onto some sunny spells as well. the rashers of showers will move into the far north—west. a north—westerly wind here as well. temperatures peaking at 11—14 in scotland and northern ireland. higher salaries is a 15-18 northern ireland. higher salaries is a 15—18 across england and wales. even with the sunshine, still a little disappointing. low pressure not moving very, very fast. i pressure desperately trying to build in from the south—west. that is for the end of the week and into the weekend. don't expect any significant change, but it is likely the best of the drier and brighter weather will be reserved across england and wales further north and west we will have the showers going still. live from london, this is bbc news. nigel farage announces he will stand in the election. i nigel farage announces he will stand in the election.— in the election. i will stand in the selection- _ in the election. i will stand in the selection. i'll— in the election. i will stand in the selection. i'll be _ in the election. i will stand in the selection. i'll be announcing - in the election. i will stand in the selection. i'll be announcing my| selection. i'll be announcing my candidacy tomorrow in the seaside town of clacton. 5ir candidacy tomorrow in the seaside town of clacton.— town of clacton. sir carol starmer calls labour— town of clacton. sir carol starmer calls labour of— town of clacton. sir carol starmer calls labour of the _ town of clacton. sir carol starmer calls labour of the party - town of clacton. sir carol starmer calls labour of the party of- calls labour of the party of national security. rishi sunak says the conservatives would rewrite the law on gender and sex if reelected, claiming it's necessary to protect women and girls. we will look at what all this means for the general election. joining me will be political experts arejohn curtis. in other news today... the criminal trial of president biden's son hunter on gun charges is beginning in the state of delaware. the uk has had its warmest spring and may and record, according to figures from the met office. we'll ask why it didn't always feel like it. welcome to bbc news, i'm ben thompson. nigel farage announces he is standing in next month's general election. you will take over too as the party leader. it is a significant u—turn from mr farage who had previously ruled out standing. it marks the eighth time the former mep and long—time brexit campaigner has attempted to win a westminster seat. campaigner has attempted to win a westminsterseat. he'll campaigner has attempted to win a westminster seat. he'll campaign in the essex seat of clacton, which is currently held the conservatives. i'm coming back as the leader of reform — i'm coming back as the leader of reform uk, _ i'm coming back as the leader of reform uk, but _ i'm coming back as the leader of reform uk, but not _ i'm coming back as the leader of reform uk, but notjust- i'm coming back as the leader of reform uk, but notjust for- i'm coming back as the leader of reform uk, but notjust for this| reform uk, but notjust for this election campaign. _ reform uk, but notjust for this election campaign. i'm - reform uk, but notjust for this election campaign. i'm comingi reform uk, but notjust for this - election campaign. i'm coming back for the _ election campaign. i'm coming back for the next — election campaign. i'm coming back for the next five _ election campaign. i'm coming back for the next five years. _ election campaign. i'm coming back for the next five years. i _ election campaign. i'm coming back for the next five years. i will - for the next five years. i will stand — for the next five years. i will stand in _ for the next five years. i will stand in this _ for the next five years. i will stand in this election, - for the next five years. i will stand in this election, i'll. for the next five years. i will stand in this election, i'll be j stand in this election, i'll be launching _ stand in this election, i'll be launching my— stand in this election, i'll be launching my candidacy - stand in this election, i'll be launching my candidacy at l stand in this election, i'll be - launching my candidacy at midday tomorrow— launching my candidacy at midday tomorrow in — launching my candidacy at midday tomorrow in the _ launching my candidacy at midday tomorrow in the essex _ launching my candidacy at midday tomorrow in the essex seaside . launching my candidacy at midday . tomorrow in the essex seaside town of clacton, — tomorrow in the essex seaside town of clacton, so — tomorrow in the essex seaside town of clacton, so midday _ tomorrow in the essex seaside town of clacton, so midday tomorrow, i of clacton, so midday tomorrow, ctacton _ of clacton, so midday tomorrow, ctacton at — of clacton, so midday tomorrow, ctacton at the _ of clacton, so midday tomorrow, clacton at the end _ of clacton, so midday tomorrow, clacton at the end of— of clacton, so midday tomorrow, clacton at the end of the - of clacton, so midday tomorrow, clacton at the end of the pier. i clacton at the end of the pier. that's— clacton at the end of the pier. that's nigel— clacton at the end of the pier. that's nigel farage _ clacton at the end of the pier. that's nigel farage launching| that's nigel farage launching that campaign. just in the left top —— in the last half hour. these are the people we know are currently standing in the clacton constituency in the general election. the final list of candidates of course will be available at the end of this week, the deadline for parties to name theirfinal the deadline for parties to name their final candidates in constituencies around the country is friday. let's speak to maria caulfield, conservative ministerfor women's health strategy. good to have you with us, we'll talk about the conservative plans and just a minute, looking at the equality act, but i want first of all your reaction to that news that nigel farage will stand in this election. what does it mean for the conservatives? taste what does it mean for the conservatives?— what does it mean for the conservatives? ~ ,, ., ., conservatives? we know from polling for reform uk _ conservatives? we know from polling for reform uk and _ conservatives? we know from polling for reform uk and the _ conservatives? we know from polling for reform uk and the results, - for reform uk and the results, reform are unlikely to win any seats, the biggest change is they will make it easier for keir starmer to get into number ten. ourfocus is really on delivering — we are a party that delivered brexit, we are the only party serious about tackling emigration. we are making progress in getting those numbers down, it's something like 25,000 people that were deported over the last 12 months. we've seen the irish taoiseach complaining about our rwanda policy because the markets will come to ireland instead of the uk. what we will see when keir starmer goes to government as he will scrap those plans, he's been clear about that, and the forum will allow him to do that. it clear about that, and the forum will allow him to do that.— allow him to do that. it splits a conservative _ allow him to do that. it splits a conservative vote, _ allow him to do that. it splits a conservative vote, so - allow him to do that. it splits a conservative vote, so on - allow him to do that. it splits a conservative vote, so on the i allow him to do that. it splits a i conservative vote, so on the right of the political spectrum, you may find people who previously voted for conservatives, who now think reform uk is a better option. thea;r conservatives, who now think reform uk is a better option.— uk is a better option. they also take votes _ uk is a better option. they also take votes from _ uk is a better option. they also take votes from labour, - uk is a better option. they also take votes from labour, as - uk is a better option. they also l take votes from labour, as well, you've seen the redwall seats that came to us during the breaks election of 2019. so i think it's not as simple as saying they take from conservatives, they take from a range of parties but they don't always take enough to win seats. the prime minister saying this morning that a vote for anyone who's not a conservative candidate is a vote to put keir starmer in number ten, so he's concerned about it.— he's concerned about it. that's the scenario--- — he's concerned about it. that's the scenario... reform _ he's concerned about it. that's the scenario... reform stood, - he's concerned about it. that's the scenario... reform stood, that - he's concerned about it. that's the | scenario... reform stood, that was enough to put a labour maker in the west midlands despite all the hard work that andy street had done to transform that area in terms of economics, but also investment into that region. we seen that happen time and time again, so people have a clear decision on the 4th ofjuly, who will be the prime minister? it'll either be keir starmer or rishi sunak. if people don't want rishi sunak. if people don't want rishi sunak. if people don't want rishi sunak —— keir starmer, then they have to stick with the conservatives and not let keir starmer in but the back door. i conservatives and not let keir starmer in but the back door. i want to talk to about _ starmer in but the back door. i want to talk to about what _ starmer in but the back door. i want to talk to about what the _ to talk to about what the conservatives have announced today, the promise to rewrite the equalities act, so in strides protections for biological sex. it's a completed issue, so tell me exactly what it is the conservatives want to do here. the exactly what it is the conservatives want to do here.