Grace for a man who was described by the Chief Magistrate is perhaps the most recognised newsreader in the uk. Huw edwards was also told it wasn� t an exaggeration to say his reputation was in tatters. Helena wilkinson, Bbc News. Back now to westminster magistrates� court, where we just heard that sentence in our senior Uk CorrespondenceSima Kotecha is there. You watched Huw Edwards arrive there this morning, he has been sentenced in the last ten minutes or so, is he still in the court . We have literallyjust heard that there sentencing has finished and that Huw Edwards has stood up and left the dock with his legal team to meet the probation service, i understand. He appears to have let out paul, your reaction . Initially The Sun newsnaper paul, your reaction . Initially the Sun Newspaper came paul, your reaction . Initially the Sun Newspaper came in paul, your reaction . Initially the Sun Newspaper came in for paul, your reaction . Initially the Sun Newspaper came in for a paul, your reaction . Initially the Sun Newspaper came in for a lot | paul, your reaction . Initially the i Sun Newspaper came in for a lot of criticism when they did this story about Huw Edwards paying a 17 year old for explicit poses. That didn� T Lead to any prosecution because the 17 year old was over the age of consent, but without that initial story, this whole scandal probably would not have emerged. I think that this morning people will be astonished that for four years, apparently, he was in contact with Alex Williams, the paedophile who provided the images and videos, and so the mental turmoil is Mitigation Team put forward, which obviously the Chief Magistrate took on board, that included the period when he was the face of the Bbc News, heading news at ten, and delivering solemnly the stories of prince philip� S Death, the queen� s def, and indeed king charles iii� s coronation. I think the public will find this absolutely staggering, and i think it will lead to a lot of Media Commentary and Opinion columns on whether this was the appropriate sentence or not. As falls from grace 90, sentence or not. As falls from grace go, it is a spectacular one. When you see that Police Mug Shot of Huw Edwards, it brings it all home dramatically. Edwards, it brings it all home dramatically. Edwards, it brings it all home dramaticall. ,. ,. , dramatically. You are pointing to that period dramatically. You are pointing to that period when dramatically. You are pointing to that period when philip dramatically. You are pointing to that period when Philip Evans. Dramatically. You are pointing tol that period when Philip Evans was talking about services being provided in 2019 and late 2020. You were talking about how they were trying to link it to the period of the lockDown on the pandemic, which most of our viewers will recall so well. , � most of our viewers will recall so well. , ~. ,. , most of our viewers will recall so well. , ~. , i. Most of our viewers will recall so well. , ~. ,. , well. Yes, indeed. And also you had on this morning well. Yes, indeed. And also you had on this morning a well. Yes, indeed. And also you had on this morning a very well. Yes, indeed. And also you had on this morning a very experiencedl on this morning a very experienced Specialist Lawyer in Child Abuse cases, who made the point, quite rightly, that these days, about four out of five cases, even the most serious, Category Age bracket, people don� T Go To Prison. Weather thatis people don� T Go To Prison. Weather that is because of a change of Sentencing Policy or maybe prisons are overcrowded or a combination of both, i don� t know. It is certainly true that several years ago a Category A offence would usually lead to a real Prison Sentence rather than a suspended one, so to that extent, Huw Edwards has been fortunate. ,. ,. , fortunate. Paul, former editor of the Sun Newspaper, fortunate. Paul, former editor of the Sun Newspaper, thank fortunate. Paul, former editor of the Sun Newspaper, thank you i fortunate. Paul, former editor of| the Sun Newspaper, thank you for being with us while we were awaiting that sentencing of Huw Edwards, which we have broken on Bbc News. Just to remind viewers, the former Bbc News presenter Huw Edwards has been given a suspended six Month Sentence for Child Abuse image of fences, meaning that he does avoid jail. That talk to an experienced lawyer in child sexual abuse claims. Can i initially get your reaction to the sentencing . Can i initially get your reaction to the sentencing . Yeah, its been a lona time the sentencing . Yeah, its been a long time coming, the sentencing . Yeah, its been a long time coming, lots the sentencing . Yeah, its been a long time coming, lots of the sentencing . Yeah, its been a i long time coming, lots of discussion about potential sentence for Huw Edwards. Obviously, it is six months, in theory, and suspended for two years, so he will never spend a day in person, potentially, for his crimes. And then on the Sex Offenders register for seven years, when most would argue that if you are a Sex Offender, you should be on it for life, and i agree with that. The key thing from today is that he has been convicted and sentenced now as a Child Abuser and he has apologised not only to the children in those images, but to his Family And Society for letting them all Down. {131 and society for letting them all Down. ,. And society for letting them all Down. ,. ,. , Down. Of course, at the heart of this are the Down. Of course, at the heart of this are the children, Down. Of course, at the heart of this are the children, and Down. Of course, at the heart of this are the children, and it Down. Of course, at the heart of this are the children, and it is i this are the children, and it is really critical just to this are the children, and it is really criticaljust to remind don� t remember and have them in the forefront of our minds, but i wonder, in terms of the legalities of this, when you talk about creating an image, how does that work legally . Because arguably there is that difficulty in understanding what it means to create an image. How does that work in legal terms for lay people, if you could just talk us through that . For lay people, if you could ust talk us through that . � for lay people, if you could ust talk us through that . Yeah, i think a Lay Person talk us through that . Yeah, i think a Lay Person would talk us through that . Yeah, i think