the gambling commission over a bet about the timing of the election. russell george — who is a member of the welsh parliament — has "stepped back" from his party's shadow cabinet and says he will "co—operate fully". wikileaks founderjulian assange leaves prison in britain and flies to an american territory in the pacific after reaching a plea deal with the us. he will not face further prison time after pleading guilty, and he will be free to return to australia, his home country. at least five people are shot dead in kenya as police crack down on protests against tax increases. the kenyan government has announced that the military have now been deployed. and a former fujitsu engineer who helped design the horizon it system tells the post office inquiry that he thought the software worked well, most of the time. garethjenkin gave evidence in the pivotal 2010 trial of seema misra, who was jailed while pregnant. the wikileaks founderjulian assange will land this hour in the us territory of saipan, the largest of the northern mariana islands, where he is due plead guilty to to one count of espionage. these are the pictures this afternoon of assange arriving in bangkok aboard a privatejet that later transferred him from thailand to the south pacific. we are told that once in court, assange will admit that in 2010, he conspired to unlawfully obtain and disseminate classified national defence information. for that, he will be sentenced to 62 months injail, but of course will be freed immediately to return to australia, for time served at the belmarsh high security prison. it brings to an end a iii—year saga that surrounded one of the biggest leaks of classified material in us history. washington long maintained that the lives of intelligence agents were put at risk because of wikileaks disclosure — a claim assange's lawyers have disputed. the former us director of intelligence, james clapper, who was in post in 2010, had this to say a little earlier. this came up as well. i think critical to this was his plea of one count of espionage. i think the law enforcement community and the intelligence community wouldn't have bought into this without that. —— this came out pretty well. but he's served essentially seven years of incarceration in the ecuadorian embassy in london, was released from that and the brits arrested him, and that he did 62 months injail — hard time in london. so, he's sort of paid his dues. let's talk to our panel. chris, it's such a fluke that you're here on this particular day. it is relevant to a former intelligence officer. i imagine you could look at this in two ways. first of all, the risk thatis two ways. first of all, the risk that is created for intelligence officers you probably knew, but on the other hand, likejulian assange, you are sued by an american president and government and could have been extradited on a fairly serious account. how do you feel about what you're witnessing here? high, christian. trying to depersonalize it, i think it's important that whistle—blowers in general to come forward —— hi, christian. if there isn't that sort of mechanism for it, that does risk — in fact, what happened here, julian assange and his supporters ended up serving the interests of a hostile foreign power. on one hand, i agree that it's very important that whistle—blowing is not punished when it's just an that whistle—blowing is not punished when it'sjust an handled in the right way, there should be support. but on the other hand, what's all bsolutely cardinal, especially intelligence work, sources' lives were put at risk. that set off a spiral of conflict. this ended up with wikileaks being manipulated and exploited by the kremlin. d0 with wikileaks being manipulated and exploited by the kremlin.— exploited by the kremlin. do you think peeple _ exploited by the kremlin. do you think people died _ exploited by the kremlin. do you think people died as _ exploited by the kremlin. do you think people died as a _ exploited by the kremlin. do you think people died as a result? i l think people died as a result? i think people died as a result? i think it's highly likely, and even if they didn't, people �*s lives could be made of misery when they've been exposed. could be made of misery when they've been “posed-— been exposed. what about the flip side that your _ been exposed. what about the flip side that your own _ been exposed. what about the flip side that your own personal - side that your own personal experience of being pursued by donald trump, by people closer to him and the threat of extradition you faced? i him and the threat of extradition ou faced? ~ him and the threat of extradition you faced?— you faced? i think it was hot air, to be honest. _ you faced? i think it was hot air, to be honest. it's— you faced? i think it was hot air, to be honest. it's obviously - to be honest. it's obviously worrying personally, buti to be honest. it's obviously worrying personally, but i did nothing wrong and didn't break any laws. i certainly didn't go about revealing who sources were or so on, unlike some people in congress and in the trump administration who did precisely that. let in the trump administration who did precisely that-— precisely that. let me come to you, susie. do precisely that. let me come to you, susie- do you _ precisely that. let me come to you, susie. do you consider— precisely that. let me come to you, susie. do you consider him - precisely that. let me come to you, susie. do you consider him a - susie. do you consider him a journalist?— susie. do you consider him a journalist? susie. do you consider him a “ournalist? ., . , , ., . journalist? no. journalists do what christian was _ journalist? no. journalists do what christian was talking _ journalist? no. journalists do what christian was talking about - journalist? no. journalists do what christian was talking about to - journalist? no. journalists do what| christian was talking about to some extent _ christian was talking about to some extent -- _ christian was talking about to some extent —— chris. whether you like him or— extent —— chris. whether you like him or you — extent —— chris. whether you like him or you don't, you will go through— him or you don't, you will go through it. _ him or you don't, you will go through it, and your work is owed to the people _ through it, and your work is owed to the people in your subject to ethical— the people in your subject to ethical regulations in different jurisdictions, and legible is... in the united — jurisdictions, and legible is... in the united states, where some of your viewers are, if someone, if the whole _ your viewers are, if someone, if the whole family— your viewers are, if someone, if the whole family was murdered, i could io whole family was murdered, i could go and _ whole family was murdered, i could go and report quite happily the views— go and report quite happily the views of— go and report quite happily the views of a _ go and report quite happily the views of a neighbour that said he was a _ views of a neighbour that said he was a