— want to do here. the equality act has certain _ want to do here. the equality act has certain protected _ has certain protected characteristics, you can't discriminate against people on the basis of their age or religion, sex is one of those protected characteristics. there hasn't been clarity about what sex actually means, and while the majority of us would say it's all biological sex, so whether you're male or female — overtime, that's been confused with gender, and obviously there are some people who want to change their gender. so what we're doing is making it crystal clear that the definition of sex is biological sex, so male orfemale. and then decisions, whether it's on health care or prison places, whether it's on sport can be made on the basis of biological sex and not gender, and that's difference we are making. and labour so far today haven't come out saying they've supported that change in any way. we are the only party trying to make this change, and it's... trying to make this change, and it's. .. �* . it's. .. i'm interested in the timing of this, it's. .. i'm interested in the timing of this. about _ it's. .. i'm interested in the timing of this, about why _ it's. .. i'm interested in the timing of this, about why you've - it's. .. i'm interested in the timing of this, about why you've chosen l it's. .. i'm interested in the timing l of this, about why you've chosen to do this now, because it strikes me, if you look at all the things people are worried about, telling pollsters they care about in this election, this is not one of them. labour say this is not one of them. labour say this is not one of them. labour say this is an election distraction from the really core issues that matter to people. the liberal democrats say this is waging a phoney culture war. the scottish greens say this is inciting a desperate culture war to win voters. this act was passed in 2010, there's been 14 years of conservative rule where you could've changed it. why are you doing it now? ~ �* . changed it. why are you doing it now? ~ �* , . . changed it. why are you doing it now?�* , now? we've been changing aspects around biological— now? we've been changing aspects around biological sex. _ now? we've been changing aspects around biological sex. look- now? we've been changing aspects around biological sex. look at - now? we've been changing aspects around biological sex. look at the i around biological sex. look at the cast review which came out nearly a couple months ago — that has transformed the way we are looking at this area in terms of health, and we have been working on making those changes. the other political parties call it a phoney culture war because they aren't interested in protecting women. this is a women's issue, it may seem unimportant to other people, but i am overwhelmed from responses from women who want to have single space dust single—sex spaces, single—sex wards in hospitals, single—sex toilets in the public sphere, being able to ask for an examination from someone of the same biological sex. this really matters to women, and when people ask for these, they are called bigots if they are unhappy about having someone of the same gender, not of the same biological sex. we've seen in sport where some women's sports have been really badly affected by allowing participants who are not of the same biological sex and therefore have a physical advantage over some competitors. this is not a new problem, and we have made changes and we've gone as far as we can in terms of instigating single—sex spaces back in her nhs. but we have to change the equality act because at the moment, the definition of sex is still too vague to be able to uphold some of the changes we've been making over the last couple of years. been making over the last couple of ears, , ., ., ., been making over the last couple of ears, ,., ., ., ., been making over the last couple of ears. ., . i. been making over the last couple of ears. ., . ,, , years. good to have you with us, maria caulfield, _ years. good to have you with us, maria caulfield, grateful- years. good to have you with us, maria caulfield, grateful for- years. good to have you with us, maria caulfield, grateful for yourj maria caulfield, gratefulfor your time, thank you. maria caulfield, grateful for your time, thank you.— maria caulfield, grateful for yourl time, thank you._ let's time, thank you. thank you. let's talk to sir— time, thank you. thank you. let's talk to sirjohn _ time, thank you. thank you. let's talk to sirjohn curtis, _ time, thank you. thank you. let's talk to sirjohn curtis, good - time, thank you. thank you. let's talk to sirjohn curtis, good to - talk to sirjohn curtis, good to have you with us, it's been a busy afternoon, quite a lot has changed, and i want to start first of all with the nigel farage announcement that he will, despite saying he wouldn't, now stand in clacton. why clacton? ., . , ., clacton? clacton a course of the constituency _ clacton? clacton a course of the constituency that _ clacton? clacton a course of the constituency that douglas - clacton? clacton a course of the . constituency that douglas carswell, originally the conservative mp for the seat, managed to not only win in a by—election under ukip, but then managed to win in 2015, so it is one of the most eurosceptic parts of the country, i given these voted for ukip in the past and i can understand why nigel farage might decide to go there. but i think in truth, probably the significance of what we've heard today, it doesn't line necessarily and whether or not mr farage does or doesn't win the seat. although the fact that you know fancies being leader of reform for five years means he would quite like to win the seat. it is the potential invocations of this for the conservative party. five years ago, when nigel farage early on in the campaign, seeing support for the brexit party beginning to fall away in the polls, basically threw in the towel and said he was withdrawing his candidates... support for reform fell away further, and he helped borisjohnson get fell away further, and he helped boris johnson get a fell away further, and he helped borisjohnson get a majority of 80. now he's intervened again, but in the opposite direction. support for reform has been holding up so far in this campaign, it's actually already know hire that support for the brexit party at this stage into the 19 -- brexit party at this stage into the 19 —— actually already now hire. mr farage is on record as saying that he would only now go back in the politics if he thought there would be a serious chance of displacing the conservative party as the principal centre—right party in britain. mr farage we have to presume has now concluded in light of what's happened in this campaign so far, perhaps reform do not have a chance of doing that. you so far, perhaps reform do not have a chance of doing that.— chance of doing that. you talk about the potential— chance of doing that. you talk about the potential there _ chance of doing that. you talk about the potential there to _ chance of doing that. you talk about the potential there to split - chance of doing that. you talk about the potential there to split the - the potential there to split the conservative vote — where in the country is that a problem for the prime minister? to country is that a problem for the prime minister?— country is that a problem for the prime minister? to be honest, it's a roblem prime minister? to be honest, it's a problem in — prime minister? to be honest, it's a problem in virtually _ prime minister? to be honest, it's a problem in virtually all _ prime minister? to be honest, it's a problem in virtually all the - problem in virtually all the seats the conservatives are trying to defend because even if support for reform falls despite miztourage being at the helm, you have to remember that reform did not fight 319 constituencies at the conservatives held before 2019. they will now fight for those constituencies, and reform are the party to which 2019 voters are going. if reform are on the ballot paper, they will particularly do damage to the conservatives in seats where the brexit party weren't on the ballot paper in 2019 — that is many of the seats the conservatives are actually trying to defend. sir john curtis, always good to get urinalysis there, grateful for you being with us. just your analysis there. let's talk to nigel farage. thank you for being with us on bbc news. you've tried 700 to four to do this, so it makes us time different? i've tried once, the previous time, the previous democrat campaign group to push their election messages... i tried once and the conservatives broke the law and she did so badly, one of their agents got a nine—month prison sentence, also that record straight. i'm doing is not for me, but because i feel let down. millions of people out there who i increasingly felt over the last week, felt i walked away, felt i wasn't standing up with them, and in many cases these are people who have been with me, millions of them for years through the brexit party, ukip referendum campaign, and they felt they were being left alone. so i'm doing it for them. they were being left alone. so i'm doing it forthem. i'm they were being left alone. so i'm doing it for them. i'm also doing it for a new younger generation that i've seen on the streets that really can't wait for something different to happen in politics. i think something is going on out there, it's changed out there, and i think, farfrom being squeezed in the election, now we know in the last few minutes, there's been an mrp poll released on sky news confirming once again that the general election is over, it's a battle for the who becomes the government, but the opposition in the next parliament. and that's why i think it's achievable.— and that's why i think it's achievable. , . . ., . achievable. why the change of heart? you said earlier _ achievable. why the change of heart? you said earlier you _ achievable. why the change of heart? you said earlier you wouldn't - achievable. why the change of heart? you said earlier you wouldn't have - you said earlier you wouldn't have the time to go and campaign in a constituency, you would go to the united states to work with donald trump. why the change of heart? that's a slight misreading, because what i said in that statement was i would do my bit in the election campaign, and thereafter do time in the united states. i want trump to win, i had planned to stand — it was a six month plan, when sunak announced the spring election, i made that decision i wouldn't stand but i've spent the last week going around the country meeting huge numbers of people, and they've persuaded me that i reallyjust have to do this. whatever the risks to me are, ijust have to do this. i'm doing it, and i'm doing it with optimism. you cop 4 million votes back into a 19 dusk ukip got 4 million votes, and this time we will get many, many more votes than that. what are you telling them on the doorstep? are they saying, "nigel, you're the man for the job, he doorstep? are they saying, "nigel, you're the man for thejob, he has to be you, no one else?" you'll make some people are, yes, some people really are because they see the two leaders of the big parties as being rather weak men and not possessive of leadership qualities. that's quite a common theme. the biggest theme i've seen out of the country — i'm going out to the home counties but also up north over the course of the last week, the common theme is the last week, the common theme is the things they talk about at westminster are not the same things they talk about at home. there is a massive disconnect between politics in london, what's happening in the country. the more that rishi sunak and keir starmer try to be different, frankly the more they sound the same. the different, frankly the more they sound the same.