a Lay Person would think talk us through that . Yeah, i think a Lay Person would think that a Lay Person would think that creating it means you make the image yourself, but in criminal law, Downloading an image would also suffice. The children should be the paramount concern in this case. In most sexual abuse cases, the victims provide a Victim Impact Statement to talk about the impact of the abuse on them. Sadly, in cases involving pictures and video such as theirs, victims don� t get a voice and cannot provide that impact statement. I feel for them today and i hope that they feel a Sense Ofjustice Feel for them today and i hope that they feel a sense of justice for what Huw Edwards has done. find they feel a Sense Ofjustice for what Huw Edwards has done. And Weve Ust had the what Huw Edwards has done. And weve just had the progress what Huw Edwards has done. And weve just had the Progress Of what Huw Edwards has done. And weve just had the Progress Of fusion just had the Progress Of fusion service, the crown prosecution service, a statement from them saying that this has a deep long lasting trauma for victims. I wonder if you could speak to that, because as you say, these victims do not have a voice in all of this is these images are sent on from Person To person. Images are sent on from Person To erson. , images are sent on from Person To erson. � , images are sent on from Person To erson. � ,. , images are sent on from Person To erson. , � ,. ,y. , ~ person. Yeah, its easy to think that these person. Yeah, its easy to think that these images person. Yeah, its easy to think that these images are person. Yeah, its easy to think that these images are just person. Yeah, its easy to think| that these images are just that, just a photograph, and it is disregarding the child, what the child had to go through in that moment, and also the long term impact on them. It isn� t going to be resolved for that child in a matter of six months or two years. It can affect their Mental Health, their prospects for education and employment, drink, alcohol, relationships, trust. It is so significant, and often abuse can be a lifelong sentence for survivors and victims. As the sentence that Huw Edwards got proportionate . Is it fair . Is it balanced . There are numerous questions about that going forward. And also, for all the other abusers, which are predominantly men, who view these images of children suffering sexual abuse, what are we going to do as a government . We know there are financial issues, limited prison spaces. We need to fix this endemic issue of Child Abuse in this country. Issue of Child Abuse in this count. Issue of Child Abuse in this Country Issue of Child Abuse in this count. ,. , country. The Cps Statement is saying that this prosecution country. The Cps Statement is saying that this prosecution sends country. The Cps Statement is saying that this prosecution sends a country. The Cps Statement is saying that this prosecution sends a clear i that this prosecution sends a clear message that the cps, working alongside the police force, will bring to justice those who seek to exploit children, wherever that abuse takes place. From your perspective, working within this legally, with your experience, does it send a clear message that offenders will be brought to justice . I offenders will be brought to ustice . , � ~ offenders will be brought to ustice . , � ~. ,. , justice . I dont think it does, to be totally justice . I dont think it does, to be totally frank. Justice . I dont think it does, to be totally frank. I justice . I dont think it does, to be totally frank. I dont justice . I dont think it does, to be totally frank. I dont think i justice . I dont think it does, to be totally frank. I dont think it| be totally frank. I don� t think it is proportionate to the impact on the lives of survivors. With absolute respect of the cps and the police, who do a really good job and important work, they have limited resources and funding. My clients who are Abuse Survivors, they are facing increased Waiting Times and delays to make statements to the police before criminal trials take place. Sometimes they are waiting five or six years for criminal trials, and then sentencing, to receive a criminal sentence, which is a six month period, but you will only spend a maximum of four months in prison. Suspended, you will never spend a day in prison. I don� t know if it acts as a clear deterrent to say that abuse is unacceptable and you will be punished, similar to riots on our streets and other offences. I don� t know if it acts as a true punishment to show the severity of the crimes committed and the injuries you have inflicted on children. I� m really unsure. From those i represent, i think the sentencing guidelines do need to be reconsidered as soon as they possibly can, and that we do need to make more availability in prison to deal with the issue of sexual offenders and Child Abusers. From the Persneetive Offenders and Child Abusers. From the perspective of offenders and Child Abusers. From the perspective of those offenders and Child Abusers. From the perspective of those survivors that you represent, you spoke about the lack of resources for the cps for these kind of investigations to take place. How do survivors cope . How do they rebuild after something like this . ,. ,. ,. ,. , like this . Survivors are amazing, in that their resilience like this . Survivors are amazing, in that their resilience to like this . Survivors are amazing, in that their resilience to go like this . Survivors are amazing, in that their resilience to go through l that their resilience to go through abuse, and on average it takes an abuse, and on average it takes an Abuse Survivor 30 years to disclose abuse, and that is on average. Lots of people take it to their death bed, sadly. It is knowing that the truth will always come out, that god must always prevail over evil. These aren� t cliches. The fact that in society we cannot allow bad people to prosper, and that everyone should pay for the crimes they commit. The limited resources means that often they are looking for a token Gesture Ofjustice or closer, and often it is not proportionate to the impact on their lives. If you are waiting five or six years for a criminal case, your life has been placed on hold, waiting for that closure and justice. It needs greater focus. We have had an inquiry into childhood sexual abuse, have