lovely man and never thought he was _ was a lovely man and never thought he was a _ was a lovely man and never thought he was a bloodthirsty murderer. could _ he was a bloodthirsty murderer. could put— he was a bloodthirsty murderer. could put that in the paper and no problem _ could put that in the paper and no problem at — could put that in the paper and no problem at all. you can't do that in the united — problem at all. you can't do that in the united kingdom because it might as you _ the united kingdom because it might as you just— the united kingdom because it might as you just a future jury. we do things— as you just a future jury. we do things differently. that's how journalists behave. you have an editing — journalists behave. you have an editing process and you have a legal team, _ editing process and you have a legal team, you _ editing process and you have a legal team, you have ethical concerns, you try not— team, you have ethical concerns, you try not to _ team, you have ethical concerns, you try not to do — team, you have ethical concerns, you try not to do anything that will get other— try not to do anything that will get other people in trouble. it's been very little — other people in trouble. it's been very little mention in the footage about— very little mention in the footage aboutjulian assange very little mention in the footage about julian assange about chelsea manning. _ about julian assange about chelsea manning, the actual whistle—blower, who put— manning, the actual whistle—blower, who put their life on the line and was locked — who put their life on the line and was locked up for a very long time by the _ was locked up for a very long time by the american military because they didn't have exactly the legal protections that christopher was 'ust protections that christopher was just talking about. i think what julian— just talking about. i think what julian did — just talking about. i think what julian did was journalism. just talking about. i think what julian did wasjournalism. i think he was _ julian did wasjournalism. i think he was persecuted forjournalism and that shouldn't have happened, but i do not _ that shouldn't have happened, but i do not think he was a journalist. so do not think he was a journalist. s: was it do not think he was a journalist. was itjust... do not think he was a journalist. sr was itjust... was it the fact that the documents that he released weren't sufficiently redacted as they probably would have been had they probably would have been had they come from a newsroom that you and i work in? they come from a newsroom that you and i work in?— and i work in? you, i am loads of otherjournalists _ and i work in? you, i am loads of otherjournalists around - and i work in? you, i am loads of otherjournalists around the - and i work in? you, i am loads of| otherjournalists around the world reported — otherjournalists around the world reported the things that julian assange put out there. none of us went— assange put out there. none of us went to _ assange put out there. none of us went to jail~ — assange put out there. none of us went to jail. that's it. that's the proof— went to jail. that's it. that's the proof of— went to jail. that's it. that's the proof of the _ went to jail. that's it. that's the proof of the pudding. if he hadn't fled sweden 14 years ago to avoid those _ fled sweden 14 years ago to avoid those rape charges and stayed in sweden — those rape charges and stayed in sweden to answer the rate charges, that country has a better, less pro-us — that country has a better, less pro—us extradition deal than that uk. pro—us extradition deal than that uk he _ pro—us extradition deal than that uk. he more likely would have spent the last— uk. he more likely would have spent the last 14 _ uk. he more likely would have spent the last 14 years being a free man and clearing his name and walking around _ and clearing his name and walking around the — and clearing his name and walking around the world doing whatever he wants _ around the world doing whatever he wants one — around the world doing whatever he wants. one of your previous excerpts. _ wants. one of your previous excerpts, a chap in the us said he served _ excerpts, a chap in the us said he served times in the embassy for several— served times in the embassy for several years. served times in the embassy for severalyears. he served times in the embassy for several years. he locked himself there! _ several years. he locked himself there! he — several years. he locked himself there! he shut the cover and locked it from _ there! he shut the cover and locked it from the — there! he shut the cover and locked it from the inside. that's not the kind _ it from the inside. that's not the kind of— it from the inside. that's not the kind of thing journalists do. no, kind of thing “ournalists do. no, “ournalist kind of thing journalists do. no, journalist like _ kind of thing journalists do. i»!;r>, journalist like you and me didn't stand outside the ecuadorian embassy for seven years! jessica, we're watching these pictures and we don't have a saipan bureau, but i understand the plan that set off earlier today was full of journalists. we're expecting the plane to arrive in the next four five minutes. the guardian has spent a lot of time supporting his campaign for release. i want to put this to you. we spoke to the new york timesjust a this to you. we spoke to the new york times just a short time ago, who say the fudge here, the plea deal that they've come to sets a very dangerous precedent because it can't be challenged in us courts. he will go home to australia, but the precedent for journalists who want to report on classified information or on government documents is now very different. it's the first conviction of its kind in the united states. they worry about that. i think that's the really interesting thing _ think that's the really interesting thing about— think that's the really interesting thing about this, _ think that's the really interesting thing about this, what _ think that's the really interesting thing about this, what precedentj think that's the really interesting i thing about this, what precedent it sets _ thing about this, what precedent it sets you — thing about this, what precedent it sets you can— thing about this, what precedent it sets. you can make _ thing about this, what precedent it sets. you can make those - thing about this, what precedent it. sets. you can make those arguments about _ sets. you can make those arguments about whether — sets. you can make those arguments about whetherjulian_ sets. you can make those arguments about whetherjulian assange - sets. you can make those arguments about whetherjulian assange is - sets. you can make those arguments about whetherjulian assange is or i about whetherjulian assange is or isn't a _ about whetherjulian assange is or isn't a journalist, _ about whetherjulian assange is or isn't a journalist, and _ about whetherjulian assange is or isn't a journalist, and i— about whetherjulian assange is or isn't a