— different, frankly the more they sound the same. the line is not the best, but sound the same. the line is not the best. but we _ sound the same. the line is not the best, but we will— sound the same. the line is not the| best, but we will persevere because it's important to be able to hear from you on this occasion as well. on that claim that you've only stood once before, i put it to you that you've tried seven times and not been successful, you been on the ballot paper as a candidate seven times between 1994—2015. you don't get it, you people. let times between 1994-2015. you don't get it. you people-— get it, you people. let me clean it to ou. get it, you people. let me clean it to you- you _ get it, you people. let me clean it to you. you really _ get it, you people. let me clean it to you. you really don't _ get it, you people. let me clean it to you. you really don't get - get it, you people. let me clean it to you. you really don't get it, - to you. you really don't get it, do ou? to you. you really don't get it, do you? ukip — to you. you really don't get it, do you? ukip was— to you. you really don't get it, do you? ukip was a _ to you. you really don't get it, do you? ukip was a group _ to you. you really don't get it, do you? ukip was a group that - to you. you really don't get it, do l you? ukip was a group that decided that standing in the elections was better than being a pressure group. the first election we fought, one person save their deposit, that was me. that we weren't able to win seats, we were there to push a cause. that was the case for the first 20 years of ukip's lie. but as it turns out, we were the most successful pressure group in modern history. but successful pressure group in modern histo . �* ., . . . successful pressure group in modern histo .�* . . . . history. but once again, you are a candidate. — history. but once again, you are a candidate. you — history. but once again, you are a candidate, you were _ history. but once again, you are a candidate, you were to _ history. but once again, you are a candidate, you were to be - history. but once again, you are a candidate, you were to be an - history. but once again, you are a candidate, you were to be an mp| candidate, you were to be an mp on the ballot paper. haifa candidate, you were to be an mp on the ballot paper.— the ballot paper. how many times have ou the ballot paper. how many times have you stood? _ the ballot paper. how many times have you stood? i _ the ballot paper. how many times have you stood? i haven't, - the ballot paper. how many times have you stood? i haven't, i'm - the ballot paper. how many times| have you stood? i haven't, i'mjust have you stood? i haven't, i'm 'ust askinu. have you stood? i haven't, i'm 'ust asking. how— have you stood? i haven't, i'm 'ust asking. how many i have you stood? i haven't, i'm 'ust asking. how many times i have you stood? i haven't, i'm 'ust asking. how many times have h have you stood? i haven't, i'mjust asking. how many times have you | asking. how many times have you stood? there _ asking. how many times have you stood? there you _ asking. how many times have you stood? there you go. _ asking. how many times have you stood? there you go. the - asking. how many times have you l stood? there you go. the challenge here is people _ stood? there you go. the challenge here is people will _ stood? there you go. the challenge here is people will say, _ stood? there you go. the challenge here is people will say, look, - here is people will say, look, you've stood before... desk here is people will say, look, you've stood before... ask somebody intelliaent you've stood before... ask somebody intelligent and _ you've stood before... ask somebody intelligent and we _ you've stood before. .. ask somebody intelligent and we will— you've stood before... ask somebody intelligent and we will carry _ you've stood before... ask somebody intelligent and we will carry on - intelligent and we will carry on with our conversation stop what i'm interested in why people should trust you when you didn't manage to do it seven times previously. i think you're very boring, and i think you're very boring, and i think your viewers will find you very boring, and you ought to do rather better as the state broadcaster in my view. ihe rather better as the state broadcaster in my view. rather better as the state broadcaster in m view. . ,., , broadcaster in my view. he also used the hrase broadcaster in my view. he also used the phrase "you _ broadcaster in my view. he also used the phrase "you people," _ broadcaster in my view. he also used the phrase "you people," what - broadcaster in my view. he also used the phrase "you people," what did i the phrase "you people," what did you mean by that? i the phrase "you people," what did you mean by that?— the phrase "you people," what did you mean by that? i think it's quite easily characterised _ you mean by that? i think it's quite easily characterised as _ you mean by that? i think it's quite easily characterised as you - you mean by that? i think it's quite easily characterised as you people, j easily characterised as you people, that's what. .. easily characterised as you people, that's what. . .— that's what... what makes the metropolitan _ that's what... what makes the metropolitan elite _ that's what... what makes the metropolitan elite london? . that's what... what makes the l metropolitan elite london? you that's what... what makes the - metropolitan elite london? you work for the bbc. — metropolitan elite london? you work for the bbc, i've _ metropolitan elite london? you work for the bbc, i've been _ metropolitan elite london? you work for the bbc, i've been in _ metropolitan elite london? you work for the bbc, i've been in that - for the bbc, i've been in that building, it doesn't mean you are personally, but generally politics our media and big business tend to come to the same views on pretty much everything. and as we found out in the brexit referendum in 2015, out there in the real country, people look at things differently. we still have you. there is quite a poor line so apologies if you're trying to watch us at home, the line isn't the best but will persevere. there will be a lot of claim and counterclaim as we get intojuly, do you think it is a time for kind, thoughtful, inclusive politics? and not, as we've seen already two weeks of this campaign, the people are lobbing mud and thorough and pretty offensive things around? it lobbing mud and thorough and pretty offensive things around?— offensive things around? it depends what ou offensive things around? it depends what you mean _ offensive things around? it depends what you mean by — offensive things around? it depends what you mean by the _ offensive things around? it depends what you mean by the word - offensive things around? it depends i what you mean by the word inclusive. if you mean there should be no difference between the labour and conservative parties, you're virtually there. their defence policies are the same, their immigration policies are the same, solutions to the cross channel crisis are slightly different, neither are effective. this really is the choice between two big social democrat parties. there isn't really much to choose. 50 democrat parties. there isn't really much to choose.— much to choose. so given that, by standin: much to choose. so given that, by standing in _ much to choose. so given that, by standing in the _ much to choose. so given that, by standing in the selection, - much to choose. so given that, by standing in the selection, what. much to choose. so given that, by standing in the selection, what do j standing in the selection, what do you want to change? what do you have the power to change in the selection? if as you said, this election is over, keir starmer has one? ., . .y ., election is over, keir starmer has one? ., ....y . .,~ election is over, keir starmer has one? ., ., ., ,, . one? for democracy to work and function, one? for democracy to work and function. you — one? for democracy to work and function, you have _ one? for democracy to work and function, you have to _ one? for democracy to work and function, you have to have - one? for democracy to work and function, you have to have a - function, you have to have a government that does stuff that has executive power, but you also need to have a voice of opposition to question things. i don't believe the conservative party today are capable of opposition, capable of opposing, they are split down the middle. nigel farage, thank you for being with us on bbc news. let's talk now to labour's nick tolan simmons, good to labour's nick tolan simmons, good to have you with us as we speak to all the parties this hour. you were listening to that interview as i was, what do you make of that announcement from mr farage that he will indeed stand just ten days after saying he wouldn't? fill" after saying he wouldn't? our messate after saying he wouldn't? our message to — after saying he wouldn't? our message to voters _ after saying he wouldn't? qt" message to voters is exactly the same, it's exactly the same message i've been delivering on doorsteps in different places in recent days, and indeed recent weeks and months. if you want real change in the selection, the only way to do that is to vote for the labour party. the choice is between keir starmer's change labour party and more chaos for five years change labour party and more chaos forfive years under change labour party and more chaos for five years under rishi sunak and the conservatives. and frankly, reform is a product of rishi sunak�*s failure. his failure to put country before party. so what we will be doing in the weeks up to the 4th of july doing in the weeks up to the 4th of july is continuing to put that positive message of change, are comprehensive, fully costed plan for change from economic stability to investment in thejobs change from economic stability to investment in the jobs and future, to rebuilding our public services in tackling crime. those are our priorities and our message to the voters we will put to the weeks and had. , ., . ,., voters we will put to the weeks and had. , ., . . , had. the focus for the labour party toda has had. the focus for the labour party today has been _ had. the focus for the labour party today has been defence _ had. the focus for the labour party today has been defence spending, | had. the focus for the labour party | today has been defence spending, a vote for labour will be a vote to secure the future of this country. explain how that works.