had an inquiry into childhood sexualabuse, published have had an inquiry into childhood sexual abuse, published in October 2020 two, 20 recommendations. Again, another inquiry where nothing is done. Not one recommendation has been implemented nearly two years on. We need this government to now stand up, to act on Child Abuse, these allegations, to deal with this crime, to be hard on this crime. We need to stop the cycle of abuse because there is no cure. We need to prevent it as much as we can do. And that does involve greater resource into the criminaljustice system, in my Opinion. Into the criminal ustice system, in my Opinion. Into the criminal ustice system, in my Opinion. Thank you for speaking on behalf of my Opinion. Thank you for speaking on behalf of the my Opinion. Thank you for speaking on behalf of the survivors my Opinion. Thank you for speaking on behalf of the survivors and on behalf of the survivors and giving them a voice. Huge experience as a lawyer in sexual abuse claims. Thank you very much. We are continuing to monitor the situation at westminster magistrates� court. Our senior Uk CorrespondentSima Kotecha, has been with us there throughout the morning. We have witnessed the sentencing of the former bbc presenter Huw Edwards. Yes, we are expecting. Weare we are expecting Huw Edwards to leave the doors behind me. He was sentenced to six months injail, suspended for two years, with a requirement to complete a Sex Offender programme. The court heard from the prosecution and defence. There were many Mitigating Factors put forward by his defence, including his health, his character. And also how remorseful he was because of his crimes. A very lengthy apology was put forward by his legal team, where he said he felt deeply sorry about what he did, and he was very upset about the impact it had on the people that he loved. After hearing that, the magistrate took some time out to consider the sentence and came back and delivered it. He told edwards that he had concluded that the Custody Threshold had been crossed. The appropriate sentence would be 12 months for the most severe abuse images. However, taking into account the mitigation in the early guilty plea which he made back injuly, the sentence would be six months, suspended for two years. We know that Alex Williams, the man who sent him those images, was given a suspended sentence for 12 months. The magistrate says that edwards did not pose a risk to the public more children and an immediate custodial sentence was not necessary, because the evidence showed, he said, that he could be rehabilitated. The suspended sentence comes with requirements to complete a Sex Offender programme, and further rehabilitative sessions, work that is overseen by the probation service. Edwards will be placed on the Sex Offender register for seven years, meaning the police will monitor his whereabouts. He will need to let them know where he is. As i said, the sentencing is complete. He left the dock with his team, exiting the court. He went to see the probation service. That� s what we understand. And he appears to have let out a sigh, perhaps of relief, knowing that he will not be Spending Tonight behind bars. figs relief, knowing that he will not be Spending Tonight behind bars. 5 the Spending Tonight behind bars. As we seak, i Spending Tonight behind bars. As we speak. I want Spending Tonight behind bars. As we speak. I want to Spending Tonight behind bars. As we speak, i want to bring Spending Tonight behind bars. As we speak, i want to bring to Spending Tonight behind bars. As we speak, i want to bring to our speak, i want to bring to our viewers a statement from the bbc, in which a spokesperson for the bbc says that we are appalled by his crimes. He has betrayed notjust the bbc but audiences who put their trust in him. That statementjust coming in from the bbc here to us at Bbc News. Talk us through, as i bring that statement from the bbc to our viewers, what is the procedure now, what are we waiting for at westminster magistrates� court . Yes. Westminster Magistrates Court . Yes, the bbc has said westminster Magistrates Court . Yes, the bbc has said this. Westminster Magistrates Court . Yes the bbc has said this. Before we heard from the chairman, he felt that Huw Edwards was the villain in this piece. The Director General was trying to get the £200,000 back that Huw Edwards earned between november and april, when he left the bbc this year on medical grounds. The bbc has made abundantly clear how it feels about this, but it has been criticised by some for continuing to pay Huw Edwards from when he was arrested, when a small number of people in the organisation knew that he had been arrested over serious offences. But some in the legal world have said that the bbc was right to do what it did, and that he was innocent until proven otherwise, and it would have been premature and morally wrong to stop paying him. I think it is worthjust reminding our viewersjoining us what think it is worthjust reminding our viewers joining us what the sentencing is, because there are a number of elements to it, that six month suspended sentence. But, of course, Huw Edwards will be on the Sex Offenders register for seven years, as you were outlining. Yes. Years, as you were outlining. Yes, this is an enormous years, as you were outlining. Yes, this is an enormous fall years, as you were outlining. Yes, this is an enormous fall from years, as you were outlining. Yes this is an enormous fall from grace, isn� t it . Huw edwards was the anchor of the prestigious ten o� clock news. He worked at the bbc for more than 40 he worked at the bbc for more than a0 years, and not only that, he also presented significant programmes such as the election programme, which he took over from David Dimbleby in 2019. This man was the face of Bbc News. He was one of its highest stars come up paid almost £500,000 last year alone. He was given a £a0,000 pay rise. He was seen as the trusted voice of news, the man who announced the queen� S Death to the nation, and now he is a convicted Sex Offender who has been given a suspended sentence, meaning he won� T Go To Prison but if he breaks the law during the period of the sentence, which is two years, he will do, and he will also have to take part in a Sex Offender programme. figs take part in a Sex Offender programme take part in a Sex Offender programme. Take part in a Sex Offender