journalist, and i think- isn't a journalist, and i think as he made — isn't a journalist, and i think as he made some _ isn't a journalist, and i think as he made some very— isn't a journalist, and i think as he made some very good - isn't a journalist, and i think as - he made some very good points, but i think what— he made some very good points, but i think what we — he made some very good points, but i think what we should _ he made some very good points, but i think what we should all _ he made some very good points, but i think what we should all conscious - think what we should all conscious of is what — think what we should all conscious of is what this _ think what we should all conscious of is what this means _ think what we should all conscious of is what this means for - of is what this means for journalists _ of is what this means for journalists going - of is what this means for journalists going forward of is what this means for - journalists going forward who want to release — journalists going forward who want to release classified _ journalists going forward who want to release classified documents, . journalists going forward who want| to release classified documents, to report— to release classified documents, to report on— to release classified documents, to report on them _ to release classified documents, to report on them and _ to release classified documents, to report on them and to _ to release classified documents, to report on them and to do _ to release classified documents, to report on them and to do so - to release classified documents, to report on them and to do so in - to release classified documents, to report on them and to do so in the | report on them and to do so in the public— report on them and to do so in the public interest _ report on them and to do so in the public interest. that _ report on them and to do so in the public interest. that is— report on them and to do so in the public interest. that is something i public interest. that is something that we _ public interest. that is something that we all— public interest. that is something that we all might _ public interest. that is something that we all might want _ public interest. that is something that we all might want to - public interest. that is something that we all might want to do - public interest. that is something that we all might want to do in. that we all might want to do in the future _ that we all might want to do in the future if— that we all might want to do in the future if we — that we all might want to do in the future if we felt _ that we all might want to do in the future if we felt that _ that we all might want to do in the future if we felt that there - that we all might want to do in the future if we felt that there was - that we all might want to do in the future if we felt that there was a l future if we felt that there was a significant — future if we felt that there was a significant reason _ future if we felt that there was a significant reason for— future if we felt that there was a significant reason for doing - future if we felt that there was a j significant reason for doing that. future if we felt that there was a i significant reason for doing that. i think— significant reason for doing that. i think that's — significant reason for doing that. i think that's why. _ significant reason for doing that. i think that's why, although - significant reason for doing that. i think that's why, although some i significant reason for doing that. ll think that's why, although some of these _ think that's why, although some of these organisations— think that's why, although some of these organisations who _ think that's why, although some of these organisations who have - think that's why, although some ofj these organisations who have been campaigning — these organisations who have been campaigning now— these organisations who have been campaigning now for— these organisations who have been campaigning now forjulian - these organisations who have been. campaigning now forjulian assange's release _ campaigning now forjulian assange's release have — campaigning now forjulian assange's release have tempered _ campaigning now forjulian assange's release have tempered their- release have tempered their celebration, _ release have tempered their celebration, because - release have tempered their celebration, because there i release have tempered their. celebration, because there are release have tempered their- celebration, because there are two ways of— celebration, because there are two ways of looking _ celebration, because there are two ways of looking at _ celebration, because there are two ways of looking at it. _ celebration, because there are two ways of looking at it. had - celebration, because there are two ways of looking at it. had assange| ways of looking at it. had assange been _ ways of looking at it. had assange been extradited _ ways of looking at it. had assange been extradited and _ ways of looking at it. had assange been extradited and going - ways of looking at it. had assange been extradited and going to- ways of looking at it. had assange . been extradited and going to prison, therefore _ been extradited and going to prison, therefore any — been extradited and going to prison, therefore any reporter— been extradited and going to prison, therefore any reporter is _ been extradited and going to prison, therefore any reporter is handed - therefore any reporter is handed this document _ therefore any reporter is handed this document would _ therefore any reporter is handed this document would feel- therefore any reporter is handed this document would feel like i therefore any reporter is handed . this document would feel like they would _ this document would feel like they would potentially— this document would feel like they would potentially face _ this document would feel like they would potentially face that - this document would feel like they would potentially face that similar| would potentially face that similar fate. would potentially face that similar fate the — would potentially face that similar fate the fact _ would potentially face that similar fate. the fact he's _ would potentially face that similar fate. the fact he's managed - would potentially face that similar fate. the fact he's managed to- would potentially face that similar| fate. the fact he's managed to get this deal— fate. the fact he's managed to get this deal and — fate. the fact he's managed to get this deal and got— fate. the fact he's managed to get this deal and got his _ fate. the fact he's managed to get this deal and got his freedom, - this deal and got his freedom, albeit— this deal and got his freedom, albeit through _ this deal and got his freedom, albeit through a _ this deal and got his freedom, albeit through a very- this deal and got his freedom, albeit through a very arduous i albeit through a very arduous process, _ albeit through a very arduous process, could _ albeit through a very arduous process, could be _ albeit through a very arduous process, could