- explain how that works. firstly, we've set out — explain how that works. firstly, we've set out today _ explain how that works. firstly, we've set out today are - explain how that works. firstly, | we've set out today are absolute unshakeable commitment to our nuclear deterrent keir starmer recently visited the barrow shipyard where the four submarines will be constructed, and he's set out first of all, we are committed to building those four submarines in barrow. secondly, we are committed to their being a continuous at sea deterrent, and thirdly, any upgrades that are required to make that possible, we will be investing in. so it's a triple—lock on our nuclear deterrent. triple-lock on our nuclear deterrent.— triple-lock on our nuclear deterrent. ., ., ., , . , deterrent. how long does all this take was like _ deterrent. how long does all this take was like we _ deterrent. how long does all this take was like we know _ deterrent. how long does all this take was like we know big - deterrent. how long does all this - take was like we know big investment decisions like this take time, so when will people see the benefit of that? in when will people see the benefit of that? , ., , , that? in terms of the benefits, you will of course _ that? in terms of the benefits, you will of course have _ that? in terms of the benefits, you will of course have the _ that? in terms of the benefits, you will of course have the jobs, in - will of course have the jobs, in terms of both the highly skilled jobs in barrow, but the supply chain jobs, apprenticeships, these are things that will obviously be happening very, very quickly indeed. submarines take a significant peer to be completed, that would be a huge benefit to barrow and cumbria, and that area, but it's also important to our country cosmic security. we face a very uncertain world, we see russia's illegal invasion of ukraine, we've seen china sea and the red sea and the middle east. we live in very dangerous times, and that commitment to that deterrent is obsolete essential, and it's essential because for labour, this first duty of any government is to keep the country safe, and that's what we will do if we are privileged enough to form a government. goad will do if we are privileged enough to form a government.— to form a government. good to have ou with to form a government. good to have you with us. — to form a government. good to have you with us, thank _ to form a government. good to have you with us, thank you, _ you with us, thank you, labour's shadow minister but that portfolio. there's been a lot happening in the last half hour, let's make sense of all of it with lone wells. let's start with nigel farage. he told me i was a boring part of the metropolitan elite, but that's his plan — he wants to shake things up in politics. he plan - he wants to shake things up in olitics. ., , . �* , in politics. he does, and he's demonstrated _ in politics. he does, and he's demonstrated in _ in politics. he does, and he's demonstrated in the - in politics. he does, and he's demonstrated in the course l in politics. he does, and he's| demonstrated in the course of in politics. he does, and he's- demonstrated in the course of his career that he's a campaigner that grabs attention, he's a very effective campaign or whether people love him or hate his politics. he showed that by being one of the leading campaigners during the brexit referendum. he clearly feels this time around, he's got a shot at shaking things up, whether that's in the constituency of clacton he's decided to stand in, or whether it's more, as the new leader of reform uk, across the whole of the uk. i think clacton is an interesting choice for him because he clearly feels he's got a shot there. it's taught in 2014 end up being a shot held by ukip after the mp defected to ukip, which nigel farage was the leader of the time. in the 2019 general election, what was then the brexit party, which nigel farage was the candidate at the time, decided not to field a candidate then, this is because conservatives were running on that platform to get brexit done, that was the reason why the brexit party didn't stand some candidates in areas like that, an area that voted heavily to leave in the brexit campaign the maker referendum, sol the brexit campaign the maker referendum, so i think farage feels his politics and brand are ones which could have the potential to do well in that seat. one thing that's interesting to note just in the last couple minutes, so i'm just looking at the results coming in at the moment, there has been a new poll that's been published by yougov — this is just one that's been published by yougov — this isjust one poll, the usual caveats apply, we can never take one poll, you have to look at the broad picture of polls across this election campaign, but it is a poll that will win conserved —— worry conservatives — it protects a labour majority. interesting to note as well, it does not say that reform uk are on course to win seats in the election based on that one yougov poll that's just come out in the last couple minutes. now that's something which i think nigel farage would contest, he feels like he certainly can win seats, he's also made the claim that he feels reform could even win more votes than the conservative party, although the conservative party, although the conservative party, although the conservative party have also issued a response in the last few minutes to nigel farage cosmic speech, arguing that nigel farage risks handing keir starmer a blank check to rejoin the eu and impose their retirement tax on pensioners. they say that farage knows reform won't win any seats, but a vote for reform only helps labour. this is an argument we will hear from the conservative party rebutting reform uk's claims. they argue a vote for reform would be a de facto vote for labour, and that's their response to the speech we just heard from nigel farage. the speech we 'ust heard from nigel farate. ., . , . , farage. lone wells, thanks very much, farage. lone wells, thanks very much. and _ farage. lone wells, thanks very much. and we _ farage. lone wells, thanks very much, and we can _ farage. lone wells, thanks very much, and we can see - farage. lone wells, thanks very much, and we can see on - farage. lone wells, thanks very much, and we can see on the i farage. lone wells, thanks very - much, and we can see on the screen that new poll as she was telling us, it's just one pole, that new poll as she was telling us, it'sjust one pole, it that new poll as she was telling us, it's just one pole, it doesn't tell us too much, but it's an indication of the state of this election campaign, which is how things look right now. on the issue of clacton where nigel farage performing that you term dust u—turn, saying he'll stand in clacton, here's who he's up against in that clacton constituency. those are the names — remember, the full, final list of candidates will be available at the end of the week when the deadline passes. four parties to the name the candidates they want to stand. the lib dems have been calling for new protections for rivers and coastlines to and what they call environmental vandalism. the party has announced an expansion of marine protected areas and a new blue flag status for rivers that will be included in their election manifesto. daisy cooper has been campaigning in henley—on—thames in oxfordshire. the campaigning in henley-on-thames in oxfordshire. ., . campaigning in henley-on-thames in oxfordshire. .. , campaigning in henley-on-thames in oxfordshire— oxfordshire. the fact is there's been this absolute _ oxfordshire. the fact is there's i been this absolute environmental catastrophe of raw sewage being pumped into our rivers and streams for far too long now. pumped into our rivers and streams forfar too long now. the lib dems have been at the forefront of trying to call for an end to raw sewage dumping for the last three years. we've put out lots of in credibly bold proposals to tax the sewage companies so they can pay for the clear up, we've called for an end to sewage dumping, and today we are calling for blue flag status. we have blue flag status for many of our beaches across the country, it guaranteed of people that it's a safe space, and we think it should be... �* . ., safe space, and we think it should be... ., ., be... it's an indication of the tuali be... it's an indication of the quality of — be... it's an indication of the quality of the _ be... it's an indication of the quality of the water? - be... it's an indication of the quality of the water? i - be... it's an indication of the quality of the water? i think| be... it's an indication of the - quality of the water? i think you'd be surprised. _ quality of the water? i think you'd be surprised, there _ quality of the water? i think you'd be surprised, there are _ quality of the water? i think you'd be surprised, there are people . be surprised, there are people across the country who use our lakes and rivers for fishing, across the country who use our lakes and rivers forfishing, swimming, for walking the dog, just for pure enjoyment, and a walk at the weekend. it doesn't matter where you are in the country, i think every single person is outraged at this scandal with raw sewage. the fact of the matter is people cherish our local environment, it's good for your mental and physical health to get out and about, i think people across the country went to see an end to this raw sewage dumping. daisy cooper there. the bbc has announced it will host to prime time tv debates during the general election campaign. in the first one, seven parties have been invited to take questions from a live studio audience, taking place on friday, 7:30pm on bbc one. if you want to put a question to the politicians, get in touch, you can e—mail your questions to... send them on what's up questions to... send them on what's up —— whatsapps at... , or you can use the bbc news website or app. the man with lots of questions is adam fleming from the newscast team. he'll be looking for his take on the day's news from the election campaign trailer. there's quite a lot happening within the last hour or so, lot happening within the last hour orso, make lot happening within the last hour or so, make sense of whatjust happened if you will. just or so, make sense of what 'ust happened if you will.