rouramme. A. ,. ,. , programme. As you say, a fall from race, programme. As you say, a fall from grace. Huw programme. As you say, a fall from grace, Huw Edwards programme. As you say, a fall from grace, Huw Edwards a programme. As you say, a fall from grace, Huw Edwards a household i programme. As you say, a fall from grace, Huw Edwards a household name. That image we are shoving alongside you is the photograph which was taken off Huw Edwards just after his arrest in november, a stark contrast to that Career that you were talking about previously. About previously. Yes, thats right. A mu about previously. Yes, thats right. A Mug Shot about previously. Yes, thats right. A Mug Shot has about previously. Yes, thats right. A Mug Shot has been about previously. Yes, thats right. A Mug Shot has been released. About previously. Yes, thats right. | a Mug Shot has been released. The photograph was taken of edwards when he was arrested back in november. It is the first time we have seen it after the Metropolitan Police released it today. As i said, it will have been an incredibly difficult few years for a Few Edwards for Huw Edwards, since allegations came to light, especially since he was arrested in november. When he was arrested, we didn� t know what the offences were. They came to light injune, when he was charged. Then injuly, when he pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, which he pleaded guilty to, that was used as mitigation, that he pleaded guilty at the first Court Appearance possible, where he admitted his crimes, and that was taken into account by the Chief Magistrate when he made his sentencing remarks earlier. , ,. , earlier. For the time being, Sima Kotecha, thanks earlier. For the time being, Sima Kotecha, thanks for earlier. For the time being, Sima Kotecha, thanks for being earlier. For the time being, Sima Kotecha, thanks for being there l earlier. For the time being, simal kotecha, thanks for being there at westminster magistrates� court. Sima kotecha, who has spent the whole morning just covering those events there, now that we have the sentencing of Huw Edwards. Sima kotecha was touching on in her broadcast that Huw Edwards was one of the most trusted and recognisable faces on british television, but he has now been given that suspended six Month Sentence for Child Abuse image offences, which does mean that he does avoid going to prison. Until last year, he was of course one of the main presenters on the bbc� s news at ten and off fronted coverage of major national events, but his sentencing marks The End of a Career in broadcasting which has spanned more than a0 years. Our media and Arts Correspondent has this report. For decades, the calm, trusted face of Bbc News, and here are arriving in Court Injuly facing charges of possessing indecent images of children. Minutes later, he would plead guilty to all three charges. A1 images, seven class a, the most serious classification. To the most serious classification. To the crowd outside, there was no visible emotion, just the familiar demeanour of one of television� s best known faces. For 20 years, he fronted the news at ten. Best known faces. For 20 years, he fronted the news at ten. Tonight at ten thousands fronted the news at ten. Tonight at ten thousands of fronted the news at ten. Tonight at ten thousands of police fronted the news at ten. Tonight at ten thousands of police officers. J ten thousands of police officers. He has also been the face of the bbc for Elections. 50. He has also been the face of the bbc for Elections for Elections. So, as Big Ben reaches ten for Elections. So, as Big Ben reaches ten oclock. For Elections. So, as Big Ben i reaches ten oclock. Political crises in reaches ten oclock. Political crises in royal reaches ten oclock. Political crises in royal and reaches ten oclock. Political crises in royal and state reaches ten oclock. Political crises in royal and state occasions, but it was a Newspaper Headline that changed everything. We are just changed everything. We arejust going changed everything. We are just going live to westminster magistrates� court, where the former bbc presenter Huw Edwards is now leaving the building. He has been given a suspended six Month Sentence for Child Abuse image offences, meaning that he does avoid going to prison, so a lot of media interest, a lot of press there, including our colleague, Sima Kotecha, as Huw Edwards leaves westminster magistrates� court here in central london, following that sentencing. The suspended six Month Sentence for Child Abuse images. As Huw Edwards drives away, he will also be required to complete a Sex Offender programme and will be on the Sex Offenders register for seven years. Sojust monitoring the Sex Offenders register for seven years. So just monitoring that live shot as Huw Edwards left westminster magistrates� court. And a Media Scrum there, as you would understandably predict. We have had previously, a few moments ago, a statement from the bbc on the sentencing, saying that the bbc is appalled by the crimes he has appalled by the crimes he has appalled by the crimes. He has betrayed notjust the bbc but the audience will put their trust in him. That coming in from the bbc, from a spokesperson, saying, we are appalled by his crimes. He has betrayed notjust the bbc but the audiences who put their trust in him. And of course, more reaction came in from the cps, the crown prosecution service, who issued a statement as well, saying that this sentencing sends a clear message that the cps will bring offenders to justice. Claire brinton from the cps saying that accessing images of children perpetuates their abuse and has long lasting effects. The cps and the met police were able to prove that Huw Edwards was receiving images and videos involving children via whatsapp and that this prosecution sent a clear message that the cps, working alongside the police, will work to bring to justice those who seek to exploit children. The image that we are showing you is a photo that was taken of Huw Edwards after his arrest in november. Today is the first time that we are seeing it. It was released by the Metropolitan Police, and this Custody Image of an offender is often released after they are sentenced, which is why we are seeing this image of Huw Edwards for the first time, although it was taken after his arrest back in november. We have just witnessed that life short of Huw Edwards leaving Westminster Parliament