be some - albeit through a very arduous i process, could be some reason albeit through a very arduous - process, could be some reason for celebration — process, could be some reason for celebration but— process, could be some reason for celebration. but of— process, could be some reason for celebration. but of course, - process, could be some reason for celebration. but of course, the - process, could be some reason forl celebration. but of course, the plea deal will— celebration. but of course, the plea deal will hang — celebration. but of course, the plea deal will hang over— celebration. but of course, the plea deal will hang over the _ celebration. but of course, the plea deal will hang over the heads - celebration. but of course, the plea deal will hang over the heads of- celebration. but of course, the plea deal will hang over the heads of a l deal will hang over the heads of a lot of— deal will hang over the heads of a lot of people _ deal will hang over the heads of a lot of people for _ deal will hang over the heads of a lot of people for years _ deal will hang over the heads of a lot of people for years to - deal will hang over the heads of a lot of people for years to come i deal will hang over the heads of a lot of people for years to come in| lot of people for years to come in terms _ lot of people for years to come in terms of— lot of people for years to come in terms of its — lot of people for years to come in terms of its a _ lot of people for years to come in terms of its a guilty _ lot of people for years to come in terms of its a guilty plea. - lot of people for years to come in terms of its a guilty plea. it's - terms of its a guilty plea. it's used — terms of its a guilty plea. it's used in — terms of its a guilty plea. it's used in relation _ terms of its a guilty plea. it's used in relation of— terms of its a guilty plea. it's used in relation of kind - terms of its a guilty plea. it's used in relation of kind of. used in relation of kind of obtaining _ used in relation of kind of obtaining this _ used in relation of kind of| obtaining this information. used in relation of kind of- obtaining this information. his wife said it's _ obtaining this information. his wife said it's a _ obtaining this information. his wife said it's a serious _ obtaining this information. his wife said it's a serious concern. - obtaining this information. his wife said it's a serious concern.- said it's a serious concern. chris, we should _ said it's a serious concern. chris, we should make _ said it's a serious concern. chris, we should make the _ said it's a serious concern. chris, we should make the distinction. l said it's a serious concern. chris, i we should make the distinction. he was being prosecuted for the military secrets surrounding iraq and afghanistan that he put out there. but he wasn't being prosecuted for was his involvement in the 2016 election and the e—mails that were hacked from democratic computers. in the context of what we're doing this next week, is there still a concern from your perspective of russian interference in our elections? filter? perspective of russian interference in our elections?— perspective of russian interference in our elections? very much so, and i think in our elections? very much so, and i think the — in our elections? very much so, and i think the stakes _ in our elections? very much so, and i think the stakes in _ in our elections? very much so, and i think the stakes in many _ in our elections? very much so, and i think the stakes in many way - in our elections? very much so, and i think the stakes in many way for i i think the stakes in many way for putin and the kremlin, the higher in this american election are higher than the previous two. i think every thing points of the fact that the russians will try and intervene in november. they'll probably use different techniques and methods, but i'm sure we will see evidence of it in due course.— it in due course. we'll take a short break. it in due course. we'll take a short break- you — it in due course. we'll take a short break. you are _ it in due course. we'll take a short break. you are watching _ it in due course. we'll take a short break. you are watching bbc- it in due course. we'll take a shortl break. you are watching bbc news. welcome back. there is evidence tonight in some of the latest polling that nigel farage's comments on putin and ukraine have backfired. reform uk is down three points tonight 15% withjlpartners and down 2 to 14% with savanta. we don't tend to focus on individuals polls, but both companies suggested today it was the first real wobble of reform uk's campaign. since his appearance on panorama last week, mr farage has doubled down on his claims that the west provoked vladimir putin into invading ukraine. it prompted a response from the ministry of defence. in this video they published on x the mod said it would be almost impossible to "encircle" russia and its 11 time zones — not to mention its concerted attempts over the years to establish a strategic partnership with russia. let me pick this up with you, susie. what do you make of the polling? has it been... i don't know, may be a mistake, on this step, the first misstep from nigel farage? yeah, because he — misstep from nigel farage? yeah, because he keeps _ misstep from nigel farage? yeah, because he keeps trying _ misstep from nigel farage? yeah, because he keeps trying to - misstep from nigel farage? yeah, because he keeps trying to say - because he keeps trying to say anything — because he keeps trying to say anything else about it, you can't win a _ anything else about it, you can't win a conversation. he's sticking on this point— win a conversation. he's sticking on this point of— win a conversation. he's sticking on this point of his support for otherwise for putin. he's decided he's sending legal letters to the mail on— he's sending legal letters to the mail on sunday, a conservative newspaper, quoting president zelensky, apparently claiming he was infected _ zelensky, apparently claiming he was infected with a virus putinism, a slightly— infected with a virus putinism, a slightly inflated quote. he has got a history— slightly inflated quote. he has got a history of taking it too far as good — a history of taking it too far as good as— a history of taking it too far as good as he is communicating. he doesn't _ good as he is communicating. he doesn't know when to stop. viewers can cast _ doesn't know when to stop. viewers can cast their minds back to the brexit— can cast their minds back to the brexit campaign. the official leave campaign, — brexit campaign. the official leave campaign, they got the money from the support to be the official leave campaign — the support to be the official leave campaign. nigel's group, which involvedm _ campaign. nigel's group, which involved... they kept on campaigning to leave _ involved... they kept on campaigning to leave the _ involved... they kept on campaigning to leave the eu. the main leave campaign — to leave the eu. the main leave campaign wasjust