* happened if you will. just in the last half hour, _ happened if you will. just in the last half hour, quarter- happened if you will. just in the last half hour, quarter of- happened if you will. just in the last half hour, quarter of an - happened if you will. just in the i last half hour, quarter of an hour. never a dull moment in this election campaign. obviously when we record newscast in about an hour's time, you'll be able to watch an hour after that, the big story will be nigel farage's return as a candidate in the general election, something he ruled outjust a week ago, something that you put to him quite forcefully, i noticed. now i've got conflicting theories about this, whether it's a strength to move or weakness move. on the strength side, in short term this guarantees and other 18 hours of wall—to—wall coverage on the news in newspapers, also in the medium—term over the next few weeks, it means nigel farage next few weeks, it means nigel fa rage states next few weeks, it means nigel farage states front and centre of the reform uk election campaign as a legitimate person to do interviews and speeches, take part in tv debates. whereas last week, he was looking more like a cheerleading bystander. and also thirdly, and cynically for the conservatives, a big part of their election strategy was trying to squeeze the vote for reform by appealing to their supporters with policies like the triple locked plus on pensions in this new national service for 18—year—olds. it looked like they were doing this pretty well. rishi sunak will have to do more of that now to counter the increased threat from reform. so that's the strength side. on the weakness side, i think if any other political party had changed their leader not only with out a leadership contest but life at a podium whilst we were all watching, then that person admitted they'd made a terrible error of judgment about their entire electoral strategy two days ago, we'd all be scratching our heads — but as usual, the normal rules of politics don't seem to apply to farage and his lot. i wonder if this means that experiment of trying to create a party that was bigger than nigel farage, bigger thanjust talk about immigration, had more candidates, different faces, talk about taxes and the nhs — i wonder if today proves that experian has crashed into the buffers.- if today proves that experian has crashed into the buffers. adam, a lot of people _ crashed into the buffers. adam, a lot of people will _ crashed into the buffers. adam, a lot of people will say, _ crashed into the buffers. adam, a lot of people will say, why - crashed into the buffers. adam, a lot of people will say, why do - crashed into the buffers. adam, a lot of people will say, why do we | lot of people will say, why do we talk about him? why does he get the headlines? given the impact they potentially could have on the general election, it's about that split in the food that makes it really interesting, isn't it? and that's why we end up spending a lot of time about what nigel farage and the reform party do. there is the bbc office answer which we would talk about at the copier, that they could demonstrate support in the opinion polls on their predecessor parties have been able to demonstrate success at various different elections, so that's why they get a seat at the table, if you like, or a they get a seat at the table, if you like, ora podium at they get a seat at the table, if you like, or a podium at the seven way debate that the bbc will be holding on friday. that's the kind of official bbc producer guideline answer. then there is the political answer, which isjust as answer. then there is the political answer, which is just as you answer. then there is the political answer, which isjust as you eluded to they are a big threat to the conservatives. we know that because the conservatives have been trying to stop their voters going to reform by those policies being announced that i was talking about a second ago. thirdly, nigel garage is a big political historical figure. ago. thirdly, nigel garage is a big political historicalfigure. ok, he has lost seven times when he's tried to become a member of parliament. —— nigel farage. if you could permit at westminster, but he has been a member of the european parliament multiple times. his party topped the polls in european parliament elections, and he was plugging away for years and years and years, ok, he didn't leave the leave campaign, the official one when it came to the referendum in 2016, but he is a huge reason why it happened. so those three reasons kind of official political wires and political strategy wise and history wise are why he gets all this attention and he knows that he is entertaining. he said it himself, this election is boring, he said he could liven it up you get points for that in our political media culture. it is you get points for that in our political media culture. it is going to be pretty _ political media culture. it is going to be pretty lively. _ political media culture. it is going to be pretty lively, isn't _ political media culture. it is going to be pretty lively, isn't it? - political media culture. it is going to be pretty lively, isn't it? i- to be pretty lively, isn't it? i can't wait for newscast later. thank you very much. adam fleming and the newscast studio. we willjust you very much. adam fleming and the newscast studio. we will just take a breather from everything election for just a few breather from everything election forjust a few minutes. gavin will save us he has got the sports news from the bbc support centre. it's all yours, we are going to ta ke take a breath. i will try to save ou for take a breath. i will try to save you for a _ take a breath. i will try to save you for a little while. - hello from the bbc sport centre. chelsea have confirmed the appointment of enzo maresca as their new manager. the italian, led leicester city to the championship title — and promotion back to the premier league... and takes over from mauricio pochettino after his surprise departure last month. in a statement, maresca said it was "a dream" to join "one of the biggest clubs in the world". but leicester have said they're disappointed the 44—year—old has decided to leave — given he'd helped them back into the top flight. spanish football journalist guillem balague has been explaining why chelsea went for their new man. somebody that's got the energy to actually keep improving chelsea and take them to be top four again. all of that comes on the base of two things. what they saw that he done at leicester city and number two, they interview was very impressive. i think some people walk into the interview feeling that, yeah, we will see, a championship manager, not a lot of experience, came out of it thinking he has to be him. there's international football this evening as we build up to the european championship in less than two weeks. scotland play hosts germany in the opener they're playing gibraltar. it's currently goalless there at that match taking place in portugal. this being the penultimate game before their euros campaign. steve clarke's side face finland on friday. england manager gareth southgate will be without six players from his squad for their euros warm—up against bosnia and herzegovina in newcastle. that includesjude bellingham, who won the champions league with real madrid on saturday. he'lljoin up with the squad this weekend. newcastle united's kieran trippier will lead the team out as captain at his home ground of stjames' park. ifi if i have the armband or not, i'm always there for my team. i've never had it on a permanent basis, so, yeah, that's the type of character i am, but to lead the lads out, it's very special. my son will be mascot as well, so that's even more special. so, yeah, yeah. really proud moment for myself. it's not quite going to plan for world number one novak djokovic at the french open. he took the first with ease, 6—1. but the defending champion is blaming the court for the injury to his knee, which has hampered him in the second set against francisco cerundolo, who won that 7—5. djokovic down in the third now too. the serb remember, finishing his match from the previous round, in the early hours of the morning on sunday. aryna sabalenka, top of your screen, is through to the quarter finals in paris after a comprehensive win over american emma navarro in straight sets. the world number two is yet to drop a set this year at this tournament. she will face either russian teenager mirra andreeva next. on match day, and really focused. i feel all the pressure, to be honest, and i'm dealing with that, but on a day off, i am able to complete and forget about tennis and go out, have fun, doing something for my mental health, to be stronger, ready for the next round, so it's all about how you are able to manage the energy. and that's all the sport for now. hope you enjoyed the breather, back at it, isn't it? i did thank you very much at it, isn't it? i did thank you very muc— at it, isn't it? i did thank you ve muc ., , , ., very much for sparing us for five minutes. the _ very much for sparing us for five minutes. the we _ very much for sparing us for five minutes. the we will _ very much for sparing us for five minutes. the we will be - very much for sparing us for five minutes. the we will be back. very much for sparing us for five i minutes. the we will be back with bbc sport a little later. as promised, returning to all things general election and new research from leading pollsters indicate that labour are on track for victory with an even bigger landslide than their historic win in 1997. the pulling suggests the conservative are set to have the lowest number of mps in over a century, naming jacob rees mod and grant shapps amongst those who could lose their seats. let's talk to patric english, director of political analytics at u of. good to happy with us. talk me through numbers, what do they tell us? yes come as you — numbers, what do they tell us? is; come as you said, the numbers, what do they tell us? 19; come as you said, the numbers we projected today if the election was being held right now and people had their current about intentions than what they were telling was a reflection of what would happen at the ballot box, labour would be on course for a historic win. the kind of wind that they have never seen before, 422 constituencies, 122 wins while the conservatives would be reduced to 140. we cast our minds back only a few years ago and boris jonnson was sauntering down with a huge majority, a seat for a constituency for every single day of the year. in the course of one parliament, not only have labour managed to produce that majority to nothing and not only have they built a majority of their own of that size but they've got even further, double the size of the majority of boris jonnson was able to put together and there has been a commanding position, really, notjust to be in government for the next five years, but really looking at that decade of renewal plan i think that keir starmer has been talking about on the campaign trail. the starmer has been talking about on the campaign trail.