magistrates� court after that sentencing, a suspended six Month Sentence for Child Abuse images offences, and he will be required to complete a Sex Offenders programme and he will be on the Sex Offenders register for seven years. Paul, the former Media Editor at the mirror, rejoins us. We watch live Huw Edwards leave westminster magistrates� court obviously that suspended sentence means he does not spend time in prison. Means he does not spend time in rison. ,. , means he does not spend time in rison. ,. , prison. Unless of course he reaffirms prison. Unless of course he reaffirms. I prison. Unless of course he reaffirms. Ithink prison. Unless of course he reaffirms. I think youre prison. Unless of course he reaffirms. I think youre probably reaffirms. I think you� re probably going to have a less sympathetic, if thatis going to have a less sympathetic, if that is quite the word, reaction in the court of public Opinion and across Social Media and part of the mainstream media over the sentence. I think a lot of people would think it should be on the Sex Offenders register for life rather than seven years. It is not The End of the story in terms of the bbc, who quite rightly see rightly issued a damning statement a few minutes ago. The political fallout isn� t over, as well as the media followed. The media and culture select committee will want to investigate the bbc� s handling of the Huw Edwards case, including the continued payment of his salary. I� m sure as part of that they will want to grill the chairman, the Director General, possibly some other senior executives. Let� s not forget, there has been turmoil within the bbc here. I know bbcjournalists who were dismayed that they were In The Dark even after senior figures were aware of the nature of the exact detail, the nature of the charges and the investigation into Huw Edwards. Newsnight came in some criticism internally when they did an item about improper messages to younger colleagues where some in the bbc thought that was being disloyal rather than legitimate investigative journalism. It is a matter of Opinion on that. Certainly the bbc have awkward questions to answer. I� m sure they will get a lot of criticism in the media. They will be facing political questions, too. Obviously a very difficult situation. We have had that statement from the bbc. The bbc over the weekend was talking about it is important to remember who the villain in all of this is, as we remember the victims and all of this. �. ,. ,. , this. Im the editor who was reported this. Im the editor who was reported for this. Im the editor who was reported for reporting this. Im the editor who was reported for reporting on i this. Im the editor who was reported for reporting on jimmy reported for reporting onjimmy savile. It does raise the question of whether big name stars, big talent as they are known, don� t get the same scrutiny that they should have and there is almost a fear of investigating rumours or allegations or claims. A few days ago we had an open letter criticising, calling for Huw Edwards to go to jail from the mother of the 17 year old. I suspect that she will be appearing in at least one Newspaper Chamorro criticising the fact that he is not going to jail. This story is going to run and run for some time yet. The bbc im to run and run for some time yet. The bbc i� m sure would like for this to be closure but it will not pay. The Headlines Tomorrow will reflect that, even on a day when you have had an Assassination Attempt again on the Donald Trump and a very important trip to italy by the Prime Minister. I still think that public Opinion on balance is going to hold the view that the Sentence Today was two lights, rightly or wrongly. That is not a personal Opinion of Mine Thatis is not a personal Opinion of mine that is what i think the public reaction will be across Social Media and from some of the mainstream newspapers. The and from some of the mainstream newspapers and from some of the mainstream newspapers. The cps is saying that and their statement newspapers. The cps is saying that and their statement that newspapers. The cps is saying that and their statement that they newspapers. The cps is saying that and their statement that they sent | newspapers. The cps is saying that l and their statement that they sent a clear that they say will clear message that they say will bring a message that they do bring offenders tojustice. We bring a message that they do bring offenders to justice. We were just talking to a highly experienced lawyer who deals with such cases. He didn� t feel it was the case at all. What is your assessment . This didnt feel it was the case at all. What is your assessment . This is a maor what is your assessment . This is a major problem. What is your assessment . This is a major problem, online what is your assessment . This is a major problem, online child what is your assessment . This is a major problem, online Child Abuse | major problem, online Child Abuse and it will be interesting to see if this case becomes drawn into the still pending online Harm Bill that is going through parliament the police have a huge challenge in the hand simply because of the huge number of offences and it is very hard to tackle. Yes, obviously people are brought to justice but a lot get away with it. As your Experience Lawyer was saying, people wait for years for justice on Experience Lawyer was saying, people wait for Years Forjustice on this, to even make complaint statements. It is very difficult. This is a massive problem. Hugh edwards in the sense Huw Edwards, in a sense, this represents a high Downfall'>Profile Downfall of a household name, but Household Names are one thing, children being abused on and off line, are now being buried and are not getting anywhere near the police or not anywhere near a courtroom or prosecution. In terms of where the courtroom or prosecution. In terms of where the Money Courtroom or prosecution. In terms of where the money needs courtroom or prosecution. In terms of where the money needs to courtroom or prosecution. In terms of where the money needs to be i of where the money needs to be spent, this impacts people, it can take 30 years, working through it, the victims of this. Where resources need to be aimed at in order to speed up the process and stop it from happening in the first place . Without Being Flip that is a question you need to direct at Sir Keir