tearing to leave the eu. the main leave campaign was just tearing it tear out every— campaign was just tearing it tear out every time he came out with his part of— out every time he came out with his part of the — out every time he came out with his part of the argument and did a stunt somewhere — famously when he stood in front _ somewhere — famously when he stood in front of— somewhere — famously when he stood in front of a _ somewhere — famously when he stood in front of a poster involving a long _ in front of a poster involving a long queue of people of a certain complexion... it looks very much like a _ complexion... it looks very much like a nazi — complexion... it looks very much like a nazi poster back in the 1930s— like a nazi poster back in the 19305. every time farage came out and said _ 19305. every time farage came out and said something, it caused the leave _ and said something, it caused the leave vote — and said something, it caused the leave vote to dip a few points. boris — leave vote to dip a few points. boris and _ leave vote to dip a few points. bori5 and the rest of them are wanting — bori5 and the rest of them are wanting him to shut him up because he's making — wanting him to shut him up because he's making it look more likely for them _ he'5 making it look more likely for them to— he's making it look more likely for them to lose. he'5 doing the same thing _ them to lose. he's doing the same thin. ~ ., them to lose. he's doing the same thinr ., ., them to lose. he's doing the same thin. ~ . . thing. what about the academic anal sis thing. what about the academic analysis of _ thing. what about the academic analysis of what _ thing. what about the academic analysis of what he _ thing. what about the academic analysis of what he saying? - thing. what about the academic l analysis of what he saying? there are people who have said that nato jutting up to the ukrainian border, getting ever closer to the russian border would at some point provoke putin. is he right? does he have any basis for that argument?— basis for that argument? absolutely not. from basis for that argument? absolutely not- from an _ basis for that argument? absolutely not. from an action _ basis for that argument? absolutely not. from an action or— basis for that argument? absolutely not. from an action or suit - basis for that argument? absolutely not. from an action or suit purity i not. from an action or suit purity point, —— national security, and nato has been our focus for the last 16 or 17 years. it's quite shocking that the leader british political parties, particularly ones to be patriotic, should actually criticise us or the west for provoking a war which was entirely vladimir putin's war of choice. i would actually argue that farfrom war of choice. i would actually argue that far from it being nato's strength and aggression or whatever that provoke putin to decide to invade ukraine. it was actually nato's weakness or the west's weakness. if you remember the debacle in kabul that probably led to this decision.— debacle in kabul that probably led to this decision. what is overlooked that russia benefited _ to this decision. what is overlooked that russia benefited from - to this decision. what is overlooked that russia benefited from the i that russia benefited from the post—cold war arrangement. there was this newly established government that it could trade with. to the west were newly established governments, stable democracies that it could trade with, and through the energy it supplied, it perhaps retained a degree of influence. militarily, sweden and finland, which of course share one of the longest borders with russia, were non—aligned, until putin invaded. and up until that point there was hardly any prospect of ukraine joining nato. today, very different. both ukraine and moldova now on the path to become new members of the european union. the two countries opened formal discussions at the commission in luxembourg this morning. the bloc�*s member states gave their membership the nod last week. that process likely to take years. the path ahead will be challenging, but it is also filled with immense opportunities for moldova and ukraine, as well as for our entire union. together, we can forge a larger, more dynamic and forward—looking europe. jessica, it's interesting because we're talking about farage and now, because of the war — in fact, as a direct result, the eu is extending evermore eastwards. it is the point thatis evermore eastwards. it is the point that is entirely backfired on putin. you have sweden and finland are now part of nato. find you have sweden and finland are now part of nato— part of nato. and i suspect this will be a conversation - part of nato. and i suspect this will be a conversation that i part of nato. and i suspect this will be a conversation that willl part of nato. and i suspect this l will be a conversation that will be dominating — will be a conversation that will be dominating much— will be a conversation that will be dominating much more _ will be a conversation that will be dominating much more over- will be a conversation that will be dominating much more over herej will be a conversation that will be . dominating much more over here in the moment — dominating much more over here in the moment you _ dominating much more over here in the moment. you barely— dominating much more over here in the moment. you barely hear- dominating much more over here inj the moment. you barely hear about dominating much more over here in. the moment. you barely hear about it that is, _ the moment. you barely hear about it that is, the _ the moment. you barely hear about it that is, the cutting _ the moment. you barely hear about it that is, the cutting through _ the moment. you barely hear about it that is, the cutting through the - that is, the cutting through the election— that is, the cutting through the election cycle, _ that is, the cutting through the election cycle, but _ that is, the cutting through the election cycle, but it _ that is, the cutting through the election cycle, but it is - that is, the cutting through the i election cycle, but it is moldova, it'5 election cycle, but it is moldova, it's an _ election cycle, but it is moldova, it's an interesting _ election cycle, but it is moldova, it's an interesting development i it's an interesting development here _ it's an interesting development here it's — it's an interesting development here it's one _ it'5 an interesting development here. it's one of— it's an interesting development here. it's one of europe's - it's an interesting development . here. it's one of europe's poore5t here. it's one of europe's poorest countries, — here. it's one of europe's poorest countries, and _ here. it'5 one of europe's poorest countries, and i_ here. it'5 one of europe's poorest countries, and i think— here. it's one of europe's poorest countries, and i think it _ here. it's one of europe's poorest countries, and i think it would i countries, and i think it would obviously— countries, and i think it would obviously