— the campaign trail. the usual caveats apply _ the campaign trail. the usual caveats apply here, - the campaign trail. the usual caveats apply here, don't - the campaign trail. the usual. caveats apply here, don't they? the campaign trail. the usual- caveats apply here, don't they? this is just a pole. caveats apply here, don't they? this isjust a pole. we caveats apply here, don't they? this is just a pole. we will find caveats apply here, don't they? this isjust a pole. we will find out what happens injuly. some of the historical context is pretty relevant here. you touched on some of it. most labour seats in history. talk to me about the other parties. the lib dems on course to quadruple their seats. the lib dems on course to quadruple theirseats. but the lib dems on course to quadruple their seats. but a collapse of the snp in scotland.— their seats. but a collapse of the snp in scotland. yes, your point is very correct- _ snp in scotland. yes, your point is very correct. not _ snp in scotland. yes, your point is very correct. not a _ snp in scotland. yes, your point is very correct. not a single - snp in scotland. yes, your point is very correct. not a single vote - snp in scotland. yes, your point is very correct. not a single vote has| very correct. not a single vote has been cast at the end we still are quite far away from the election day itself. we must keep that in mind. this is a projection of what the situation looks like now. anything can change and no one has yet voted. their story is all around the map when you look at how this model that we have build by interviewing 60,000 people over the course of the last week, but that comes out with him and as you say, the liberal democrats, the snp again, the 2010 baseline looking at, they are going to get reduced to around the time we think we're going to be below 20 seats so has the largest party in scotland, the green party, doubling using the current numbers that we see right now. many, many stories, many fascinating stories. one of the most important ones, particularly a conservative strategist, what we are seeing is a three—pronged attack, really, on the conservatives from labour, from the liberal democrats and firm reform uk. all of those three parties are causing the conservatives major headaches. of course, the moment, for an this was all done pre—nigel farage announcing he was going to stand for reform uk, we are not suggesting that they are going to win a constituency come they are heavily eating into the conservative party with a range of seats, particularly across more leading areas, and that is costing the conservatives dearly at the moment. �* . ,:, the conservatives dearly at the moment. �* , _, , , the conservatives dearly at the moment. 2 ,, , �* moment. it's the same issue, isn't it? this is — moment. it's the same issue, isn't it? this is rrot _ moment. it's the same issue, isn't it? this is not voting _ moment. it's the same issue, isn't it? this is not voting intention, - it? this is not voting intention, there is a lot to pay for —— play for. talk to me about the sort of swings we see here, because for labour to get the sort of victory, they need in even bigger swing then tony blair had a 1997, partly because of the constituency boundaries. in because of the constituency boundaries.— because of the constituency boundaries. ::' ' , ., because of the constituency boundaries. ::' ' , :, :, boundaries. in 2019, leber had one ofthe boundaries. in 2019, leber had one of the poorly _ boundaries. in 2019, leber had one of the poorly distributed _ boundaries. in 2019, leber had one of the poorly distributed boats - boundaries. in 2019, leber had one of the poorly distributed boats in i of the poorly distributed boats in recorded history. they were stacking up recorded history. they were stacking up thousands upon thousands of pounds —— thousands of votes and areas of manchester, parts of london, but in those constituencies, they tend to decide british elections. they were nowhere near the conservatives. and that is the uphill task that labour face, the uphill task that labour face, the uphill battle, the struggle that keir starmer and all the labour advisers have been talking about, undoing that efficiency and what we think we are seeing now, we don't project a huge sweep over the labour swing in order of what might be required on uniform national swing to take the sort of majority, because what we are seeing, we believe, is a real efficiency effect in that labour vote. they have successfully undone network. they are not very competitive and very efficient in the sort of votes they are putting on in those woodland areas. the trading, let's say votes in other parts of the country to get more voters in the areas that really matter really side british general elections, so that efficiency is a major part of why we think labour are about 400 seats of the moment and why we think they are on course for a big majority. hater? and why we think they are on course for a big majority-— for a big ma'ority. very good to talk to you. — for a big majority. very good to talk to you. thank _ for a big majority. very good to talk to you. thank you - for a big majority. very good to talk to you. thank you for i for a big majority. very good to i talk to you. thank you for talking us through those numbers, director of political analytics. you saw the number on the screen, 194 seats a labour majority according to the labour majority according to the labour pole. a pole that's just been put out, and mlp pole, 194 seats, labour majority. as the main party leaders get ready to go head—to—head in theirfirst leaders get ready to go head—to—head in their first televised debate tomorrow, bvc verify has been looking at the truth behind arguments that have been made on all sides. as keir starmer lays out his defence plan today, policy analysis correspondent examines labour's claims about the government's track record. , : :. f claims about the government's track record. , : :, j . record. they claim they've cut the arm to record. they claim they've cut the army to the _ record. they claim they've cut the army to the smallest _ record. they claim they've cut the army to the smallest size - record. they claim they've cut the army to the smallest size since i army to the smallest size since napoleon and also missed recruitment targets every year. is that fair? as you can see here from the most recent ministry of defence data on uk armed forces personnel, the number of regular army forces was around 75,000 in the first three months of this year, down to around 79,000 at the end of 2019 just before the last election, so the number has fallen by around 4000 over this parliament. military historians estimate that this is indeed the smallest size of the regular army since the napoleonic wars in the early 19th century. the army today has a reserve force of around 30,000, so in slightly larger than in napoleonic times if you factor that in. as for the claim about recruitment targets, mod data shows the number of non—officers recruited into the army and every since 2010, versus the targets for that year, you can see the targets in black and the numbers recruited in black and the numbers recruited in blue. and in red, the gap between the two. this does suggest a deficit in every year except 2021. however, we need to add to some relevant context to these labour criticism. they've not themselves pledge to increase the number of soldiers and labour's commitment today to keep the nuclear submarine deterrent whose running costs are estimated to be £3 million a year would reduce their potential to do that if they won power. the conservative response to labour's claims to be part of national defence has meant to point out that the deputy leader, angela rayner and the shadow foreign secretary, david lemi, voted against renewing trident in 2016 in a parliamentary vote. this is correct although keir starmer voted in favour and labour formally supported trident in its 2019 election manifesto. perhaps the biggest challenge for labour if they won power would be grappling with the same tough strategic and financial choices is the current government between maintaining the numbers of military personnel and investing in technology to counter new security threats such as cyber attacks and those arising from artificial intelligence. to govern is to choose into future labour government, just like the conservatives will be forced to choose its priorities when it comes to defence. latte forced to choose its priorities when it comes to defence.— it comes to defence. we will fact check those _ it comes to defence. we will fact check those and _ it comes to defence. we will fact check those and have _ it comes to defence. we will fact check those and have more i it comes to defence. we will fact check those and have more for. it comes to defence. we will fact l check those and have more for you here on bbc news. let's talk about what we have learned today and where we are two weeks into this campaign. head of media at havenjoins me, former special adviser to theresa may and from the progressive policy institute and former executive director of policy to keir starmer. nice to see you both. thank you for coming in. i want to start first of all of that poll published in the last hour. it'sjust all of that poll published in the last hour. it's just a pole all of that poll published in the last hour. it'sjust a pole it doesn't tell us a huge amount except for where we are right now, 194 seats a labour majority. this will be very, very uncomfortable reading for conservative ho. ihla be very, very uncomfortable reading for conservative hq.