Starmer and rachel reeves. At times when budgets are tight, the country is in a fiscal crisis, it is going to be difficult to put the money into that budget. Of course, morally it should be, but i wonder where the money is coming from. I� m sure the prime Minister And Home secretary will have damning statements about this Edwards Case but i don� t see them suddenly coming up, shaking and magic Money Tree about huge money being into investigations into Child Abuse online or off. It means the justice system, the cps and the police drug. There are a number of big news stories today, notjust the Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump, Keir Starmer talking about migration in italy. What is a say in terms of our media agenda, you as a former expert on all of this, that we are focusing in on this headline . Despite trump, despite the Prime Minister� s trip to italy, i� m sure that at least some of tomorrow� s national newspapers will be leading on Huw Edwards and i� m sure thaT Leader columns and probably some columnists will be commenting on whether this is the right sentence or if he has got off relatively lightly. Despite the mitigation, i think a lot of people will think that justice think a lot of people will think thatjustice hasn� t think a lot of people will think that justice hasn� t fully think a lot of people will think thatjustice hasn� t fully been served here. I stress that it is not a personal Opinion, but it is howl see the landscape in the media over this case. I haven� t heard are specified, but i imagine that part of the sentence means that Huw Edwards won� t have access to a computer in future. It is edwards wont have access to a computer in future. Computer in future. It is an interesting computer in future. It is an interesting point, computer in future. It is an interesting point, paul. Interesting point, paul. Unfortunately, we have to move on. We are crossing over to speak to our culture and Media Editor, katie rasul. We are just digesting this news, the sentencing and The End of Huw Edwards� s Huw Edwards� s Career. Huw edwardss Huw Edwardss Career. , Huw Edwardss Huw Edwardss Career. i i ,. , Huw Edwardss Huw Edwardss Career. i ,. , Career. 10096 The End of his Career. That is one Career. 10096 The End of his Career. That is one of Career. 10096 The End of his Career. That is one of the Career. 10096 The End of his Career. That is one of the things Career. 10096 The End of his Career. That is one of the things the that is one of the things the magistrate said, the Barrister Speaking in behalf of Hugh Edwards said one of the Mitigating Factors was the fact he has had this huge fall from grace, that he has lost his standing within the bbc and across the nation, that he was arguably the most recognisable journalist in the country, as the magistrate put it and that has all fallen and gone. The magistrate said i� m not taking that into account in litigation because Huw Edwards, you have brought this on yourself. There was a moment in court when i wondered whether he was going to give him a custodial sentence. The magistrate said these are very serious offences against children and he would be facing a 12 month custodial sentence, and he would be facing a 12 month custodialsentence, but and he would be facing a 12 month custodial sentence, but there were these Mitigating Factors, including these Mitigating Factors, including the fact that she had which had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity the fact that he was shown, as the magistrate project, genuine remorse, the fact that he was suffering from a Mental Health disorder, particularly through the period of time he was engaging with this person, Alex Williams who contacted him on Social Media, then started to sentence these explicit images, including Diesel A1 indecent images, including Diesel A1 indecent images of children. The magistrate took all of those into account when he suspended the sentence for Huw Edwards and he would need to take part in a compulsory sex education programme, amongst other things. Thank you so much. I� m going to take you to italy, Sir Keir Starmer is in rome, as we already mentioned, meeting the italian Prime Minister, giorgia meloni. They are having a Press Conference right now. Let� s step in and have a listen. Translation step in and have a listen. Translation . ,. ,. , step in and have a listen. Translation . ,. ,. , translation the uk has already done throu~h translation the uk has already done throu. H the translation the uk has already done through the Room Translation the uk has already done through the room process. Translation the uk has already done through the room process. We translation the uk has already done through the room process. We want translation the uk has already done through the room process. We want to l through the room process. We want to further increase the voluntary repatriation process. You also agree that we must not shy away from other options. We mentioned if the albania agreements, the Uk Government has shown great interest in this agreement. We have shared with him all the content of this agreement. Economic relations are very intense in terms of investments. As you know, the italian community in the uk is one of the largest communities abroad, 600,000 people. Many businesses working in the uk, Uk Investments in italy, so this is something that we want to further develop. The Prime Minister has talked about major Uk And Italian Businesses and i think there is a huge potential here to tap into this and when it comes to 500 MillionEuros Investment it is more evidence of this willingness to further enhance our relations and trade. One aspect of this cooperation is the strategic raw materials, the global compact air programme. This means joint development with the uk and japan stop a sixth Generation Aircraft by 2035. This is a project which presents opportunities and which presents opportunities and which further contributes to developing the European Defence industry because it is something which is of major interest to all european countries. We also have protocols on science and we refer to Science And Technology and innovation. We are also working together to further develop the opportunities of the exchange of our students and we are trying to find innovative solutions. In other words, italy wants to further advance this very good relationship between italy and the uk and we want to