be _ countries, and i think it would obviously be kind _ countries, and i think it would obviously be kind of— countries, and i think it would obviously be kind of a - countries, and i think it would obviously be kind of a lot i countries, and i think it would obviously be kind of a lot of l obviou5ly be kind of a lot of discussion— obviously be kind of a lot of discussion about _ obviously be kind of a lot of discussion about the - obviously be kind of a lot of . discussion about the potential membership _ discussion about the potential membership. a5 _ discussion about the potential membership. a5 you - discussion about the potential membership. a5 you say, i discussion about the potential membership. a5 you say, it'5| discussion about the potential- member5hip. a5 you say, it's fuelled membership. a5 you say, it's fuelled by the _ membership. a5 you 5ay, it'5 fuelled by the fears— membership. a5 you 5ay, it'5 fuelled by the fears in— membership. a5 you say, it's fuelled by the fears in the _ membership. a5 you say, it's fuelled by the fears in the heart _ membership. a5 you say, it's fuelled by the fears in the heart of that i by the fears in the heart of that continent — by the fears in the heart of that continent about— by the fears in the heart of that continent about putin'5 - by the fears in the heart of that . continent about putin'5 ambition5 about— continent about putin'5 ambition5 about the — continent about putin'5 ambition5 about the war _ continent about putin'5 ambition5 about the war in _ continent about putin'5 ambition5 about the war in ukraine, - continent about putin'5 ambition5 about the war in ukraine, and i continent about putin'5 ambition5 i about the war in ukraine, and that's also why— about the war in ukraine, and that's also why the — about the war in ukraine, and that's also why the eu _ about the war in ukraine, and that's also why the eu is _ about the war in ukraine, and that's also why the eu is giving _ about the war in ukraine, and that's also why the eu is giving this - about the war in ukraine, and that's also why the eu is giving this the i also why the eu is giving this the kind of— also why the eu is giving this the kind of warm _ also why the eu is giving this the kind of warm reception. - also why the eu is giving this the kind of warm reception. git- also why the eu is giving this the kind of warm reception.- kind of warm reception. at least with the farage's _ kind of warm reception. at least with the farage's intervention, i kind of warm reception. at least l with the farage's intervention, we can say that foreign policies getting looked at. we have a war in europe, a risk of extended conflict, a nuclear china threatening stability, our neighbour france in a state of political paralysis. we're now talking about vat on schools. are you surprised it hasn't got more of a look board policy? i are you surprised it hasn't got more of a look board policy?— of a look board policy? i think we've gotten _ of a look board policy? i think we've gotten the _ of a look board policy? i think we've gotten the situation i of a look board policy? i think i we've gotten the situation where we see politic5 without having a 5ee politic5 without having a president... we have this debate pre5ident... we have this debate about— president... we have this debate about personalities. let'5 president... we have this debate about personalities. let's not get to charismatic... 's ri5hi sunak to nerdy? _ to charismatic... 's ri5hi sunak to nerdy? but— to charismatic... 's ri5hi sunak to nerdy? but it's basically it comes down _ nerdy? but it's basically it comes down when you go to the election booth _ down when you go to the election booth on — down when you go to the election booth onjuly the down when you go to the election booth on july the 4th to which of those _ booth on july the 4th to which of those guys feel much inclined to vote for— those guys feel much inclined to vote for -- — those guys feel much inclined to vote for —— too nerdy. what really matters, — vote for —— too nerdy. what really matters, and _ vote for —— too nerdy. what really matters, and we've seen this throughout our lifetime, every time someone _ throughout our lifetime, every time someone wants to run for office, they— someone wants to run for office, they bring — someone wants to run for office, they bring him out and manife5to, they bring him out and manife5to, the make — they bring him out and manife5to, the make of promise and i5 the make of promise and is completely irrelevant on day two, when _ completely irrelevant on day two, when something kick5 completely irrelevant on day two, when something kicks off or on the back of— when something kicks off or on the back of another mountain range, and something _ back of another mountain range, and something else has gone hardly wrong — something else has gone hardly wrong. it's not about what they promised — wrong. it's not about what they promised so much as if they want to promi5ed so much as if they want to make _ promi5ed so much as if they want to make about — promi5ed so much as if they want to make about personality, doe5 promi5ed so much as if they want to make about personality, does that person _ make about personality, does that person have a character to be able to deal— person have a character to be able to deal with a sudden... crosstalk it was derailed _ to deal with a sudden... crosstalk it was derailed first _ to deal with a sudden... crosstalk it was derailed first by _ to deal with a sudden... crosstalk it was derailed first by covid - to deal with a sudden... crosstalk it was derailed first by covid in i it was derailed first by covid in 2019. but then also, the war in ukraine and the energy crisis. we're notjust ukraine and the energy crisis. we're not just talking about vat. the conservative party has withdrawn its support from two candidates. at least with farage's intervention on ukraine we can say that foreign the conservative party has withdrawn its support from two of its candidates craig williams and laura saunders who are both being investigated for placing bets on the timing of the election. williams, who was one of the prime ministers closest aides, is standing in montgomeryshire and glendoor, and saunders, whose partner is tony lee the conservative director of campaigning is the candidate in bristol north west. the gambling commission has told the met police that five further police officers are alleged to have placed bets, aside from the one already reported is already under criminal investigation. we also have news tonight that a fifth conservative is being looked into by the gambling commission. russell george, who is a member of the welsh parliament, has "stepped back" from his party's shadow cabinet and says he will "co—operate fully". and labour has suspended one of their candidates — kevin craig for central suffolk and north ipswich, who is also being investigated by the gambling commission for placing a bet that he himself would lose. i was saying tojoe pike, chris, just in the last hour, it's starting to get the witness of — i'll be at on lesser scale of the expenses scandal, because it seems to go far and wide. basically everybody saw and wide. basically everybody saw and knew about it. but they didn't think it and amounted to much and now it is a big scandal. i think it and amounted to much and now it is a big scandal.