— be very, very uncomfortable reading for conservative hq. no doubt about it, this is for conservative hq. no doubt about it. this is a — for conservative hq. no doubt about it. this is a a — for conservative hq. no doubt about it, this is a a mega _ for conservative hq. no doubt about it, this is a a mega pole, _ for conservative hq. no doubt about it, this is a a mega pole, it - for conservative hq. no doubt about it, this is a a mega pole, it takes i it, this is a a mega pole, it takes everything down to constituency by constituency levels to make the poll of 50,000 people and it shows labour having this unprecedented kind of electoral victory. that's going to make morale really, really difficult. but they will be saying just that, look, it's one pole we've got five weeks to go. one of the reasons that number 10 called the election early as they were saying we weren't getting a hearing, we weren't getting people to focus on the choices. so in order to do that they called the election and they anticipate that these polls will narrow. , :. , anticipate that these polls will narrow. , :_ :, :, anticipate that these polls will narrow. , :, :, , , narrow. they may narrow but they will not narrow. they may narrow but they will rrot get _ narrow. they may narrow but they will rrot get to _ narrow. they may narrow but they will not get to a _ narrow. they may narrow but they will not get to a point, _ narrow. they may narrow but they will not get to a point, perhaps i narrow. they may narrow but they will not get to a point, perhaps of| will not get to a point, perhaps of the conservatives having a decent showing. and that will be the concern is that it will hit morale. what does that do inside of a campaign?— what does that do inside of a cam-tain? , , :, , campaign? makes things really difficult. people _ campaign? makes things really difficult. people are _ campaign? makes things really difficult. people are tired, i campaign? makes things really difficult. people are tired, they are working 14—15 hours a day. things are quite tense and fractious anyway if you've got what you think isn't uncertain or very difficult outcome it's really, really hard to get those troops to come out every day. but having said that, you know, what you are trying to do here, what are trying to do here is shore up their bass boat and make sure the fate base boat turns out for them and not for alternative parties, and thatis and not for alternative parties, and that is primarily the game. whether you like the decision or not, what you've got to say is we are in the fight of our lives and there is no point pulling any punches. this will be read very _ point pulling any punches. this will be read very differently, _ point pulling any punches. this will be read very differently, labour- be read very differently, labour will be very pleased with what this poll suggests. but there's almost the opposite problem, isn't there? how do you maintain a sense of challenge and delivering and getting out on the doorsteps every day? i'm sure we will hear from keir starmer, it's about taking nothing for granted. but with numbers like this, that's quite hard. iarteiith granted. but with numbers like this, that's quite hard.— that's quite hard. with the message to labour teams _ that's quite hard. with the message to labour teams will _ that's quite hard. with the message to labour teams will be _ that's quite hard. with the message to labour teams will be no - to labour teams will be no complacency and they really mean that _ complacency and they really mean that. labour have had four successive electoral defeats. they will be _ successive electoral defeats. they will be taking nothing for granted at all. _ will be taking nothing for granted at all. so — will be taking nothing for granted at all. so i — will be taking nothing for granted at all, so i expect them to be full on until— at all, so i expect them to be full on until ten— at all, so i expect them to be full on until ten o'clock on polling day. as you _ on until ten o'clock on polling day. as you say, — on until ten o'clock on polling day. as you say, this is a pole, it's not the same — as you say, this is a pole, it's not the same as— as you say, this is a pole, it's not the same as election night. lots of things— the same as election night. lots of things can — the same as election night. lots of things can still happen in the campaign. ithink things can still happen in the campaign. i think what labour will be encouraged by his the breath of their support, the breadth and depth — their support, the breadth and depth. they are getting support from i’ili'it depth. they are getting support from right across the country. we look at the scotland figures as well and you can hear— the scotland figures as well and you can hear from what you go forjust saying. _ can hear from what you go forjust saying. that — can hear from what you go forjust saying, that actuates the efficiency of labour's — saying, that actuates the efficiency of labour's vote, and that isn't some — of labour's vote, and that isn't some technicality, that is a strategy— some technicality, that is a strategy to base labour support in the towns — strategy to base labour support in the towns and suburbs right across the towns and suburbs right across the country — the towns and suburbs right across the country rather than piling up votes _ the country rather than piling up votesjust— the country rather than piling up votesjust in the cities. they are attracting — votesjust in the cities. they are attracting support in different places— attracting support in different places that will be of real concern to the _ places that will be of real concern to the conservatives who, as was said, _ to the conservatives who, as was said, consolidate their core vote and they— said, consolidate their core vote and they are not expanding it, really. — and they are not expanding it, really, into lower age categories into middle—aged people. they are getting _ into middle—aged people. they are getting narrow support and labour is getting _ getting narrow support and labour is getting border all the time. getting narrow support and labour is getting borderallthe time. how getting border all the time. how would ou getting border all the time. first would you characterise this first week of campaigning? we know this was a surprise for a lot of people in westminster that rishi sunak called that election when he did. it's one thing to be in opposition and to be critical of government. it's a very different thing on the campaign trail, when your policies really are under scrutiny. do labour's policies here hold up to scrutiny? labour's policies here hold up to scrutin ? :, , :, , :, :, scrutiny? the conservatives had of falterin: scrutiny? the conservatives had of faltering starts, _ scrutiny? the conservatives had of faltering starts, given _ scrutiny? the conservatives had of faltering starts, given that - scrutiny? the conservatives had of faltering starts, given that they i faltering starts, given that they called _ faltering starts, given that they called the election themselves was something of an own goal, but since then, _ something of an own goal, but since then, there's been a lot more focus on labour, — then, there's been a lot more focus on labour, focus on labour's internal— on labour, focus on labour's internal party politics, but also in some _ internal party politics, but also in some of— internal party politics, but also in some of their policy areas. so they've — some of their policy areas. so they've really gone the front foot today— they've really gone the front foot today with some positioning around defence _ today with some positioning around defence and this triple locked on defence — defence and this triple locked on defence saying the country will be safer— defence saying the country will be safer with — defence saying the country will be safer with labour. so would expect that policy— safer with labour. so would expect that policy scrutiny to come, but you've _ that policy scrutiny to come, but you've also _ that policy scrutiny to come, but you've also seen a number of announcements they are making on education. — announcements they are making on education, lifelong training, on crime, — education, lifelong training, on crime, so— education, lifelong training, on crime, so they are really wheeling out the _ crime, so they are really wheeling out the policies they've got to sustain — out the policies they've got to sustain them during the election campaign, so there will be more scrutiny— campaign, so there will be more scrutiny to — campaign, so there will be more scrutiny to come, but it looks to me like they— scrutiny to come, but it looks to me like they are — scrutiny to come, but it looks to me like they are pretty rock solid. a final like they are pretty rock solid. final thought from you. you said it's about calling this election to try to get people to engage with the issues. has anything but the conservatives announced really struck? because until we get those manifestos, it feels like everyone is just throwing everything at it, doesn't it? isjust throwing everything at it, doesn't it?— isjust throwing everything at it, doesn't it? optically, they had a very difficult _ doesn't it? optically, they had a very difficult week _ doesn't it? optically, they had a very difficult week to _ doesn't it? optically, they had a very difficult week to start i doesn't it? optically, they had a very difficult week to start with, | very difficult week to start with, but actually i think of the first week they set the news agenda day after day after day and no doubt about it, their proposals for the national service certainly has cut through, and it was very popular across the country. latte through, and it was very popular across the country.