also support the uk in order to further develop increased development with the eu whilst also respecting the Post Brexit rules. Also protecting the rights of italian to reside in the uk. We need future peace, freedom and prosperity. The support which we need for the reconstruction in 2025, italy will host ukraine Recovery Conference which was held in 2023 in london and this is another instance of our synergy that we have mentioned. In the middle east, we can have a global agreement based on mediation only, which is calling for the ceasefire. We also need to guarantee humanitarian assistance. Italy called on all the actors involved Triple H rule. We have talked about lebanon. It is a primary importance to find a long Term Solution so there could be the possibility of talking a two state solution. This was a very important meeting that we had today. We had important results. I am very satisfied. I� m sure this is the start of a long series of meetings. Thank you very much, georgia. This is my first visit to italy as Prime Minister so it is great to be here today. Such a fantastic setting, fantastic weather. The perfect venue i think to follow on from Blenheim Palacejust a few i think to follow on from Blenheim Palace just a few weeks ago. This is the first in a series of Landmark Meetings in italy this week. We had the G7 Culture ministers meeting in napoli. We have Arsenal Meeting Atalanta in the champions league, there is so much that brings us together. I am there is so much that brings us together. Iam here there is so much that brings us together. I am here today for a very simple reason, because i recognise italy� s significance as a leader in europe, on the world stage, as a g7 economy, a nato ally. As we open what i think a Png Era in britain� s relations with the eu, our partnership with italy is more important than ever. That is why it is so important for me to come on so early in my premiership to show my statement of intent. We are both ambitious for what we can do together and that spirit has come through all along because conversation so far, notjust through all along because conversation so far, not just today but also on previous occasions when we had had a chance to discuss other issues. To work for the good of the british and italian people, for the Security And Growth that we all want to see, and for the fundamental values that we share of democracy, justice, the rule of law. So as you say, we used her time today to discuss the global challenges before us and our determination to meet them together. George i want to thank you for your strong leadership, particularly on ukraine because, as russia continues to escalate its illegal war, we will stand together shoulder to shoulder to support ukraine for as long as it takes. We will work together as we discussed to deliver the 50 Billion Euros in loans for Ukraine And Georgia g7 presidency. I look forward to supporting the ukraine Recovery Conference in italy next year. We also agree to deepen our security cooperation, already very important for both of us. Our forces will continue to exercise together through nato. The Uk Navy willjoin italian Uk Carrier manoeuvres next year. We will boost aaron are defence capacity. We are united in our support for an immediate ceasefire in gaza. We want to see the release of all hostages, desperately needed humanitarian aid flowing into gaza, and accounting of tensions on the West Bank in particular, and as we discussed, none of this is easy, but it is urgent and it is vital. We will keep working together to resolve this crisis and end the suffering on all sides. We also discussed the challenge of a regular migration. This is a problem across europe for both of our countries as director of public executions in britain some years ago i saw the important work that can be done across borders on issues like counterterrorism. We cannot do the same with smuggling gangs. Now of Course Italy has shown that we can. We have made remarkable progress working with countries along migration routes as equals to address the drivers of migration at source and to tackle the gangs. As a result, a leg irregular arrivals to italy by sea are Down by 60 by 2022. I am to italy by sea are Down by 60 by 2022. Iam pleased to italy by sea are Down by 60 by 2022. I am pleased we are deepening our cooperation here, lead on the Uk Side by our new Uk BorderSecurity Commander who has been with me today in italy to share intelligence and tactics, Down-smuggler'>ShutDown Smuggler routes and smash gangs. Finally, as leading European Economies we discussed the huge opportunities that we can realise together. Italy is already a top ten Trading Partner for the uk and our sixth largest source of foreign direct investment. Adult supports economic growth, which is the number one mission of this government and there is real potential not to go forward. It was great to have a Business Event first thing this morning were met italian businesses who are already working in the uk. I� m really pleased turn announce that we have secured two new Investments Worth over £500 Million into our economy. Leonardo investing over a00 million into our anti and Helicopter Manufacturer in yeovil, and another Company Investing in green Steel Production Investing in green Steel Production in sheffield. Those are the two Investment Decisions i can announce today. Of course we want to go further inky sectors like science and innovation, to drive growth for both sides, create jobs and improve people� s lives, because underneath all of this it is important to say that there is a huge affection between our two nations, and between our people. Great respect for each other� s cultures. Shared passions, shared values. We are building on that, optimistic of what we can achieve together as strong partners, allies and friends. Thank you, georgia. Translation ~. ,. , translation we will now have. Uestions. Translation we will now have questions. Good translation we will now have questions. Good Afternoon Translation we will now have questions. Good afternoon to translation we will now have | questions. Good afternoon to you both. You spoke about cooperation for the fight against human traffickers. How will this cooperation play out . In what way does the uk also look towards the albanian model . Also an update on the time it will take to implement this project. Translation ~. , this project. Translation . , translation we are