— now it is a big scandal. i think it's shocking _ now it is a big scandal. i think it's shocking and _ now it is a big scandal. i think it's shocking and i _ now it is a big scandal. i think it's shocking and i think - now it is a big scandal. i think i it's shocking and i think looking back on the selection, the this will be one thing that stands out from quite a double otherwise campaign. —— quite an otherwise dull campaign. i think it's a full... i think sadly, the premiership of boris johnson. this kind of thing was given attention around it is about how quickly prime ministers stamp their authority. sir keir starmer must be furious that they've been dragged into it. they'll be trying to separate themselves by showing how quickly they reacted. i themselves by showing how quickly they reacted-— they reacted. i think keir starmer had no choice _ they reacted. i think keir starmer had no choice but _ they reacted. i think keir starmer had no choice but to _ they reacted. i think keir starmer had no choice but to immediately| had no choice but to immediately suspend — had no choice but to immediately suspend his — had no choice but to immediately suspend his candidate _ had no choice but to immediately suspend his candidate given - had no choice but to immediatelyj suspend his candidate given what had no choice but to immediately. suspend his candidate given what he said for— suspend his candidate given what he said for the — suspend his candidate given what he said for the past— suspend his candidate given what he said for the past few _ suspend his candidate given what he said for the past few weeks. - suspend his candidate given what he said for the past few weeks. —— - said for the past few weeks. —— week — said for the past few weeks. —— week that's_ said for the past few weeks. —— week. that's what's _ said for the past few weeks. —— week. that's what's happened i said for the past few weeks. —— - week. that's what's happened here. it's taken _ week. that's what's happened here. it's taken a — week. that's what's happened here. it's taken a rather _ week. that's what's happened here. it's taken a rather longer _ week. that's what's happened here. it's taken a rather longer for - week. that's what's happened here. it's taken a rather longer for the - it's taken a rather longer for the tories _ it's taken a rather longer for the tories to— it's taken a rather longer for the tories to finally— it's taken a rather longer for the tories to finally drop _ it's taken a rather longer for the tories to finally drop two - it's taken a rather longer for the tories to finally drop two of - it's taken a rather longer for the | tories to finally drop two of their candidates, _ tories to finally drop two of their candidates, including _ tories to finally drop two of their candidates, including williams, i tories to finally drop two of their. candidates, including williams, the first revealed _ candidates, including williams, the first revealed to _ candidates, including williams, the first revealed to have _ candidates, including williams, the first revealed to have been - candidates, including williams, the first revealed to have been bettingl first revealed to have been betting on the _ first revealed to have been betting on the july— first revealed to have been betting on the july election. _ first revealed to have been betting on the july election. there's - first revealed to have been betting on the july election. there's also l on the july election. there's also five more — on the july election. there's also five more police _ on the july election. there's also five more police officers - on the july election. there's also five more police officers as- on the july election. there's also five more police officers as welll five more police officers as well who are — five more police officers as well who are being— five more police officers as well who are being looked _ five more police officers as well who are being looked into - five more police officers as well who are being looked into by. five more police officers as welll who are being looked into by the gambling — who are being looked into by the gambling commission. - who are being looked into by the gambling commission. one - who are being looked into by the| gambling commission. one thing who are being looked into by the - gambling commission. one thing that sort of— gambling commission. one thing that sort of strikes — gambling commission. one thing that sort of strikes me _ gambling commission. one thing that sort of strikes me is— gambling commission. one thing that sort of strikes me is this _ gambling commission. one thing that sort of strikes me is this is _ gambling commission. one thing that sort of strikes me is this is the - sort of strikes me is this is the first— sort of strikes me is this is the first election _ sort of strikes me is this is the first election where _ sort of strikes me is this is the first election where this has i first election where this has become a bi- first election where this has become a big scandal. — first election where this has become a big scandal, but _ first election where this has become a big scandal, but is _ first election where this has become a big scandal, but is it— first election where this has become a big scandal, but is it something i a big scandal, but is it something that's— a big scandal, but is it something that's unique _ a big scandal, but is it something that's unique to _ a big scandal, but is it something that's unique to the _ a big scandal, but is it something that's unique to the culture - a big scandal, but is it something that's unique to the culture of- a big scandal, but is it somethingj that's unique to the culture of the conservative _ that's unique to the culture of the conservative party— that's unique to the culture of the conservative party and _ that's unique to the culture of the . conservative party and government, and especially— conservative party and government, and especially the _ conservative party and government, and especially the end _ conservative party and government, and especially the end decaying - conservative party and government, and especially the end decaying of. and especially the end decaying of this 14 _ and especially the end decaying of this 14 years _ and especially the end decaying of this 14 years. as _ and especially the end decaying of this 14 years. as is _ and especially the end decaying of this 14 years. as is the _ and especially the end decaying of this 14 years. as is the kind - this 14 years. as is the kind of thing — this 14 years. as is the kind of thing that— this 14 years. as is the kind of thing that people _ this 14 years. as is the kind of thing that people have - this 14 