— through, and it was very popular across the country. we will wait and see, across the country. we will wait and see. there — across the country. we will wait and see. there is _ across the country. we will wait and see. there is a _ across the country. we will wait and see, there is a long _ across the country. we will wait and see, there is a long way _ across the country. we will wait and see, there is a long way to - across the country. we will wait and see, there is a long way to go i see, there is a long way to go still. thank you so much for being with us on bbc news and we will have much more, you can see their own screen, your vos your vote. scan the qr code to send in your questions, comments, concerns if there are issues you want us to talk about, send them there, we will put them to the politicians as part of smith's coverage here on bbc news. nine minutes to 6pm and work has begun today on the centre for new motor neurone disease. his tributes continue to pour in for the rugby league star that died yesterday at the age of iii. fans who have been laying flowers and cards at headingley stadium before his diagnosis with the disease. john mcguire has this report. it is the moment rob burrow was determined would go ahead today without delay. a spade went into the ground for the first time to create the motor neurone disease centre in leeds that will bear his name. along with rob's family was his former team—mate kevin sinfield. between them they have raised almost £15 million. some of that money will help to build the centre. it will be rob's legacy. i wish he could have seen the outpouring of love. i think we all lose special people, but it is very rare that you lose someone who is so special to so many different people. as you can see, it is pretty raw, still. he will leave a massive hole. rob's family say that this new facility meant the world to him and despite this being such a difficult day, it is a very proud moment. it isjust amazing to be here today for rob. we are flying the flag and beating the drum and we will keep doing it, raising money. and we will get a cure. notjust the care centre but a breakthrough forl people with mnd. so that it is not the hell. on earth that it has been, but we will make sure there is - a remedy for sufferers, robert wants us to. rob played a part in designing the centre, designed as a one—stop shop for patients and theirfamily. after signing from leeds rhinos as a teenager he went on to become one of their greatest doc not long after his retirement he was diagnosed with mnd, a condition he faced with incredible positivity. i am not giving in until my last breath. i have too many reasons to live. the love he had for his family and the love that they had for him shone through, as he made his private battle a public one, to raise awareness of the disease. rob overcame so many challenges on and off the field. you will always be remembered as a giant of rugby ——he will always be remembered as a giant of rugby league, and in the face of this cruel disease. now, something entirely different, i should just say come naturally to him he can watch a special programme about rob tonight at bbc p.m. , don't miss it. there's a documentary called there's only one rob borough. you will be able to watch it on the bbc iplayer when ever you need to. there it is to find on the app. —— rob burrow. as promised, something entirely different. despite the wet and dull conditions we've had in the uk over the last few weeks, it turns out, apparently, believe it or not, that it was also the warmest may and springs since records began back in1881i. how has that happened? well, earlier the bbc 's weather presenter gave us some clarity on what appeared to be record—breaking temperatures. yes. record-breaking temperatures. yes, it has been the _ record—breaking temperatures. i'eis it has been the warmest record—breaking temperatures. ieis it has been the warmest spring record—breaking temperatures. i2: it has been the warmest spring on record, the warmest may on record, it's also been the sixth wettest spring on record, so how has all that happened? well, a few different things. one thing about mei particularly is that we have had high temperatures in the north of the uk, so temperatures in scotland have been well the previous record. obviously we take an average across the uk. temperatures in one part of the uk. temperatures in one part of the uk. temperatures in one part of the uk will push the whole average upwards, but the other big thing we have seen this spring and this has been a feature right across the spring is some really warm nights. we haven't had many cold nights. spring is a transition season, the transition from winter to summer, it is not some react, of course, we still get some cold nights in spring, we haven't seen many. one thing you have asked me, one thing a lot of people have 's been asking us how has it been so warm in spite of all that cloud and rain. well, warm nights are partly because of all that cloud and rain. cloudy weather at night keeps the temperatures up. the cloud acts like a blanket. because of all the cloud, we have had warm nights pushing those averages up overall. i5 had warm nights pushing those averages up overall. is it had warm nights pushing those averages up overall.— had warm nights pushing those averages up overall. is it fair to sa the averages up overall. is it fair to say the climate _ averages up overall. is it fair to say the climate change - averages up overall. is it fair to say the climate change meansl averages up overall. is it fair to l say the climate change means we averages up overall. is it fair to - say the climate change means we will see more rain and more unusual temperatures? we see more rain and more unusual temperatures?— see more rain and more unusual temperatures? see more rain and more unusual temeratures? ~ _, ., temperatures? we will continue in a warming climate _ temperatures? we will continue in a warming climate to _ temperatures? we will continue in a warming climate to see _ temperatures? we will continue in a warming climate to see weather - warming climate to see weather extremes of both cold weather and warm weather. what we see are fewer cold weather extremes and more and more warm weather extremes, so digging back through the statistics, eight of the ten warmest springs on record have happened since the year 2000. top ten, eight in this century. whereasjust 2000. top ten, eight in this century. whereas just one of the ten coldest springs happen in this century, or whether extremes, cold weather extremes, as you say, rain is something we expect more of because of climate change, the warmer the air is, the more moisture it is able to hold. more moisture in the sponge, more you can ring out in the sponge, more you can ring out in the form of heavy rain. we do expect things overall to keep getting warmer and wetter.— things overall to keep getting warmer and wetter. let's find out with the weather _ warmer and wetter. let's find out with the weather forecast. - warmer and wetter. let's find out with the weather forecast. see i warmer and wetter. let's find out | with the weather forecast. see you soon. hello there. monday was dominated by some contrasting conditions. the best of the sunshine certainly was through scotland, and in fact, a beautiful afternoon in st andrew's fife. but the story will change through tomorrow. further south, some cloud, thick enough fot the odd spot or two of drizzle stubbornly sat there through much of the day. now, the change, though, is coming with these weather fronts that are gradually pushing in to the northwest of scotland. behind it, cold air tucks in, centred close to this low pressure is where we're likely to see the strongest of the winds and the sharpest, most frequent showers. but the fronts will continue to slip their way steadily south as we go through the morning on tuesday. early morning sunshine in east anglia and southeast england will gradually be clouding over as we go into the afternoon. but we should see some warmth still with that early sunshine, 21 celsius. there'll be some showery outbreaks of rain continuing, and the back edge, the brighter greens denoting there could be some heavy showers with hail and thunder. not a bad end to the day through northern ireland and the scottish borders, but a frequent rash of showers here in the northwest and a cooler feel already, only highs of 10—14 celsius. so those fronts continue to push their way south and east. and then under that influence of low pressure, with the wind direction changing to a north westerly, a cooler air source is going to spill its way right across the country. temperatures just below par, really, for this time of year. it'll be a chilly start to our wednesday morning, low single figures in some areas of rural scotland. but generally we're looking at single figures to greet us first thing on wednesday. there should be some early morning sunshine across england and wales. we might cling on to some sunny spells as well, but a frequent rash of showers will develop into the far north and west. a brisk northwesterly wind here, too, and temperatures peaking at around ii—ili celsius in scotland and northern ireland, highest values of 15—18 celsius across england and wales. so even with the sunshine, that's still a little disappointing. the low pressure not moving very far, very fast. high pressure is trying desperately hard to build in from the southwest for the end of the week and into the weekend. so don't expect any significant change, but it's likely the best of the drier, brighter weather will be reserved across england and wales. further north and west, we keep those sharp showers going. at the general election. he says he changed his mind about standing again for parliament because he didn't want to "let down millions of people" who want change. it comes as sir keir starmer says he'd use nuclear weapons to defend the uk, while rishi sunak wants to make biological sex a legally protected characteristic. we'll have all the latest news from the campaign. also this evening... around half a million people are left with no child benefit payments after processing problems at hmrc. and i am here in newcastle as england's footballers face one of their final warm england's footballers face one of theirfinal warm up games for euro 2024. on bbc london... and coming up on bbc news — enzo maresca has left leicester after helping them get promotion to the premier league. he'll manage chelsea next season after signing a five—year deal. good evening. nigel farage says he's returning to frontline politics