focused, as you know on the translation we are focused, as you know on the Strategy Translation we are focused, as you know on the strategy that translation we are focused, as you know on the strategy that the know on the strategy that the italian government has put in place in order to counter illegal migration is very broad. There is a cooperation in place. We need to counter the traffics of Human Beings and on this front the work we are doing is mostly a way to perhaps extend the work done by a Law Enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies involving and also other institutions. In the future we would like to make sure that our legislation is in greater harmony in the future. Right now we are dealing with human traffickers, heinous organisations, and they are very powerful and they have long tentacle spreading everywhere. Now you make a deal with the traffic in bangladesh, then you can cross five countries and reach italy on a dinky. This goes to show what the magnitude is that we are dealing with. No nation by itself can be effective in dismantling these networks of traffickers. We need to involve our allies as partners, but all the countries of origin and transit. The work we are doing on this, we are doing specific work to see how together in a more structured way our law in force a Law Enforcement and intelligence services can work together and how we can better involve interpol and europol. Facilities are already there. They should have specific sections dedicated to this. These are subjects that we need to discuss with all the other partners and this is what we are talking about on one hand. On the other hand there is all the work of cooperation with african countries, which is something that the uk is also interested in and on which we are trying to find synergies, starting from the g7 that we spoke about, those initiatives that we hammered out, the global gateway, the pi g plan, to understand how this new cooperation with african countries, perhaps this too can also lead to networking for the work done at european level. Also we have the Volunteer System of returns and the uk has already dedicated energies on this for the voluntary system of returns and repatriations to libya to look for solutions to help the nations of north africa, which otherwise risk being left alone in front of massive flows that come from other countries as well. It is extensive work. Albania, i have seen that the Prime Minister was very interested in what we were doing, but he should be the one to speak about this. Indeed the model that the italian government has conceived of centres, to to Process Asylum Application to disembark in european legislation, that was never experimented with before. If it works as i hope it will, this can become a new way really to deal with migration flows. Also because of the element of deterrence that this creates, this heavy relying on criminal organisations to reach europe. This is the reason why we have been working on this project very rigorously and from what i understand it will take a few more weeks before it is perfect, but as i mentioned earlier it would have been better if it had started earlier. I know that the world is watching us and rightly so. Therefore i think we have to do this in the best possible way and if we need a few extra days, i will be ok with this. We are talking about a few weeks. Thank you. Sir Keir Starmer, on migration, thank you. Sir Keir Starmer, on migration, you say youre interested in the migration, you say youre interested in the Albania Scheme. I seriously are you in the Albania Scheme. I seriously are you looking at the prospect of sending are you looking at the prospect of sending migrants to other countries claims sending migrants to other countries claims to sending migrants to other countries claims to be processed and are you entirely claims to be processed and are you entirely comfortable with every aspect entirely comfortable with every aspect of Italys Approach given to Human Aspect of Italys Approach given to Human Rights Aspects being expressed. There a single piece of advice expressed. There a single piece of advice that expressed. There a single piece of advice that you gave Sir Keir Starmer advice that you gave Sir Keir Starmer when tackling this and what did you starmer when tackling this and what did you say starmer when tackling this and what did you say to those who accuse you of human did you say to those who accuse you of Human Rights Violations when it comes of Human Rights Violations when it comes to of Human Rights Violations when it comes to migrants . Of Human Rights Violations when it comes to migrants . What we discussed toda is a comes to migrants . What we discussed today is a common comes to migrants . What we discussed today is a common challenge, comes to migrants . What we discussed today is a common challenge, which today is a common challenge, which is a regular migration. We discussed in particular Law Enforcement on the one side, how to deal with this by collaborating, cooperating, Sharing Data and intelligence etc, but also the Prevention Piece. That is why have the new Border Security Commander with me today at the Coordination Centre so we could look at where we could do even more closely related work on enforcement, sharing our data, our analysis, closely related work on enforcement, sharing our data, ouranalysis, our intelligence, and sharing our strategies. In relation, we discussed the Albania Relationship which isn� t up and running yet. Therefore we don� t yet know the outcome of it, but we discussed the concept, along with the Prevention Piece as well because the numbers here, as i� ve said, have gone Down quite significantly. That is not attributable to the Albania Scheme because that hasn� t started, that is more likely attributable to the work the Prime Minister has done upstream, with some of the countries where migrants are coming from, the particular details and approach that has been taken. I have made the argument that preventing people leaving their country in the first place is far better than trying to deal with those that arrived in any other countries, so i was very interested in that. In a sense, today was a return to british pragmatism. We are pragmatists first and foremost. Obviously a challenge we discussed i have explained at length at the centres in albania, it is italian European Jurisdictions so either you believe