years. as is the kind of thing that people have alwaysj this 14 years. as is the kind of- thing that people have always been doing _ thing that people have always been doing and _ thing that people have always been doing and the — thing that people have always been doing and the gambling _ thing that people have always beenl doing and the gambling commission and -- _ doing and the gambling commission and -- have — doing and the gambling commission and -- haveiust_ doing and the gambling commission and —— have just started _ doing and the gambling commission and —— have just started clamping i and —— have just started clamping down _ and —— have just started clamping down harder? _ and —— have just started clamping down harder? how— and —— have just started clamping down harder? how long _ and —— have just started clamping down harder? how long has - and —— have just started clamping down harder? how long has it- and —— have just started clamping i down harder? how long has it been going _ down harder? how long has it been going on _ down harder? how long has it been going on hie — down harder? how long has it been auoin on. ~ , down harder? how long has it been hoin on, . , ., down harder? how long has it been auoin on. ~ , ., ., going on. we 'ust have a minute, susie, going on. we 'ust have a minute, susie, but — going on. wejust have a minute, susie, but one _ going on. wejust have a minute, susie, but one thing _ going on. wejust have a minute, susie, but one thing that - going on. wejust have a minute, l susie, but one thing that occurs to me is it's pretty run dealfor a voter because they're not effectively suspended. they are standing because they are on the ballot. we have this before in rochdale. voters are going thinking that they are voting for the tories or labour but they are not. and that they are voting for the tories or labour but they are not. and it's too late to — or labour but they are not. and it's too late to put _ or labour but they are not. and it's too late to put in _ or labour but they are not. and it's too late to put in someone - or labour but they are not. and it's too late to put in someone who - or labour but they are not. and it's too late to put in someone who is i too late to put in someone who is approved by the party as well. if you want— approved by the party as well. if you want to vote conservative, for example. — you want to vote conservative, for example. in — you want to vote conservative, for example, in one area where tory has been _ example, in one area where tory has been suspended, you can't. it's really— been suspended, you can't. it's really tricky and full honesty — i packed — really tricky and full honesty — i packed they punched at the election and i canre — packed they punched at the election and i came in 9—1.iwasjust and i came in 9—1. i wasjust taking the temperature. jessica was right that they— the temperature. jessica was right that they have all been at this for quite _ that they have all been at this for quite a _ that they have all been at this for quite a while. the mp candidates all see nrain— quite a while. the mp candidates all see main party pulling about what's going _ see main party pulling about what's going on— see main party pulling about what's going on in— see main party pulling about what's going on in their seats and who's ahead _ going on in their seats and who's ahead and — going on in their seats and who's ahead and who's not. they'll be hettinq — ahead and who's not. they'll be betting on— ahead and who's not. they'll be betting on notjust their own seats, but those _ betting on notjust their own seats, but those of their mates as well. this will— but those of their mates as well. this will be happening elsewhere. i suspect— this will be happening elsewhere. i suspect the betting companies are only starting to gather the data. | only starting to gather the data. i was only starting to gather the data. was at a only starting to gather the data. i was at a party with chris last night and the speaker said it was very busy... hello there, good evening. well, it's been the warmest day of the year so far in england and wales today. lots of blue sky and sunshine here in the lavender fields of hertfordshire, but it's turned a lot fresher for scotland and northern ireland. now, yesterday afternoon, 27 degrees celsius was recorded in aberdeenshire, but this afternoon across north—eastern scotland, just 12—13 degrees. so, that's quite the drop, and the cooling trend is set to continue over the next couple of days or so. there will be some showers around at times. the heat and humidity will last longest across england and wales, but it will be gone by the end of the day on thursday. now, overnight tonight, still feeling rather muggy and warm for most. there'll be a lot of low cloud around. that's going to be rolling in from the north sea as well, so rather murky conditions for many. a few spots of rain, but generally dry. freshest conditions again out towards north—west scotland and northern ireland. here, lows of a 6—8 degrees celsius, so a much more comfortable night's sleep. into tomorrow, and a lot of that low cloud, mist and murk will roll back towards north sea—facing coasts — a bit of an onshore breeze going on here. a few showers, also some sunny spells across scotland, and despite the fine start to the day, it will cloud over across northern ireland through the afternoon. of course, the best of the sunshine and the highest of the temperatures will be for much of england and wales. mid to high 20s, but locally possibly 30 degrees celsius maybe in the far south and the east, but the pollen levels will also be very high. and then this area of low pressure rolls in on thursday. here's the cold front that brings behind it that cooler—feeling air, so the heat and humidity get pushed further eastwards into the near continent as that cooler airjust rolls in. but some strong gusty winds for a time across parts of northern ireland and north—west scotland. there will also be some showers here as well. lots of sunshine elsewhere, including across eastern scotland. in fact, could be a few showers on the front as it gradually clears, and it will take some time, probably until the end of the day, for that cooler air to get to east anglia and the far south—east of england. temperatures here could possibly still be in the mid—20s in celsius perhaps, but much closer to the seasonal average as we head into friday and the weekend. still some sunny spells around. it will still feels warm in the best of the sunshine. any showers tending to be towards the north and the west, but much cooler as we head into the weekend. bye— bye. hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. with just over a week to go until polling day, labour and the tories clash over how to approach migration. rishi sunak has claimed migrants are "queuing up in calais" waiting for a labour government so they can come to the uk. but labour his back, pointing to the latest figures which suggest they are not waiting, they are crossing in record numbers.